A third-party logistics provider is much more than a public warehouse. It is a complete supply chain resource, offering all aspects of warehouse management, inventory management, order fulfillment and processing, distribution, transportation management, and other forms of logistics. In other words, any function necessary to get your goods from Point A to Point B is offered by a 3PL.

In fact, a 3PL is extremely valuable for helping businesses develop efficient and cost-effective supply chain management solutions. These solutions can help companies save thousands of dollars every year and ensure a streamlined process for moving goods to their applicable destination.

Take a look at three areas in particular where a 3PL like Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services can offer cost-effective supply chain solutions.

1. Strategy

A supply chain management strategy consists of the following stages: transporting raw materials into production; coordinating distribution of materials and parts needed for assembly from vendors; packaging; and distributing finished merchandise to distribution channels or directly to the consumer.

A supply chain network strategy sets policies and procedures for inventory management, warehouse management, transportation management, government regulations and taxes, and tracking and reporting.

A good strategy evaluates how decisions will impact everyone touched by the supply chain. Efficient and cost-effective supply chain management starts with a cohesive distribution network that is flexible to respond to changes and complexities in the global marketplace. Since a 3PL works daily in this industry, it has the expertise to keep logistics costs down while continually updating the supply chain strategy to respond to trends and changes.

As a 3PL, Brendamour has the expertise to analyze a company’s existing supply chain network and offer solutions to make the strategy more effective. We analyze how goods are being transported and distributed from manufacturers and suppliers, how much is being spent on labor, utilities, taxes and logistics, the destination of finished goods, and whether transportation management strategies, such as cross-docking, are being utilized.

In most cases, deep savings can be realized with our supply chain network solutions.

2. Transportation Management

A transportation management system is essential for an effective supply chain network. Focusing solely on transportation operations, it is strategically aligned with order management and warehouse distribution to ensure goods reach their final destination.

Transportation management encompasses load optimization, route planning optimization, carrier management, execution, and freight audit and payment settlement processes. It serves both inbound and outbound orders.

Brendamour can help businesses identify transportation management solutions that reduce costs, allow for delivery flexibility, and improve accountability.

Some of the areas we examine are how the current transportation network is being utilized, how it responds to and overcomes problems in the transportation process, the service metrics in use, in-house receiving protocols for all distribution destinations, the cost of the existing transportation process, and how IT is gathering information and how it is being used.

Brendamour also examines all the transportation routes available by land, air, rail and sea, and determines the most cost-effective and efficient routes for transporting your goods.

3. Efficiency

Achieving an efficient supply chain depends on all the people involved, the performance of the in-house or public warehouse, and the resources used to move goods along the supply chain network. Any misstep along that network, in terms of inefficient use of time or resources, ends up costing a business a substantial amount of money, and could impact customer service.

Streamlining the supply chain network is another key way to efficient operations. This can be done by choosing vendors that offer numerous levels of service so there is one point of contact, and designing logistics that can be flexible to respond to specific needs of the end customer.

For example, it may be less costly to ship a full truckload of goods, but if the end customer cannot handle the large quantity of merchandise, the method is not efficient. A better option may be a less than truckload shipment, with the business still saving money by utilizing a public warehouse and sharing freight space with others to make a full truckload.

A 3PL is equipped to identify and address any inefficiencies and get the supply chain back on track quickly. For instance, Brendamour Warehousing can analyze typical inefficiencies found in warehousing storage methods, technology, shipping times, tracking, and costs of transportation methods, and implement measures to make supply chain processes more efficient, easy to follow, and cost-effective.

Brendamour’s Supply Chain Solutions

With its full complement of warehousing and distribution services, Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services can help your business operations run smoothly and efficiently so your company can compete in the global marketplace.

We understand how warehousing, distribution and other logistics interconnect, and have the expertise from years of experience in the industry to eliminate inefficiencies to maximize your profits.

At Brendamour, we’re also dedicated to helping businesses with small margins to control their transportation and distribution costs so they can realize greater profits.

Let Brendamour Warehousing help you realize business success. Put our state-of-the-art facility, advanced technology and equipment, skilled and knowledgeable team, and our shipping partnerships to work for you.

Get in touch and see how we can keep your goods moving along the supply chain in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible.

Here’s a surefire way to grow your business and take advantage of new market opportunities without having to expand your existing facility. Simply partner with a public warehouse like Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services. By outsourcing your warehousing and third party logistics, you have immediate access to a streamlined system so you can focus on growth.

5 Ways Public Warehousing Makes Your Business Growth Possible

1. Eliminates Start-Up Costs. Whenever a business enters a new market or implements a growth or expansion strategy, there are additional costs involved, such as building or leasing, purchasing equipment and hiring staff. But a public warehouse eliminates these costs and gives businesses a fixed cost they can budget every month.

2. Has the Resources Necessary for Your Business to Respond Quickly to Market Trends. Businesses that are flexible to move with the trends are the most successful. A 3PL gives your company that ability to move in and out of new markets as business trends dictate.

3. Prevents Bottlenecks. Whenever a business expands, it’s important that the logistics expand with it. But often times, more volume can create bottlenecks in an existing system that is already overextended. Those bottlenecks translate into a slower process that creates a backlog and prevents your customers from getting their orders in a timely manner. And the last thing you want is for your existing customers to be affected as you grow your business.

A public warehouse like Brendamour has a wealth of logistics services, so there are never any bottlenecks. Our advanced warehouse management systems manage your inventory while our automated shipping and routing computer and gravity conveyor system fill orders quickly and accurately.

4. Gives Your Business Services on Demand. Often times, it’s hard to predict which logistics services will be needed as your business grows. And many times, certain customers have special needs that require a customized service. Rather than turn these special requests away or forego entering a lucrative area of growth for your business, you can turn to public warehousing. One of the most advantageous features of a third party logistics provider is the breadth of services it has available at any time. For example, at Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services, we have support services that cover all areas of the supply chain process, including:

• Long- and short-term warehousing for all types of raw, finished, or food grade goods;
• Distribution that features stock rotation, palletizing, and storing and compiling of special materials;
• Processing that includes a wide range of services, such as inspection, labeling, assembly work, pick and pack and advertising kit preparation;
• Packing services that can be customized;
• Contract trucking for intrastate, interstate and local delivery;
• Import and export services that offer complete forwarding services, container stuffing, boxing and crating, and more;
• Office rental services, like single or multi-office rentals, phone answering services and word processing, computer and copying services.

But what’s appealing about a public warehouse is that you only pay for the warehousing, distribution and logistics services as you need them. And you can scale up or down as needed, so you only pay for the warehouse space and logistics you use.

5. Offers an Extensive Knowledge Base. Getting your goods to outlets that want to sell it in the most efficient and cost-effective manner is the main focus of public warehouses. For example, at Brendamour, our entire employee base has a vast knowledge in all facets of warehousing, distribution, transportation management and logistics. Plus, we have built solid relationships with transportation networks to ensure quick and well-handled movement of your goods. We apply this expertise to your business to make it run smoothly and cost-effectively.

Grow Your Business with Brendamour

When you choose Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services as your third party logistics provider, you are assured of a business partner that will save you warehousing and distribution costs and move your product throughout the supply chain in a timely and efficient manner. This leaves your business to focus on its core competencies, like creating and marketing new products.

Learn more about the unique warehousing, distribution and logistics solutions we can provide to your business. Contact Brendamour today to get started. Let us show you how we can make your business soar.

When it comes to public warehouses, the one thing users of the service want is results. That a warehouse has capabilities like dock-high doors, various clear heights, full pallet storage, roll stock, modern hydraulic lift equipment, barcoding applications and light assembly services are definite advantages that add value. But what really matters to businesses is how public warehousing can deliver results that matter most to their business.

Results Businesses Seek

At Brendamour, our public warehousing facilities utilize the latest advancements in security, cleanliness and technology, but more than that, we provide extensive third party logistics services that are designed to optimize the results you’re seeking.

Based on feedback from our clients, these four, results-driven features are important in a 3PL provider because they enable their business to be profitable and meet their customers’ expectations.

• Fast Dock-to-Stock Cycle Times: Accepting goods from a manufacturer or wholesaler is a key task of any public warehouse, but how fast that incoming shipment is turned around and made ready for sale is what impacts a business’s bottom line. At Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services, our diverse equipment and storage options, efficient warehouse design and advanced automated warehousing management system allow for quick movement of your products from dock to storage. With an automated process that logs deliveries, identifies the applicable storage area and enters goods into an inventory tracking system, your stock is quickly made available for sale.
• Accurate Order Picking: When orders are repeatedly sent out incorrectly, they not only cost a business in added time and money, but the errors also devalue the trust their customers have in the company being able to meet their needs. At Brendamour, we take pride in a knowledgeable and skilled staff that understands the importance of quality work. This high quality of service ensures orders are picked correctly and according to specifications.
• Reliable On-Time Shipments: For businesses, getting stock from the warehouse to end users by the date specified and in good condition are essential for building a business’s reputation and customer relationships. The only way to ensure reliable on-time shipments is through a multi-layered transportation system like the one in use at Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services. Not only can our warehouse locations provide our customers with road, rail, air and sea distribution options, but we are able to lock in affordable shipping rates to help them keep their costs downs.
• Speedy Total Supply Chain Cycle Time: The performance of the entire supply chain process dictates how soon businesses will get paid for their sales. Brendamour Warehousing and Distribution has automated measures in place to ensure speedy logistics with order fulfillment and distribution so the end customer receives your goods within a short cycle time. Turning over an incoming bulk shipment quickly by customizing its packaging, packing merchandise according to customers’ orders and shipping orders within their specified dates is what has made Brendamour Warehousing one of the premier public warehouses and 3PL providers.

Grow Your Business with Brendamour

Your business deserves affordable, quality warehousing and distribution services that are proven to deliver results. And that’s exactly what Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services can deliver to your business. Get in touch with us today to learn how our 3PL services can help you grow your business, enhance customer relationships and improve your bottom line.

It’s a common mantra among businesses every year. It goes something like, “I would have had a better year profit-wise if it wasn’t for my overhead expenses.” Those businesses actually could have had a more profitable year if they used the services of a third party logistics provider (3PL). At Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services, we always welcome the opportunity to show businesses how our warehousing, distribution and logistics services can turn ending the year with a so-so profit into one with a big profit.

3 Key Ways We Can Lower Your Overhead

As you know, overhead, such as inventory, warehousing equipment and technology, storage facility expenses, product handling and processing, distribution, returns, etc., is a major drain on your resources. All these expenses exist even if your inventory isn’t moving or your warehouse isn’t at 100 percent capacity. But when you use Brendamour’s 3PL services, you eliminate these major overhead expenses. We can handle your entire supply chain logistics at a fraction of the cost of you doing it in-house. That’s because you pay only for the services you use. With a 3PL, you’re able to scale warehousing space, labor and distribution based on inventory needs, including slow, seasonal, or peak business periods.

In particular, there are three main areas where Brendamour can significantly lower your overhead expenses.

1. Inventory control. Warehousing is typically the main overhead expense. With our state-of-the-art warehouse management system, we’re able to maximize your warehousing so you’re not carrying costly and unnecessary inventory. We store your inventory, pick and pack orders and transport them so you consistently maintain the proper just-in-time inventory system balance.
2. Logistics management. Managing logistics is another big draw on overhead expenses. Activities like order fulfillment, custom packing, light assembly, tracking and tracing orders, package labeling, billing, returns, etc., requires expensive IT solutions that need to be regularly maintained and updated. Since logistics is part of our business, we already have all the necessary equipment and advanced computer systems to manage the logistics functions for any type of company. By switching your logistics to us, you reduce your overhead expenses even more.
3. Decentralized distribution. Since Brendamour has several warehouses, you can grow your business into new market areas without adding additional overhead expenses. In addition, because our warehouses are located near key transportation routes throughout the Midwest and have shipping agreements with different types of carriers that guarantee we receive the lowest transportation rates available, your overhead expenses for distribution will be significantly less than what you are paying now.

Lift Your Overhead Burdens

Just imagine your business without having to maintain a warehouse, perform inventory control, spend money to update warehousing and distribution technology, fill orders, manage special fulfillment requests from customers, handle returns, or hire and train extra help during holiday or other peak seasons. You’re seeing an image where you can allocate more resources to core business functions, right?

When you think about it, focusing on the core activities is what brings success and with most businesses, warehousing, distribution and logistics are not core competencies. To gain the competitive edge, it’s important to rein in overhead costs so the savings can be used on enhancing core activities.

Brendamour Warehousing and Distribution makes it easy for you to make the transition. And just think how much better you’ll feel after lifting that overhead burden from your bottom line. Contact us today to get started enjoying lower operational and administrative overhead costs.

 

No matter your type of business or whether you conduct business online or at a storefront, your business reputation can make or break the success of your company. Logistics, from warehousing to fulfillment to distribution, is one area where many businesses stumble and fail to provide top-notch customer service. That’s because most businesses choose to handle the rather complex area of warehousing and distribution in-house instead of sourcing a 3PL like Brendamour that specializes in carrying out the entire supply chain process in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible. Take a look at three key ways public warehousing can improve your business reputation.

Public Warehousing Ensures Stock Availability

When you think about it, nothing harms your business reputation more than not consistently having inventory available to fill orders. Product availability also is a deciding factor on whether your customers stay with you long term. If you’re out-of-stock, you leave your customers no other choice but to find a competitor who isn’t.

From a business profitability standpoint, your resources should be invested mainly in your core business, whether you’re a manufacturer, distributor, store owner, or any other type of business owner. But if you look at your business expenses, you’ll probably find that inventory management is using a lot more resources than expected. Managing stock is a time-consuming and costly function, especially if you are doing it in-house. Outsourcing the task to public warehouse providers is often the more economical approach.

At Brendamour’s public warehousing facilities, businesses are never caught off guard with out-of-stock situations because our advanced automated warehousing management system flawlessly manages inventory and accurately tracks stock levels so you are alerted in plenty of time when reordering is necessary. The goal at Brendamour Warehousing is to ensure you’re never confronted with not having enough stock to fill customers’ orders. After all, if you can’t fill the order, you can’t make money.

Third-Party Logistics Providers Move Goods Better

No business wants the reputation of being unreliable when it comes to delivering goods to customers. In today’s world, buyers expect orders within days, not weeks, and those expectations are narrowing either further to same day or next day deliveries. Yet, it’s almost impossible for businesses to meet delivery demands and focus on their core business functions. Those who have tried have only ruined their business reputation by not meeting customer expectations.

Most major companies use third party logistics providers, like Brendamour, for distribution.  Because distribution is our business, we have many more options available to us to move your goods to meet your delivery dates. All of our distribution services are designed to ensure your business reputation soars when it comes to getting the goods in the hands of your end-users to meet their expectations.

Public Warehouses Improve Your Service to Customers

When businesses take on functions outside of their core business, they’re not able to invest in them fully. Such is the case with doing warehousing, distribution and other logistics in-house. Without allocating the proper staffing and providing funding to continuously update automated systems, businesses are unable to maximize their returns on logistics. More importantly, they miss the mark on providing five-star customer service in many areas.

Public warehouses, on the other hand, operate in a customer-focused manner that enables businesses to grow and build a stellar business reputation. At Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services, our automated systems benefit your customers in many ways, including:

• Product in stock when they need it;
• Proper storage and handling so goods arrive undamaged and with a good use date;
• Quick assistance as to the status of their order;
• Real-time order tracking;
• Customized packaging and labeling;
• Fast and accurate delivery;
• Quick response to special orders.

If you want to learn more about enhancing your business reputation by using our warehousing, distribution and other order fulfilment, packaging and logistics services, simply get in touch with us. At Brendamour Warehousing and Distribution, we’re all about delivering the highest in customer service to our clients so they, in turn, can increase customer loyalty to their customers.

 

As a business owner, you know how important business capital is to any type of business, of any size. The more capital you have, the better positioned your company is to succeed. Many businesses that initially seek out our public warehousing services as a means of securing extra storage for their stock soon realize the extent of third party logistics provided by Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services and added business benefits.

Fulfillment Services for Managing Stock

With Brendamour’s public warehousing, businesses receive fulfillment services that include receiving your goods or materials, storing them and shipping your goods to the end customer per your request.

These fulfillment services benefit businesses in several key ways:

• Gaining automated backend processes without having to invest or upgrade your company’s infrastructure.
• Having around the clock, real time access to your entire supply chain data so you know where your goods are at all times.
• Automatic auditing to verify quantities and quality of receivables so your inventory is 100 percent accurate throughout the entire lifecycle.
• Complete control over how your goods are packaged, assembled, customized and distributed.
• Access to an experienced and conscientious staff for assembly work or kitting your goods without increasing your payroll.
• Advantages that come with our computerized shipping process, including faster delivery times and reduced shipping rates through efficient transportation and shipping routes.
• Automated management reporting that gives you access to accurate inventory data and tracking reports upon demand.
• Better management of your different product lines and overstocks.

Growth Without the Infrastructure Expense

One underlying benefit of a 3PL is scalability. With Brendamour Warehousing and Distribution, you can expand your business without having to take out a business loan or borrow against business assets to acquire or construct a new building, make renovations, purchase equipment and supplies, expand utilities and information technology, and other infrastructure expenses.

Besides providing additional space, a public warehouse like Brendamour offers office rentals, packing services, processing needs, import and export services and distribution to augment your company’s needs. And with unlimited space at your disposal, your sales are no longer restricted and your profits can grow by leaps and bounds.

Better Allocation of Resources

When companies allocate money and staff on areas that are not part of their core business, they lose valuable capital. Warehousing, distribution and logistics services are areas where businesses can save considerable dollars by outsourcing them. For instance, Brendamour Warehousing has been in the 3PL business for 30 years. Not only have we gained incredible expertise in the logistics industry and have the resources to implement the latest in logistics technology, we also have acquired knowledge, key resources and industry inside information that is not available to businesses outside the logistics industry. This depth of expertise gives you an adept warehousing, distribution and logistics company as a trusted business partner so you can focus on your core business goals.

Experience the Benefits of Brendamour

Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services welcomes visitors at any one of our four Midwestern locations to see our logistics operations in action. Get in touch with us anytime to schedule a tour. You’ll quickly discover how redirecting your business logistics to Brendamour will allow your company to expand with new products, sales territories and marketing opportunities, respond quicker to market changes and trends, and outpace your competition.

At Brendamour, order fulfillment takes on many roles. It could be as simple as receiving an order, packaging it up and sending it out, or as multifaceted as custom picking an order of multiple products, repackaging them, relabeling for a specific client and sending the pallet out for distribution. Small or large, simple or complex, whatever your order fulfillment needs may be, Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services has the expertise and personnel to get the job done to your specifications.

How Businesses Benefit from Third Party Order Fulfillment

As a third party logistics provider (3PL), Brendamour specializes in order fulfillment, a major supply chain management component for businesses, particularly e-commerce stores. We have advanced technologies that save your company time and money in numerous ways and accommodate peaks in your business without the added expense of adding, training and coordinating more resources.

• Resources – Order fulfillment takes a great deal of resources, including space, personnel, supplies and computer systems. Rather than you making these investments, we’re a more cost-effective and efficient solution. Our highly automated systems also streamline the process to ensure timely and accurate order fulfillment. Our facilities are spacious and secure to store your product and our personnel are highly trained to properly handle your goods throughout the entire fulfillment process.
• Shipping Preparation – With most businesses, order fulfillment encompasses several distribution methods, such as B2B, regional distribution centers, or direct to customer. These  require various shipping configurations, but without advanced systems, multifaceted shipping can be time consuming and require the focus of a large staff. We help you by using our systems so you can focus on your core skills.
• Returns – Returns are always a hassle for businesses because they take up a lot of resources in tracking their return, routing them to the specific area for resolution, restocking and re-sending another order. But our order fulfillment system incorporates a returns component, creating a complete warehousing and distribution cycle that is easy to track.

Our Order Fulfillment Services

Because all businesses have different order fulfillment needs, Brendamour Warehousing is designed to cater to customized fulfillment requests. Our menu of order fulfillment services and support services include: receiving goods; quality control inspections; warehousing, including via barcoding; inventory management and reporting; receiving orders; order picking; pick and pack; custom labeling; light assembly; kitting; full case or full pallet shipping; distribution; and transportation to the final destination.

However, our fulfillment services are not limited to these more commonly requested needs. Whatever type of order fulfillment you require, simply get in touch and we’ll accommodate you. You’ll find our order fulfillment and order picking services flexible to your needs, giving you the option of using them on a single shipment or continuous movement stock, and having the capability to expand to meet your company’s growth. And with Brendamour, you only pay for the services you use.

More importantly, using Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services for your order fulfillment means you’ll have more time and resources to focus on and manage the core activities of your business. And that translates into business success!

We totally get that you’re fearful about turning your logistics over to a third party logistics (3PL) provider. Who wouldn’t be? After all, it’s your company and its reputation on the line. That’s why Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services considers itself an extension of your company and does whatever it takes to address your outsourcing fears head-on and demonstrate the systems and processes we have in place to alleviate your concerns.

Over the years, we have found that the most common fears associated with outsourcing logistics to a 3PL are linked to five potential risks. Here’s a look at them and the risk reduction measures we have in place to ensure a smooth and responsive partnership with you.

The Fear of Losing Control

We understand your concerns about losing full control over your storage and distribution when handing over your products to a third-party public warehouse. But with Brendamour’s advanced warehouse management system, you never lose that control. You can log in to your secure online account at any time and see the real-time status of your goods and where they are in the supply chain.

The Fear of Mistakes Being Made

Mistakes in warehousing and distribution occur because of inefficient management, inexperienced workers, a failure to obtain all the pertinent information about the client’s needs and a lack of clear protocols that address the logistics needs of the client. Brendamour eliminates the risk of mistakes with hands-on management personnel with an extensive background in logistics management, a comprehensive continuing education and training program for our staff, and our thorough information gathering and sharing practices. Our information technology systems are accurately programmed with your operational information and are accessible to all those involved with your account so they are fully knowledgeable about your logistics expectations. Plus, Brendamour Warehousing’s management and staff keep close watch over our processes to ensure your logistics needs are being met to your specifications every step of the way. We demand nothing but high accountability from our employees because we know you and your business depends on it. Our performance matrix ensures that we are delivering warehousing and distribution services to your specifications.

The Fear of Mismanagement of Your Goods

This is a valid concern whenever you entrust the handling of your merchandise to someone outside your organization. And with so many segments within the supply chain process, the opportunity for mishandling of your goods widens. But at Brendamour, our entire team is dedicated to the proper handling and safe delivery of your merchandise. Our quality controls extend to other delivery and transportation carriers we work with. We have a commitment of excellence to our clients that exceeds industry standards; if anything goes wrong, we’ll make it right.

The Fear of Customer Service Being Adversely Affected

As business owners ourselves, we know that customer service can make or break a business. That’s why our clients and our clients’ customers always receive the very best service. Our staff has been trained to be customer-service oriented and to follow our customer service objectives. What’s more, when we enter into a partnership with you to handle your warehousing, distribution and other logistics-related services, we put into place performance standards that our entire team follows to ensure we are not only meeting, but exceeding, the expectations of you and your customers.

The Fear of a Culture Conflict Between Companies

All businesses are run differently and have different business cultures. When you add an outsourced vendor to the mix, naturally concerns arise that organizational cultures between the two companies may conflict. Our philosophy at Brendamour Warehousing is to apply our expertise while respecting your established business culture, operations and goals. Whatever business values you have established, feel free to tell us about them so we can ensure they are incorporated into the warehousing, inventory control, order fulfillment, distribution, processing, shipping and tracking, and other services we provide to you.

Brendamour Removes the Fear of Logistics Outsourcing

We want you to feel comfortable and confident in your choice of selecting Brendamour Warehousing and Distribution as your third-party logistics service provider. To assist you in your information gathering stage of looking for a public warehousing provider, we offer tours of our facility, introductory meetings to get to know each other and discuss your needs, and as many follow-up meetings, phone calls and email exchanges you see fit to ensure we’re the best match for the logistics needs of your business.

Whether you’re a potential client or an existing Brendamour client, we want you to feel at ease with our services. We are always available to answer your questions or address your concerns, so please never hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re here for you and truly value the trust you’re placing in us to manage your company’s logistics.

Public warehousing, 3PL, what’s in a name as long as you get the services you need, right? But we can relate to the confusion over these two terms. They are interchangeable, yet there are distinct differences between the two. And that’s where the confusion comes in. So we turned to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, the preeminent global professional association of supply chain management professionals, to bring some clarity to the two terms.

What Is Public Warehousing?

A public warehouse is a business that provides storage to multiple businesses on a short or long-term basis. The public storage warehouse typically owns its own equipment and staff to manage the operations of the facility. Public warehousing can be used as the sole storage for a business or to supplement a private company’s storage facilities.

What Is a 3PL?

No, it’s not a cousin to the infamous Star Wars droid. 3PL is an acronym for third party logistics. A 3PL warehouse provides all or most of a company’s logistics operations. This includes warehousing, scheduling, transportation, inventory management, packaging, cross-docking and freight forwarding. A 3PL service provider facilitates the movement of goods from suppliers to manufacturers, and finished products from manufacturers to distributors, retailers, or consumers.

Distinguishing Between Public Warehousing and a 3PL

At Brendamour, we provide warehousing, distribution and other services essential to supply chain management, so we fit under the definition of both a public warehouse and a third party logistics service provider. That’s why we often refer to ourselves using either of the terms. But be careful out there, because the words are not interchangeable with all public warehouse companies.

The major differences between a public warehouse and a 3PL are the services provided. With a public warehouse, you can store your goods, but you may need to coordinate their movement in and out of storage. This works fine for businesses with automated in-house systems that manage their supply chain. But for others, this type of arrangement could cause you to spend a lot of time managing your stock rather than running your business. On the other hand, a 3PL warehouse handles all operations and logistics for you, but keeps you in the loop with 24/7 private and secure access to real time tracking and inventory status of your goods via an automated warehouse management system.

Another differential factor is focus. A public storage warehouse concentrates mainly on the storage function, with other logistics functions secondary. Third party logistics companies, like Brendamour, focus on all functions equally, providing a smooth and seamless operation from the supplier to distribution to customers. Think of us as a median in getting your products where they need to go.

Brendamour Goes Beyond Third-Party Logistics

At Brendamour Warehousing, we don’t just meet the logistics needs of our clients, we anticipate their needs. That’s why we offer additional value-added services beyond storing your inventory and managing its inbound and outbound movement. These production and fulfillment services are an integral part of supply chain management and save our clients valuable time and money.

Among our value-added logistics services are:

Distribution – Brendamour serves as your distribution center, offering fulfillment and order processing, storing and compiling of special materials, stock rotation and more. It’s an invaluable service to e-commerce businesses and companies of all sizes where using capital to build or lease a distribution center is not advantageous.

Processing – Consider us your support staff, providing custom packing and labeling; assembly work; inspection; over wrapping or stretch wrapping; bundling or folding; bulk mailing; advertising kit preparation; or whatever your needs may be.

Office Support – Our single and multi-office rentals provide essential business support, including secretarial or phone answer service, word processing, and computer and copy services.

Foreign Trade Zone Services – Brendamour Warehousing and Distribution has been designated a foreign trade zone, which means your imported products can be assembled, remanufactured, cleaned, tested, repaired, repackaged, stored, exported, etc., and not incur import duties.

Whether you’re more comfortable calling us a public warehouse or a 3PL, whichever you can relate to is fine by us, just as long as you call us for your logistics needs!

More and more consumers are becoming environmentally conscious when it comes to the companies with which they do business. And rightly so. Their commitment is motivating businesses to go green not only with the products or services they offer, but in their buildings and business processes. With our eco-friendly public warehousing locations and business operations, Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Other Services is helping our clients provide green logistics.

Streamlining Sustains Resources

With third party logistics providers, businesses no longer have to build warehouses and furnish them with energy required equipment and utilities because the supply chain management resource already exists to handle your products. Just by using Brendamour Warehousing to streamline your logistics, your business works more efficiently, thus conserving on resources that tax our environment. Consider the energy saved by not powering a warehouse 24/7, running warehousing vehicles, or adding more freight routes. Plus, you reduce paperwork, preserve open space and reduce your carbon footprint by lowering your use of energy.

Our Automation Saves Trees

Our logistics services philosophy promotes complete automation, which means we’re saving trees by managing and reporting our warehousing, processing and distribution efforts electronically rather than on paper. And because you use our Web-based interface to manage inventory and communicate with us and your customers, you’re reducing your paper usage and copying needs, too.

Packing Materials that Stay Out of Landfills

In addition to warehousing and distribution, Brendamour offers other warehousing and distribution services that may involve custom packing, stretch wrapping, boxing and crating, container stuffing and other special services. Wherever possible, we use packing materials that are recyclable and practice responsible waste management that reduces our waste volume and increases recycling efforts.

Our Distribution Optimization Saves Fuel

As a leading 3PL in the Ohio and northern Kentucky areas, we need to distribute our clients’ goods, whether by land or air. But our green goal is to limit the number of trucks we put on the road by using shipping and trucking strategies that consolidate distribution. One way is through load planning optimization. Using automated software tools, we optimize trailer loading so freight trucks leaving our warehouse have a full truckload. In addition, we look for the fastest, most direct routes. This allows us to reduce fuel consumption and harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, our clients save on shipping costs through our consolidated shipping efforts.

Everyone Saves With Our Green Warehouses

Being a Cincinnati green public warehouse, Brendamour Warehousing practices eco-friendly measures wherever we can. We use energy saving LED motion detected lighting in our Midwest warehouse locations and our lift trucks are designed to conserve energy. We use pallets made of materials that last longer and can be recycled.

Brendamour also implements other efforts that promote sustainability, such as network optimization among our four Midwest warehouse locations. This allows us to optimize our services and assets so they are performing at the most efficient level possible while sustaining valuable environmental resources.

Go green with Brendamour and see how our modern equipment and advanced technology systems can handle the inventory management, storage and distribution of your products in a more eco-friendly manner. Contact us today to get started on your green logistics initiative.