Things to Consider When Choosing a Warehousing Facility

Flourishing businesses are critical to the health of any economy. Increase in business activity within a country leads to job creation, which is something that has been a concern in the US. The number of small businesses in the US was recorded at 29.6 million in 2017, employing almost 58 million people, according to data published by the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. These figures seem more amazing when considering the fact that they represent 99% of businesses and almost 48% of the employed population in the country.

Many businesses today offer customers the flexibility of purchasing their products online. For smaller companies, this is a much more financially viable option than setting up a retail store at a prime location and ensuring it is well stocked. With more businesses offering online shopping, the need for warehousing facilities has grown. Among the most important considerations when choosing the right facilities is its proximity to the interstates and freeways, say experts at Samuel L. Bryant Investments, which has over five decades of experience providing warehouses for lease in Houston.

4 Things to Consider When Choosing a Warehouse

Companies need to pay close attention to certain factors when choosing warehouse space for lease or a warehouse with office for rent, especially in important cities like Houston.

1. Location: Every business focuses on certain regions that they aim to serve. The warehouse facility where your products will be stored should have proximity to these target regions. This will ensure prompt deliveries to customers, while also minimizing transportation costs. Keep in mind that compliance will become more challenging with increasing distances, with Hours of Service rules becoming more stringent in the country.
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3. Check Physical Location: The warehouse is the heart of any business. So, it should be well equipped to ensure a conducive business atmosphere. For instance, the warehouse should offer rail-siding or transloading and the offices should have central air conditioning and heating.
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5. Adequate Storage Space: Warehouse space should provide clear heights to be able to accommodate greater storage without the need for more space. It should also allow racking your products. Moreover, the facility should have enough fire-fighting solutions, especially if your business deals in flammable products and food items.
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7. Labor Force Availability: Labor is critical to the smooth functioning of the warehouse and ensuring timely deliveries. It’s best to find out about the availability of labor in the region before considering a warehouse space for lease. If the facility is in a popular city like Houston, you probably wouldn’t have to worry, since people would be willing to relocate here.

Many of the factors you consider would depend on the kind of products to be transported. You can make a list of such factors and then begin talking to experts from the field who have been in the area for decades. Such companies would be able to guide you in choosing the best options for warehouse with office for rent in regions like Houston. There are several options available, like seasonal warehousing. So, the more information you have, the better the decision would be.