November 09, 2009

When choosing a center for regional distribution logistics in Western Canada, Calgary has enjoyed advantages in recent years, particularly very low transportation rates into Vancouver, and a central location that minimized transit times. With these obvious advantages, coupled with the rapid growth in Western Canada, it might seem safe to assume that the future looks rosy for logistics in Calgary. There are several key factors that weigh in against this, though, and the recent economic downturn has highlighted them. It is important to have a full understanding of the pros and cons of both marketplaces before committing to logistics location.

November 09, 2009

Whether your business involves consumer electronics or industrial electronics, both present unique challenges with respect to choosing a logistics provider. Challenges in electronics logistics stem from the fact that anything with memory or a processor has the shelf life of food, requires the same security as a pile of cash and needs the same protection as your dishware during a move. These are all realities of your business, and your third party logistics provider (3PL) should already have them covered. If they don't then it is likely in your best interest to move on.

November 09, 2009

Business owners and managers all seek to hire efficient and productive warehousing and distribution service providers. The quality of that service, however, varies greatly within the fragmented industry of third party logistics. Let's face it, logistics and warehousing covers a lot of ground. Some studies suggest that less than 4% of the entire industry is controlled by the 'Big and Moderate Players'. That leaves a lot of opportunity for individuals, in the spirit of the Old Wild West, to hang out a shingle and declare themselves 'open and ready for business'. So what should you look for when you seek to identify a superior warehousing and distribution operation?

November 09, 2009

The easiest question to ask when trying to find a third party logistics company (3pl) is "What are your rates?" but there are better ways to start a business relationship. A company that can answer that question without finding out the details about your product is, in most cases, the wrong company to choose. The correct 3pl is the one that asks you all the right questions to understand your business before throwing out numbers. Where is the product going? What does it look like when it comes in? Are there any special handling instructions? A logistics company that bases its rates specifically on the actions it will be taking with your product understands its own business and can help you with yours. They go beyond offering services to become your logistics consultant, helping you map out the best short and long-term plans for your business.

November 09, 2009

The "Reverse Logistics Association" defines reverse logistics as, "all activity associated with a product/service after the point of sale (POS). The ultimate goal is to optimize or make more efficient aftermarket activity, thus saving money and environmental resources."

November 09, 2009

Food grade logistics require a unique set of standards to ensure health and safety for the end consumer of your product. In selecting a third party warehousing supplier for your food products, it is important to be aware of these standards and what your 3pl is doing to meet and exceed them.

November 09, 2009

As a logistics company that handles thousands of units of athletic products ranging from bikes to snowboards to hockey and baseball equipment, McKenna Logistics has tons of "games played" when dealing with sporting goods logistics. Not only do we have the experience that comes from handling the tough ground balls, we also know how to "squeeze" the most out of our customer's products.

November 17, 2009

If you take off your logistics professional hat for a minute then you can better see the challenges that surround home and houseware products. Open any newspaper or flyer, listen to any TV or radio ad, walk into any big box store or retail boutique and you are inundated with an incredible number of options of nice to have or improved function products for the home. Everyone knows there are a few thousand manufactures of knives, toasters, chairs, garden hoses etc. out there but if you asked anyone on the street for a brand name they can probably only name one or two; and most likely they will throw the name of a gimmick product rather than the top of line. Think SlapChop. Also, the retail giants are not specialized any more in catering to a specific part of the house; Canadian Tire is no longer a big hardware store, WalMart is now very successful in food and Costco will sell anything that fits on its shelves, in bulk.

November 09, 2009

A key question in picking or staying with a current logistics provider is whether or not they can provide you with the same data that you are accustomed to having if you are running your own internal warehouse operation. It seems like a simple question but it is usually not asked until the decision on the 3PL has already been made. When adding a third party distribution centre (DC) to your business environment, understand the numbers you need to know and make sure that the 3PL you are looking at can provide them.