Location… location… location. It’s often the first thought when buying a home, opening a storefront, or even Googling a public warehouse in your area. While location is important, choosing the right public warehousing provider involves much more than simply picking the closest facility. In fact, focusing solely on proximity could mean overlooking critical services and capabilities that keep your supply chain running smoothly. Whether you’re evaluating a Cincinnati public warehouse or any third-party storage solution, it pays to consider a comprehensive checklist of factors before making your decision.
Modern public warehouse providers have evolved with the times. The warehousing and logistics industry today is driven by advanced technology, high customer expectations, and the lasting impacts of e-commerce growth. Businesses in Cincinnati and beyond should look beyond geography and assess potential warehouse partners on their capabilities, services, network, and scalability. Below, we outline the key factors to weigh when selecting a public warehouse provider, followed by an on-site checklist to ensure the facility meets your standards.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Public Warehouse Provider
Capabilities
The technology and systems used in a public storage warehouse are of utmost importance. Modern warehouses run on robust software platforms that manage inventory, orders, and shipments in real time. For example, Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services utilizes advanced tools like automated shipping and routing systems, gravity conveyor lines for efficient order preparation, and a powerful warehouse management system (WMS) with barcode scanning that integrates with most enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
In 2025, the more technology a warehouse provider deploys, the more accurately and efficiently your goods can be handled, inventoried, picked, shipped, and tracked. Industry-wide, warehousing is undergoing rapid transformation with providers embracing automation and AI-driven analytics to streamline operations.
From RFID tracking of inventory to real-time client portals (and even autonomous mobile robots in some facilities), a tech-savvy public warehouse offers you greater visibility and peace of mind that your inventory is in good hands.
Other Services Available
Warehousing might be the core service, but the best public warehouse providers function as one-stop logistics partners. In addition to storing your products, look for value-added services that meet your business’s specific needs.
As an example, Brendamour Warehousing provides a full spectrum of solutions beyond basic storage. These include:
- Office rentals with administrative support
- Pick and pack order fulfillment services
- Custom packaging and labeling
- Light assembly work and kitting projects
- Handling of foreign trade zone shipments
- Promotional kit preparation
- Dedicated contract trucking
- Reverse logistics for returns
- Plus a multitude of other services that help get your goods to market
A provider that offers these complementary services can save you time and money by managing more of your supply chain under one roof. Whether you need e-commerce fulfillment, specialized packaging for retail displays, or help with distribution paperwork, choosing a warehouse company that can “do it all” will streamline your operations. It also means as your business grows or changes, the warehouse can adapt its services to fit your requirements.
Geographic Network
Depending on your business model, the physical location of the warehouse facility might or might not be a deal-breaker. If you operate primarily in the Cincinnati area, using a public warehouse near you is certainly convenient for site visits and quick access. However, more important is the provider’s geographic network and reach. As your company expands into new markets, or if you need to distribute products regionally and nationally, you’ll benefit from a warehouse partner with multiple locations or strong logistics connections. Not all warehouses can offer countrywide or worldwide supply chain support. Those with multiple strategic locations (or a network of partner facilities) can help you scale distribution without starting from scratch.
For instance, Brendamour operates four warehousing facilities in the Greater Cincinnati area and Northern Kentucky. These warehouses in Cincinnati, Ohio are strategically positioned near major highways, rail lines, river ports, and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. This interconnected hub system means your goods can be quickly forwarded to destinations across the Midwest and beyond. When evaluating providers, ask about their distribution network:
- Can they help you reach the West Coast or East Coast if needed?
- Do they have experience with international shipping or customs brokerage?
A strong geographic network ensures that your public warehouse provider can support your logistics needs as you grow, without being limited by one location.
Scalability
In the fast-changing world of commerce, flexibility is key. Scalability refers to how well a public warehouse can respond to your business’s changing storage and distribution needs. You want a provider that has the capacity and agility to scale up or down with relatively short notice.
For example, if you land a big new account or enter the holiday peak season, can the warehouse quickly allocate you more space, labor, and equipment? Conversely, if you have a slow period or decide to streamline inventory, will they accommodate a reduction in space or services without penalties? The ideal public warehouse offers flexible contract terms, letting you pay for only what you need month-to-month.
Scalability also applies to the range of services: a truly flexible warehouse partner can handle everything from a few pallets of overflow stock to managing an entire distribution center’s worth of product. These days, unpredictability in supply and demand is common – think of sudden shifts in consumer trends or disruptions in supply chains. A public warehouse provider should be prepared for these fluctuations. This means having room to grow (or multiple facilities to expand into), cross-trained staff that can be reallocated to your account when needed, and possibly even scalable automation (like modular racking or rentable robotic systems) to boost throughput during crunch times. When discussing scalability, inquire about how the provider has handled other clients’ growth or seasonal surges. A flexible, scalable warehouse will ensure you’re never caught without the support you need.
5 Warehousing and Distribution Service Essentials
Whenever possible, arrange a visit to any public warehouse you’re seriously considering. Seeing a facility firsthand is one of the best ways to judge its operations and condition. Many providers – Brendamour included – welcome site visits from potential and current clients. (If an in-person tour isn’t feasible, ask if they offer virtual tours or video walk-throughs; in 2025, most forward-thinking warehouses can accommodate remote inspections.) Additionally, be sure to request references or testimonials from existing clients. Speaking with companies who already store goods there will provide insight into the warehouse’s reliability, customer service, and problem-solving ability.
When you tour a public warehouse (or evaluate it through photos/videos), pay attention to the following 5 warehousing and distribution service essentials that indicate a well-run facility:
- Security measures: Is the facility secure 24/7? Look for surveillance cameras, controlled entry points, alarm systems, and on-site security staff. Robust security ensures your valuable inventory is protected around the clock.
- Cleanliness and organization: Observe how tidy and organized the storage areas are. A clean, well-organized warehouse (clear aisles, labeled racks, minimal clutter) not only looks professional but also reduces errors and damage to products.
- Temperature control: If your products are perishable or sensitive to temperature/humidity, make sure the warehouse offers climate-controlled storage options. Even for general goods, a provider that monitors environmental conditions will better preserve your inventory’s quality.
- Well-maintained equipment: Check the condition of the facility’s infrastructure and equipment. Are the forklifts, pallet jacks, and conveyor systems modern and well-maintained? Sturdy racking, proper lighting, and a safe, maintained building structure are all signs of a warehouse that invests in operational excellence (and by extension, cares about your goods).
- Certifications and insurance: Verify that the warehouse is properly insured and, if applicable, bonded. A bonded warehouse can hold imported goods under federal bond until customs duties are paid, which is useful if you deal in international products. Insurance coverage for fire, theft, or other loss is crucial – you want to know that if an incident occurs, you won’t be left holding the bill. Essentially, you should feel confident that the provider has contingency plans and financial coverage to protect your inventory at all times.
By evaluating these five areas during your site visit or audit, you’ll get a solid feel for the warehouse’s standards. A top-notch public warehouse will happily discuss their security protocols, show off their clean and efficient layout, demonstrate their climate control systems, and talk about how they maintain equipment and uphold safety certifications. If a provider hesitates or cannot clearly answer questions about any of the above, consider it a red flag.
Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services prides itself on meeting and exceeding all these criteria. We encourage you to come see our facilities in person – our team will gladly give you a tour. Brendamour’s clean, secure, and technologically advanced warehouses have consistently placed us among the leading warehouse and distribution providers in the Midwest United States. With over 40 years of experience in the Cincinnati logistics market, we’ve built a reputation as a trusted 3PL partner that prioritizes our clients’ needs. From our strategic Cincinnati public warehouse locations to our dedicated staff and modern equipment, every aspect of our operation is geared toward helping your business succeed.
Finding the right public warehouse provider comes down to doing thorough homework and knowing what to look for. Consider the technology and capabilities on offer, the range of services that can add value, the network and reach of the provider, and their ability to scale with you as you grow. Visit the facility (or take a virtual tour) and inspect those five service essentials to ensure the warehouse operates at the high standard your business deserves.
By taking these steps, you’ll forge a partnership with a warehouse that not only stores your products, but truly supports your business’s logistics needs.
And if you’re searching in the Cincinnati area, remember that Brendamour is here to help – offering you the reliable, flexible, and expert warehousing support you need to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
Fill out our inquiries form or call us at (513) 247-0077.







