Inventory
July 14, 2022

What is Mobile Warehousing?

Having a reliable and efficient supply chain is key to your success as a business owner. Did you know that mobile warehousing can help you streamline your operations and improve your bottom line?

This blog post will briefly overview mobile warehousing and how it can benefit your business.

What Is Mobile Warehousing, And How Does It Work?

Mobile warehousing is a storage solution that brings the warehouse to you instead of storing your inventory at a central location. This means that it can set up mobile warehouses at any site convenient for you, whether near your customers or suppliers.

Mobile warehouses are typically made up of shipping containers that have been converted into storage units. These units can be stacked on top of each other to create a multi-level storage solution. This makes mobile warehousing a very space-efficient way to store your inventory.

Mobile warehouses can be used for both long-term and short-term storage solutions. They are an excellent option for overgrowing businesses that need a flexible storage solution that can grow with them. They are also a good option for companies that have seasonal inventory fluctuations.

Related: How To Cool A Warehouse Without AC

How Can Mobile Warehousing Benefit Your Business?

There are many ways that mobile warehousing can benefit your business. Here are just a few of the ways that mobile warehousing can help you improve your bottom line:

1. Save on Storage Costs

Mobile warehousing can save you money on your storage costs because you only pay for your storage space. With traditional warehousing, you have to pay for the entire warehouse, even if you only use a small portion of it. This is not the case with mobile warehousing. You only pay for the shipping containers you use, which can save you significant money.

2. Save on Transportation Costs

Mobile warehousing can also save you money on your transportation costs. You must transport your inventory to the central warehouse location with traditional warehousing. This can be costly, primarily if your warehouses are located in different parts of the country. With mobile warehousing, the warehouse comes to you, saving you a lot of money on transportation costs.

3. Improve Customer Service

Mobile warehousing can also help you improve your customer service. With traditional warehousing, your customers must wait for their orders to be shipped from the central warehouse to their location. This can take days or even weeks. With mobile warehousing, your customers can pick up their orders from the mobile warehouse that is located nearest to them. This means they don't have to wait for their orders to be shipped, improving customer satisfaction.

4. Increase Inventory Turnover

Mobile warehousing can also help you increase your inventory turnover. With traditional warehousing, your inventory can sit in the warehouse for months or even years before it's sold. With mobile warehousing, your list is always close to your customers, which means it turns over much faster. This can free up cash flow and improve your bottom line.

5. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Mobile warehousing can also help you reduce your carbon footprint. With traditional warehousing, your inventory is shipped long distances, which can produce a lot of carbon emissions. With mobile warehousing, your inventory is only shipped short distances, which can reduce your carbon footprint.

The Different Types Of Mobile Warehouses Available

There are three main types of mobile warehouses:

1. Portable Storage Containers

Portable storage containers are the most popular type of mobile warehouse. They are made from weatherproof shipping containers that have been converted into storage units. Portable storage containers can be stacked on top of each other to create a multi-level storage solution. This makes them a very space-efficient way to store your inventory.

2. Mobile Storage Trailers

Mobile storage trailers are another type of mobile warehouse. They are typically made from semi-trailers that have been converted into storage units. Mobile storage trailers can be parked at your location and used as a temporary or permanent storage solution.

3. Modular Storage Units

Modular storage units are the new way to store your goods. They come in various sizes and can be stacked on top of each other for multi-level solutions! This makes them a very space-efficient way to store your inventory.

Related: How to Optimize Your Warehouse Slotting for Efficiency?

Tips For Using A Mobile Warehouse Effectively

If you're thinking of using a mobile warehouse, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind:

1. Accessible To Your Customers

Your mobile warehouse needs to be accessible to your customers. This means that it should be located conveniently near your customers. If your mobile warehouse is not conveniently located, your customers will not use it.

2. Safe And Secure

Your mobile warehouse needs to be safe and secure. This means it should have security features such as alarms, cameras, and gates. These security features will deter thieves and protect your inventory.

3. Weatherproof

Your mobile warehouse needs to be weatherproof. It would help if you made it from weatherproof materials such as steel or aluminum. Portable storage containers are a great option because they are made from weatherproof shipping containers.

4. Complete Permits and Licenses

Before you can use a mobile warehouse, you must ensure that you have all the necessary permits and licenses. This includes a permit to park the mobile warehouse on your property and a business license.

5. Well Maintained

Your mobile warehouse needs to be well-maintained. This means that it should be clean and organized. A well-maintained mobile warehouse will be more efficient and will provide a better experience for your customers.

How To Choose The Right Mobile Warehouse For Your Business

Now that you know what mobile warehousing is and how it can benefit your business, you need to choose the right mobile warehouse for your needs. There are a few things that you need to keep in mind when selecting a mobile warehouse:

1. Type Of Inventory

Choose a mobile warehouse that is designed for your specific type of inventory. For example, if you are storing perishable goods, then you need to choose a mobile warehouse that is temperature controlled.

2. Size Of Inventory

Is it large enough to accommodate your inventory. You may need to choose a multi-level storage solution such as portable storage containers or modular storage units if you have a large inventory.

3. Cost

Choose a mobile warehouse that is within your budget. Mobile warehouses can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Choose the mobile warehouse that fits your needs and budget.

4. Maintenance Free

Choose a mobile warehouse that is easy to maintain. It would help if you made it from durable materials such as steel or aluminum. It should also be easy to clean and organize.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a way to improve your inventory management and streamline your operations, consider using mobile warehousing. Mobile warehouses can help you save time and money, and they're perfect for businesses that need a flexible storage solution. Contact us today to learn more about how mobile warehousing can benefit your business.

Recommended: How To Control Warehouse Inventory: 7 Best Practices

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