What exactly is an international Class A warehouse?

The physical and geographic characteristics of a commercial real estate property determine its value. Rather than listing a long list of features, agents and brokers can summarize this value with a classification system ranging from A to C. Class A warehouses meet international standards.

International-standard Class A warehouses are more than just storage facilities; they are the backbone of modern, efficient supply chain logistics strategies. Continue reading to learn more about the characteristics and benefits of modern Class A warehouses, the distinction between a Class A warehouse and a Class A facility, and how to select a Class A warehouse.

Characteristics of a Class A international warehouse

In a nutshell, international-standard Class A warehouses are cutting-edge properties designed specifically for warehousing and logistics. They haven’t been converted or renovated specifically for this purpose. They are created from the ground up to benefit the supply chain.

Before delving deeper into Class A characteristics, a quick review of other levels may be beneficial. Class B is the next level down from Class A. A building of this type may be a little older, but it has been renovated to include the most up-to-date technology. It will also have lower ceilings than a Class A building and possibly multiple floors, making it unsuitable for warehousing.

Class D and Class C structures are the most affordable. They are typically older structures that have been converted from their original uses, such as former hangars and manufacturing facilities. They frequently lack modern conveniences like climate control and accessibility.

Materials and specifications for construction

Class A warehouse construction must include noncombustible or fireproof raw materials, flexibility, and mobility. Steel and sealed concrete are the most common structural elements, with masonry, plaster, gypsum, or other noncombustible materials as options. It should be noted that sealing concrete is necessary to reduce dust, which can cause equipment wear and tear.

Interior and exterior walls can benefit from the addition of glass, ceramic or stone tile, and stucco. Few people want to work in a concrete and steel box.

The warehouse may house a variety of inventory with varying storage requirements. A Class A warehouse will have ceilings at least thirteen meters high, support columns at least twelve meters apart, and spans of at least twenty-four meters to meet these requirements.

And that is just what is inside the building; what is outside is equally important. It must have at least one automatic docking gate for every 500 square meters of interior space, as well as enough outdoor space to accommodate large trucks and employee parking.

Innovation in warehousing

In warehousing logistics, technology and innovation are becoming increasingly important. Four walls, a supporting structure, and a roof are no longer enough. Climate control, fire safety features, security monitoring and alarms, high-speed internet, and an electrical substation are all required in a Class A warehouse.

Aside from those requirements, automation is the way of the future. Drones that can reach the highest shelves, robots (or “cobots”) that work alongside humans, composite panels that improve the building’s energy efficiency, and other technological solutions will be used in an automated warehouse. Intelligent warehouses enable smarter, more agile supply chains.

ProConnect Integrated Logistics – Your Warehousing Partner

A third-party logistics firm can help shippers mitigate a variety of risks throughout the supply chain by outsourcing certain logistics functions. By partnering with a 3PL, a shipper can free up time to concentrate on his or her core competencies without suffering from the ever-shifting logistics landscape.

If you are looking for a partner to take care of all your logistics hassles, talk to us.

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