Primary warehousing services include the following:
1. Consolidation: Warehouse receives and consolidates goods from different production stations and dispatches it to customer on a single transportation shipment.
2. Break the Bulk: Warehouse breaks the bulk received according to the requirements of the client.
3. Stock Piling: The next function of warehousing is the seasonal storage of goods to select business.
Secondary Functions of a Warehouse
1. Protection of goods: A warehouse provides protection to goods from loss or damage due to heat, dust, wind and moisture, etc. It makes special arrangements for different products according to their nature. It cuts down losses due to spoilage and wastage during storage.
2. Risk Bearing: Warehouses take over the risks incidental to storage of goods. Once goods are handed over to the ware housekeeper for storage, the responsibility of, these goods passes on to the ware housekeeper. Thus, the risk of loss or damage to goods in storage is borne by the warehouse keeper. Since it is bound to return the goods in good condition, the warehouse becomes responsible for any loss, theft or damage etc., thus, it takes all precautions to prevent any mishap.
3. Financing: When goods are deposited in any warehouse, the depositor gets a receipt, which acts as a proof about the ** of goods. The ware houses can also issue a document in favour of the owner of the goods, which is called warehouse-keeper’ warrant. This warrant is a document of title and can be transferred by simple endorsement and delivery. So while the goods are in custody of the ware housekeeper, the businessmen can obtain loans from banks and other financial institutions keeping this warrant as security. In some cases, warehouses also give advances of money to the depositors for a short ** keeping their goods as security.
4. Processing: Certain commodities are not consumed in the form they are produced. Processing is required to make them consumable. For example, paddy is polished, timber is seasoned, and fruits are ripened, etc. Sometimes warehouses also undertake these activities on behalf of the owners. 5. Grading and branding: On request warehouses also perform the functions of grading and branding of goods on behalf of the manufacturer, wholesaler or the importer of goods. It also provides facilities for mixing, blending and packaging of goods for the convenience of handling and sale.
