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• ​Noncompetitive Pricing: It’s no surprise that it’s less of a hassle to remain with a current 3PL provider than to hire a new partner. However, if you’re current provider isn’t supplying market competitive rates, then it might be time to look for a carrier who will provide both fair rates with competitive service.
• Poor Quality Service: If the service quality has decreased over the course of your partnership, then you should look into companies who are eager to provide exceptional service.
• Internal Changes: As your companies grows, it might also outgrow the capabilities of your carriers, whether that’d be shipment volumes or I.T. demands. Once identified, you should look for partners that can help grow your company and increase competitive advantage.
• Financial Warning Signs: It’s important to periodically check the financial status of your current carrier. A string of quarterly losses can indicate poor financial health for your provider and pose a risk for your company as well.
• I.T. Incapability: Real time reporting of your supply chain is a crucial and cost-saving part of your business. Your carrier should be able to be up to date on your day to day operations almost instantaneously. You can also look into third party I.T. platforms for your current carrier.

 
If you’re in need of a new 3PL partner, 18 Wheels Logistics located in Vancouver, British Columbia might be the right fit for you. We have years of leading expertise in the logistics industry in addition to trucking, warehousing, transportation, distribution, and co-packing.

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​The average consumer does not purchase groceries and think of possible food adulteration. However, economically motivated food fraud is a very real issue that could be detrimental for consumer loyalty and overall health. There are instances where companies will add items to their products to illegally expand the volume of their shipments. It goes beyond additives, food fraud also includes adding dye to manipulate color and substituting ingredients of poorer quality.
 
Many processors have established relationships with trusted vendors to provide quality products. Additionally, there are inspections, certifications, and vendor approval programs to provide credibility. There are also specific tests processors can perform such as:

• Infrared Spectroscopy
• Gas chromatography
• Wet chemistry
• Analysis of specific indicators (smell, color, gravity, and composition)

 
18 Wheels Logistics’ 3PL team is consistently ensuring that all products along the supply chain are properly handled and are of optimal quality. We’re currently based in Vancouver, British Columbia but service all of North America. Our areas of expertise are all things trucking, co-packing, transportation, warehousing, and distribution. 

​The logistics industry is constantly changing with globalization, new technological advances, frequent e-commerce purchases, and much more. The 3PL industry is always in need of skillful and passionate personnel that can rise up to the challenge and succeed in their positions. Below we’ll explore six different tips for those who are interested in a career in 3PL.

• Brush Up Your Resume: A resume is your first impression that you give to employers. In order to maximize the possibility of your getting a specific job, make sure your resume is tailored to that role.  
• Learn relevant material: It’s important to know and understand what’s currently going on in the industry. This includes knowing specific trends, jargon, and market demands.
• Work Hard: It’s very common for logistics companies to promote employees from within. It’s important to show that you’re willing to put in the work at every level in order to learn, grow, and succeed.
• Networking: Networking is crucial to career growth, cultivating professional relationships, and better business overall! You can try connecting and interacting with individuals on LinkedIn or attend various logistic workshops, conferences, and webinars.

 
18 Wheels Logistics is always looking for exceptional talent to join our team! As much as we want our business to thrive, we also want our team members to excel in every position they’re in. Located in Vancouver, British Columbia, 18 Wheels Logistics also handles all things transportation, co-packing, distribution, warehousing, and trucking. If you’re interested in a career in any of those previously mentioned, then reach out to us today! 

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Successful inventory management means that you’re effectively controlling, storing, distributing, and managing your products in quantities that meet market demands. It’s imperative to have the right balance of goods, not too much that it cuts into profits, and not too little where sales can be lost. Below we’ll go over common misconceptions about inventory management:

• Fluctuations in customer purchasing patterns don’t change: Seasonal changes come with expected hikes in demand. However, there are always instances where there’s unexpected demands and it’s important that you’re ready to fulfill that demand when they occur.
• Inventory planning should be independent of other functions: Inventory procedures should be involved and integrated with teams in your company. Successfully integrating your supply chain gives you a holistic view of your inventory demands and supply levels.
• All inventory management providers and solutions are identical: Some functions may appear similar, however each technology offers a different set of intricacies and functions.
• It’s not necessary to have inventory management software: With today’s market, it’s nearly impossible to rely on human tracking, updating, and reporting for your inventory. An updated software technology allows you to have fluid supply chain management and constant real-time reporting.

 
18 Wheels Logistics can be your partner and assist you in every part of your supply chain. We’re well versed in the areas of distribution, trucking, co-packing, warehousing, and transportation of goods. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, 18 Wheels Logistics can help your business excel wherever you’re located. 

As many individuals consider their pets as part of the family, it’s no question that they would be concerned about the quality of their diet. Pet food manufacturers, retailers, and 3PL partners must have confidence in their practices that will protect the integrity of their food at all points of the supply chain. Below we’ll take a look into characteristics pet suppliers to look for in a 3PL partner:

• A yearly and inclusive audit should be done in order to ensure good practices and transparency throughout the pet food journey along the supply chain.
• A well trained staff with extensive knowledge of hygiene and safety protocols across the supply chain.
• Strict adherence to FSEP and HACCP policies.
• Access to climate controlled vehicles and storage units for wet or raw food products.
• Modern technology to effectively monitor, record, and stay up to date on shipments.

Pet food manufacturers and retailers have relied on 18 Wheels Logistics for all their transportation, co-packing, and warehousing needs. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, 18 Wheels can perform optimal distribution and trucking practices to guarantee the integrity of your products. Contact us today! 

Finding the right co-packer is not an easy decision. Comparing your options, looking at specific details, and understanding your needs will help you find the perfect co-packer for you. In order to find the perfect one to fit your needs, and ensure growth and development for your business, continue reading the below for several tips for finding the right co-packer.

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In order to save on transportation and shipping cost, it’s critical to choose your shipping container wisely. This additionally insures that products will get to its end destination in safe condition. Below we’ll take a look into some factors to consider when choosing containers for distribution.

• What size should you get? Shipping containers come in a variety of sizes to help transport different products, however the most common sizes are 10’, 20’, and 40’. The last two sizes are most frequently used for the ease of transportation.
• What cargo is being shipped? It’s important to consider the cargo that is being moved. Certain obvious factors like weight and ease of loading and unloading are important factors to consider. Additionally, perishable items require special refrigerated containers to preserve product integrity. Liquids such as oil and petroleum must also require tanks for shipping.
• What is the cost like? Cost for containers depend on differing factors. The most obvious being size – the larger the container the more likely it’s marketed at a higher price tag. The age and condition of the container is also another factor in determining price. Usually a 20’ container can range from $1,400 to $2,500 while a 40’ container can be priced at $3,500 to $4,500.

 
Our seasoned team at 18 Wheels Logistics can partner with you to make shipping easy. We’re leading experts in 3PL, co-packing, warehousing, and trucking. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia but servicing across North America, 18 Wheels Logistics can help your company make cost effective decisions while optimizing your supply chain to its fullest potential.