Whichwarehouse speaks to logistics professionals Miniclipper Logistics
Mini Clipper Logistics advises below on how they saw the logistics industry in 2013 and what they foresee for 2014. 
Based in Leighton Buzzard, Mini Clipper are a fantastic family run logistics provider able to assist with supply chain management and logistics requirements. Whichwarehouse are proud to have Mini Clipper as one of their trusted members and have worked with them for a number of years now.
When asked various questions about the types of industries Mini Clipper's enquiries come from they advised that the companies they see looking to store their commercial goods with them are mainly from the Toiletries / Foods / Drinks / Solar / Energy industries and also companies with oversize freight such as machines.
What has Mini Clipper Logistics noticed in the logistics industry recently?
They have noticed an increase in enquiries for MHRA (pharma storage) which they are now moving towards and a decrease in bonded requirements. Oversized pallets which cannot be narrow aisle stored are a challenge, therefore they have a number of non racked warehouses in Leighton Buzzard which are ideal for this type of warehousing.
When asked if they have any new systems in place which they feel has assisted their business they advised that they have MACS warehouse management system which their customers can use to view their stock via their website. They have found this state of the art system brilliant for their business.
The biggest change Mini Clipper saw in 2013 was some local competitors going bust due to poor storage rates. They put this down to rate pressure! They feel that less companies are now inclined to take on leasing a warehouse which the current economic climate and are now looking to outsource their logistics which is great for 3PLs in the UK. Due to this they have seen an increase in enquiries for their logistics business with more companies wanting overflow stock held off site and shunted to their premises for a low cost shunt charge.
Dealing predominantly with manufacturers and importers of European and far eastern manufactured goods, Mini Clipper advised that many are global businesses and they represent their only UK warehouse.
Looking at the way online stores appear to be winning business over High St stores Mini Clipper confirmed that Amazon fulfilment (drop ship) volume has more doubled overall year on year (one example client whose peak was 1000 picks per month, had 1000 picks in ONE DAY this Christmas). Mini Clipper believes as many logistics professionals do that this will be the way forward for the future with more and more businesses placing their shops online and outsourcing their fulfilment services.
Mini Clipper Logistics seem to have had a fantastic 2013 and Whichwarehouse wishes them continued success in 2014.