Comparing warehouse quotes in Dubai: pallet racking with a forklift and cold room door

How to Compare Warehouse Quotes in Dubai: The Cheap Rate Can Cost More

By Airlift Logistics team6 November 20264 min read

Airlift Logistics suggests comparing warehouse quotes by total monthly cost at your real stock movement, not by the storage rate. A provider with lower storage and higher handling can win for slow stock and lose for fast stock.

Storage is only half of the quote

A storage rate is easy to compare, so it tends to get all the attention. But is charged every time stock moves. How often your pallets move can decide which quote is cheaper.

Worked example: 100 pallets

Round numbers to show the maths, not real rates
Provider A: storage 30, handling 30
Storage is higherPer pallet per month; per pallet in and out
Provider B: storage 22, handling 50
Storage is lowerPer pallet per month; per pallet in and out
10 pallets move per month
A 3,300 / B 2,700B is cheaper for slow stock
100 pallets move per month
A 6,000 / B 7,200A is cheaper for fast stock

Monthly cost is 100 pallets × storage, plus pallets moved × handling.

Six things to ask before you sign

  • Is storage charged by pallet position, by square metre or by actual use?
  • Is there a minimum monthly charge or contract term?
  • What do and cost?
  • How will you see stock levels? Ask about any .
  • Who insures the goods while stored?
  • Is it a facility, and does it suit your customers?

Estimate your pallets first

Use the pallet calculator with your carton sizes, then send the count and movement forecast to our warehouse and storage company in Dubai team for a like-for-like price.

Quick answers

What is a pallet position in a warehouse?

A pallet position is one space reserved for one pallet. Warehouses often price storage this way, per position per month, and the rate can depend on height and weight. Some providers charge for positions you reserve, whether full or empty, while others charge for actual use. Ask which method applies before you compare any quotes.

  • Tall pallets may take more than one position.
  • Standard pallets vary, so confirm the size.

What should a warehouse quote include in Dubai?

A warehouse quote should show every recurring and one-off charge. Expect storage, handling in and out, any labelling or palletising, picking and packing, insurance terms and minimum commitments. Ask for delivery and customs costs separately if they apply. A clear quote lets you compare total monthly cost at your own expected stock movement.

  • Ask about charges after hours.
  • Confirm notice periods before signing.

Sources: JAFZA, Dubai Airport Freezone. How we check our content.

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Pricing

Warehouse handling in and out

A charge for receiving goods into storage and preparing them for dispatch, separate from the storage rate.

Charged per
Pallet, carton or container
Includes
Unloading, counting, put-away and loading out
Why it matters
High stock movement can make this the larger cost

Also called: Inbound and outbound handling

Warehousing service

Palletisation, shrink-wrapping and labelling

Preparing cargo so it is protected and meets a buyer's or carrier's requirements.

Palletisation
Stacking and securing goods on a pallet
Shrink-wrapping
Film that keeps pallets stable
Labelling
Shipping marks, barcodes, stickering
Pricing

Picking and packing

Selecting individual items from stock and packing them for an order. This is common in e-commerce and retail distribution.

Charged per
Order, line or item
Depends on
Order size and how often stock moves
Ask
Whether packing materials are included

Also called: Pick and pack, order fulfilment

Storage type

3PL and fulfilment

A third-party logistics provider stores your stock and can handle orders, instead of you leasing your own space.

3PL
Third-party logistics
Can include
Picking, packing, labelling and delivery
Ask about
Stock reporting, and whether a warehouse management system (WMS) is used

Also called: Third-party logistics, fulfilment

Storage type

Free zone or mainland warehouse

The right choice depends on whether your goods are for the UAE market or for re-export.

Free zone
Suits re-export, with duty generally not due in the zone
Mainland
Suits selling within the UAE, with duty paid
Common zones
JAFZA, DAFZA, RAKEZ

Also called: JAFZA warehouse