The global rise of e-commerce has created a demand for industrial and commercial property close to urban areas and logistics hubs. Focusing more on the ‘last mile’ enables faster delivery and helps lead to happier customers. This has certainly put a spotlight on warehouses in prized urban spots. However, there is also a great deal of opportunity to be unlocked with Industrial Outdoor Storage, or ‘IOS’.
Outdoor storage land has a great deal to offer logistics organisations, providing secure parking for vans along with storage for shipping containers, stock, and equipment. They will often be turned into logistics, storage, or depot yards as part of a larger operation. Even so, IOS only makes up a relatively small proportion of the commercial property market, with many businesses overlooking what it has to offer.
In this article, we explore IOS and how it can help transform your operations.
What is IOS?
Industrial Outdoor Storage (IOS) is industrial-zoned land that is dedicated to storage use. It can be a simple, fully uncovered outside storage yard or may feature covered areas or indoor facilities (typically covering less than 20% of the total land area).
IOS can be categorized as:
- Small ultra-urban sites of less than two acres
- Large urban sites of three to seven acres
- Larger non-urban sites
These facilities are used for storing items like vehicles, machinery and equipment, shipping containers, building materials, and other weather-resistant loads for which covered warehouse space is not suitable, available or needed. While the premise is often basic, these spaces are extremely useful for a wide range of industries, including agriculture, construction, transportation, and logistics.
IOS has soared in popularity in recent years. The growth of e-commerce has led to demand for same or next-day shipping, which in turn creates a need for storage facilities and safe places to park fleets of delivery vehicles. Additionally, potential supply chain disruption and upheaval at ports have led companies to seek out flexible and reliable space that can adapt to seasonal trends. In these cases, IOS can provide a valuable complement to warehouse space.
A cost-effective foothold
The greatest appeal of IOS is its cost-effectiveness. With no buildings to maintain, IOS occupants can enjoy attractive rents, along with minimal maintenance and utility costs. This adds up to affordable access to premium locations close to customers and industrial sites. Without the energy demand or materials footprint of a structure, outdoor storage areas can also benefit organisations that are mindful of their environmental impact.
The potential savings are not just for larger logistics companies. For smaller companies and startups, it offers affordable proximity to attractive urban markets. Indeed, providers like Mileway offer IOS to suit various budgets.
It’s also worth noting how valuable IOS land can be for companies that rely on fleets. Outdoor storage is often used for truck and lorry parking, helping companies avoid having to pay for parking space rent on a regular basis.
How can open industrial storage be used?
IOS land offers a range of possibilities for logistics-driven businesses.
- Seasonal storage: It can accommodate e-commerce inventory overflow from seasonal fluctuations or provide temporary outside storage space when another facility is out of use. Keep in mind that IOS conditions can vary – some are simple, gravelled outdoor yards unsuited for certain items, while others are multi-acre lots with high-quality concrete surfacing.
- Upscaling: IOS space makes a valuable addition to warehouses or other indoor facilities. This can be particularly valuable in last-mile locations where customer proximity drives competitiveness.
- Security: IOS yards often offer features like security lighting, secure perimeter fencing, CCTV, controlled access, or gatehouses to help protect valuable goods, vehicles, and equipment.
- Electrification: Some facilities can accommodate charging for electric vehicles, helping businesses operate more sustainably.
Renting industrial outdoor storage
Are you interested in industrial outdoor storage in your region? To meet the needs of our customers, Mileway has rapidly expanded its portfolio of IOS properties. We offer units both as standalone rentals and in combination with warehouses or other industrial spaces.
To find out more, contact Mileway and a member of our team will be happy to discuss your needs.
FAQs
What is open storage?
‘Open storage’ is commercial or industrial land used for a variety of purposes, such as:
- Product and equipment storage
- Off-site truck or lorry parking
- Meeting evolving or seasonal storage needs
Open-space areas with no buildings to manage also help businesses meet storage needs with a lower environmental footprint.
What is a laydown area?
A laydown area is a temporary storage space on or near to construction sites. They are usually used for equipment, tools, and vehicles.
What is a container yard?
A container yard is an area of land used to store, organise, and transfer shipping containers. They can usually be found in and around major ports and may feature specialised loading equipment, such as cranes.
Can I use industrial outdoor storage for commercial parking?
Yes, industrial outdoor storage can be used to park commercial or industrial vehicles. This can include vans and lorries, as well as heavy goods vehicles or large equipment.
Certain IOS sites may also offer electric vehicle charging. This is a major perk for companies considering fleet electrification.
