Benefits of Warehousing in California

Many businesses look to California for its optimal location and cost-effective solutions to store and move goods.

California is home to many incredible things, including the Golden State Warriors, Silicon Valley, the Movie and TV Business, miles of coastline, and the Beach Boys. One of California's outstanding qualities is its supply chain efficiencies, which make it a great business location. California has a skilled distribution network and all modes of transportation available: air, ocean, rail, and road. Many companies look to California for its optimal location and cost-effective solutions to store and move goods.

1. Close Access to Ports

California contains many harbors and ports, including the Port of Oakland and the Port of Long Beach; 40% of all imports to the United States come through these ports. The Port of Oakland is the top trading port for the United States, totaling an astounding $193.59 billion in trade from January to August of 20192. The Port of Long Beach handles more than 6.7 million container units of goods a year. Having a warehouse near one of these ports will make the movement of goods more efficient, as there is less distance to travel from import to distribution.

2. Easy Access for Asia Imports and Exports

California ports are known for their accessibility to Asian imports and exports. Los Angeles is the nation’s leading customs district for trade with the U.S.’s top trading partners, including China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, and others.

3. Moderate Climate

It’s funny to think that there was nothing better than a snow day when we were kids. Unfortunately, winter weather does not evoke the same nostalgia in the logistics industry. Unexpected interruptions cause mayhem for businesses across the Northeast in wintertime. Due to California's moderate climate, the risk significantly decreases. Overall warehouse productivity increases, and shippers can transport goods with fewer disruptions.

4. Proximity to Urban Hubs in California

California also has many urban hubs, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, giving businesses better access to move their goods nationwide. E-commerce has evolved consumers’ expectations, fueling the trend to move distribution centers closer to urban hubs to cut costs and move goods more efficiently. Location optimization near significant highways provides easy access to transport goods and accessibility for the workforce.