Throughout the last decade, third-party logistics companies have been popular targets for cyber attacks, and these firms are not alone. In 2013, credit card details for more than 40 million Target customers were stolen by hackers who accessed the systems through a third-party contractor. And the list goes on.
With record-high volumes of merchandise imported and exported to and from Houston via land, sea, air and rail, companies constantly need to store products, either before departure or upon arrival. As this continues far into the foreseeable future, so too will the construction of warehouses to meet these growing demands, driven by population growth, a rise in e-commerce, and other factors.
Companies demand a wide variety of warehouse storage options, from specialized services and superior facilities to top-notch management and expert guidance. American Warehouses continuously transforms one-time customers into long-time clients through our personalized services, advanced technologies, convenient location, and high-level security. Testament to this is the fact several of our partners have been storing their goods with us for more than 30 years.
The cost of storing goods in a Houston warehouse is more complex than allotting a simple dollar amount. There is no set pricing structure for all Houston, Texas warehouses, nor a single factor affecting such expenses.
Houston has always been a logistics powerhouse, and the largest city in Texas is fast becoming the place for warehousing. Its location near the water and abundance of transportation infrastructure have even enabled the fourth-most-populous U.S. city and largest in Texas to expand trade with foreign countries. With many shipments in and out of the city by land, sea and air, a wide range of domestic and international companies are on the hunt for the very best warehouse space to store goods.
Technology has become an integral part of our lives, and has, for the most part, made them easier. Warehouse management systems (WMS)—software utilized to track, organize and direct daily warehouse activities—have simplified operations and inventory processes for management, employees and customers.
When working with a warehousing company, dependability is always a top priority, regardless of the type of inventory being stored. However, the desire for reliability takes on greater importance when its chemicals or other industrial materials that require storing.
There are multiple factors to consider when exploring third-party logistics companies. One of the most important is location. This extends beyond confirming a potential 3PL maintains a facility in the right country or city, though. A warehouse’s specific location within a city should also be weighed carefully, as a difference of just a few miles can have significant, long-term ramifications.
Anyone who manages a distribution network knows the importance of working with a logistics company that serves as an effective extension of your team. Unfortunately, many companies make the wrong choice, and must endure the difficult and expensive process of switching. Knowing where to start, and the most important factors to look for when making this critical decision, can help businesses avoid having to repeat the arduous process again.