Purolator launches Innovative Global Supply Chain Services To Help Canadian Businesses Thrive
Purolator Courier Ltd., the leading provider of integrated distribution solutions to, from and within Canada, recently introduced its new Global Supply Chain Services facility in Richmond, British Columbia. Purolator Global Supply Chain Services will open up the world to Canadian businesses with a range of services that will help companies increase the speed, reliability and efficiency by which they bring imported goods to their customers.
Based at a new 106,000 square foot facility in Richmond, Purolator Global Supply Chain Services is fully integrated with Purolator's courier and freight distribution networks, thereby reducing the time to get product from overseas to store shelves in Canada.
Purolator Global Supply Chain Services combines a range of Purolator's services to meet individual customer needs including transporting goods from a foreign country to Canada using a third party ocean or air carrier; the process of clearing customer's goods through customs; providing short term storage of goods until they are ready for distribution (if needed); sorting and combining a variety of goods into a customized combined shipment for each store or customer; and direct-to-store distribution through Purolator's courier and freight network across Canada.
Traditional global supply chain networks involve transporting goods from an off-shore factory into a container which is loaded and shipped by air or ocean freighter. After clearing customs the goods are then sent by rail or truck to a retailer distribution centre and then shipped to individual stores. Purolator's global supply chain service is based on direct-to-store distribution, where (after clearing customs) the container is unloaded at a Purolator deconsolidation centre near the port and a store-specific shipment service is provided from there. By going direct to store from the port the overall transit time can be reduced by up to one week. Decreasing the time between manufacturing and putting items on Canadian shelves helps minimize the business costs related to keeping inventory for prolonged times.
Imports of containers to Canada have increased dramatically over the last decade, particularly Asian imports through the port of Vancouver, which have achieved a compound annual growth rate of almost 20 per cent since 1996.
"Canadian businesses are increasingly competing in a global and complex marketplace and require supply chain solutions that can provide them with a competitive advantage - whether that is in cost, efficiency or flexibility," said Robert C. Johnson, President and C.E.O. of Purolator. "This new service enables Canadian businesses to eliminate steps from their global supply chain so that they can get their product to market faster and more efficiently and with greater visibility."
Purolator Global Supply Chain Services, which is offered anywhere in Canada where goods enter or leave the country, will help eliminate many of the challenges that exist with traditional supply chain networks including high costs, complexity and delays. With traditional supply chain networks, managing the sheer volume of imports in terms of paperwork, tracking, and customs clearance is complex and time consuming. In addition, retail goods are often time sensitive with seasonality, promotions, and unanticipated demand spikes requiring precisely timed product arrivals and replenishment. The long supply chains associated with overseas imports can make the timing of these arrivals exceptionally difficult.
One business already working with Purolator Global Supply Chain Services is Vancouver-based, Smartbag Packaging Incorporated. Smartbag Packaging Incorporated imports printed and plain cloth bags from China in a wide range of styles and colours. Purolator's expertise in global shipping, combined with its extensive national distribution network is enabling Smartbag Packaging to grow its business and overcome the challenges of distributing imported goods without increasing its investment in inventory or facilities.
About Purolator
As the leading provider of integrated distribution solutions to, from and within Canada, and one of Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures (2007), Purolator Courier Ltd. of Mississauga, Ontario is committed to its customers. From automated solutions to 24 hour pick up and delivery, Purolator provides customers with the services and customized solutions required to get their shipments across town or around the world. Purolator operates Canada's largest dedicated air express fleet. Purolator has an extensive service network, with over 12,500 employees, including more than 3,500 couriers, over 140 operations locations, over 150 Shipping Centres, over 550 Authorized Shipping Agents and more than 350 drop boxes. Purolator has also implemented a company-wide Quality Leadership Process that provides the necessary framework for continuous improvement and operational excellence. As part of its commitment to helping alleviate hunger, Purolator also works closely with the Canadian Association of Food Banks. Since 2003, Purolator has helped collect more than 1.5 million pounds of food for local food banks across Canada.
For more company information please visit www.purolator.com.
SOURCE: Purolator Courier Ltd