Bonded warehousing is a necessity to any import or exporter in this changing market place. Bonded warehouse prices vary from place to place, but to find a bonded warehouse that is right for you will be well worth the cost.
Customs bonded warehouse can help you manage your goods in an efficient manner without paying major customs fees before your buyer has paid you.
Know what to look for in bonded warehouses:
1. You want a facility with safe floors. Flat floors reduce your operator's fatigue. Joint reduction decreases equipment damage, and absence of cracking gives you a more sanitary warehouse.
2. Look for well-lit docks and aisle areas to give you heightened safety and security.
3. Find out what kind of rack system them use at their bonded warehouse facility.
4. Make sure that your bonded warehouse storage has adequate fire protection.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Find a local bonded warehouse
Search for a US bonded warehouse in your area.
I recommend: Atlanta Bonded Warehouse Corporation (ABW) has been in business over 50 years. They offer you contract food-grade, temperature-controlled storage and handling.
Robertson Bonded Warehouse specializes in agricultural chemicals and hazardous materials.
Hansen Storage has been in business over 100 years, and they offer freezer as well as refrigerated storage. They have air-conditioned space as well as freight brokerage and leased space.
Broad Street Bonded Warehouse specializes in cotton. The company is family-owned and has been in business since 1945.
Look for US customs bonded warehouses
US customs bonded warehouses can help you reduce your exposure to customs duties on unsold goods. They can help you retain full control over merchandise until your buyer meets the terms of sale, and they offer you a more security, usually, than a conventional warehouse.
I recommend: Murphy Bonded Warehouse is a US Customs bonded warehouse facility.
World Trade Distribution is also a US Customs bonded warehouse that offers live video receiving and can offer you a wide range of shipping options from their networked vendor friends.
Go with customs bonded warehouse that are licensed and networked
Look for bonded warehouse storage companies that are well-versed in the industry. Look for a company that has many affiliations and stays in the know about the field.
I recommend: The
International Warehouse Logistics Association gives you a great industry background.
Source Distribution Logistics can help you find an area specific customs bonded warehouse. The
Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) helps develop quality warehouse management and helps you improve your role in the supply chain. Their members share practical knowledge for the betterment of the industry.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Make sure that the bonded warehousing facility that you choose is specific to your industry and your needs.
The official source of Bonded Warehouses is the Bonded Warehouses page at Business.com