Transportation, distribution and logistics
The logistics behind the distribution of your products and services can have a major impact on your bottom line. Examine ways you can ensure your product distribution methods are optimal.
Transportation and distribution channels
How you distribute your products and deliver your services can affect your cost and your clients' satisfaction. Finding the best method of shipping and receiving goods is especially important when dealing in large quantities.
Some factors to consider:
- Quantity of items per shipment
- Type of transportation
- Overall transportation costs
- Timing
You can save on costs and improve your customer service by reviewing storage and distribution operations on an ongoing basis. By shortening the amount of time goods spend in a warehouse or in transit, you can deliver them in a more timely manner.
Some elements to consider when transporting goods:
- Type of products (perishable or non-perishable)
- Time needed to obtain goods and availability of goods
- Time needed to deliver goods to the client
- Access to suppliers (abroad or in Canada)
- Customs requirements
- Volume of shipment
You can transport goods by air, sea, rail or road. Each mode has a variety of options that present advantages and disadvantages. Choose the one that will best meet your needs.
- Green supply chain management
Find out how green supply chain management can save you money and improve your environmental performance in transportation, retail and manufacturing.
- VentureOne Program™ — Canada Post
Are shipping costs increasing your overhead? Consider joining this program to receive up to 8% in savings on parcel and document delivery.
- Importing regulations
Importing is a regulated process. Know the rules and what you need to do to comply with regulations.
Logistics planning
Logistics is the management of the movement, storage and delivery of your goods or services to the customer. You can use a logistics plan to manage your inventory and keep an eye on costs.
Create a plan for the following:
- Inbound logistics – the flow of raw materials shipped to your business for manufacturing
- Internal logistics – the movement of raw materials and finished goods from one department of your business to another
- Outbound logistics – the preparation for shipment, and the transportation, of the finished products (i.e. packaging, shipping and handling)
By using logistics planning, you can cut down on production costs, speed up delivery and improve the response time for answering client requests.
- Supply Chain and Logistics Association
Find out how you can improve your supply chain management skills with education, research and networking opportunities.
- Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association
Let freight forwarders handle the logistics of transporting your imports and exports by negotiating rates and ensuring that all regulations are met.
International markets and logistics
If you are looking for information on how to get your goods to international markets, the following will give you insight on importing, exporting and delivery of your goods.
- Export marketing, sales and logistics
Get customers in export markets and deliver your goods or services to them.
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