Stockspots, the Airbnb for warehouse capacity, is officially online since today. With 450,000 square metres of warehousing space in more than 60 locations, Stockspots says it is already the largest provider in the Netherlands.
Stockspots.eu brings together supply and demand for warehouse capacity. Many shippers with their own storage would struggle with the issue of whether to rent or build additional warehouse capacity for future demand. As demand fluctuates widely throughout the year, expansion is not attractive for every shipper. Stockspots offers the opportunity to temporarily purchase space and services until the additional capacity needs are more clear. "The shipper only pays for what he uses and has no empty metres in his warehouse for which there is no financial cover," reads a Stockspots press release.
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The founders claim that in the Netherlands, 10 to 20 per cent of cargo is available for handling and temporary storage. By making available warehouse capacity from all suppliers on one platform, anyone with stock can quickly find a suitable solution to warehouse issues. This not only involves surface area, but also additional services such as equipment and personnel. "A shipper specifies how much needs to be stored where and when, Stockspots takes care of the rest," says Stockspots, acting as a point of contact for contracts, issues and administrative handling.
Seasonal peaks
According to co-founder Remko Been, many business cases are up for grabs with Stockspots.eu. "We are already seeing huge potential for wholesalers, for example, to store goods flexibly at any location during seasonal peaks. There is an enthusiastic response from the market and several shippers and service providers have already made space available."
Sustainability
Co-founder Coen de Lange, also sees the sustainability of the warehousing market as growth potential. "By placing stock closer to the customer, you save kilometres. Also, by better utilisation of existing warehousing space, demand for new warehouses in the Netherlands can be reduced so this too is a saving both for the environment and finances." Earlier, the Top Sector Logistics announced its support for this initiative in the context of sustainability through horizontal cooperation.
Kennis Transport, Mepavex, Sanders Fritom, Koopman, Neele Vat, Ewals and Kloosterboer, among others, are already using the platform. By the end of this year, Stockspots.eu aims to have at least 150 warehousing locations connected, both at home and abroad.
Editorial LogistiekProfs
