Third Party Warehousing
Need a long term storage and fulfilment partner, not another sales pitch? CTS helps businesses compare vetted contract warehousing providers through a private procurement process that is free to shippers.
- One consistent brief. Every shortlisted provider prices against the same operational requirement.
- Commercial comparisons. Review storage costs, handling charges, SLAs and mobilisation on a like for like basis.
- Independent process. CTS introduces checked providers but does not recommend or endorse any operator.
Find the right contract warehousing partner, with proper checks before you compare
Finding the right 3PL warehouse is about more than available pallet space. You need a contract warehousing provider with the capacity, systems, service levels and commercial terms to support your operation over the long term. CTS helps businesses compare vetted third party warehousing providers through a structured, private procurement process. One detailed brief goes to a carefully matched shortlist, so you can compare proposals without contacting warehousing companies individually.
Whether you need outsourced warehousing and storage for manufacturing, retail or ecommerce, we help define the requirement before it goes to market. This can include pallet storage and distribution, unit storage, ecommerce fulfilment warehousing, temperature controlled operations, returns handling, inventory management and value added services. During procurement, you can compare storage costs per pallet, sample storage and handling SLAs, KPIs and mobilisation plans. We also encourage buyers to consider recognised industry standards such as UK Warehousing Association membership where relevant.
Providers are checked before receiving a brief. Depending on the services offered, CTS verifies operator licence (O licence) status where transport is included, along with financial standing, insurance and relevant accreditations. We introduce checked providers but do not rank, rate or endorse them. Final due diligence, contract negotiation and operational responsibility remain with the shipper and the appointed provider.
Whether you need warehouse and distribution services across the UK, a regional network or a dedicated operation, the process is the same. A clear brief, a matched shortlist and comparable proposals make it easier to select the provider that best fits your operational requirements, budget and service expectations.
What a third party warehousing contract covers
Use this as the checklist for any proposal you receive.
| Area | What the operator provides | What to agree up front |
|---|---|---|
| Contract storage | Dedicated pallet, unit and bulk storage with inventory control | Minimum volumes, contract term and throughput |
| Fulfilment | Pick, pack, dispatch and returns processing | Order cut off times, accuracy targets and KPIs |
| Temperature controlled | Chilled, frozen or controlled ambient storage | Temperature range, monitoring and contingency |
| Distribution | Inbound, outbound and scheduled transport | Delivery profile, service levels and O licence coverage |
| Value added services | Labelling, rework, kitting and packaging | Handling rates, quality standards and reporting |
See what the market offers
One private brief reaches a vetted shortlist of checked UK operators. Free for shippers, no obligation.
What a checked operator brings
The parts of the operation you hand over, and the control you keep.
Compare providers offering long term storage instead of one off overflow space.
Review stock systems, reporting and order accuracy before appointment.
Match warehouse operations with onward transport where required.
Providers are checked before receiving your procurement brief.
Review insurance arrangements as part of supplier assessment.
Compare contracts, KPIs, mobilisation plans and service expectations on a consistent basis.
Keep control of the procurement, reduce the risk of the appointment
A structured procurement gives you a fairer comparison than collecting unrelated quotations. CTS manages the process while the commercial decision remains yours.
- One consistent brief. Every shortlisted provider prices against the same operational requirement.
- Commercial comparisons. Review storage costs, handling charges, SLAs and mobilisation on a like for like basis.
- Independent process. CTS introduces checked providers but does not recommend or endorse any operator.
How it works
One brief. A private shortlist. No obligation at any point.
Share your storage volumes, stock profile, handling requirements, locations and contract objectives.
CTS identifies suitable providers and completes relevant checks before issuing your brief.
Review commercial offers, operational capability, KPIs and implementation plans side by side.
Choose your preferred provider, complete due diligence and move into implementation with agreed service measures.
Common questions
Scope, checks, mobilisation and how the matching works.
What is a 3PL warehouse?
Is CTS independent?
What checks do you carry out on providers?
Can you help with ecommerce fulfilment as well as storage?
Can I compare providers across different UK regions?
How much does the service cost?
Compare checked third party warehousing providers
Tell us about your requirement and we will organise a private procurement with a matched shortlist of checked providers. The service is free to shippers and there is no obligation to appoint a provider.
Run transport? Join the network- Checked UK operators only
- Compare proposals side by side
- No cost, no obligation