​

​


For many years now, there have been a multitude of changes that warehouse automation have contributed to the 3PL, co-packing, and trucking industry. This advancement has led to the decrease of some occupations but has also simultaneously led to increased capacity and accuracy.  

An automated warehouse is one where its’ day-to-day procedures are carried out by machines and systems. This method helps make the internal processes straightforward and exact. Conveyor belts, automated storage and retrieval systems, data capturing, bar code scanners/readers, and inventory automation are just some of the processes that are implemented in warehousing to optimize efficiency.

Warehouse automation can offer many benefits to companies such as improved productivity and precision. In addition, it can lower labor costs from reduced employees that are required to carry out warehouse operations. Automation can also utilize space, which yields lower transportation costs due to more tightly packed pallets. This, in turn, would also make distribution more efficient and downscale costs by up to 10%.

​Regardless of the modern advancements through automation, it will not completely remove human jobs. In addition to the difficulty of automating all warehouse processes, there are many tasks that people must do in warehouses that machinery cannot. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, 18 Wheels strives to make our business methods cost-effective and fruitful through responsible automation. 

​














​With the expanding economy, driver shortages, and growth of modern technology, logistic companies have been forced to evolve or fall behind in this rapidly growing industry. The following are just a few examples of the challenges 3PL professionals face.  

Demand for virtually every product is rising. Across the globe, supply chain executives face the obstacles of maximizing shelf life, warehouse capacity, and demand-driven inventory, while simultaneously seeking to uphold efficiency and cost benefits. This ever-growing need requires that companies invest in productive teams, simplified solutions, innovative thinkers, and ongoing training.

In addition to growing demand, consumers service expectations are also constantly rising. People are expecting better delivery experiences, more precise tracking, access to data, and personalization. For customers, cost plays an important role but speed and convenience ultimately determine their experiences.

In recent years, there has also been an increase in driver shortages due to the high and demanding qualifications that are required for hire. Such barriers to entry may include, but are not limited to, age requirements, CDL testing standards, drug and alcohol testing, and clean driving records. This shortage takes a toll on the trucking industry as a whole. Without drivers, the transportation burden grows, current drivers become overworked, and less trucks are hitting the road.

Many companies have adapted to combat the obstacles they’ve come to face. Located in Vancouver, British Columbia, 18 Wheels Logistics is ready to take on the future of logistics with zeal and determination. Contact us for all your warehousing, distribution, or co-packing needs. 

Logistics is the coordination of transporting goods from the manufacturer to the retailer and/or customer. Establishing the right framework for these services requires much planning. Businesses need to find a reliable third-party logistics service (or 3PL) that can establish a formidable logistics relationship. This is especially true for e-commerce businesses. Read on to learn reasons why your e-commerce company should use 3PL.

Third-party logistics companies (3PLs) provide numerous services for businesses. These include supply-chain management, warehousing, order fulfilment, and consolidation. With constant order demands, any of these services benefit e-commerce businesses. After all, if your e-commerce site is a small startup, certain aspects can overwhelm you. You might consider how warehouse storage affects your supply-chain distribution. With just one 3PL company, you don’t need to use separate third parties to store or ship your products. Using these services are a cost-efficient solution to your e-commerce practices.

​Another reason to use a 3PL for your e-commerce company is that it increases efficiency. For certain e-commerce sites, specification is important. Certain fringe products require expert packaging and delivery—both of which a 3PL can provide. This naturally increases the delivery and processing rates for those products. In turn, your sales increase, and you’ll see a hefty boost to your revenue. Additionally, 3PLs provide flexibility and scalability. Even small e-commerce businesses benefit from this service. You can set up your logistic demands, such as delivery or storage, without needing to create your own logistics branch. You’ll save time, money, and resources for your own business instead.

​Also, you won’t need to acquire new technology to increase your profitability. Instead, a 3PL service—like any third-party service—uses the newest, fastest technology for their work. Their service uses the most adept hardware, software, and equipment to ensure fast transport times and quality product care.

Fortunately, we at 18 Wheels specialize in warehouse and distribution services in the Vancouver area for servicing western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. As an experienced 3PL, we understand the importance of proper distribution, cross-docking, and fulfillment for your e-commerce products. Contact us for a warehouse quote, question, or concern, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

​Generational changes bring about shifts in traditional management practices, especially in the 3PL and distribution industry. Over the course of a few decades we can see a slow but prominent move towards a more inclusive and open leadership style. The following are a few practices to help drive team performance and cultivate success in the workplace. 
​

• Value the Matrix: Encourage your team to grow their network of partners and stakeholders. Individuals that gain knowledge about the business become valued partners and can help in times of organizational distress.
• Talk to Your Team: Staying connected is crucial to establish trust within teams, peers, and stakeholders. Communication will facilitate a healthy culture and increase team performance.
• Listen to the Experts: Your team members work hard to learn about the issues and objectives they specialize in. Get their advice and give them the opportunity to shine by letting them lead.
• Welcome Healthy Conflict: It’s our natural tendency to run away or bury arising conflict. However, respectful conflict can help establish trust and encourage teams to be creative in finding solutions. Team members can learn that they can disagree without fear of reprimand and that their opinions are valued.
• Celebrate Success: When things go well – celebrate! Support teams by appreciating their hard work and success.

 
Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, 18 Wheels Logistics implements these principles to be the best warehousing, trucking, and co-packing company. When businesses put forth these efforts, team members will feel valued and feel motivated to contribute to the success of your company. Your success will be their success! 

​In the business world, there are a few main components to success. These include sales, the supply chain, and strong business-client relationships. Specifically, to have a steady supply chain and increase sales, businesses must have a healthy relationship with their logistics providers. However, this is also one of the most ignored parts of the supply chain. To keep your business from failing, read these tips for maintaining a successful third-party logistics relationship. Your products will flow smoothly from the warehouse to the supplier to the customer.

The supply chain is crucial to making sure products transfer from the company to the warehouse to the retailer or customer. One of the most important stages of the supply chain is the delivery. While there are different delivery methods to understand, sometimes these can change depending on if products ship domestically or internationally. When this happens, loads must go through specific transfer services—known as transloading and cross-docking—to ensure they’re transported sufficiently. Still, it’s important to know the difference between transloading and cross-docking to see how each one compares and how they affect transported goods.

​


​A food warehousing provider is much more than a company who provides space for products. The goal and purpose is to be a company that will help protect the integrity and quality of goods in every step of the supply chain. A few core characteristics for optimal food warehousing partners are the following: 

• Temperature requirements: A partner that can provide a wide temperature range, whether that would be ambient, refrigerated, frozen, or a combination, will save you time and money.
  
• Quality and Safety Requirements: An exceptional food warehousing provider will exceed quality and safety standards. Successful providers will have vigorous programs in place that will allow regular internal and external audits. 
• A Flourishing Warehouse Management System: A strong WMS will allow for real time traceability of your goods, wherever they may be in the supply chain. This is especially useful in the event of a recall. 
• Integration with Transportation Services: By combining the two services, companies can save time and money by removing the need to coordinate with multiple trucking vendors for distribution. 
• Exceptional Food Handling Culture: Employees of your provider should have a strong commitment to protect the integrity of all products in all stages.

18 Wheels Logistics can meet and exceed all standards stated above. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, 18 Wheels Logistics can handle the responsibilities mentioned in addition to 3PL services, co-packing, and much more.

For business owners who are putting their efforts into running and growing their company, dealing with the issues of logistics can take up precious time and resources. The increase of globalization, shorter delivery expectations, and competitive diverse product selections all contribute to the growing complications and difficulty surrounding logistics.

​A 3PL partner will alleviate the headaches associated with convoluted logistics problems by ensuring that your projects are completed in a timely and efficient manner. Furthermore, an exceptional 3PL company will put forth the effort to understand your supply chain and customers in order to create an ideal strategy for your company. This strategy includes pin-pointing creative and profitable solutions in the coordination of:

• Special care for fragile or perishable goods
• Packaging that is custom for your products
• Appropriate loading and unloading of items
• Acquiring special permits for heavy or oversized loads
• Short or long term warehouse storage
• Optimal transportation modes and routes for distribution
• Reverse logistics

 
Here in Vancouver, British Columbia, 18 Wheels Logistics can handle all 3PL needs including warehousing, trucking, and co-packing. Let our professional and experienced team create a 3PL strategy to suit the needs of your business. 

​



​

​In today’s current challenging times it’s crucial that businesses have the support and flexibility of their supply chain partners. With changing laws and updates every day, 3PLs are adjusting their practices and re-evaluating their operation strategies. Luckily, many 3PLs are willing to be flexible and make necessary changes for their clients in order to help keep supply chain operations moving forward.

As COVID-19 continues to spread, protocols of local and federal officials are continuously changing. One protocol requires that non-essential workers and companies discontinue working for the time being, while those that are deemed essential are given permission to continue operation. Today’s changing environment can render a new order to be executed, and it’s a 3PL’s job to keep track of these updates and ensure that they’re in compliance with them.

​In order to keep business efficient and running, 3PLs are also implementing safeguard operations in order to deal with the increase in demand. Internal measures and adaptions must be taken in order to keep work environments safe, facilities clean, and supply chain operations moving. Some measures may include:

• Hygiene guides for employees to minimize spreading
• Social distancing measures for employees that are in compliance with legal protocols
• Protocol for visitors in order to reduce the risk of exposure or possible virus spread
• Strict cleaning protocols for all facilities and surfaces  
• Employees to work from home, when possible

 
These measures taken by 3PL providers will protect teams and help keep supply chain operations moving forward. Many 3PLs are showing clients that they’re willing to go above and beyond to ensure the continuity of their clients’ operations.

18 Wheels Warehousing and Trucking in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada is well equipped to handle any supply chain needs during COVID-19. Contact us for all your co-packaging, transportation, and distribution needs. ​