A lot of manufacturers near cities like Chicago are rethinking their warehouse setup. Instead of spreading inventory across the country, they’re pulling things into a more centralized model, and for good reason. If you’re serving customers throughout the Midwest and beyond, having your 3PL warehousing near Indianapolis just makes sense.
We see it all the time at Distributor’s Terminal. When clients move their distribution operations closer to central Indiana, it simplifies everything. Fewer miles. Fewer touchpoints. Fewer headaches.
With major interstates like I-70, I-57, I-65, I-69, and I-74 all within reach, Distributor’s Terminal is positioned to move freight quickly and affordably across a huge portion of the country.
The Real Cost of Extra 3PL Warehousing
One of our customers had been shipping products from our site to a forward distribution center (DC), and then from that DC to their customer. That meant two freight charges, two sets of handling fees, additional storage costs, and an extra set of touches (which is never good). When we took a closer look at the math, we recommended eliminating the stop at the DC to reduce cost, complexity, and inefficiency in their supply chain.
That small change cut out a whole leg of their supply chain. It saved time and money and helped them get product to their customers faster. These are the kinds of logistics wins that manufacturing logistics in Indianapolis can deliver when the setup is right.
Running five or ten separate DCs might sound like a good way to stay close to customers, but it creates a lot of noise. You have to manage separate inventories, track separate shipments, and make sure all your systems are talking to each other. It’s complex, and complexity invites error.
Logistics Strategy That Matches Your Growth
We know that distribution isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some customers are scaling fast. Others require a more custom approach to their warehouse solution. That’s why we don’t run like a cookie-cutter warehouse. We offer custom solutions and strive to give our customers a true boutique experience.
Whether it’s short-term overflow storage, ongoing raw material management, or full-scale shipping support, our team builds around your operation. And being just outside Indianapolis gives us, and you, a lot of reach without a lot of cost.
Thinking Long-Term? Look to the Middle
The trend isn’t slowing down. Manufacturers are trimming the fat in their supply chains. They’re looking for ways to do more with less. That means less freight, less warehousing overhead, and less distance between decisions and delivery.
Choosing centralized 3PL warehousing in Indianapolis is part of that strategy. If your customers are in the Midwest or anywhere within a day’s drive, you’re in a strong spot. And if you’re looking for a partner who understands that and knows how to keep things simple, let’s talk.
