​​Storage of any type of chemical is a strongly controlled process. There are various possibilities of danger if proper protocols and handling methods are not present. We’ll take a look into a few prerequisites when choosing a chemical warehouse provider:

• OSHA Compliance: OSHA requirements outline various handling, storage, and record keeping standards that chemical warehouses must comply with.
• Proper Warehouse Construction: Storage areas for sensitive corrosive materials have strict parameters to their construction such as:
  • Concrete ramps at the entrance and inside
  • Ventilation
  • Auto sprinkler system
• Fully trained personnel: To prepare in unfortunate cases of spills, leakage, or explosions, members must have proper certification based on all levels of regulations.
• Hazmat Compliance: Warehouses must be able to provide up to date storage and shipment records on all chemicals.
• Transparency: An exceptional provider will allow for 24/7 transparency and visibility, easily being able to integrate their system with yours.

 
As a reliable provider, 18 Wheels Logistics based in Vancouver, British Columbia, can handle all responsibilities mentioned above. Additionally, we offer warehousing, trucking, and distribution services as well. Contact 18 Wheels Logistics today for your 3PL, transportation, and co-packing services! 

Distribution is a crucial step in the supply chain because it transports goods and services from the manufacturer to the distributor. From there, it’s accessible to the customer. Still, there’s a lot to consider with distribution networks that many small businesses don’t understand. Fortunately, this guide on how to create a distribution strategy will help by setting clear expectations, evaluating all feasible marketing channels, and consulting intermediaries for the most profitable distribution networks.

Clearly defined expectations ensure you remain on track when creating your distribution strategy. You must understand the components that affect this process and then optimize them for your success. To do that, consider the ways your distribution strategy affects the current supply chain of that industry, product, or service. Would yours make a serious dent in the streamlined process if something were to impede on your approach? If so, identify these potential issues and find alternatives. Each step in the distribution network pertains to the overall strategy, from the manufacturing facility to the retailer. Once you’ve defined these expectations, move forward with other steps.

From there, evaluate each channel your distribution strategy affects. Create a spreadsheet with each marketing intermediary along with your plan for selling the product either directly or indirectly. Consider the type of intermediary you wish to consult. Agents and brokers can sell the product for a fee or commission, whereas wholesalers and distributors purchase in bulk and sell to customers via retailers and e-commerce sites. Alternatively, contractors—also called value-added resellers—can purchase products and sell them along with their service. Evaluate each intermediary and the ways they can benefit your success. When researching each type of intermediary, consider the business relationship you’ll establish with them. Ask thorough questions regarding their support as a partner, potential strengths and weaknesses, and markups and upsells with products and services.

The last step in creating a distribution strategy is to narrow down the most profitable distribution channels. Choose the one that generates the best revenue. Whether this is through one distribution channel or multiple, they are meant to offer the highest return on investments. These channels are grouped into any of the following categories: intensive distribution, selective distribution, and exclusive distribution. Intensive distribution refers to many intermediaries whereas selective only uses a few. Both could carry various products from multiple brands. Exclusive is the fewest and ensures intermediaries only carry specific products and not similar ones from competitors.

Of course, when creating your distribution strategy, you must have the best logistics fleet available. Luckily, that’s where we come in. At 18 Wheels Logistics, we offer the best distribution and single-source warehousing, trucking, and co-packing unlike any other. As a Vancouver trucking company, we understand the importance of food, medical, and other essential goods moving from the manufacturer to the retailer and customer. We offer the best experience for small businesses looking to expand their distribution outreach, so call today and we’ll happily assist you.

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​Often times growing companies wonder whether it’s best to manage their transportation through a private fleet or to partner with a provider that can supply dedicated transportation services. We’ll be taking a look into both these options to understand their benefits and capabilities.

A private fleet is when a company is essentially creating its own transportation company to handle all distribution. This means the company will lease its own equipment and hire personnel with the advantages of scalability and control in mind. In contrast, a dedicated trucking service is when a company will hire a 3PL provider to manage all distribution services.

One big downfall of a private fleet is its unforeseen costs. There’s a multitude of investments that must be made in order to have a private fleet such as ELD systems, insurance, equipment leasing/purchasing, maintenance, driver hiring and training, and much more. In contrast, a dedicated fleet has already handled all the variables and will charge a flat rate to cover your unique volume and requirements. Furthermore, a dedicated fleet service contract allows for periodic adjustments or renegotiations to account for volume shifts. This is easier to manage than to undo or increase your private fleet operation if your volume doesn’t match up.

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia, 18 Wheels Logistics can handle all your dedicated trucking needs in addition to co-packing and warehousing. We can help your company acquire the flexibility and reliability in order to grow your business and cultivate success. 

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​Once your company is ready to outsource warehousing operations to a 3PL it’s important to determine what type of warehousing needs you require. This will dictate whether you would move forward with a dedicated or shared warehouse service.

In shared warehousing, your companies’ operations are one of several that use the 3PL’s resources such as the space, employees, systems and equipment. In this type of warehousing, you would pay for the resources that your business requires in addition to the overhead costs that are included in the rate. This type of service is usually ideal for companies whose service and space needs can shift, for those who store less than 5,000 pallets, or those who aren’t ready to fully commit to a dedicated model.

On the other hand, dedicated warehousing, also called contract warehousing, is when you would hire a 3PL to manage your warehousing operations with a facility typically dedicated to your business alone. In this service, almost every facet of the operation can be tailored to fit your specific needs. Dedicated warehousing is best for larger companies with a high volume of activity, require a specific location for ideal distribution, and/or want lower operational costs with an experienced 3PL partner.

​Here at 18 Wheels Logistics, based in Vancouver, British Columbia, we offer both of these services and have a team ready to help you find the right fit for your company. You can rely on us to be the best single source solution for all your transportation, 3PL, trucking, and co-packing needs. 

​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.