Logistics, as in “shipping and logistics” refers to the organization of shipping from the manufacturer to either where the product will be sold or the even the end user. Reverse logistics refers to everything related to that same product returning from the end user back to the manufacturer or whoever sold the product in the first place or traveling beyond the product’s original final destination, whether it is a customer returning a defective product, unsold merchandise or even preparing products to be repurposed.
However, reverse logistics is a broad and complex subject. Reverse logistics is not just the arrangement of shipping, but also includes things like warehousing and what will be done with returned merchandise, like recycling, refurbishing, remarketing, and sometimes proper disposal.
So, there may be many different reasons for a product to go beyond its original final destination. As examples, customers may return clothes that do not fit, products that do not work or are not satisfactory, or are still under warranty. Leased vehicles that have reached the end of their leases are returned to car dealers. Products at the end of their service life may proceed to recycling or remanufacturing for further use.
Reverse logistics is like supply chain management in the opposite direction. The purpose is to capture or recapture value from products and possible to address environmental concerns as part of good business stewardship.
Logistics companies like ours—18 Wheels Logistics—works with clients in both traditional shipping and logistics models and also reverse logistical models to continue with the life cycle of a given product.
For over 30 years, 18 Wheels Logistics has strived to be the most customer-centric trucking, warehousing, and logistics company around. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 18 Wheels relies on experience and integrity to make customers happy and remain on the cutting edge of shipping and logistics management.
If you have any questions about this article or you would like to talk to us about your shipping needs, please call us at (604) 439-8938.
