Chicago's Leader in Warehousing and Distribution, Presents its Blog:

Public Warehouses in Today's Supply Chain

Posted on Tue, Jul 09, 2013 @ 11:46 AM

 Chicago Public WarehouseNeill Cartage and Warehouse - Chicago's premier full service logistics, warehousing, and distribution company. Servicing the Midwest since 1946.

 

Many company’s supply chain will incorporate some warehousing function. This can be company-owned, owned by a third party logistics (3PL) company or could be a public warehouse. At certain times, extra warehouse space is required due to any number of factors. Whatever the reason the use of public warehousing is a useful tool for the supply chain manager as they try to find the greatest efficiencies in the supply chain.

The public warehouse is not only a facility where a company can store their products, but the public warehouse offers inventory management, physical inventory counts and shipping functionality. The public warehouse charges their clients for a certain rate for the goods stored, the volume of the warehouse used and the services the client wishes to use. The company using the public warehouse does not have to employ warehouse staff, does not require any inventory software or warehouse equipment. The owner of the public warehouse is responsible for the costs and passes this on to their clients based on the rate they are charged.

Although most companies see public warehousing as a short-term solution it can often turn into a long-term relationship as companies been accustomed to convenience of the public warehouse services. Companies that own and operate public warehouses, invest significantly in modern facilities to remain competitive. They offer clients increasing levels of flexibility in order to retain and attract additional clients. Public warehouses offer companies a range of labor solutions including picking, packing, inventory control software and dedicated workforce. Public warehouses will also allow clients to bring in their own warehouse software so that the public warehouse becomes a satellite location with real-time data.

Criteria for Choosing A Public Warehouse

Because of the increasing competition between the public warehouse operators, potential clients should review the capabilities of each potential warehouse to identify which would be the best fit. Each client will have a number of factors that need to be considered when selecting a public warehouse. Companies have a variety of reasons why they require an outside warehouse, as well as their short-term and long-term needs and the price they are willing to pay for the service. However, the majority of the following criteria is likely to be used by all companies comparing public warehouse sites.

  • Geography
  • Technology
  • Customer Service
  • Expansion
  • Company Network
  • Flexibility

 

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Tags: Logistic Provider, Chicago Public Warehouses, Public Warehouses

Midwest 3PL's "Logistics Providers"

Posted on Fri, Sep 02, 2011 @ 08:25 AM

The “Midwest” of the United States is one of the most important logistics corridors in the country, and just about any logistics company that matters has some presence in this region.  Chicago, is the third largest freight handler in the world, and the single largest rail transfer in the United States.  The Midwest is home to professional 3PL logistic service companies, strategically located to best service the Midwest region.  A Midwest 3PL’s / warehouse creates a strong anchor in a nationwide warehousing and distribution network.

The Midwest has long been a logistics stronghold and you can find quality third party logistics companies providing public and contracted warehousing, distribution, freight management, and inventory management throughout the Midwest.  Neill Cartage and Warehouse has been servicing the Midwest since 1946, with reliable and cost effective solutions.

Click Here: To discuss your logistic needs with a highly experienced professional from Neill Cartage and Warehouse.  

 

Midwest 3PL's and Logsitcs Services

Tags: Third-Party Logistics, Logistic Provider, Chicago Public Warehouses, Midwest 3PL's

5 Reasons to Outsource your Warehousing / Use a 3PL

Posted on Tue, Jan 04, 2011 @ 08:00 AM

Chicago Public WarehouseNeill Cartage and Warehouse is Chicago's premier full service logistics, warehousing, and distribution company.  Servicing the Midwest since 1946. 

 

There’s definitely more than 5 reasons why a company might turn to a third party logistics provider, but here are a few common ones.

  1. To provide supplementary supply chain support to test the waters in new regional markets or countries where your company doesn’t currently have a presence.
  2. If you are a company whose business is seasonal in nature using a 3pl provider allows you to scale your warehousing space, labor, and transportation to provide full support during the peak months of your business while cutting back during slower months.
  3. To increase on-time performance and realize efficiencies with the management of your inventory by using a 3PL provider that has superior technology and processes than your in-house operations.
  4. To take advantage of lower transportation rates provided by logistics firms that have significant buying power due to the volume of freight they deal with and their ability to leverage load consolidation and backhaul opportunities.
  5. To quickly build a multi-location distribution network with lower risk, without the significant capital investment associated with building out a network on your own.

Chicago Warehousing

Tags: Chicago Warehouse, Third-Party Logistics, Logistic Provider

Warehousing Order Fulfillment - Chicago

Posted on Thu, Sep 23, 2010 @ 07:25 AM

Chicago Public WarehouseNeill Cartage and Warehouse is Chicago's premier full service logistics, warehousing, and distribution company.  Servicing the Midwest since 1946. 

 

Order fulfillment is the process of fulfilling an order, and can include everything from delivery to distribution. It’s an act that major companies rely on third party logistics services in order to save money, time, and increase their business efficiency.

Supply and demand can be a cruel game for business owners. It is part of the made-to-stock logistics chain that demands a forecast of demand be made to determine what the supply should be. If a forecast of paper demand is high, then the supply should also be high so that there is enough of the paper to allow everyone to buy it. It’s a balancing act that is hard to manage, but can be done properly through outsourcing the a third party logistics service that has experience.

Order processing is sometimes referenced as broad type of order fulfillment as well. Order processing doesn’t just cover finding products in a warehouse and shipping them out; it also includes stocking the warehouse and knowing where inventory is at all times. It also includes the ability to forecast need of further inventory in the future, so you'll always be ready for future orders.

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Chicago Warehouse

Tags: Third-Party Logistics, Logistic Provider

Chicago 3PL / Third Party Logistics

Posted on Mon, Aug 02, 2010 @ 10:17 AM

In an increasingly explosive business, logistics providers continue to look for ways to define themselves and deliver the best services. But a lot of times these attempts to separate themself from the rest, leads to confusing acronyms that continue to be built upon year after year.

Here are two logistical terms that you need to know:

Logistics Service Provider – An LSP is really what most people would see as a traditional 3PL provider offering a combination of warehousing and transportation services or one or the other. As global and multi national providers enter the game, things have certainly changed, but the Logistics Service Provider at its core is fundamentally the same.

Lead Logistics Provider – An LLP is the new term that consultants now more frequently use instead of 4PL. At the most basic level a Lead Logistics Provider is nothing more than a Non-Asset Based 3PL, but there is certainly an emerging field of logistics providers that oversee and manage a portfolio of warehousing and transportation providers from a higher level.

At the end of the day you can call 3PL providers whatever you want but it’s still about storing and shipping things.

 

Chicago Freight Company

 

Tags: Asset Based 3PL, Non Asset Based 3PL, Third-Party Logistics, Logistic Provider

Logistic Terms by Neill Cartage and Warehouse in Chicago:

Posted on Fri, Jul 30, 2010 @ 08:03 AM

Chicago Public WarehouseNeill Cartage and Warehouse is Chicago's premier full service logistics, warehousing, and distribution company.  Servicing the Midwest since 1946. 

 

3PL

Describes businesses that provide one or many of a variety of logistic-related services.  Types of services may include public warehousing, contract warehousing, transportation management, distribution management, freight consolidation.

A 3PL provider may take over all receiving, storage, value added, shipping, and transportation responsibilities for a client and conduct them in the 3PL's warehouse using the 3PL's equipment and employees, or may manage one or all of these functions in the client's facility using the client's equipment, or any combination of the above.

Accessorial

A supplemental activity or material, outside normal handling and storage, that is billable in accordance with the clients contract.

Accessorial Charge

The amount charged to the client for providing accessorial service or materials.

Airbag

An inflatable bag used to fill empty space on a load of product to keep the product from shifting.

Allocated Inventory

Inventory that is reserved for a specific order, customer, or other purpose and is not to be used for standard order fulfillment purposes. Once allocated, this stock is no longer available as usable inventory for new orders. 

Anniversary Billing

A method of billing where the client is billed for one month of storage once inventory is received. If this product remains in inventory, it will be billed an additional monthly charge each month on the anniversary of its arrival.

Annual Inventory

Physical count of all product in the warehouse done on a yearly basis.

Apron

The area outside the dock door which is used by delivery vehicles to park or position for loading and unloading. The Apron is specifically designed to a depth that will allow trailer floors to fit with the warehouse floor in a way that facilitates loading and unloading.

Assembly Area

Location in the warehouse where products and loads are collected and combined.

Available Inventory

The amount of shippable product in the warehouse; does not include product designated as damaged, on hold, or pending shipment.

Bar Code

A UPC code that identifies product. It consists of a series of black bars and is scannable. The bar code represents an identification number that is stored in the computer system along with other information about the product.

Back Haul

When an outbound shipment is delivered, instead of coming back empty, a load is picked up from a destination close to the final stop and then delivered either back to the warehouse or a location near the warehouse. A Back Haul creates revenue as opposed to coming back empty which would be an expense.

Banding

A type of plastic or metal strapping that helps support a load and hold it together. Can be used to strap and secure product on a pallet or skid.

Bay

An area in the warehouse designated by markings on the columns or floor.

Bay Storage

Use of the bay for storage.

Beginning Inventory

Inventory level and count at the beginning of a period.

Bill of Lading

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is an official document that accompanies every shipment. It serves as the contract between the party that owns the freight and the carrier.  When a driver for an outside carrier signs the Bill of Lading, he/she accepts responsibility for the shipment. Upon arrival at the destination, the consignee or customer signs the Bill of Lading to indicate that the shipment was received and all goods are present as itemized. This customer-signed Bill of Lading then serves as a Proof of Delivery (POD) document.

Bonded Warehouse

A bonded warehouse is one that has been approved by the U.S. Treasury Department who, due to observance of revenue laws, has put the warehouse under bond or guarantee. A bonded warehouse can also be a warehouse utilized for the storage of merchandise that is on hold until duty is paid.

Bulkhead

A movable railcar partition that is used to secure a load.

Bulk Storage

Storage of large quantities of product in shipping containers. May also be the storage of product that is not packed.

Carousel

Material Handling Equipment designed to bring product to picker so that the picker can remain stationed in a designated picking location without traveling. Ideally, order information is loaded or automatically transferred into the carousel system, and multiple orders are picked by multiple pickers at one time. Types of carousels include horizontal and vertical.

Carrier

The carrier transports goods from the client to Neill and from Neill to the consignee. The carrier can be Neill (Neill owned truck), a transportation company, or the railroad. Responsibilities include carrying the goods safely, in good condition and in a timely manner.

Carton

A unit of product, a protective casing around a product.

Chassis

A frame with wheels that supports a container that is being transported over land.

Chock

To use a wood or metal wedge to block the wheels of a truck while it is being loaded or unloaded.

Clamp

An attachment to a forklift that allows it to encircle and grasp product.

Clear Height

The height pallets can be stacked while leaving clearance for product movement or for lights, sprinklers, etc., hanging from a ceiling.

Commodity

Product identified with specific clients (i.e. paper, chemicals).

Concealed Damage

Damage to product that is not obvious until the product is examined or the condition becomes apparent during storage or transfer.

Consignee

The client’s customers are referred to as the consignee. Just think of the consignee as the “end user” or the company where Neill ships the stock.

Consignment inventory

Inventory that is in the possession of the customer, but is still owned by the supplier. Consignment inventory is used as a marketing tool to make it easier for a customer to stock a specific supplier's inventory. Read my article on Consignment Inventory.

Consolidate

Combine two or more shipments going in the same direction or to the same destination on a single trailer.

Container

A container is a box that is used to transport product, and is widely used for international shipments. Marine containers or intermodal containers can travel on ocean liners, railroads, and on chassis.

Contract

A binding agreement between Neill and a client stating terms of the agreement, storage fees, transportation rates, and accessorial charges.

Contract warehouse. 

A warehouse operation managed by a third party logistics (3PL) provider for a specified period of time. The 3PL manages a client's inventory and order fulfillment processes. Pricing scenarios may vary, and storage, labor and equipment resources are typically dedicated to the client for the duration of the contract. The client may or may not share in the building and equipment expense.

Cross-dock

Product or orders that are brought into the warehouse but not put-away. Instead of the stock arriving and being placed into storage, the stock is temporarily stored at the dock to be delivered or goes out immediately on another vehicle to be shipped. This stock is usually shipped immediately or within a day and does not go into storage.

Customer Pick-up

Load that is picked up at the warehouse by the customer (usually within the same day the order is placed).

Cycle Counting

The physical counting of portions of inventory on an on-going basis. After a period of time all products have been counted. A cycle is then defined as the time it takes to count all inventory once.

DC

Abbreviation for Distribution Center. A warehouse that manages and distributes inventory per the direction of corporate systems and customer demand.

Dead Stock

Product that has been in inventory for an extended period of time without being moved or ordered.

Distribution Center

Neill's Distribution Center is a warehouse facilities that store, manage, and ship inventory on behalf of its clients. Inbound carriers bring product into the Distribution Center. Product can be immediately allocated to existing orders, or it can be placed into storage for the purpose of filling future orders. Outbound carriers transport stock from the Distribution Center to the end user.

Dock

A warehouse door with an extending platform where trailers are loaded and unloaded.

Dock Plate

A moveable metal plate that is placed between the warehouse dock door and a trailer or railcar and makes it easier/smoother to access a trailer or railcar with a forklift or similar equipment.

Drayage

A container or piggyback is moved from a rail yard to another location and then returning that piggyback / container back to the initial pick-up point, is known as a dray. It is important that these containers get unloaded quickly and returned back to the original point so not to incur detention charges.

Dunnage

Refers to packing materials such as cardboard, empty pallets, air bags, air pillows, packing peanuts, or other materials utilized to protect freight.

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)

Electronic Data Interchange refers to a computerized exchange of information with the client through the warehouse management system. It is a method of exchanging orders, invoices, shipping forms and other documents over the computer.

By eliminating the clerical, mailing and other costs associated with paper-based information, EDI reduces costs, time delays and errors.

Facility

The physical warehouse or plant where storage takes place.

FIFO (First In, First Out)

Inventory allocation method whereby the first product stored is the first product that is utilized or allocated for the fulfillment of orders.

FILO

First-in, last-out system of inventory.

Floor Load

Refers to product stacked directly onto the floor of a trailer without pallets or slip sheets; product must be unloaded manually without the use of a forklift.

Forklift

A warehouse vehicle, also called a lift truck, which is used for lifting and transporting pallets of product. A forklift may have a special attachment on the front for specialized handling of product.

Freight Bill

An invoice for transportation charges generated when a load is delivered.

Fulfillment

The picking and processing of orders for shipping from a distribution or warehouse.

Full Truckload

This term refers to a shipment comprising a full or almost full load on a truck. A full or almost full load is considered to be 32,000 – 44,000 pounds.

Gross Weight

The total weight without deduction for tare (includes packaging and container).

Handling

The labor involved in moving product received from the trailer into the warehouse dock and then into the storage location on the “IN” and moving the product out of the storage location and into a staging location to then be loaded onto a trailer on the “OUT”. The Warehouse Forklift / Clamp Operator moves product IN and OUT. If additional handling is involved such pick & packing etc., that are not the normal handling as defined in the warehouse contract, these would be defined as additional accessorial charges for handling.

HazMat

Short for “hazardous material.” Material is deemed hazardous by the government or a carrier. HazMat may require special handling or special facilities. Not all warehouses or carriers will handle HazMat.

In-House Damage

Damage to product that occurred while in the warehouse (i.e. water leak, dropped product, etc.).

Intermodal

Intermodal means using 2 or more, modes of transportation: rail, truck or ship. The stock can move over sea by ship, over land by rail and then, at the main rail switch, the container is removed and put on truck chassis. The stock is then carried by truck to our Distribution Centers.

Initial Storage

Warehouse storage charge for the month when product is received; it is typically billed when product is received.

Inventory Turns

The number of times inventory turns is calculated using the following method:

a) Sum the Inventory In and the Inventory Out, and then divide by 2 to arrive at the Throughput.

b) The number of Inventory Turns is equal to the Throughput divided by the Average Inventory.

Kitting

Assembly of product or parts within the warehouse.

Less Than Container Load (LCL)

Shipments weighing less than required for the application of a full container rate. When the shipment is less than a full container load, the freight may be calculated as an LCL shipment.

Less Than Truckload (LTL)

Shipments weighing less than required for the application of a truckload rate. A typical full truckload shipment is 32,000 – 44,000 pounds. Weight breaks may vary across LTL classifications and in some instances it is less expensive to apply a full truckload rate even thought the shipment size may be less than 32,000 – 44,000 pounds.

LIFO (Last In, First Out)

Inventory allocation method that selects newest inventory first.

Lift truck

A vehicle that is utilized to move and transfer product/freight in a distribution center, warehouse, terminal, manufacturing site, or dock. Often referred to as a forklift.

Load

The product that is picked and loaded onto a truck and transported to a consignee.

Logistics

The processes and services associated with planning and implementing flow of storage and shipments in a 3rd Party operation required to meet the customers’ needs in an efficient manner.

Lot

A group of product with the same run or manufacturing date.

Lot Number

Identification number assigned to specific product for tracking purposes that is usually tied to a date or a production run.

LTL, Less-than-truckload

Transportation term that describes shipments that are less than a trailer load. LTL also is used to describe the carriers that handle these loads. LTL carriers generally use strategically placed hubs to sort and consolidate LTL shipments into full-truck-load shipments.

Lumper

A contracted worker who assists in the loading and unloading process.

Manifest

A document that lists all of the products being transported; used when loads are combined.  A loading Manifest will be printed to the Warehouse so that they know who will be picking up the load and how to properly load the trailer.  

Material Handling

The services and processes the warehouse must utilize to move, store and otherwise handle materials.

Net Storage Area

Space in the warehouse (in square feet) that is actually used for storage. This does not include aisles, docks, offices and staging areas.

Net Weight

Product weight before being packed with materials or packaging. The total weight of the product with deduction for tare or packaging. For example, the net weight on a roll is the total weight of the roll less the fiber core and wrap.

On-Hand Inventory

The amount of product in the warehouse. The product may be designated as shippable, damaged, on hold, or pending shipment.

On Hold

Refers to product that is designated as unable to be shipped; may be product with damage, questionable quality, expired shelf life, etc.

Order

A directive, sent by the owner of the goods, to ship product out of the warehouse. An order specifies product, quantity, shipping date, and destination and may contain special instructions.

OSHA

Occupational Safety & Health Administration, a branch of the US Department of Labor 

Overage

When more has shipped on a load than was intended or was indicated on the BOL.

Over the Road Carrier

A truck or trailer used in hauling freight by road to destinations outside a 70 mile radius of the facility.

Packing List

The packing list is created in the Distribution Center. The packing list identifies the quantity and weight of each product on the order and each individual item # (unit ID, serial number, etc.) if applicable. It is a comprehensive list identifying exactly what is being shipped on the order.

Pallet

A wooden or plastic base upon which layers of product are stacked for storage and transporting with a forklift or pallet jack.

Pallet Jack

Material handling equipment consisting of pallet forks on small wheels that is used in the warehouse to move cases of product. It may be a motorized unit guided by an operator who stands on a platform; or it may be a motorized or manual unit guided by an operator who is walking behind or beside it.

Paper-roll clamp

Designed specifically for the handling of large paper rolls, the paper roll clamp is a lift truck attachment that clamps around the roll and also allows for a full 360 degree rotation.

Partial

Less than a full pallet of product. 

Physical Inventory

A physical count of everything in the warehouse.

Pick/Pack

A warehouse operation that involves picking individual items from cases and putting them together a carton or pack for shipment.

Pick Ticket

The Pick Ticket is a document used by the Forklift / Clamp Operator or picker in the Distribution Center who will be locating the stock for the order. The Pick Ticket contains information such as, product location, quantity, lot numbers, serial numbers or unit numbers.

Piggy Back

The process of transporting a trailer on a railroad flatbed; the trailer is then hauled to its final destination by truck.

Pinwheel

Pinwheeling is a process of arranging pallets on a truck or product on a pallet to make the best use of space when dealing with items of different sizes.

P.O.D.

Proof Of Delivery; a signed bill of lading.

Pool

A combination of less than truckload (LTL) freight built to form a full or almost full truckload. By “sharing” space in a vehicle, the client and Neill can minimize cost.

Private Warehouse

Warehouse that is operated by the owner of what is being stored inside of it.

Public warehouse.

A business that provides the use of space for storage to a variety of clients. This space can be leased for varying amounts of time determined by the contract set by both parties.

Rack

Metal framework in the warehouse used to store products several levels high.

Radio frequency (RF).

A data system made up of devices that use RF to transmit information into a host system from different locations or from “on the job.”

Ramp

Inclined area that connects to the warehouse to facilitate easier movement in and out of the warehouse by trucks and other equipment.

Recurring Storage

An amount charged to a client for monthly storage; it is based on the amount of product stored in the warehouse on the first day of the month or specified by the contract.

Refrigerated Warehouse

Temperature controlled warehouse that serves well for storage of food and other perishable products 

Reverse Logistics

The logistics needed to plan return of product or a load. This may include a return order, transportation, and put-away.

RF

Radio Frequency scanning and transmission of data.

RFID, Radio frequency identification

An alternative to barcodes, an RFID is a device on an object used to transmit data to an RFID receiver. RFIDs vary in size depending on the object and hold more data than the standard barcode. They are also advantageous because the data stored on the RFID can be easily changed as they do not require line-of-site in order to transfer this data.

Shipment

Freight that is transported from one location, such as a regional distribution center or manufacturing site, to another, such as a consignee.

Ship To

Delivery address for the consignee.

Shuttle

A load transported from one customer-related facility to another; does not include product shipped to a consignee.

SKU

Stock Keeping Unit; a product code assigned by the owner of the goods.

Slotting

Approach used to determine the best placement and locations for products in the warehouse depending on its dimensions and how often the item is picked.

Spot

To place a trailer in a designated location or warehouse door.

Spotter

A Neill driver who moves trailers in and out of dock doors.

Stack Height

The number of pallets rolls & skids that can be safely stacked on top of each other; the client supplies this information.

Stacking

Placing stock on top of other merchandise in order to more efficiently use space.

Staging

The process of getting product from its storage area and placing it near the loading area for later shipment; or in cross docking, the process of unloading product and organizing it for immediate shipment.

Staging Area

A designated area of the warehouse near the loading dock where product is placed or arranged for shipment.

Stencils

Stencils are markings placed on the product with the ID information required by the customer for the product that they are receiving. This can be in different forms dependent on the specifics for the customer. It can be a label or just a chalk inscription with the product ID.

Stock

Inventory.

Storage Rate:

Charge to client for all storage costs, usually on a month-to-month basis.

Strap Loading:

Product is loaded onto a pallet and then secured with strapping

Terminals

Break points for carriers to strategically reload freight for delivery to the final destination.

Third Party Warehouse

Warehouse operated by a 3PL Company that houses the products of their clients. 

Trailer

An enclosed vehicle, towed by a truck, which is used for transporting product. There are a few different types of trailers. These include tractor trailers, semi-trailers, flat beds and reefers (refrigerated trailers). Most trailers are 42', 45’, 48’, or 53’ long.

Tractor

The truck that pulls a trailer.

Transportation management system

System used by the transportation department which aids in such tasks as manifesting shipments, finding rate quotes, and managing carriers.

Traceability

Ability to track a shipment from the time it leaves the warehouse until the time it arrives at the consignee. 

Trackable

Total quantity of weight, space, and pallets.

Truck Door

Area in the warehouse that is used to accommodate the loading and unloading of trailers.

Unitization

To take individual items and ship them as a single larger item.

Value Added Services

Extra services that a distribution center will perform in order to meet the needs of their customers. Typically refer to special assembly, packaging, or picking services.

Vendor-managed inventory

In a 3PL, this describes the instance of a client (vendor) controlling the inventory at the 3PL warehouse. This type of inventory control can be managed in multiple ways including a periodic physical check of inventory by the vendor in order to determine what needs to be supplied to the warehouse. The vendor can also have remote access to the warehouse’s inventory control system and order based on the levels of supply and demand visible electronically.

Warehouse Receipt

Receipt for product received into the warehouse.

Warehouse Management System

WMS is a software designed to function around three main components: putaway, replenishment, and picking. By directing these three components, the system can logically manage the movement and storage of product in the warehouse.

Zone picking

Method of order picking where the warehouse is divided into pick zones. Items are picked from each zone and then transferred on a conveyer system from one zone to the next.

 

Chicago 3PL

 

 

Tags: Bonded Warehouse, Contract Warehousing, Third-Party Logistics, Logistic Provider, LTL Trucking

Chicago Public Warehouses - How they benefit manufactures / importers

Posted on Wed, May 12, 2010 @ 14:12 PM

When manufacturers or importers find themselves without storage facilities they may often try to deal with the problem by building their own spaces on site. However, unless this is ongoing business, this can usually prove to be an expensive way to do it. On the scene is the Chicago public warehouse facility which will take care of excess stock until the end user is ready for it. Chicago fulfillment takes care of the needs of manufacturers and importers when they find themselves unable to handle all the goods.

The problem lies with one off or larger than normal orders for goods that have to be supplied at a future date. The importer or manufacturer cannot hope to store the goods in good condition because he is normally more concerned with delivery dates. However, making use of other storage facilities in the area will allow him to take on more work to allow him to focus on his core buisness. For example, take the importer who will supply a certain number of goods to a nationwide chain of outlet stores. When his goods come into the country, very often they are huge amounts which have to be broken down. Now what he needs are facilities where these bulk goods can be broken down, repackaged perhaps, and sent on to the vendors in the countryside. This can be a logistical nightmare, particularly for small suppliers, so having the ability to use space that is rented is a godsend to say the least.

He will not have to rent space, rent workers to repackage, or indeed, find the packaging because very often the warehouse facilities (3PL) will handle all of it.  It would be a one stop shop for anyone who imports goods. Once he has taken the order and his goods arrive in the area, he can then leave it to the storage facility to carry on with the work leaving him free to carry on selling.


These storage facilities usually have high ceilings, good ventilation and sometimes controlled temperatures which may be necessary in some circumstances. It also means that he can relax in the knowledge that the goods will not perish therefore no losses. State of the art lifting and loading machines also mean that the goods will not be damaged while the goods are away in storage. Otherwise this would bring complaints from all sides for sure. Once his reputation is shot, he will find it hard to gain the trust of his customers back so it is better to keep everything safe in the first place.

Of course, contracting these services out to other people does not come cheap, however, the cost is borne by the end user who accepts what he has to pay.

 Click Here: All qualified new accounts receive 1 month free storage.

Tags: Third-Party Logistics, Logistic Provider, Chicago Public Warehouses, Warehouse

Warehouses in Chicago - Using Technology

Posted on Wed, May 12, 2010 @ 13:35 PM

If you can't keep up with today's technology and growth you will not last very long in this economy; it is very demanding for everyone. Each company demands so much from the next and the next right on down the line to where it literally forces each business to move forward and improve their existing ways. In order to provide excellent service and stay ahead of the competition.  Take warehousing for example; instead of just renting or buying out a large building and storing boxes you must have some state of the art equipment to run a profitable company.  Warehousing is a very large industry, if you have a company that made a house hold item that was widely distributed to all of the major department stores but you were based in Chicago you would more than likely choose a local Chicago Public Warehouse to handle warehousing and distribution.  This would free up space at your planet, and also keep traffic down from pick-ups and delivers.

The average warehouse has very high ceilings; along with many shelving units and maintain high quality storage facilities; some provide a repacking service with shrink wrap which is very important keeping items from damage or freshness. The service needs to be efficiently run to ensure the products safety including keeping items cold or frozen; which require special refrigerated departments. And with that they would also need back-up generators in case a loss of power, these things are very important; considering damages could be in the millions.

Inventory is also important to consider and losing a company's product is not very professional; many warehouse use computerized inventory to ensure quality storage. In this time and age even a warehouse facility should provide unique needs for the consumer's demands which can actually be very extensive; but if you cannot provide what they are looking for in a service then they will go somewhere else for their needs.

Having a door to door service is excellent public relations even having a direct store delivery arranged; you need to make your customer happy with the services you provide. Pick up their merchandise right from the factory and delivering directly to the warehouse, track all of the inventory instantly, package and shrink wrap all of their products. Then when it comes time from delivery to the final destination whether it be a department store or a restaurant it will be delivered right from you and they know that they can depend on your services no matter what it is.

So all in all you know what your customers needs are and it is your responsibility to provide quality service to them with state of the art technology and excellent security to protect the consumer's interest and products. Public Warehouses and logistic divisions are a good way to protect and store any product and deliver them in a timely manner.

Lisa Acker recently stored the overstock from her store/planet in a Chicago Public Warehouse. He used a Chicago 3PL warehouse to package and distribute his merchandise to the various vendors through out the Midwest.

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All qualified new accounts receive one month free storage.

Tags: Chicago Warehouses, Third-Party Logistics, Logistic Provider, Warehouse

Logistic Providers - Be Careful How and What You Sell

Posted on Tue, Apr 20, 2010 @ 15:02 PM

Lindsay Ellis, Head of the Logistics Sector Group and a partner at leading Law firm Wright Hassall LLP gives the following cautionary note to service providers in the Logistics sector based upon a recent High Court ruling. Read the full article at the following web-link

http://www.hillman-consulting.co.uk/logistics_providers_be_careful_what_you_sell.htm

Tags: Third-Party Logistics, Logistic Provider