What is a logistics center? This is a defined area designated for all transportation and distribution of goods, both for national and international transit. Operators are either tenants or owners of warehouses and storage areas, distribution centres, offices, and other facilities built for purpose.
A logistics center will allow access to every company involved in these activities and is fully equipped to carry out all relevant operations, including public services for employees. It will also be served by intermodal transport services for the handling of goods – sea, air, road, and rail.
All European standards and quality performance regulations must be met to provide the framework for sustainable and commercial transport solutions. In order to achieve commercial cooperation, it’s essential that the logistics center is managed professionally and legally.
Read on to find out more…
The importance of logistics centers
The reputation of logistic centers has increased and developed in the last few years. This area where companies locate, maintain, and practice logistic procedures is becoming a key feature within the transport system.
The logistics center is managed by the developer to maintain and achieve synergy benefits. It includes logistics service providers as well as logistics-intensive commercial and manufacturing companies. There can be a number of regional operators involved, such as educational institutions and business communities. This has been proven to strengthen the cooperation and marketing of the entire region and attract new investment.
Intermodality of transport is encouraged with strong links between long-distance line haul and local collection and distribution for example. Several modes of transport will be used to ensure goods are transported at the right time to the right destination for a competitive cost.
Additional services are often provided on top of transportation and storage options. These can include:
- Packaging of goods
- Pricing
- Marketing
- Setting of sales
The role of logistics centers
Logistics professionals must have certain abilities to produce innovations and transfer their knowledge from level to level and between companies. Adaptability and calmness under pressure result in effective problem-solving skills and proficient project management. This continual search for improvement not only enhances business development but also ensures sustainability and end-customer satisfaction.
Alongside the optimisation of goods and information is the transport infrastructure hub. Between each level, different markets operate with each mode of transport and the company forming their own network, with the transition to another network taking place within the hub.
Types of logistics centers
There are basically three types of logistics centers and these are:
Transfer centers
The primary role of the transfer center is sorting and transhipping goods. Goods that are received are immediately sorted and shipped to the next destination, and this can be done with small-scale devices and equipment. Shipping information is needed at the same time as goods are received in order to ensure speed and continuity.
Distribution centers
The purpose of the distribution center is to store and manage inventory, sort goods by store and region, and deliver goods to customers. The distribution center is equipped to deal with shipping work, picking orders, and distribution processes including packaging and inspections. These processes guarantee goods are delivered by specific deadlines.
Processing distribution centers
This simply refers to a distribution center with enhanced distribution processing that requires specialised devices and equipment. Assembling and installing parts, processing fresh fish and meat would be able to be carried out here. These centers have a close to factory environment with dust-proof and temperature-controlled facilities, and adequate production lines and workforce.
The mail-order industry
Increasing sales over the internet have changed the logistics industry greatly. Fulfillment centers are logistics centers that perform management, picking, and delivery of goods within the mail-order industry.
The work involved that is completed here covers:
- Receiving goods and orders
- Packaging
- Shipping
- Inventory management
- Customer data management
- Returns and complaints handling
- Payment processes
International logistics centers
Global forecasts indicate that logistics centers industry-wide, local, regional, and international will decisively shape supply networks. The role of logistics centers will become increasingly important within the development of Central and Eastern European countries.
Trade routes will have a significant impact on the operation of global supply chains by shortening the time it takes to transport goods and by expanding interconnections of infrastructure, finance, and IT.
An international logistics center will be committed to developing a logistics solution that’s customised to your business needs. A typical international logistics center will provide you with:
- Distribution
- General haulage
- Export packing
- Shipping
- Storage
- Decommissioning
- Project logistics
- Universal parcel tracking
Looking for a logistics center in Barcelona?
DRG Solutions can help with any international shipping from Barcelona. As a 4th Party Logistics and Consultancy Provider, you’ll get support and advice with regards to coordinating the services you need. And you’ll get the most suitable services hand-picked for you. Request a free quote for the best options with multimodal transportation solutions, and warehousing if required.
