If you’re looking for complete shipping solutions and want to work with a Greater Toronto Area logistics company, a few factors will need your consideration. Here are 3 simple steps that’ll help you find the right logistics company for your business.

3 Steps for Working With a Logistics Company in the GTA

Step 1: Know What You’re Looking for

Before selecting a 3PL company, you must know the difference between supply chain logistics and management. Is supply chain logistics and management the same thing? The answer is no. 

Management is related to production and storage, and logistics is concerned with the movement of goods.

Once you understand the fundamental differences, here’s what you should consider:

Are You Looking for Storage or a Warehouse?

You need to decide whether you want a storage facility or a warehouse. The difference between a storage and a warehouse is that a warehouse can hold larger volumes, and you’ll have less inventory control.

What Location Works for You?

The Greater Toronto area is a high-demand area and hub for supply chain logistics, so you must choose your location and provider carefully. Your warehouse for e-commerce (and other purposes) should be close to the port and your customers to account for efficient customer service.

How Does Technology Come into Play?

Your logistics partner should have up-to-date technology to track inventory and manage shipping logistics. For example, if you’re working with a 3PL for cosmetics, tracking your products will prevent them from expiring in the warehouse.

Step 2: Look Into Their GTA Logistics Services

Once you’re clear on what you want, you can look through the company’s services. You can ask them about their customization handling, storage, and other fulfillment services.

For example, if you’re looking for consumer electronics fulfillment, you would want to ensure that you get suitable packaging to keep the items safe and secure.

You can ask about their transport logistics to make sure that responsible carriers deliver your goods. Most logistics companies in Ontario offer freight forwarding across Canada and North America. The most significant benefit of transportation in supply chain management is that your items will be delivered safely and on time.

Step 3: Ensure They Can Accommodate Your Needs

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been fluctuating demands and disruptions in supply chains in Ontario and the rest of Canada. While the most significant effects were the worst during the first year of the pandemic, the impact will likely be long-lasting.

You have to ensure that your 3PL partner is flexible and can accommodate your needs during emergency situations, such as labour shortages, transport-related disruptions, and other  issues. This will help you maintain  stability and consistent revenue. [efn_note] Large, R.O., Kramer, N. and Hartmann, R.K. (2011), “Customer-specific adaptation by providers and their perception of 3PL-relationship success”, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 41 No. 9, pp. 822-838. https://doi.org/10.1108/09600031111175807 [/efn_note]