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Ten Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Warehouse

Ask these ten questions before you sign. Do not work with an operator who avoids answering.

Warehousing and Customs 3 min read

The first question when choosing a warehouse is not price but documentation. Leaving goods at a place whose licence, type and code cannot be verified adds administrative risk to commercial risk.

The ten questions below let you gauge an operator's seriousness in half an hour.

Documents and status

  • 1. Do you hold a warehouse opening and operating licence — may I see it?
  • 2. What is your warehouse type and code?
  • 3. Which customs directorate are you affiliated with?
  • 4. What are the limit and scope of your all-risk insurance policy?
  • 5. Do you have a fire safety report?

Operations

  • 6. How do you keep stock records — can I see them online?
  • 7. How often is stock counted, and is a report issued?
  • 8. How do you share the balance reconciliation on partial withdrawals?
  • 9. Do you carry out handling operations with your own team?
  • 10. Will you give the price itemised?

How to judge the answers

If the first five are not answered by producing documents, end the meeting there. These are official papers that ought to exist already.

For the last five, the "how" is what matters. Look for "we keep them in this way and share them at this frequency", not simply "we keep them".

And see the place for yourself

If the documents are in order, ask to see the facility in person. The stacking layout, the aisle widths, the state of the floor and the general order say a great deal that does not show on paper.

You also learn something about an operator who is reluctant about a visit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About This Page

Which is the most critical question?

The warehouse type and code. If those two cannot be verified, there is no point moving on to the others.

Why is price last?

Because a warehouse with missing documents being cheap is not an advantage — it is risk that has not been priced in.

Is visiting the facility essential?

Not essential, but very useful. Record discipline and stacking order are grasped fastest on site.

How do I verify the warehouse code I am given?

Ask for the code and the supervising customs office in writing, then confirm both with that office or through your own customs broker. A code stated only verbally is not information until it has been checked. If the operator hesitates to share it, the remaining questions on the list become pointless.

How should I ask about insurance while my goods are stored?

Ask in writing, before signing, in whose name the policy is issued, what it covers, and for a copy of the policy itself. "It is insured" is not an answer — scope and limits are written in the policy. If you carry your own cargo insurance, also check whether the two covers overlap.

Should I ask about work outside business hours?

Yes — raise it in the first meeting if your shipping plan depends on a vessel or truck slot. Not every bonded warehouse handles loading outside business hours; where it does, the conditions and the notice required belong in the contract. For movements that need a customs procedure, the customs office's own hours are decisive as well.

Can't find your question here? Warehouse Guide answers instantly on 23 topics — or write to us directly.

Do you need help with this?

Tell us about your cargo or your product requirement and we will talk through how what this article describes applies to your own case.

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