12 | Warehousing expansion drives rapid growth Direct Logistics T T Karen Phelps “We combine storage, product handling, transport and technology to provide tailored supply chain solutions.” REGIONAL Proudly supporting New & Used Pallet Racking Systems | Compliance & Consents Repairs & Maintenance | Dismantles & Buy Back of Used Racking www.aucklandracking.co.nz info@aucklandracking.co.nz Rapid growth in warehousing is helping Christchurch-based Direct Logistics strengthen its position as one of New Zealand’s agile third-party logistics (3PL) providers. Now approaching its fifth year of operation, the company manages six warehouses in Christchurch and has recently expanded its Auckland presence by moving into a larger facility. It employs more than 100 people, reflecting the pace of growth since it was established in December 2021. Managing Director Nathan Scott says the expansion is “an exciting achievement” for a business that began with just one warehouse, four staff and a single metro truck. “We are your experts in 3PL warehousing and metro freight,” says Nathan. “We combine storage, product handling, transport and technology to provide tailored supply chain solutions.” Direct Logistics works across a range of sectors, including FMCG, e-commerce, retail, healthcare, manufacturing and construction. Its construction operations can include direct delivery to building sites using crane trucks and additional labour for manual unloading. Its services include picking and packing, product customisation, freight and courier distribution, container transport and dedicated fleet services. Its own trucks and carrier partnerships connect its facilities with business and consumer customers, and integrated systems provide visibility over the storage and movement of goods. The total space across seven warehouses is 42,000sqm with pallet capacity for 66,000 pallets of which 33,000 is racked capacity. Nathan says that Direct Logistics has warehousing space available for both pallet-racked and bulk storage, with the flexibility to accommodate customers requiring additional capacity, including seasonal overflow during peak periods. It offers specialised capabilities for whiteware and other cartonised products and also has a risk management programme in place for export dairy products, adding another specialised capability to its warehousing operation. “We have invested in specialist equipment to meet our customers’ demands. For example, our forklifts can be fitted with a carton clamp attachment designed to handle appliances and other cartonised goods safely,” says Nathan. The company’s ability to handle different types of products is a key part of its approach and includes palletised goods, food, beverage, dairy products, whiteware, electronics, e-commerce products, building materials and other non-standard goods requiring specialised handling. Direct Logistics has also placed strong emphasis on technology, streamlined processes and an adaptable approach, allowing it to respond quickly as customers’ supply chain requirements change. That willingness to take on more complex logistics requirements has been central to Direct Logistics’ development. Its founders brought extensive industry experience to the business, with Nathan having 20 years’ experience in logistics management, including as general manager of warehousing for one of New Zealand’s largest third-party warehousing providers. Nathan says the company’s success can be attributed to its focus on a great team culture, customer-focused approach and ability to provide comprehensive logistics solutions. “We are a service industry, and if you can’t provide that service, it’s hard to keep customers. We pride ourselves on going that extra mile.” As demand continues to grow, he says the company is positioning its expanding warehouse network and broader logistics capabilities to support businesses looking for reliable storage, handling and transport without unnecessary complexity. “We are an experienced, dynamic team that offers tailor-made innovative solutions to any logistics problems our customers might face. Our goal is to provide the best service possible at the best cost.” Managing director Nathan Scott - Direct Logistics works across a range of sectors, including FMCG, e-commerce, retail, healthcare, manufacturing and construction.
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