As e-commerce skyrockets and even contends with traditional retail sales, no doubt, the logistics companies are in high demand now more than ever. Even in the recent pandemic, this sector shows no signs of slowing down one bit. Online shoppers across the globe can place orders and have them delivered to their respective locations in a short time. In the same vein, more warehouses, processing outlets, and fulfillment centers spring up now and then as most of them provide sophisticated services to cater to complex shipping demands.
As a result, logistics personnel have to keep up with upcoming technologies and the ever-growing demand associated with shipping. They have to work with several automated machines to increase work efficiency and customers satisfaction. This element is what differentiates a successful logistics company from the rest. Consequently, a shipper has to consider this factor as well when searching for a firm that provides shipping services. Interestingly, this comprehensive guide contains everything there is to know about this field.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Roles of a Logistics Company
To an average individual, logistics companies handle the shipping of products from one location to another. But there is more to this school of thought. These firms perform several supply chain functions. What does this mean? They strategize, execute, and manage the inflow and outflow of goods, services, and information, along with their storage. This supply chain encompasses the point of production and consumption. Hence, such companies come into play from the moment a manufacturer launches a product to when a customer receives it.
A small-scale or mid-size business may not have the robust platform required to transport its products or services to recipients across great distances. As a result, such a firm has to request for a third-party delivery service, preferably from a reputable logistics companies. Even for individuals who need to move large or bulky items from one location to another, this aspect is essential. Such professional firms provide a comprehensive in-house operation that revolves around inventory, transportation, inventory, material handling, disposal, storage, warehousing, and even packaging.
Selecting Ideal Logistics Companies in Canada
For manufacturers who do not have the technicalities or platform to ship products to customers in faraway locations or those whose goods do not exceed the standard delivery provision, they can opt for a robust logistics company’s service. But how can one tell that a firm meets this requirement? Here are some factors worth considering, especially when dealing with a Canadian logistics firm:
Logistics Capacities
How does a logistics company meet the shipping needs of a manufacturer? This question is what determines whether a manufacturing company would need such a firm’s services. Not all logistics providers have the resources and technicalities required to meet every shipper’s requirements. Some of them may have the capacity to cater to short-term needs, but not long-term business demands.
For a manufacturer that intends to stay in business for a long time, it is essential to consider a logistics company that meets both short and long-term shipping demands. Switching from one logistics provider to another, now and then, can affect business consistency. To an extent, such a company can have negative customer ratings and even generate losses due to product or service delivery delays.
In breaking down this aspect, one must consider the following:
- How timely does such a logistic firm ship goods and services?
- Do they provide insurance on products?
- What additional services do they offer that is beneficial to one’s business?
- Are their services sustainable? In other words, can they continue in the same vein for a long time? If yes, how long?
Effective Customer Service
As the business world evolves, many logistics company focus on providing optimum customer satisfaction. However, this element revolves around the value of service offered. In the same accord, these firms take into account responsiveness, communication, solution provision. In breaking these elements further, factors like customer complaint resolution, shipping updates, customer feedback come into play. A reputable logistics company ensure optimum satisfaction for shippers, regardless of the goods or services involved – and not once, but repeatedly.
All these aspects taken into consideration determines how long a manufacturer is willing to work with a logistics company. But that is not all; there is more to come.
Proven Safety Record
Once is not enough. A reputable logistics company should have a long-term track record of safe product delivery to customers within and outside a geographical location. In actuality, it becomes a question of, “How safe can XYZ logistics company deliver this particular product to a recipient?”
In another scene, safety regulations are evolving daily. Hence, a logistics company should keep itself abreast of such changes to ensure that shippers get optimum services. Individuals who intend to move their products from one location to another should review logistics providers’ ratings and testimonials from trusted sources.
Business Stability
Depending on the complexity of the shipper’s supply chain, a logistics company can put together the resources and technicalities needed to transport the individual’s or manufacturer’s products or services. However, in selecting such a provider, one has to look into the company’s stability, including its years of operation. Also, can the service provider withstand a high-impact event? This question and more are worth asking. But to make it simpler, the shipper should consider the firm’s robustness.
Reputation
Reputation counts when selecting a logistics company of choice. What are people saying about RoadLinx? Are they satisfied? How do they handle conflicts? These questions come to mind when rating a logistics provider. As much as such firms are business-inclined, specific qualities, such as leadership, integrity, and transparency, are of utmost priority. In some case, an individual may detect such characteristics instantly. Other times, they may become glaring – time being a factor.
Besides, these features centre not only on customers but other individuals, like employees and suppliers. Additionally, it is essential to know about logistics companies providers’ influences within their communities.
Affordability
The list cannot be complete without discussing logistics cost. This element applies to every shipper but resonates more with manufacturers, as they intend to build a long-term work relationship with an ideal logistics company. As such, an individual has to evaluate shipping services provided with regards to manufacturing cost and other business elements.
How affordable are a logistics provider’s services? Are the cost implications detrimental to profit generation? Are such provisions worth the money? These questions are determinants in selecting a service provider in this field.
Bottom Line
The logistics industry is a multi-billion-dollar empire, which is still on the incline. As long as goods and services are relevant, the need for a reputable logistics company will always come into play. For some shippers, finding the right provider can be daunting. However, with the guidelines discussed in this guide, getting one should be a walk in the park.
