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08
Jun
2021

Modern Warehouse Trends in 2021

by Michael Kotendzhi | Warehousing
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The pandemic has created e-commerce development dramatically around the globe and has also created some new trends in the warehousing industry.

What is the biggest trend of modern warehousing in recent years? The answer is the flexibility. Even in the face of consistent changes, being flexible gives warehouses a leg up on competitors. As a result modern warehouse are designing their storage space to be more flexible and accommodate any the changes. 

This is not the only new development though. Here are the five biggest trends to follow for modern warehouse businesses:

1. Storage Capacity is Creating New Warehousing Demand

As we touched upon, third-party warehousing has emerged as a way for modern warehouses to increase their storage capacity. A business such as 18 Wheels Logistics Ltd, which is located in Vancouver, BC (British Columbia) Western Canada, can use their modern green warehousing to help any business.

Their services can help with Co-packing, re-packing, Trans-loading, cross-docking, trucking, third party logistics, third party warehousing, 3PL, warehouse, beverage distribution, and more.

2, The Need for Automation is Rising

In the next 1-3 years, warehouse automation will be the top priority for warehouse investments.

The use of automation will massively improve sorting processes, palette shuttling, packaging, and stacker cranes. Automated shuttle systems allow the warehouse to keep their productivity moving consistently and will allow for greater storage density.

Robotics will contribute to reduce the picking and shipping errors and will provide a consistent 1st class service to customers. Keep an eye on automated trucks moving forward, which will change the logistics process forever.

3. Transparent Shipping Via Internet of Things (IoT)

As a modern warehouse manager, what is your top priority? Always knowing your inventory in real-time!

The Internet of Things (IoT) technology allows you to view the overall picture of inventory and capacity at once. A warehouse equipped with IoT capabilities can share data and information with other online systems. This data will always be kept up to date, even as items come in and go out.

Future warehouse will no doubt have an integrated management system using the loT. 

4. New Techniques to Improve Space Efficiency

What does inventory at a modern warehouse look like? Inventory is often stacked high and can clear heights of 40-feet. By stacking higher instead of wider, warehouses are finding much needed space which can lead to higher profits.

It also creates much-needed square footage in dense urban areas. An automated pallet systems can be easily built to reach the 40-foot heights. This way of effective storing will start to become much more prominent across the world.

5. Going Green

Modern warehouses are being built with green initiatives in mind. Seeing how power is going to be running constantly to power all of these electronic advancements, it's no wonder that warehouses companies are seeking energy saving means.

Going green will also help the environment as large parts of the supply chain negatively impact the environment. By making a shift towards green logistic providers save cost and win good reputation from customers.

18 Wheels Logistics is your number one 3PL provider that provides the best outsourcing services in warehousing, labeling, copacking, and logistics. Contact us today to find out what we can do for your and your team.


Michael Kotendzhi is President of Operations & Transportation and a partner at 18 Wheels. Michael has over 15 years of experience and is equipped with a degree in Logistics from the University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business. As well as a background in logistics from XPO Logistics (formally Kelron Logistics), North America's largest contract warehousing provider.

Michael's experience includes supply chain management, reverse logistics, & domestic transportation. He has developed 18 Wheels' trucking solutions, effectively utilizing the sister company's vehicle fleet and building a transportation supply-chain network across North America.