​It’s no question that all businesses want a quality logistics provider. The real question is if your 3PL provider is on the same page as you when it comes to quality standards. The following are three important factors that produce quality logistics.

• Reliable Retail Compliance: This means that your 3PL can guarantee that the right stock is at the correct place, time, and price in order to allow for efficient distribution and optimal sales. The increasing challenges that accompanies retail compliance make it crucial that companies find a provider that can maneuver these complexities successfully.
• Terrific Customer Service: Sublime customer service is of great importance when considering a 3PL provider. This trait means reliability, expertise, and responsiveness. Having a provider that can adeptly handle your inventory and logistics will give you opportunities to focus on growing your business.
• Solid Partnership Mentality: In order to fully experience excellent logistics quality, it’s crucial to collaborate with a company who partners with you. Your unique business calls for a provider willing to work through unique obstacles that face your company. They should be able to listen carefully to your challenges and help offer solutions that are innovative and cost-efficient.

18 Wheels Logistics, located in Vancouver, British Columbia is a top 3PL provider that can guarantee satisfaction and high quality results all across North America. Not only do we handle logistics, but we can take on the responsibilities of transportation, co-packing, warehousing, and trucking. Reach out today to see how we can help you. 

Warehouse management systems, or WMS, are software specifically designed to optimize warehouse functionality. They can direct, control, plan, organize, and utilize staff and resources in any warehouse location. Whether you want to refine your current warehouse practices or improve upon them, here are some of the advantages of using a warehouse management system you should know.

Inventory management is crucial in warehousing. With a current warehouse management system, you can significantly increase your inventory visibility. Using real-time data, you can manage inventory with barcodes, serial numbers, and radiofrequency identification. This enables you to track products’ movements during transportation. From this traceability, you can manage damaged or tainted goods, faulty batches, and recalls with ease. Another advantage of inventory visibility is just-in-time inventory management. This ensures fast, reliable inventory flow between warehouses and deliveries. Accurate demand forecasting helps generate optimal inventory levels. This technique will reduce safety stock and carrying costs, which can improve revenue and decrease waste

Part of warehousing is keeping inventory secure in one location. Warehouse management systems require employees to use individual accounts for transactions. This can improve accountability with specific employees and their daily transactions. In turn, this reduces theft or inventory misplacement. WMS can also improve accountability with reports and analysis. These systems account for every aspect of warehouse security in their design and functionality.

Another advantage of using a warehouse management system is more efficient labor management. WMS allows you to freely pick, pack, and store items with the right employees. These systems help you choose the ideal candidate based on skill level, task management, and work efficiency. All of this ensures a fast, reliable warehouse operation. With this systematic efficiency, you can gain a better understanding of your employees. Managers can identify any strengths, weaknesses, or necessary improvements in staff, all with the simplicity of WMS services.

Lastly, WMS increases the speed of inbound/outbound inventory, which increases the warehouse’s overall efficiency. Scheduling and storage management tools optimize inbound shipments. You and your supplier can set the best time and date for shipment retrieval based on your current needs. This can also help with outbound transportation. WMS can identify the best routes and zones based on load size, location, and order prioritization. Each of these solidifies liability with your shipments, which strengthens your relationship with suppliers and distributors.
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With that information, be sure to check us out at 18 Wheels Logistics. As a copacker in Vancouver, we understand warehouse management better than anyone else. We offer primary and secondary packaging for warehouse distribution so that you supply clients efficiently and smoothly. Whether it’s solid or liquid goods, our co-packing services work well with any WMS at your warehouse facility.

​Millennials are an ever-growing force in the workplace, taking on crucial roles in virtually every industry. However, many have a differing perspective from preceding generations on the way they regard the workplace and their roles within it.

• Millennials place value on experiences, and would much rather have the option to choose the tasks they take on.
• Increased flexibility and the choice to pursue other experiences outside of work are of high priority.
• The diversity and inclusivity (age, gender, ethnicity) of a company’s workforce are important factors for millennials.
• Millennials have a desire to feel that their work and their companies’ work contributes value to society.
• As opposed to prior generations, millennials may be more content with finding a role they thoroughly enjoy and excelling in that role.
• Millennials appreciate companies who can integrate a higher degree of personalization for employees, helping them advance in their roles and career paths.

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In order to encourage and empower millennials in the warehouse, companies should take these differences into consideration. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, 18 Wheels Logistics has an exceptional team that can handle any role such as: distribution, co-packing, trucking, and much more. As your leading 3PL, warehousing, co-packing, and transportation provider, we place a high regard on the well-being and success of our team members.

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​While there is increased cross-border trade between the U.S. and Canada, there are additional fees and taxes imposed on goods entering Canada. Additionally, before importing goods, a company must guarantee that their shipments comply with CBSA and CRA regulations. The following are 5 important border considerations in order to ship goods from across the border:

• Commercial businesses must obtain a business number before shipping any goods. Business numbers are given by the CRA, free of charge.
• Companies must also identify and provide valid proof of the initial country from which the goods are originally from.
• A company must also verify that the goods imported are legally permitted into Canada. For example, live animals, perishable goods, and mattresses are just some items that are prohibited.
• A majority of shipments entering Canada are subject to federal and provincial taxes. There is a 5% federal GST tax, however, at the provincial level it varies.
• The CBSA also encourages companies to maintain records of imports for up to 6 years of shipment into Canada.   

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As Canada’s leading warehousing, co-packing, trucking, and 3PL specialist, 18 Wheels Logistics can help get your shipments across borders efficiently and with ease. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia with warehouses across North America, we can be contacted for all your transportation and distribution needs. 

In business, one thing is for certain: supply chains are crucial. This refers to the process by which raw materials are sent to a manufacturing facility that utilizes a distribution company to ship finished products or goods to retailers, distributors, or directly to consumers. While each part of the supply chain is important, the distribution and warehouse sectors are among the most essential functions, given their constant demand. With that, any company looking to hire a distribution company to handle their products must read below. These tips for selecting a third-party logistics provider will help you understand the importance of a strong relationship between you and the 3PL provider.

The first step to selecting a good 3PL is to research your options. Look for a company with excellent reviews so that you’re confident in your selection. These should account for communication, service, speed, precision, accuracy, handling, distribution, warehousing, and all other necessary components and services. The company should be able to integrate with your systems to create an optimal business relationship centered on production, accountability, and growth.

The next step is to set clear objectives. Once you have 3PL service providers in mind, communicate your objectives for future development. This relates to an established partnership. While you’ll have to partake in data sharing and clear communication, you’ll see that, with a trusted 3PL provider, your corporate values come first. Granted, each 3PL provider should understand the supply chain necessities to stabilize distribution and warehousing capabilities. More so, these come at a cost of open-field transparency between them and you.

.With that, one tip for selecting a third-party logistics provider is to find one with customizable capabilities. Experienced 3PL services should help you leverage your inventory and ensure quality feedback from their services. They will optimize and build up your current systems to allow for better production standards and reduce inventory carrying costs. Part of this capability stems from continuous improvement. 3PLs that offer exceptional service in their duties along with careful attention to detail assure you the best distribution strategies available.

Lastly, find a 3PL that maintains strong communication throughout the process. It helps if they have omnichannel expertise, meaning they’re experienced not only in their business but in yours as well. This way, the 3PL provider understands proper performance, business, and customer service with both industries. Additionally, if you feel something’s off at any point, reach out and field your complaints. A communicative third-party logistics service listens to your grievances with open ears and adjusts their strategy accordingly.

On that note, for the best third-party warehousing and distribution in Vancouver, check us out at 18 Wheels Logistics. We utilize several facilities across the Vancouver area and Pacific Northwest to supply our customers with the best logistics services around. Whether it’s warehouse storage, cross-dock transportation, or special packaged delivery, we know all the proper procedures for fast, transparent supply chain optimization.

​Storage is a crucial pillar of the food supply chain that can ultimately impact both product quality and customer satisfaction. Warehouses must make extensive efforts to ensure they are up to code for operations. If proper health and sanitation procedures aren’t put in place, it can result in bacterial, fungi, rodent, or pest problems. The following are four principles for proper food grade storage:

· Pest Control: Pest controls substances should be in place at strategic locations around the perimeter. There should also be frequent inspections to check for possible infestations.
· Sanitation Schedule: A regular and well-documented schedule of cleaning sessions should be implemented to ensure that the facility is hygienic and up to code.
· Training Program: Employees should partake in periodic training programs for personal hygiene, food safety, and quality awareness.
· Lot Traceability: Your 3PL provider should keep track of their lot and date codes to ensure that the products are rotated properly.

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia but servicing all of North America, we specialize in everything warehousing, transportation, co-packing, trucking, and distribution. ​Contact 18 Wheels Logistics to hear about our enhanced services and optimal warehousing solutions. 

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​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. 

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​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.