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Tag Archives: cargo

What to know about airfreight cargo

What to know about airfreight cargo

By 360 Ecopackaging On 0 Comments

Air freight is a key pillar of international trade and logistics. In recent years, this mode of transport has experienced significant growth, driven by globalization and the need for faster product delivery.

In 2023, Spanish airports handled more than 1 million tons of cargo, an increase of 5% over the previous year, consolidating Spain as an important hub for air freight in Europe.

 

Advantages of air freight

Air freight is one of the preferred options for many companies operating in the international market because of its great advantages:

Speed

The main attraction of air freight is its speed. It allows goods to reach international destinations in a matter of hours, compared to the days or weeks it can take by ship or truck.

Reliability

Flight schedules are tight and less prone to delays. As a result, they offer greater assurance of on-time delivery.

Accessibility

Airplanes can go virtually anywhere in the world, overcoming geographic barriers that limit other forms of transportation.

What to know about airfreight cargo

What goods can be transported by air?

There are goods that, by their nature, have a higher demand for air transport:

Technology and electronics:

Sensitive and high demand technology components and products.

Pharmaceuticals and healthcare products:

Medicines, vaccines and medical equipment that need specific shipping conditions and urgent delivery.  See our post on packaging for pharmaceutical equipment here.

Fragile and high-value products:

Jewelry and art works that require fast and safe transportation, with virtually zero claims.

Perishable foodstuffs:

Fresh produce, flowers and plants that can deteriorate in a short period of time.

Dangerous goods:

Products that may pose a risk to health and/or the environment.

Similarly, airfreight is specific to companies and industries that operate just-in-time logistics. For example, the shipping and automotive industries work with continuous supply flows, which requires the delivery of goods to any part of the world just when they are needed.

Regulations applicable to the transportation of goods by air

Warsaw Convention

Convention on Civil Aviation and other rules relating to international air transport.

Montreal Convention

International Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules Relating to International Carriage by Air.

IATA DGR

Dangerous Goods Regulations for Air Transportation.

What to know about airfreight cargo

What are the logistics involved in air freight?

Aircraft for air transport are divided into mixed aircraft and cargo aircraft. Some transport both passengers and cargo, while others are dedicated only to the international transport of goods.

Cargo aircraft therefore have features that enhance their functionality. For example, they usually have a wider fuselage to accommodate bulky cargo. There are also super transport aircraft that can carry large loads.

One of the main challenges of this transportation system is the handling of cargo on the ground. Industrial packaging for air cargo must be lightweight and secure. It often involves a combination of custom packaging design and the use of packaging aids and technologies that help maximize space and minimize the risk of damage during shipment.

Logistics companies must ensure that goods are properly packaged and labeled and comply with regulations governing the transportation of goods, including prohibitions on hazardous materials or perishable goods.

 

At 360 Eco Packaging, we offer customized packaging solutions that ensure cargo integrity at every stage of air transportation. Contact us today.

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Issues to Consider in the Transportation of Goods by Road

Issues to Consider in the Transportation of Goods by Road

By 360 Ecopackaging On 0 Comments

The wheel is one of the most important inventions in human history. It revolutionized the transportation of goods, thus stimulating foreign trade and the economic development of countries.

In Spain, almost 95% of goods are transported by road. Because of its speed, the vast majority of companies choose road transportation instead of rail to transport their products to other countries in the European Union.

This is despite the higher costs. The reason is that in logistics, transport optimization, cargo safety and delivery reliability take precedence over economic criteria.

In this article, we review the most important issues in road transportation.

 

Advantages of road transportation

Transporting goods by road offers companies a number of advantages over other modes of transportation:

  • Speed.
  • Safety and versatility to transport any type of goods.
  • It is the only means that guarantees a door-to-door service.
  • Traceability, allowing vehicles and loads to be tracked.

But it is not without its disadvantages:

  • High accident rate compared to trains, planes or ships.
  • The volume of loads is limited, in contrast to sea or rail, which have a greater capacity.
  • Highly polluting and subject to fluctuations in fuel prices.

 

Load units and measurements in road transport

Road transportation has become increasingly standardized, which has made it easier to combine with other modes of transportation.

The standardized vehicle for transporting goods by road is the truck, and the most commonly used unit load in this mode of transport is the wooden pallet. As a result, trucks are designed with pallet dimensions in mind, so it is possible to calculate how many pallets will fit on a trailer.

This palletizing process not only minimizes handling, but also optimizes space in the warehouse and on the truck, thus reducing costs.

Issues to Consider in the Transportation of Goods by Road

The basic rules for transporting goods by road 

In Spain, the general legal framework for land transportation of goods consists of three main regulations:

  • The LOTT, or Law 16/1987 on the Regulation of Land Transport, is the main piece of legislation covering road freight in Spain. It lays out the general principles of road transport and the role of public administrations.
  • Royal Decree 1211/1990, which approves the Regulations of the Land Transport Law (ROTT). It covers things like supervisory bodies, control and safety elements, and contracts.
  • This is Directive 85/3/EEC from the Council of the European Communities on December 19, 1984. It covers all the technical details of the main vehicles used in road transport.

On top of that, international conventions also apply, such as:

  • CMR stands for Convention for the International Carriage of Goods by Road.
  • ADR stands for European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.

The importance of storage when transporting goods

When shipping goods by road, we need to think about things that can affect the safety of the cargo and how well the process works.

That means there are certain rules for transporting different types of goods.For instance, perishable products must be kept cold, while chemical or flammable products require special safety measures.

It’s also important to think about what we’re using to secure the cargo. Here’s a quick summary of the main technical standards you need to know about:

Issues to Consider in the Transportation of Goods by Road

These standards are based on EN 12195 for the stowage and securing of cargo: “Devices for securing cargo on road vehicles” and its parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 regulate the securing or lashing specification that we must apply to the cargo, as well as the fastening elements used.

In addition, as we have already mentioned, for the transportation of dangerous goods by road, the ADR 2019 regulations, of international application, must be taken as a reference.

Issues to Consider in the Transportation of Goods by Road

These are the main standards used in road transportation, but they are not the only ones. Transporting goods by road is a complex task, but fundamental to any supply chain, so you need to be up to date with the required regulations.

At 360 Eco Packaging we can help you choose the best packaging to secure your goods in road transport. Contact us today.

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Rail Transport

Rail Transport

By 360 Ecopackaging On 0 Comments

The transport of goods by rail is the best way to move large goods from one place to another. In this post, we will talk about the transport regulations related to this modality and its advantages.

Rail transport

Rail freight transport regulations

At the international level, rail freight transport is regulated by a series of international agreements and conventions:

 

In the European Union:

  • Directive on Railway Liberalization.
  • Directive on the Interoperability of the Railway System.

In Spain:

  • Railway Sector Law and its corresponding regulatory provisions.

 

Advantages of Rail Freight Transportation

Rail represents great advantages for certain routes and types of cargo, compared to other modes of transport. For example:

Efficiency

First and foremost, rail is more efficient in terms of energy consumption and carbon emissions. According to the European Environment Agency, CO2 emissions from rail transport are 3.5 times lower per tonne-kilometer than those of road transport.

Reliability

  • One of the singularities of rail freight transport is that, unlike other modes of transport, it is the least vulnerable to external agents such as traffic or weather conditions.
  • Its routes are fixed and its schedules are pre-established and punctual. Consequently, it is one of the transport systems with the highest level of organization, fluidity and regularity.

Capacity and adaptability

  • The load capacity of a rail convoy is very wide. A freight train can carry almost any type of cargo, since it has a variety of platforms and wagons. For example, boxcars, gondolas, trailer boxes, hoppers, tank cars, intermodal platforms and autoracks.
  • This versatility allows it to move any type of goods quickly and safely, especially heavy loads or large packages.

Economical

The railroad has a more stable and lower cost than other types of transportation, although the transshipment of cargo can increase costs.

To conclude, it is true that rail transport is the most popular intermodal system. This is because it complements perfectly with other connections via land, sea and air. But limitations in infrastructure or traffic routes in some countries make logistics difficult.

 

At 360 Eco Packaging we are convinced that rail freight has the potential to continue to grow. With the implementation of appropriate policies and measures, rail will play a key role in the future of logistics in Spain and Europe.

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Maritime transport Practical guide to shipment of goods

Maritime transport: Practical guide to shipment of goods

By 360 Ecopackaging On 0 Comments

Maritime transport is the backbone of international trade. In fact, in Spain it accounts for around 80% of imports and approximately 50% of exports.

Complying with the specifications of maritime shipments is crucial to ensure that our merchandise arrives at its destination in a timely manner. Therefore, if your company is involved in exporting or is considering doing so, it is important to understand the factors that affect ocean shipments and what types of packaging are most suitable for this type of transport.

 

Factors that condition maritime transport

One of the advantages of maritime transport is its versatility, since it adapts to any type of cargo. However, there are issues that must be taken into account when preparing our shipments:

Maritime transport Practical guide to shipment of goods

Type of container:

Most of the international transport of dry goods travels by container. Depending on the cargo, a type of container will be chosen and also whether it will occupy a full container (Full Container Load or FCL) or share space with goods from other exporters (Less Than Container or LCL).

Sudden abrupt movement:

Containers may experience sudden movements during handling and due to sea conditions, which may affect the stability of the cargo.

Temperature:

Temperature changes may occur during voyages, affecting the cargo.

Humidity and salinity:

Sea salt and humidity can cause the cargo to rust.

How to protect the goods for maritime transport?

Considering the peculiarities of maritime transport, it is time to analyze which packaging will help us to avoid damage or loss, and ensure a correct transport of the cargo from its origin to its destination.

 

  1. Fastening systems

For sensitive cargo, such as electronic equipment or chemical products, it is important to use securing systems to immobilize and secure the cargo inside the container.

In this regard, airbags are one of the most effective devices. These airbags are placed between the packages and prevent their movement. They are reusable and adapt to the irregularities of the cargo.

Maritime transport Practical guide to shipment of goods. Airbags
Maritime transport Practical guide to shipment of goods
Maritime transport Practical guide to shipment of goods

2. Insulating systems

For goods sensitive to humidity and salinity, such as metal parts without surface treatment or electrical equipment, insulating systems can be used to keep the atmosphere as neutral as possible during transport.

Among the isothermal insulating systems, heat-sealable bags stand out. They are a product widely used in packaging to prevent corrosion, especially in the case of metal and electronic devices. As a complement, dehydration systems such as desiccant salts are used to absorb moisture from the internal air volume. Moisture detectors will indicate whether the desiccant salts have reached their absorption capacity limit.

Maritime transport Practical guide to shipment of goods

We also manufacture customized heat sealable bags; you can see the video here:

 

Shrink-wrapped plastic is used for large-volume cargo or machinery. This type of plastic creates a protective film against adverse weather conditions (UV rays, rain, wind).

Maritime transport Practical guide to shipment of goods

3. Phytosanitary certification and sealing ISPM-15

In international transport, all packaging with wood as raw material must bear the corresponding marking, complying with the International Standard on Phytosanitary Measures ISPM-15. This regulation serves to prevent the spread of pests.

However, the certificate will depend on the geographical location to which the cargo is destined and whether it is required by the plant protection agency of the destination country. For example, for exports to European Union countries the standard is not mandatory, but in certain cases they may request the ISPM-15 marking.

Among wooden packaging, a very widespread solution for maritime shipments is the Clipping Crate ®. This is a reusable, economical, resistant box with an innovative design. It is equipped with a closing system using galvanized zinc clips or staples, which provide strength and flexibility. In this way, the box can be assembled and disassembled by a single person without the use of tools. A very useful system that facilitates customs inspection.

Maritime transport Practical guide to shipment of goods

If you have any questions about packaging and maritime transport of goods, do not hesitate to contact us.

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Types of folding Packaging

Types of folding packaging I: Cardboard Folding Packages

By 360 Ecopackaging On 0 Comments

Supply chain security, inflation and sustainability are some of the major challenges that companies face. Among other things, we will discuss the advantages of folding carton packaging.

In the packaging industry, we find ourselves in a market where the demand for sustainable products is growing, the trend is to reduce single-use packaging and to optimize transport and storage costs.

Folding packaging meets all these requirements perfectly. With this post, we begin a series of articles to explain which ones are going to be the most frequently used and what benefits they bring to companies.

Advantages of Foldable Packaging

Quality folding packaging meets all the conditions for use in logistical operations with full guarantees. Their efficiency is proven every day in the storage and transport of goods in any industry.

In addition to strength and safety, they provide a series of advantages that have a direct impact on logistics cost savings:

  • Greater space utilization. When not in use, folding packaging takes up less space in the warehouse, which allows for better management.
  • Ease of handling. It is ergonomic and facilitates assembly/disassembly, with little need for tools. This cuts work times and minimizes possible damage caused by handling.

In addition, they can be made of cardboard, metal or plastic. In this post we will focus on cardboard folding packaging.

Types of folding packaging I_Cardboard Folding Packages

Cardboard Folding Packaging

By its nature, cardboard packaging is considered one of the most efficient on the market. Its popularity is increasing, due to the rise of ecommerce and the ongoing debate on sustainability and ecopackaging.

Cardboard is a natural, resistant and recyclable material, whose versatility makes it the best alternative for creating sustainable and original packaging solutions. Most are also reusable, so they can be used efficiently until the end of their useful life.

Types of folding packaging I_ Cardboard Folding Packages

Cardboard boxes and pallet boxes

In industrial packaging we use corrugated cardboard, which, unlike other types of cardboard, is the strongest and most durable. Corrugated cardboard boxes in standard sizes or large-volume cardboard boxes can be used for packing and palletizing light and heavy goods, either alone or in combination with protective and cushioning solutions.

When the type of load requires a folding solution of greater resistance, we can opt for the pallet-box, a mixed packaging. In the pallet-box, the cardboard box is reinforced at the base and sides with wooden slats to facilitate storage and picking.

Types of folding packaging I_Cardboard Folding Packages

In 360 Eco Packaging we develop efficient packaging solutions that provide savings along the entire supply chain. Contact us.

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Challenges facing the battery industry

Challenges facing the Battery Industry

By 360 Ecopackaging On 0 Comments

Electric mobility is an ever-changing sector that requires innovative, cross-cutting solutions to consolidate its position. It should not be forgotten that the European Union will prohibit the sale of new gasoline or diesel cars from 2035. In fact, Spain expects to have 5 million electric cars on the road by 2030, according to the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC).

As a manufacturer with a long history in the dangerous goods sector, at 360 Eco Packaging we are closely following the evolution of the lithium battery industry, whose growth will be crucial in the coming years. This will bring about important changes in the entire supply chain.

For this reason, we wanted to analyze some of the challenges posed by the battery industry, which we could summarize as: efficiency, safety and sustainability.

More efficient batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are the dominant technology in electric vehicles, although they include other raw materials such as cobalt, manganese, nickel and other metals.

This type of battery is characterized by liquid electrolytes and carbonaceous anodes, resulting in insufficient energy density, limited lifetime and safety issues.

The industry is currently focused on improving the energy density of batteries, as higher energy density would help to increase range and reduce charging time.

New generation batteries with liquid and solid electrolytes are still in the research phase, but some believe that sooner rather than later we will be able to recharge our electric cars in the time it takes to drink a coffee.

Challenges facing the battery industry

Regulatory framework to ensure safety

As mentioned in the previous point, another challenge facing the battery industry is safety.

All lithium batteries are considered HAZARDOUS GOODS. The increase in lithium battery manufacturing expected in the coming years suggests that approved, optimized and sustainable packaging will be a key element for the competitiveness of the sector.

In recent years there have been accidents due to spontaneous combustion and explosions of lithium batteries, due to improper use, which have endangered the safety of people and the environment.

Therefore, a regulatory framework is needed to ensure the safe handling, storage, charging and transport of batteries, with strict instructions for the control of labeling and marking procedures, depending on the life cycle of the battery.

All this will allow working in each link of the supply chain without the risk of accidents, theft or counterfeiting.

Challenges facing the battery industry

Managing a new waste

The last of the challenges we address has to do with sustainability, and in particular, with the reuse and recycling of batteries at the end of their useful life.

The European authorities have already approved a regulation amending the 2006 Batteries Directive. The new standard will regulate the entire life cycle of batteries, from their design to the production process, in order to reduce the carbon footprint. In addition, it already sets mandatory minimum recycled content requirements for manufacturers.

It is true that the very design of batteries, with a diversity of sizes and materials, makes recycling and reuse difficult. However, in Spain, projects are already being developed to recover the metals that compose them to give them a second life.

At 360 Eco Packaging, we are specialists in the field of ADR certified packaging manufacturing and regulations related to the management of this type of waste.

Contact us without any commitment through the email info@360ecopackaging.com

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Oversized Packaging

Oversized Packaging

By 360 Ecopackaging On 0 Comments

Any goods can be moved from one side of the world to the other by sea, air or road. However, there are loads that, due to their volume or dimensions, require special packaging and modes of transport to be able to do so.

In this post we will talk about packaging for large loads, or also known as packaging for large dimensions or packaging for oversized cargo.

 

What is oversized cargo?

We refer to oversized cargo when, due to its size or tonnage, it cannot be transported in a conventional way, being necessary to resort to specially designed and manufactured solutions to be able to handle it safely.

For example, industrial machinery such as large engines, construction materials such as beams or pipes, as well as all types of packaging for aeronautical, automotive or renewable energy parts such as wind blades or solar panels.

Today, most of the companies in the industrial sector that operate at an international level need a goods protection service for large parts or loads.

Oversized Packaging

Packaging for oversized cargoes – Main considerations

In most cases, it must be approved for export, which means that it has to comply with ISPM-15 certification to avoid any problems at customs.

In addition, it must be reinforced to efficiently support the weight, and if we are talking about bulky goods, it may require a special platform to facilitate its movement.

Oversized Packaging

Phases when designing an oversized package

The first step is to conduct a preliminary study on the needs of the cargo: weight, size or other requirements. From production to delivery, each step is carefully planned and comprehensively oriented.

Our technical department develops the best type of protection taking into account factors such as packaging efficiency, use of sustainable materials and space optimization during transport, all from the best technical and economical point of view.

Mechanical considerations

At 360 Eco Packaging we are manufacturers, which allows us to offer ad-hoc packaging according to the needs of our customers.

The designs not only take into account the shape and size of the cargo, but also the use of products approved for storage and lashing in sea containers and trailers.

These are packaging aids, such as heat-sealable plastic and shrink-wrapped plastic, which act as reinforcement against external agents to protect items susceptible to damage by external agents, as well as retention systems to stabilize it, even if it has suffered some kind of impact during the logistics process.

Oversized Packaging

Economic Considerations

We also pay attention to the economic factor. We know that an excess of material and accessories could increase the cost associated with the process. Therefore, the custom design must be economically viable for the customer without compromising cargo safety.

 

Production and delivery

If necessary, we can carry out packaging of the goods at the customer’s facilities.

Please contact us without any commitment.

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Main packaging certifications

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Certifications are key indicators in any activity. Through these accreditations, packaging manufacturers can demonstrate that their products or services comply with the regulations required by transport agreements, and at the same time meet high standards of safety, quality or environmental responsibility. They are, therefore, a guarantee of how we do things.

ISO 9001 certification is one of the most widely implemented standards among companies. In our case, this seal accredits the quality of our processes for the design and manufacture of industrial packaging.

In the packaging field there are other valuable rules and certifications that we highlight below:

Phytosanitary-certified wood packaging material

The International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures ISPM-15 was created by FAO to regulate wood packaging in international trade in order to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of pests.

The ISPM 15 seal is based on a heat treatment that consists of the wood reaching 56 ºC in its core for at least 30 continuous minutes.

       Once the wood has been treated, the mark must be visible on at least two opposite sides of the wood.

The ISPM-15 standard affects packaging made wholly or partially from raw wood, such as pallets, crates, crates, crates, crates, dunnage, pallets, cable drums and reels. Plywood is excluded.

To obtain the ISPM-15 label, it is necessary to be registered in the national system and to pass the required annual audits, through the control of the traceability of the manufactured elements.

The issuance of a certificate will only be necessary if required by the phytosanitary protection agencies of the destination countries.

ISPM15

Certified Dangerous Goods Packaging

Dangerous goods are considered to be solid, liquid or powdered products that represent a risk to the safety and health of people or the environment.

The transport of dangerous goods requires specific approved packaging, with its corresponding certificate in accordance with the regulations of each mode of transport. The regulation par excellence in the transport of dangerous goods by road is the ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road).

Compliance is also mandatory:

  • Rail RID (Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail).
  • Air transport IATA (International Air Transport Association).
  • Maritime transport IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code).

The UN has established a universal system of classification, packaging, marking and labeling of the different dangerous goods valid for all modes of transport.

Dangerous goods packaging can be made of plastic, cardboard or metal, but must always be properly labeled. In addition to the labeling required for each type of goods, according to its classification in the ADR, each package must show a UN number, among other data such as the manufacturer’s code, type of box, password, country and year of manufacture.

The ADR defines packing instructions for each UN number, according to which the physical-chemical specifications that the packaging must meet for a given good will be detailed.

Packaging with PEFC / FSC® certification

Nowadays, it is impossible to talk about quality without taking environmental criteria into account. PEFC and FSC® chain-of-custody certification guarantees good practices along the entire wood value chain.

PEFC-certified pallets, wooden crates and cardboard boxes use raw material from sustainable logging, recycled material or both. Choosing PEFC / FSC® certified packaging means promoting a responsible supply chain, contributing to sustainable forest management and the well-being of forest communities.

PEFC
FSC

These seals are also a competitive advantage in markets that require the supply of environmentally responsible materials.

Use certified packaging suppliers that add value to your logistics.

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How Just in Case logistics Works

How Just in Case logistics Works

By 360 Ecopackaging On 0 Comments

Just in Case logistics (JIC) is an inventory management methodology that consists of having enough product in stock at all times.

Compared to Just-In-Time logistics, where products are manufactured and stored on demand, Just-In-Case logistics is based on having more inventory than necessary. In this way, the company ensures that products are always available to be able to cope with increased demand or any type of eventuality.

This “just in case” management will imply, among other things, a greater investment in warehousing.

In which sectors and companies is Just in case logistics used?

The Just in case methodology is usually used in sectors with volatile demand, and in particular, in those that manufacture products with a long shelf life. For example, pharmaceuticals, where it is important to have availability of medicines and where stock-outs can have serious consequences.

In recent years, however, due to pandemics, war and the materials crisis that have strained supply chains, companies have turned to this strategy in order to maintain supply in all sectors.

How Just in Case logistics Works

What are the advantages of just-in-case logistics for companies?

From an inventory management point of view, one of the main advantages of just-in-case logistics is that it allows for greater flexibility. That is, by having a larger volume of products than necessary, companies can respond quickly to changes in demand without fear of running out of stock.

On the other hand, although it may seem that companies incur higher costs with this type of stockpiling, the truth is that this method can generate considerable savings in the long term. 

First, by buying in larger volumes, they benefit from better prices. In addition, they have sufficient stock to ensure sales and respond to customers more efficiently than their competitors.

How Just in Case logistics Works

Just in case logistics packaging

More stock, more storage. For this reason, the unitization of cargo is one of the pillars of just-in-case logistics. Through palletizing, we manage to group and arrange the goods in the warehouse in higher loading units. In this way, we make maximum use of space.

How Just in Case logistics Works

In addition, since the products are palletized and sorted, they are kept in perfect condition while they remain in the warehouse for a long time, they can be located more quickly and the loading and unloading task is more agile.

Finally, the EPAL Euro pallet is a key element in this process. Thanks to its standard dimensions of 800 mm x 1,200 mm, the EPAL europallet can be adapted both to the dimensions of transport logistics (trucks and railroad wagons) and to those required in intralogistics (lifting, transfer on conveyor belts, handling of cardboard and wood packaging, etc.).

In short, packaging must meet the requirements of today’s supply chains. At 360 Eco Packaging we can help you find the best storage solution for your just-in-case operations.

How Just in Case logistics Works

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Types of warehouses and their characteristics

Types of warehouses and their characteristics

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One of the objectives of logistics is the optimal use of the warehouse as well as the incoming and outgoing goods operations carried out in it.

There are many types of warehouses. Each has its own logistics requirements. The product they house, the location, functionality or handling technology are some of the criteria by which we can classify the different types of warehouses.

In a company there can be one or several types: raw materials, central, spare parts, etc. In this post we will focus on the most common types of warehouses, according to their location and logistic activity.

Warehouses by logistics activity

Production warehouse

This is the warehouse where the raw materials, parts or components required in the manufacturing processes are stored. The function of the production warehouse is to ensure that the manufacturing lines run without interruption, with no shortage of supplies. For this reason, many logistics supply centers are located close to factories.

Types of warehouses and their characteristics

Central warehouse

This is where finished products from one or more industrial processes are stored. It is usually located near the manufacturing site.

The central warehouse also acts as a distribution center, supplying other regional or local warehouses that carry out the final distribution to the consumer or point of sale. From the central warehouse, the product is conditioned for the next step in the distribution chain.

Types of warehouses and their characteristics

Distribution warehouse

The distribution or supply warehouse is responsible for receiving the goods from the production center and then sending them to the end customer. It usually covers a specific geographical area and is located close to the point of consumption.

Its purpose is to guarantee supply and meet product delivery times. It is a warehouse with a high turnover of goods.

Types of warehouses and their characteristics

Transit Warehouse

Occasionally, an interim storage point is required between the central and regional warehouse. The transit warehouse functions as an interim warehouse for goods, since its purpose is to expedite deliveries or to facilitate the grouping of goods to be shipped to the same destination.

Here the stock is not stored; the flow of receipts and dispatches is continuous. This type of warehouse is often used for e-commerce logistics.

Types of warehouses and their characteristics

Temporary warehouse

Used to store stock of products for seasonal consumption, in order to meet peaks in demand.

 

Other types of warehouses

We have reviewed the most common warehouses, but we can find other classifications of warehouse, according to:

  • The building:

Open-air or outdoor warehouse and covered or indoor warehouse.

  • The type of product:

Raw materials warehouse, semi-finished products and finished products warehouse, spare parts and/or accessories warehouse, and containers and packaging warehouse, where the packaging of the final products is kept.

  • Level of mechanization:

Conventional warehouses, with a low level of automation or the so-called intelligent warehouses, with a high degree of automation.

  • Types of warehouses and their characteristics
Types of warehouses and their characteristics

What type of warehouse does your company use?

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