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Definition of number and scale of logistics bases in logistics facility planning

Companies are re-engineering their supply chains toLogistics facility planningWhen planning a warehouse, the base strategy of ``where and how big to set up a warehouse'' is the lifeblood of management.Currently functioning as a full-fledged "logistics center/delivery center" throughout Japan.Number of logistics basesteeth,Approximately 25,000 to 30,000 locationsIt is estimated that there are (this is equivalent to approximately 24,000 to slightly more post offices nationwide).

In this chapter, we will discuss the components that make up this huge infrastructure network.Number of logistics basesEstimate the breakdown of each facility andlarge centerMedium-sized distribution centersmall scale distribution centerWe will classify the facilities into three scales and provide an in-depth explanation of the role of each facility and the legal and cost dynamics behind its development.

1. Number and role of logistics bases by size (estimate)

Logistics facility planningOn-site, the area required varies greatly depending on the products being handled and the size of the delivery area.The following is an estimate for Japan.Number of logistics basesThis is the breakdown.

Large-scale center (floor area of ​​10,000 m2 or more / approximately 3,000 tsubo or more)

  • Estimated number of logistics bases: Approximately 3,000 buildings
  • Features and roles:

    "Multi-tenant type (huge rental facilities housing multiple companies)" that have been rapidly increasing around expressway interchanges (ICs) in recent years, and huge hub centers (fulfillment centers) for major e-commerce sites, etc.large centerApplies to.It functions as the "heart" for centrally storing millions of items of inventory in a wide area network and transporting them to regional hubs.This facility offers overwhelming economies of scale through the introduction of automated equipment.

Medium-sized distribution center (floor area 1,000 m2 to less than 10,000 m2 / approximately 300 tsubo to less than 3,000 tsubo)

  • Estimated number of logistics bases: Approximately 27,000 buildings
  • Features and roles:

    These include truck terminals that serve mid-region areas such as prefectures and multiple municipalities, delivery centers exclusively for daily deliveries to supermarkets and convenience stores, and warehouses exclusively used by manufacturers and wholesalers.It is the most widespread and mainstay of Japan's logistics network, and is the mainstay of Japan's logistics network.Number of logistics basesThis accounts for the majority ofMedium-sized distribution centeris.

Small-scale distribution center (floor area 500 m2 to less than 1,000 m2 / approximately 150 tsubo to less than 300 tsubo)

  • Estimated number of logistics bases: Approximately 30,000 buildings(*A total of approximately 60,000 buildings over 500㎡ nationwide)
  • Features and roles:

    Regional sales offices (last mile delivery bases) of delivery services such as Yamato Transport and Sagawa Express, and small cargo handling facilities (depots) in urban areas where land prices are high.small scale distribution centerIncluded inIt does not have a bulk storage function, and is designed primarily for quick "cross-docking" from large trucks to small delivery vans.

📌 [Supplement] The total number of warehouses and the strict reality of "commercial warehouses"

Including tractor sheds for agricultural work and narrow backyards of retail stores, there are hundreds of thousands of warehouses in Japan, but the number of "distribution centers" that are essentially responsible for inter-company logistics is limited to approximately 30,000 buildings with an area of ​​1,000 square meters or more.

Furthermore, if you are conducting a business in which you receive storage fees by storing luggage from other companies rather than owning your own luggage, we recommend that you use a registration system that meets the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's strict facility standards (earthquake resistance, crime prevention, fire prevention, etc.)."Business warehouse"Must be.According to the statistics for 2020, the actual situation is very limited as shown below.

・Regular warehouse operating companies: Approximately 5,600 companies / Refrigerated warehouse operating companies: Approximately 1,260 companies
・Estimated number of commercial warehouses:Only about 10,000 to 12,000 buildings nationwide

2. Strict definition of each size in logistics real estate

Logistics facility planningIn consulting, the following classifications are generally used based on "total floor area."

Large scale center (mega logistics facility)

  • Definition:Total floor area10,000㎡ (approximately 3,000 tsubo) or morefacilities
  • Features:Most of the properties are multi-tenant properties with multiple shippers, developed by foreign capital and major developers such as Prologis and GLP.Recent super-large facilities are equipped with rampways (roadways that allow trucks to go directly to the upper floors) and have a total floor area of ​​over 100,000 square meters (approximately 30,000 tsubo).large centeris not uncommon.It will be equipped with the latest seismic isolation structure and amenities through large-scale investment.

Medium-sized distribution center

  • Definition:Total floor area1,000 m2 to less than 10,000 m2 (approximately 300 tsubo to less than 3,000 tsubo)facilities
  • Features:This includes the ``BTS (Build to Suit) type,'' where a specific company designs and rents a building specifically to suit its own strategy.In practice, it is easiest for medium-sized companies to get involved, and there is high demand in the real estate market.Medium-sized distribution centeris.

small scale distribution center

  • Definition:Total floor area500 m2 to less than 1,000 m2 (approx. 150 tsubo to less than 300 tsubo)facilities
  • Features:This is an urban depot that aims to serve as a last-mile base for home delivery services and same-day delivery to urban areas.Logistics facility planningIn order to accommodate the soaring rents in urban areas while prioritizing the maximization of delivery speed,small scale distribution centerIt becomes.
💡 [Practical memo] Regarding unique definitions based on industry reports
Major logistics real estate research companies such as CBRE and CRE sometimes set their own thresholds, such as strictly defining "large logistics facilities" as "over 10,000 tsubo (approximately 33,000 m2)" in order to conduct more rigorous market analysis.When reading a report, it is important to check the underlying area definition.

3. Why are there so many large logistics facilities with 4 to 5 floors?

New construction near expressway interchange in suburbslarge centerHowever, there is a reason why they are all ``square, 4- to 5-story buildings.''Behind this uniform appearance,Logistics facility planningThere are strong construction-related laws and regulations that restrict construction, and extremely rational calculations based on the developer's investment efficiency.

📌 Final conclusion

As a result of solving the puzzle of ``maximizing profits by avoiding the legal height limit of 31m and reducing costs, maintaining high ceilings (5.5m), and maximizing profits by exactly meeting the allowable floor area ratio (200%) allowed for the land'', we found the current optimal solution to be the most rational."A perfect square facility with 4 to 5 floors"is here to stay.