Logistics, Transport or 3PL
With the increase in the size and complexity of supply chains over the years, more and more companies are outsourcing their logistics, storage and transportation tasks to 3PL operators.
It is a sector that has been continuously growing in recent years, largely driven by the e-commerce boom, tight deadlines and the questions of reverse logistics.
The 3PL or logistics and transportation operator sector has specialised in bringing efficiency to the supply chain, handling large quantities of goods with very demanding turnaround times.
Storage systems for the logistics, transportation and storage industry
Versatility
Los almacenes de las empresas de logística, transporte o 3PL suelen contar por lo general con sistemas de almacenaje diferentes entre sí, para poder dar servicio a clientes con necesidades muy diversas entre sí. La versatilidad de sus almacenes es una de las claves para poder gestionar el stock de una manera correcta.
The warehouses of logistics, transport or 3PL companies generally have different storage systems, in order to serve customers with very different needs. The versatility of their warehouses is one of the keys to being able to manage stock correctly.
Stock rotation: Variable
Stock rotation of warehouses in the logistics or 3PL sector is very variable, since it will largely depend on the type of customer they serve. There are logistics companies specialised in sectors with very specific characteristics: freezing, food, e-commerce, etc.
Usual system: Adjustable Pallet Racking
With these needs, one of the most used storage systems in the warehouses of logistics operators are adjustable pallet racking systems, which allow direct access to all stored references and therefore give stock management versatility.
Automated storage
These adjustable racking solutions can also be combined with automated storage systems, which supported by a WMS (Warehouse Management System) allow highly efficient stock management. Automated systems are usually installed in the sector when companies sign long-term contracts with their customers, giving them sufficient time to write off the high investment that automated warehouses entail.
Characteristics of the logistics and transport operators (3PL) industry
The logistics and transportation sector, and specifically 3PL logistics operators, has experienced significant growth and change with the growing trend towards logistics outsourcing.
More services
These operators increasingly have the capacity to assume more and broader services demanded by companies, creating companies that operate under 4PL and 5PL terminology, which, in addition to transportation and storage, perform consulting, auditing and inventory tasks and end up integrating all of the company’s work in the supply chain.
Intensive sector
This sector is intensive in resources such as the need for land, infrastructure and human resources. And with the advancement of technology, it is increasingly supported by technological resources to automate the processes of the distribution chain and equip it with greater safety, control, reliability and traceability.
Recommended Industrial Racking:
Suitable storage systems for the 3PL logistics industry include:
Adjustable Pallet Racking
Industrial racking system for storage of pallet loads, with great versatility and selectivity for all unit loads. System widely used in logistics and transport operators.
Narrow Aisle Racking
Adaptation of the adjustable pallet racking system for greater optimisation of the available space by reducing the work aisles. Direct access is maintained to all unit loads, which means each reference can be stored in a single space.
Automated Warehouses
Ante la complejidad de la gestión del almacén en este sector, es habitual la instalación de sistemas de almacenaje automatizados que agilicen y simplifiquen esta labor. El proceso de diseño, instalación y puesta en marcha de estos sistemas es más lento que en los sistemas convencionales.
