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Off-Site Warehousing: A Comprehensive Guide for Growing Brands

Steve Schlecht
Written by
Steve Schlecht
Published on
September 7, 2024
Updated on
August 8, 2025
Table of Contents

Off-site warehousing is the practice of storing and shipping to a warehouse, typically off site and away from the main facility. At Buske Logistics, we operate a variety of off-site warehouses, such as can storage for Ball Corp, which ships into AB InBev and Molson Coors breweries. Many companies do not have the space to build a new warehouse on-premise, so they will store and shuttle goods to the main facility for production or outbound shipping..

In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of offsite warehousing, how managed warehouse services work, and why food and beverage businesses choose Buske for cost-effective offsite warehousing and logistics built for growth.

What Is a Managed Warehouse or Offsite Warehouse?

A managed warehouse is a facility operated by a third-party logistics (3PL) provider that oversees every aspect of warehouse operations on your behalf, from receiving and storage to order fulfillment and outbound shipping.

When applied to an offsite warehouse, managed services offer end-to-end logistics support without the burden of hiring staff, managing systems, or overseeing day-to-day tasks. Instead, businesses gain access to trained personnel, proven workflows, and integrated technologies that improve accuracy, reduce waste, and optimize output.

Buske’s managed offsite warehouse services are built around operational excellence. From real-time inventory visibility to regulatory compliance and quality control, we give you full confidence in how your offsite storage is run. You get the flexibility of an external facility, without the complexity or cost of managing it yourself.

How a Managed Offsite Warehouse Works

A managed offsite warehouse works by shifting the operational responsibility to an experienced partner who oversees everything from inbound receiving to outbound fulfillment. This means your products are stored off-site, but your team still gets full visibility and control without being tied up in daily warehouse operations.

At Buske, each managed offsite warehouse is equipped with real-time inventory tracking, barcode-driven picking, and trained staff who follow strict protocols for safety, accuracy, and speed. From staging raw materials to fulfilling retail or foodservice orders, our systems are designed to move inventory efficiently and compliantly.

When Should You Use an Offsite Warehouse?

While not every operation needs to expand off-site, the right offsite warehouse can offer serious advantages when:

  • Space: Your on-site facility is running out of room
  • Flexibility: You’re scaling fast and need flexible storage without building infrastructure
  • Sensitive products: Your inventory includes temperature-sensitive, regulated, or food-grade goods
  • Seasonality: You face seasonal surges or frequent promotions

An offsite warehouse gives you breathing room, physically and operationally, so you can maintain quality, avoid downtime, and adapt to demand without a major capital investment.

What Can Be Stored in an Offsite Warehouse?

Offsite warehouses are ideal for handling a wide range of inventory types, especially those that require space, staging, or specialized conditions. This includes:

  • Bulk products like cans, packaging, or raw ingredients
  • Perishable or temperature-sensitive goods
  • Seasonal or promotional overflow inventory
  • Retail-ready finished goods waiting for release
  • Slow-moving SKUs or B-grade stock that doesn’t need prime space

With the right layout and systems, an offsite warehouse can be configured to handle both high-velocity shipping and long-term storage, making it a powerful extension of your supply chain.

FAQs About Offsite Warehousing

What is a managed warehouse or offsite warehouse?
A managed offsite warehouse is a remote facility operated by a third-party logistics provider to help companies store and distribute products without managing the day-to-day operations themselves. This setup offers flexibility, cost-efficiency, and access to scalable infrastructure without the burden of owning or staffing your own warehouse.

How is an offsite warehouse different from an on-site or company-owned facility?
Unlike on-site warehouses that are typically managed internally, an offsite warehouse is located away from your business premises and is often managed by logistics experts like Buske to handle inventory overflow, seasonal spikes, or specialized storage needs. This model allows companies to expand operations without long-term capital investment.

Can an offsite warehouse handle food-grade or temperature-sensitive products?
Yes, a well-managed offsite warehouse is designed to meet food safety and regulatory standards for storing perishables, frozen goods, and temperature-sensitive items. Providers like Buske offer climate-controlled environments, HACCP-compliant handling, and FDA-aligned practices to preserve product quality.

Are offsite warehouses suitable for high-volume fulfillment and frequent shipping?
Offsite warehouse management services are built to support both bulk storage and rapid order fulfillment, making them ideal for brands with fluctuating shipping volumes. With integrated WMS, streamlined pick-and-pack workflows, and strategically located facilities, Buske ensures efficient throughput from dock to doorstep.

What should I look for in an offsite warehouse provider?
Look for a provider with proven experience in your industry, strong compliance protocols, real-time inventory visibility, and the ability to scale alongside your growth. Buske Logistics delivers all of these through tailored offsite warehouse solutions backed by decades of operational expertise.

Can I use more than one offsite warehouse if I ship to different regions?
Yes. Buske operates a network of offsite warehouse facilities across North America, allowing you to stage inventory closer to your end customers. This shortens delivery times and reduces transportation costs.

How does billing work for a managed offsite warehouse?
Most clients are billed based on storage volume, services used (like palletizing or labeling), and outbound activity. This usage-based model makes offsite warehousing more cost-efficient than leasing a dedicated space.

Can my offsite warehouse integrate with my ERP or inventory system?
Yes. Buske’s offsite warehouse solutions are powered by modern WMS platforms that can be integrated into your existing tech stack, giving you real-time data visibility and operational control.

Why Offsite Warehousing with Managed Services Is a Smart Move

In the food and beverage industry, staying competitive means being able to adapt quickly, meet strict compliance standards, and control costs without cutting corners. A managed offsite warehouse solution gives you the flexibility and operational support to do exactly that, without overextending your internal resources.

Whether you’re scaling up for peak demand, navigating strict food safety standards, or simply need more room to grow, Buske’s offsite storage solutions for businesses are built to adapt. With decades of experience, advanced systems, and locations across North America, we help you unlock the full benefits of offsite warehousing, without the complexity of managing it all yourself.

Ready to optimize your logistics?
Contact Buske Logistics today to explore our cost-effective, scalable offsite warehouse options tailored to the food and beverage industry.

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