Why Modern Distribution Centers Need To Adjust To The Demands Of E-Commerce

As consumers move to online shopping, the demand for big-box retail space is decreasing. However, logistic real estate, such as warehouses, distribution facilities, and fulfillment centers, is rising.

Fulfillment facilities close to high-density areas will be more in demand because of their ability to deliver faster and reduce transportation costs. This will result in higher rental rates and higher delivery times.

These properties must be able to handle thousands of parcels at a time. These parcels may be delivered to the customer directly from a distribution center or via a property called "last mile."

Today's eCommerce distribution centers are different from the old warehouses because they reflect the changes in consumer shopping habits. Let's take a look at the essential features that a modern warehouse must have to adapt to consumers' changing shopping habits.

Size Of Building:

Online shopping and the demand for fast delivery have increased the size of e-commerce buildings to one million square feet. Regional centers further from major cities are more likely to require larger buildings. On the other hand, last-mile facilities in urban areas often have smaller dimensions, typically around 200,000 square feet.

Building Form:

Although many configurations and layouts can impact the building's shape, a rectangular design is best for e-commerce distribution centers with depths below 300 feet for single-load designs.

Ceiling Height:

The higher, the better. New centers have 36-foot and 40-foot clearances. However, depending on the equipment used, ceilings can reach 60- to 70 feet tall. Multiple mezzanine decks can be added to higher ceilings, maximizing floor space.

Warehouse Floor:

This standard is an eight-inch reinforced concrete slab finished with traprock hardener, filled saw cuts, and Ashford sealer.

Fire Protection:

Ceiling-mounted ESFR("Early Suppression, Fast Response") sprinklers have become the industry standard in warehouses.

Roofing System:

Common choices include EPDM (rubber/black), TPO (plastic/white), and built-up roofing systems. These options are usually determined by the climate and size of the building.

Warehouse Lighting:

LED lighting is becoming the norm in new construction. This lighting uses 30-foot candles for warehouses and 70-foot candles for offices.

Bay Size:

Now, we are seeing larger bays. It is not possible to set a standard width, but 50-by-40-feet seems to work well.

Truck-Level Doors:

Loading dock doors usually measure nine-by-ten feet, with 27,500-pound-capacity mechanical dock levelers complete with fixed-head door sealers, mechanical truck restraints, and dock lights. It is necessary to have more truck-level doors than the old rule of thumb, one entry per 10,000 sq. feet.

Fiberoptic:

Fiber-optic lines are now standard for connectivity.

Technology:

Automation systems can be found everywhere. These systems include Amazon robots that drive entire racks through warehouses, modern conveyors, and multi-level picking machines. All this automation and the supporting technology require warehouse infrastructure.

People Load: 

Large Amazon distribution centers now employ between 800 and 1,000 people. This means that there are more excellent amenities such as more robust HVAC systems, employee breakrooms, changing rooms, and restroom facilities.

Car Parking:

Because of the high number of employees at these facilities, it is essential to have enough parking.

Trailer Parking:

There is an increasing demand for trailer parking.

Concrete dolly pad:

Concrete pads can be durable and easy to maintain.

Security:

Property security is achieved by fencing, gates, and dock locks.

Modern distribution centers are growing taller, more complex, and higher than ever, thanks to e-commerce. With much of the inventory already pre-leased, developers continue to design and construct suitable spaces for these types. The increasing demand for shipping, logistics, delivery, and returns will drive users to seek out space that is able to handle this growing demand. After optimizing for location, demand and labor pool, and transport costs, users will look to optimize the layouts and buildings.