How to find 50k sq. ft. of overflow space in DFW.

Your inventory just outpaced your warehouse. Maybe it's a seasonal surge, a new product launch, or a supplier delivering earlier than expected. Whatever the reason, you need 50,000 square feet of overflow warehouse space in the Dallas-Fort Worth market — and you need it without signing a five-year lease.

The good news: DFW is one of the best markets in the country for exactly this situation. With over 900 million square feet of industrial space in the Metroplex and a dense network of third-party logistics (3PL) providers, flexible overflow storage is available — if you know how to find it and what to ask for.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know to find the right space fast.

Why DFW Is a Strong Market for Overflow Warehousing

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is one of the top logistics hubs in the United States for good reason. It sits at the geographic center of the country, offers outstanding highway infrastructure (I-35, I-20, I-30, and I-45), and has two major airports — DFW International and Dallas Love Field — as well as access to Union Pacific and BNSF rail lines.

For shippers seeking overflow space, DFW's industrial market offers a few key advantages:

• Scale: The Metroplex has one of the largest industrial bases in the country, giving you more options and more competition among providers (which keeps pricing in check).
• Established 3PL ecosystem: Dozens of multi-client 3PL warehouses operate throughout the market, many of which specifically offer short-term and overflow arrangements.
• No state income tax: Texas's business-friendly environment keeps operating costs lower than coastal alternatives.
• Central distribution reach: A DFW-based warehouse can reach a significant portion of the U.S. population with 2-day ground shipping.

Overflow Storage vs. Signing a Lease: Know the Difference

When most people think "I need warehouse space," they think about leasing a building. But for overflow needs — especially if it's temporary, seasonal, or unpredictable in duration — a direct lease is almost never the right solution.

Here's why: a 50,000 sq. ft. industrial lease in DFW typically comes with a minimum term of 3-5 years, a personal guarantee, TICAM charges, and high upfront costs. By the time you've negotiated, signed, and built out a space, months have passed, and your overflow window may have closed.

Multi-client 3PL warehouses solve this problem. These facilities share space across multiple customers, which lets them offer:

• Month-to-month or short-term arrangements (sometimes as short as 30 days)
• Flexible pricing based on actual pallet positions or square footage used
• Immediate availability — move-in within days, not months
• Built-in labor, dock equipment, and WMS technology

For 50,000 sq. ft. of overflow needs, you're looking at roughly 2,500-3,000 pallet positions. Most mid-sized DFW 3PLs can accommodate this without blinking.

Where to Look for Overflow Space in the DFW Market

DFW's industrial market is geographically spread across several submarkets. Where you should look depends on what you're shipping and where it's going.

South Dallas / I-45 Corridor

This submarket has seen massive warehouse development in recent years. It's well-suited for distributors serving South Texas and national networks. Facilities here tend to be newer and larger, often with Class-A specs. If you need volume and modern infrastructure, start here.

Great Southwest / Arlington

Positioned between Dallas and Fort Worth, the Great Southwest Industrial District is one of the most established logistics corridors in the market. It offers excellent access to both I-20 and I-30, and it has a high concentration of 3PL operators. This is often the first place to check for available overflow space.

Haslet / Alliance (North Fort Worth)

The Alliance corridor is anchored by Fort Worth Alliance Airport and is a major hub for e-commerce and retail distribution. If your overflow involves inbound freight from ports or outbound parcel fulfillment, the Alliance area deserves a close look.

Mesquite / Balch Springs (East Dallas)

Often overlooked, East Dallas submarkets offer more competitive pricing than the core DFW logistics corridors and strong access to I-20 and I-30 for eastbound distribution.

What to Ask a 3PL Before Committing to Overflow Space

Not all 3PLs are well set up to handle overflow accounts. Some specialize in it; others take on overflow clients as an afterthought and deliver poor service. Before you commit, get clear answers to these questions:

• What is your minimum commitment? Some 3PLs require 90 days minimum; others will do 30. Know this upfront.
• How is space priced? Pallet positions, square footage, or a hybrid? Pallet pricing is usually cleaner for overflow.
• What is the receiving/labor rate? Storage is just one cost — receiving, put-away, and outbound handling add up quickly. Get all-in pricing.
• Do you have available capacity right now? Don't assume. Ask specifically for their current occupancy and when they can take your freight.
• What WMS do you use? Can you get real-time inventory visibility? This matters more than most people realize once you're operation.
• What are your dock hours and appointment windows? If your carriers deliver at 5:00 a.m., make sure they can receive.

What Does 50,000 Sq Ft of Overflow Space Cost in DFW?

Pricing varies based on product type, handling requirements, and contract length, but here are realistic benchmarks for multi-client 3PL overflow space in the DFW market:

• Pallet storage: $12–$20 per pallet position per month for standard floor-stacked or racked storage
• Receiving: $3–$6 per pallet received (includes unloading and put-away)
• Outbound handling: $4–$8 per pallet out, depending on complexity
• Monthly minimum: Many DFW 3PLs have minimums of $3,000–$8,000/month for overflow accounts

For 50,000 sq. ft. (roughly 2,500 pallet positions at standard density), you're likely looking at $30,000–$50,000/month in all-in costs depending on throughput volume. That sounds like a lot until you compare it to the cost of a direct lease with TICAM, security deposit, and a 3-year commitment.

The Fastest Way to Find Overflow Space in DFW

Speed matters when you're dealing with overflow. Every week your freight is sitting in the wrong place costs you money. Here are your best options for finding space quickly:

• Use a 3PL matchmaking service: Services like Find3PLs let you describe your needs and get matched to pre-vetted DFW providers. This saves you hours of cold-calling and helps you avoid unqualified operators.
• Reach out to 3PLs directly and be specific: Don't send a generic RFQ. Call and say: 'I need approximately 2,500 pallet positions of overflow storage starting in [X weeks], likely for [X months]. Do you have capacity?' You'll get answers in minutes, not days.
• Talk to your existing 3PL network: If you already work with a 3PL, ask if they have overflow capacity or know a trusted partner who does. Warm referrals move faster than cold outreach.
• Consider industrial brokers for longer needs: If your overflow window is 12+ months, it may be worth having an industrial broker explore short-term sublease options in DFW. Subleases can be a cost-effective middle ground between a 3PL and a direct lease.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

The urgency of overflow situations can cause shippers to move too fast and end up with the wrong partner. Watch out for:

• Vague pricing. If a 3PL can't give you a clear rate card, that's a warning sign. You'll get surprised on the first invoice.
• No real-time inventory visibility. In 2026, there's no excuse for not offering WMS access. If they're running on spreadsheets, walk away.
• Overpromising on capacity. Ask to see the facility or get a photo of current inventory levels. Some providers will take your freight and then scramble to find room.
• No references. Any reputable DFW 3PL should be able to provide 2-3 references from current overflow clients.

Ready to Find Your DFW Overflow Solution?

Finding the right 3PL for overflow storage in DFW doesn't have to be a full-time job. Find3PLs matches shippers with pre-vetted warehouse and 3PL providers across the Dallas-Fort Worth market — so you can describe your needs once and get connected to qualified options fast.

Whether you need 30 days or 18 months of overflow space, we'll help you find a 3PL that fits your timeline, product type, and budget. Get matched today!