Vast network of cross-docking facilities are now available on Warehowz’s cloud-based, on-demand warehousing platform.

News of the Warehowz partnership with Estes Express is out, but there is one more piece of information to share — and it is significant. Our decision to join forces with the nation’s largest privately-owned freight transportation carrier means Warehowz clients gain immediate access to Estes’ vast network of cross-docking facilities.

Estes is a $5 billion powerhouse of a corporation that delivers not just freight but a range of LTL solutions in all 50 states as well Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. These numbers speak to the scope of its operations:

Over 18,000 employees
Nearly 250 terminals
Nearly 750 million one- and two-day shipping points in the United States alone
7,000 tractors
29,000 logistics-bar trailers (primarily)

Now, as a result of the new partnership announced recently, Warehowz clients can swiftly leverage those numbers to optimize their own supply chain operations. Although we typically refrain from throwing around words like “unique,” the fact is the Warehowz on-demand warehousing platform currently offers users access to more cross-docking facilities than any other.

Cross-docking facilities enable last-mile delivery

In other words, you do not have to wait for the Estes cross-docking facilities to be added to our ever-growing and comprehensive selection of warehouse space and services available through the Warehowz cloud-based platform. You can search our listings right now and access over 200 cross-docking facilities in addition to our network of partners, including regional e-fulfillment providers and supply chain analytics services. In a matter of minutes, you can add capacity right where you need it most and — regardless of your organization’s size — provide first-class client services and robust, professional supply chain management.

For Warehowz—which I founded to give companies the ability to quickly scale up and down, explore new markets before committing to long-term leases, and speed up deliveries by placing inventory closer to the customer base—the partnership with Estes was a natural fit. Cross-docking capabilities are taking on increased significance for businesses trying to quickly move products to the end customer. Designed to deliver goods in the shortest time possible, it can be considered a go-to strategy as the last-mile delivery race heats up to the tune of consumer demand and e-commerce growth.

Other recognized cross-docking benefits include:

Reduced square footage costs since little to no storage occurs.
Reduced material handling costs as a result of minimal picking.
Increased customer satisfaction due to speedier deliveries.
Reduced transportation costs because of optimized routing.

Partnerships grow cloud-based service offerings

By continuing to build partnerships with complementary service providers like Estes, we aim to expand the Warehowz portfolio of on-demand warehouse space and services that clients can tap into. The concept of on-demand warehousing has garnered a lot of attention in recent years and investments have poured in to match the excitement. In 2019 alone, on-demand warehousing startups are on track to raise $60 million to $100 million while the industry as a whole is projected to be valued near $25 billion to $26 billion in just a few years.

As Pat Martin, vice president of corporate sales and strategic planning at Estes, put it: “On-demand warehousing is the next big step in the supply chain industry. The Warehowz solution is much needed and will create many revenue-generating opportunities for its customers.”