Logistics companies have felt the pain of global issues in recent years. Ongoing conflict and wider geopolitical instability have sent shockwaves through supply chains across Europe, the UK and the rest of the world. But, for manufacturers and distributers of complex, oversized or technical equipment, the challenge is magnified. Finding a reliable third party logistics (3PL) provider is not only about overcoming global disruption, it’s finding a partner who can handle and store your equipment correctly.
So, how do you protect your stock, maintain visibility and keep customer timelines on track when the equipment you handle can’t sit on a pallet?
We take a look at how businesses can find the ideal logistics provider for large and specialist items, the challenges to be aware of and key factors to consider.
The supply chain argument for UK storage
For manufacturers or suppliers that rely on exporting stock overseas, the risks have multiplied in various directions – longer processing times, more paperwork to get goods through customs, rising fuel prices and the ever-present threat of sanctions or border delays. The threats are real and they’re not going away.
For manufacturers supplying UK customers, there is now a clear business case for holding large scale stock items on UK soil. Not sitting in a port waiting for clearance. Not stuck in transit somewhere across Europe. Not at the mercy of sanctions, border delays, or fuel surcharges that shift week to week. Here. Available. Managed.
A UK-based 3PL warehouse gives you exactly that. Your equipment is stored domestically, within a secure and managed facility, and you retain full visibility and call-off access whenever you need it.
The real challenges of storing large commercial equipment
Problems can start with third-party logistic services when you throw in large, complex or specialist items. A lot of storage solutions simply aren’t built to meet their needs.
If you’re a manufacturer, distributor, or reseller of items such as the ones we’ve listed below, you’ll already know how complex storage can become.
- Laboratory equipment
- Industrial fridges and freezers
- Outdoor kitchen units
- Industrial and commercial kitchen equipment
- Commercial 3D printers
In these situations, you need a specialised logistics partner that can protect the stock – not just store it. Aisles need to be wide enough to accommodate moving the goods, storage bays configured for non-standard dimensions and experienced staff trained to move the equipment correctly.
Beyond the physical setup, there are questions worth asking any prospective provider. What level of traceability can they offer? Do you need controlled conditions for temperature-sensitive or precision equipment? What security measures are in place for high-value items?
The difference between a warehouse that handles pallets of consumer goods and one that routinely manages large commercial equipment is significant.
The hidden complexity of getting it to site
While storage is an important consideration, the real challenge comes when looking to deliver to the customer. Large pieces of kit, containing sensitive mechanical and electronic components, are usually worth tens of thousands of pounds per unit and it needs to arrive safely on site.
This is the stage which a lot of logistic providers get wrong.
For example, a single industrial freezer, for example, can weigh several hundred kilograms and stand over two metres tall. They are also incredibly sensitive to handling, incorrect movement can easily damage compressors, condenser coils and refrigerant lines. Once this happens, you’ve lost the stock and your profits with it, especially if you are moving or storing a number of them. Whereas high end goods such as industrial or commercial kitchens are not only heavy but also need to be kept clean and protected from knocks. Leaving items like these at a loading bay is a liability!
Specialist equipment requires a delivery that is planned to the smallest detail. Prior to delivery day, the team should have the right vehicle and equipment in place to manage the size, weight and specialised requirements of the stock. You then need teams who can overcome real-world challenges experienced during a move such as tight corridors, access points and stairs. Our teams are well known for moving laboratory freezers up even the smallest stairwells!
A successful white glove delivery service ensures the delivery of your equipment is planned to the last detail. That means navigating tight spaces, stairs, or complex site layouts. Items carefully positioned in point of use rather than left at the door, and all packaging removed as part of the process. Nothing is left at the door, and nothing is left to chance.
White Glove Delivery
Of course, storing specialised items and getting them safely to site is only part of the job. Once the equipment is in place and the packaging removed, you need the equipment working so the customer can get on with the day job.
That is why, at Benchmark Services, we work directly with manufacturers so our teams have a working knowledge of the equipment movement and positioning to meet customer requirements. We support the OEMs to ensure the equipment is in readiness for commissioning.
What to look for in a specialist logistics partner
Not all third-party logistics providers are equipped to handle this kind of work. The difference between a general warehousing operation and one that specialises in large, heavy, and technically sensitive equipment is significant and it’s worth knowing what to look for before you commit.
If any of the following apply to you, it is worth having a conversation about what a managed 3PL service could look like for your business:
- Facilities built for the job
Standard racked warehouse space isn’t always appropriate for large commercial equipment. Look for a facility configured for oversized and heavy items with floor loading, handling equipment and the space needed to manage units safely. - Genuine handling expertise
You need a team on board who are experienced with your specific equipment and understands the requirements of the item. For example, at Benchmark Services we have a dedicated training facility which ensures our teams receive hands-on experience with the products we deliver. This ensures we give the same high level of expertise on each and every job. - Inventory visibility and reporting
A common concern with outsourcing warehousing is losing control of your stock. A good 3PL provider should offer regular stock audit reports, real-time inventory visibility, and a clear, accountable point of contact. You should always know exactly what you hold and where it is. - Flexible capacity
Your storage requirements will fluctuate depending on seasonal peaks, project demand or new product launches. Check out whether your 3PL partner can accommodate these differences to ensure there is no gap between the order and customer expectations. - End-to-end capability
The best 3PL arrangements cover the full journey. The journey starts with goods received at the warehouse, through to storage managed to your exact requirements. Once the order is called, the goods need to arrive on time and in perfect conditions. The final stage is the equipment installed and ready for the customer to use. Look for a single partner who can accurately and efficiently manage the whole process.
Is This the Right Conversation for Your Business?
If you’re a manufacturer, distributor or reseller of large or complex equipment and any of the following apply to you, it’s worth talking to a specialist 3PL provider like Benchmark:
- You want to reduce supply chain risk with the reassurance of knowing your stock is held securely on UK soil, with reliable call-off access
- You want greater visibility, traceability and control over your inventory without having to manage it yourself
- Your current storage doesn’t meet the needs of the equipment you handle.
- You need to hold specialised stock ahead of installation or project-based delivery schedules
- You’ve experienced damage or delays that have affected customer relationships
- You need your equipment handled by people who understand large, heavy, and technically sensitive items
- You want storage costs that offer flexibility with your actual demand rather than fixed overheads you carry year-round
Need help with warehouse storage – talk to Benchmark Services
We have been helping businesses store, manage, and distribute specialist equipment for over 25 years.
Our facilities in Cambridgeshire are purpose-built for the handling of large and technically sensitive equipment.
Whether you need short-term storage to ease a seasonal peak or a fully managed long-term 3PL arrangement, we can put together a package to suit your requirements. Your stock, on UK soil, managed by people who know what they are doing. That is what we offer.
Get in touch with our team today on 01480 423 810 or email us at enquiries@benchmark-services.co.uk to discuss your requirements.