Unlocking Global Markets: A Brief Overview of International Warehouse

Nov 08, 2023 Chapter 1. Sourcing

Expanding Globally?

Consider International Warehouses.

If your business is going global, it’s a promising move. However, navigating international shipping, customs regulations, and customer expectations can be challenging. Achieving the 3-business-day delivery window that 62% of customers expect for free shipping orders isn’t easy.

The solution: international warehouses.

In this article, we’ll provide an overview of what international warehouses are, their types, key advantages, potential drawbacks, and how to select the right one.

 

What Is an International Warehouse?

An international warehouse is a storage facility located in a country other than the seller’s origin, often near major global trade centers and international transport routes.

These strategically placed warehouses facilitate efficient worldwide shipping, enabling businesses to deliver goods to customers abroad quickly and on demand.

 

Types of International Warehouses

Type Best For Suited Industry Cost Range

Public warehouse

Temporary storage for businesses with fluctuating inventory levels Small businesses with variable inventory levels $ – $$

Private warehouse

Exclusive storage for large inventories Wholesale or large retail with consistent high inventory levels $$$

Bonded warehouse

Storing imported/export goods pending customs clearance Industries with import licensing requirements, high customs duties $$ – $$$

Cross-docking warehouse

Direct transfer from inbound to outbound trucks Large retailers with fast-moving, trend-driven goods $ – $$

On-demand warehouse

Flexible, short-term storage for fluctuating inventory levels Retailers with irregular demand patterns, e.g., seasonal products $$ – $$$

Contract warehouse

Long-term guaranteed space availability Retailers with stable inventory levels $$ – $$$

Climate-controlled warehouse

Storage for perishable and temperature-sensitive products Food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, chemical industries $$$

Distribution center

Transit hub, temporarily storing goods before routing to retailers Retailers with diverse customer bases $$ – $$$

Fulfillment center

Storage and shipping of goods Direct-to-consumer (DTC) industries $$ – $$$

Hazmat warehouse

Storage for hazardous materials Chemical, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, mining industries $$$

Consolidated warehouse

Consolidating small shipments into larger loads Small businesses with low-volume, high-frequency shipments $ – $$

Smart warehouse

Automated storage and handling of goods Industries requiring high efficiency, accuracy, and productivity $$$

Reverse logistics warehouse

Handling returned items Retailers with free returns or high return rates $$ – $$$

 

Public Warehouse

Public warehouses offer temporary storage space for businesses on a pay-as-you-go basis. While they initially have lower upfront costs than owning a warehouse, they involve less control over inventory, as a third party manages the storage. Public warehouses are suitable for ecommerce businesses looking to expand internationally, especially startups and seasonal businesses.

Private Warehouse

Private warehouses are exclusively owned by one company for its specific use. These warehouses offer control over storage and inventory management but come with higher upfront costs and are typically utilized by large companies with significant inventory volumes.

Bonded Warehouse

A bonded warehouse stores imported and export goods pending customs clearance. It’s ideal for businesses dealing with products subject to import licensing or high customs duties, such as luxury goods.

Cross-Docking Warehouse

Cross-docking warehouses streamline the transfer of goods from inbound to outbound trucks, reducing storage and labor costs. They are practical for large retailers with fast-moving, trend-driven products.

On-Demand Warehouse

On-demand warehouses provide flexible, short-term storage for businesses with fluctuating inventory levels, making them suitable for retailers with irregular demand patterns or seasonal products.

Contract Warehouse

Contract warehouses offer long-term, guaranteed space availability. They are preferred by retailers with consistent inventory levels.

Climate-Controlled Warehouse

Climate-controlled warehouses maintain precise temperatures to store perishable or sensitive items, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. They require specialized equipment and systems.

Distribution Center

Distribution centers act as transit hubs, temporarily storing goods before routing them to retailers with diverse customer bases.

Fulfillment Center

Fulfillment centers store and ship goods, catering to direct-to-consumer (DTC) industries. They charge for storage if products remain for an extended period.

Hazmat Warehouse

Hazmat warehouses are designed for storing hazardous materials, such as chemicals and biological substances, and follow strict safety regulations.

Consolidated Warehouse

Consolidated warehouses reduce transportation costs by consolidating small shipments into larger loads. They benefit small businesses with low-volume, high-frequency shipments.

Smart Warehouse

Smart warehouses utilize automation technology for efficient and accurate storage and handling of goods. They are suitable for industries that prioritize productivity but may involve higher setup costs and technical complexities.

Reverse Logistics Warehouse

Reverse logistics warehouses handle returned items, making them crucial for retailers with high return rates or free returns.

 

Advantages and Disadvantages of International Warehouses

Advantages:

  • Reduced shipping costs and faster delivery times, increasing customer satisfaction.
  • Simplified management of returns and exchanges.
  • Risk mitigation in the global supply chain.

Disadvantages:

  • High initial investment and maintenance costs.
  • Reduced control and visibility over inventory, potentially affecting quality control.
  • Complex management across multiple locations.

 

 

How to Choose International Warehouses

To select the right international warehouses, follow these steps:

  1. Assess Your Storage Needs: Determine the space, type, and location of warehouses based on your inventory requirements.

  2. Research Regulatory Environment: Understand the regulations in potential warehouse locations, including imports, exports, taxes, and safety.

  3. Choose the Right Locations: Select locations close to your customer base, with stable political and economic conditions, robust transportation infrastructure, beneficial trade agreements, and available labor.

  4. Review Policies and Processes: Evaluate how warehouses operate, handle inventory, and manage quality control.

  5. Evaluate Expenses: Compare costs, including fixed and variable expenses, and clarify hidden costs.

 

 

 

In conclusion, international warehouses offer logistical advantages but come with significant costs. Careful selection of the right type and location is crucial for your business’s success. If warehousing doesn’t suit your needs, consider alternatives like drop shipping or partnering with third-party logistics companies.

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