Warehousing involves storing of goods in a scientific and organised manner to maintain their value and quality for a longer period of time. The place where goods are stored is known as a warehouse. Warehouses not only provide storage services but also logistical services by providing the right place for the right quantity at the right time and at the right cost.
Warehouses can be classified into the following categories:
i. Private warehouses - These warehouses are owned, operated and managed by companies for the storage of their goods. The facilities provided by such warehouses are customised and based on the type of product being stored.
ii. Duty paid warehouses - These warehouses are usually used by the importers as and when they face problem with the transportation of goods. They provide various services like protection of goods, re-packaging, etc.
iii. Bonded warehouses - These are government-licensed warehouses. They are used to store imported goods till the custom duties are paid. Such warehouses are generally used by importers and exporters and are often located at areas near ports.
iv. Government warehouses - These warehouses are owned and managed by the government with the help of public sector enterprises. Some agencies maintaining government warehouses are Central Warehousing Corporation of India and Food Corporation of India.
v. Co-operative warehouses - These warehouses are owned and operated by co-operative societies for storing goods belonging to their members. They provide warehousing facilities at cheap rates and are often located in rural areas
