Is your business involved in international trade where you have to import or export goods? If so, it is imperative to have a reliable warehouse where you can store goods awaiting exportation or transportation to your facility. A good warehouse facility should guarantee the safety of your goods as you finalize any legal requirements such as clearance and inspection. That's why there is a need to put much consideration into the warehouse selection process. Read on for useful insight into some of the things that you should look at when searching for the best warehouse facility for your business needs.

Proximity to shipping docks

When looking for a warehouse, consider those that are close to shipping docks in the area. Check the number of docks available, and how accessible they are from the warehouse. A storage facility that is located near a dock will make it easy for you to load and offload your goods. This will save you from incurring huge transportation costs or even hiring equipment such as cranes and trailer trucks to haul your containers to and from the warehouse. It will also eliminate delays that are associated with the transportation of goods over long distances from the warehouse to the loading dock.

Size of the facility

As you look for a warehouse, think about the amount of product you expect to store there at every particular time. Consider the phase that your business is in and whether you expect it to grow within the next few months or years. The reason you need to do this is so that you can estimate the size of your business after a year and determine whether the warehouse will still provide enough space for your goods. You need a facility that will accommodate growth to avoid moving from one warehouse to another as the business expands.

General Costs

As you rent space in a warehouse facility, there is more to consider than just the cost of storing goods. Other costs come into play, and they can significantly affect your profit margin. For example, if you are storing imported goods, you need a warehouse that is close to the customer. However, if you hire one that is located far away, the business will incur huge transportation costs. Unless it is possible to cover this cost in the selling price, you may incur substantial losses. To avoid this, factor in other costs such as transportation, fuel, and labour when looking for a warehouse.

If you are new in the international trade business, it is important to work with someone who understands the ins and outs of the business. A customs broker can help you find a reliable warehouse near a dock and walk you through clearance and other important steps involved in the import business.