Before a global pandemic threw so many supply chains completely off-course, flexible Cleveland warehousing was an emerging trend driven by growing consumer demand for same-day and next-day deliveries. Now, flexible warehousing options are especially attractive for retailers balancing their fluctuating needs for warehouse space and demands to efficiently move inventory on-the-fly.

Flexible warehousing (also sometimes called in-demand warehousing, pop-up distribution, public warehousing or multi-client space) is a service that connects warehouse operators with businesses requiring storage on an as-needed basis. This allows suppliers to pay seasonally or as-they-go rather than be tied to a year-round contract. Many client products can be received, handled, stored and shipped out in a flexible environment, as opposed to dedicating a large space and full labor force to a single operator. Manufacturers and retailers want to position themselves closer to customers without getting locked into multiyear leases or long contracts – particularly when trade conditions and buying patterns are so uncertain right now.

But companies that only offer flexible Cleveland warehousing may fall short of what you need, especially if your bread and butter is specialized goods. Third-party logistics firms can commit a dependable workforce to store, handle and deliver sensitive goods. On Time Delivery and Warehouse stands out among our competitors because we offer both.

What’s the Difference Between a 3PL and Flexible Cleveland Warehousing Service?

The overall market for public storage and warehousing is projected to hit nearly $29 billion over the next three years, according to industry researchers.

The primary difference between public/flexible warehousing providers and a 3PL is that the former is more limited in its services. A flexible warehouse service can offer you a place to store your inventory, but doesn’t necessarily have the capability to help you coordinate product movement or manage packaging, shipping and other services the way a 3PL does.

On Time Delivery & Warehouse tailors our services to meet the needs of the client. We have public warehousing space AND a 3PL workforce that is highly-trained, skilled and safety-minded. We’re also equipped with inventory management software, and our transportation assets (our own fleet of trucks) provide another edge in terms of rapid turnaround.

All this allows us to work with a wide range of Northeast Ohio companies to meet their short-term and long-term packing, handling, storage, warehousing and delivery needs.

3PL providers can sometimes work with outside flexible warehousing providers. One offers the space and the other the labor, tech support and delivery services. Our clients have their pick of a broad range of service and space options. We have 90,000 square feet of secure Cleveland warehouse space, centrally-located with value-added services, product-coding and repacking, inventory management and distribution and fulfillment services.

Additionally, we offer storage options on a daily, weekly, monthly or yearly basis.

As The Wall Street Journal reported back in 2018, pay-as-you-go arrangements can help companies cope with challenges from global trade extensions to hurricanes – and, as we’re now seeing, a global pandemic. We understand some companies may be reticent to commit to a multiyear contract when there is uncertainty about how customer demand will shake out when all is said and done.

We’re available to answer your questions and help develop a warehousing and logistics plan that will be most workable and successful for you.

If you have questions about our Cleveland warehousing services, contact On Time Delivery & Warehouse by calling (440) 826-4630 or send us an email.

Additional Resources:

On-Demand Warehouse Space Gains Traction in Tight Real-Estate Market, Dec. 23, 2018, By Jennifer Smith, The Wall Street Journal

What’s the Deal With Flexible Warehousing? Dec. 26, 2019, By Steve Elliott, Inbound Logistics

More Blog Entries:

Safe Cleveland Warehousing in the Time of Coronavirus, April 20, 2020, Flexible Cleveland Warehousing Blog