In warehouse management, there are universal principles for cargo storage. Adhering to these principles helps streamline warehouse operations, prevent warehouse disorganization, congested pathways, and haphazard cargo placement.

Let’s take a look at these cargo storage principles!

1. Channel-Facing Principle

To facilitate the inbound and outbound movement of goods and enable easy handling within the warehouse, the basic requirement is to store goods with their access sides facing the channels.

2. First-In, First-Out (FIFO) Principle

Goods received earlier should be placed in front of those received later, ensuring that products with earlier production dates are sold first. In inventory management, this principle means that when calculating the cost of outgoing inventory, the unit price of the earliest received inventory is used (i.e., the first inventory to enter the warehouse is the first to be issued).

3. Fixed Cargo Category Principle

Whenever possible, goods of the same category should be stored in the same location. Storing identical or similar goods in a fixed area improves operational and storage efficiency: it helps staff become more familiar with the storage positions of warehouse items, reducing inbound and outbound processing time. Additionally, placing similar goods in adjacent areas is another key method to enhance efficiency.

4. Light-on-Top, Heavy-on-Bottom Principle

Arrange storage positions based on the weight of goods. When assigning storage spaces, heavier items must be placed at the lower levels, while lighter items should be stored on the upper shelves of racking systems. For large items that require manual handling, the optimal storage height should be around waist level for workers. This principle is crucial for improving efficiency and ensuring workplace safety.

5. Easy-Access Principle

Determine storage locations based on the frequency of outbound shipments. Goods with high inbound and outbound frequencies should be stored near warehouse entrances/exits for easy handling; goods with low turnover rates should be placed farther from entrances/exits; and seasonal goods should be stored in locations that align with their seasonal usage patterns.

6. Special Handling Principle

Some goods have irregular shapes that take up excessive space when stored with other standard goods. Therefore, their storage methods must be arranged based on their specific shapes. For example, standardized products should be stored on pallets or racking systems—this shape-based storage approach is essential for optimizing space utilization.

7. Original Condition Preservation Principle

Those responsible for cargo storage must ensure goods are maintained in their original condition as much as possible (i.e., the condition they were in when entering the warehouse) to minimize damage during storage.

8. Safety Principle

Ensuring the safe storage of warehouse goods is of utmost importance. Safety measures cover fire prevention, theft prevention, and pest/rodent control. The following rules must be followed for cargo stacking:

    1.Clearly mark storage locations and pathways;

    2.Do not block pathways or entrances/exits;

    3.Stack materials stably to prevent collapse;

    4.Minimize unnecessary handling of goods;

    5.Do not obstruct the emergency use of fire-fighting equipment;

    6.Do not block electrical switches or first-aid equipment;

    7.Do not stack goods against walls or structural pillars.

    8.Flammable and explosive materials must be stored in isolation.