Packaging Your Materials Sustainably

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Crossdock Manitoba

We can all remember a day when packaging a product for warehousing or crossdocking was as simple as placement in a container with the necessary materials surrounding it to ensure it was received at the final destination in pristine condition.

What was not as much a concern, however, was the environmental impact of packaging. Many materials used in packaging end up in landfills and/or have few properties of environmentally-friendly decomposition.

Just as other areas of our lives are functioning with an eye towards the environment, so too can packaging before your product is received at Crossdock Manitoba. Consider some of these options:

Limiting Excessive Packaging – As obvious as it may sound to limit the build-up of protective materials around your products, reducing the amount of packaging you use can in fact be accomplished. It does take some analysis, but when you factor the duality of both environmental and cost savings, the opportunity does present itself favourably

Different Materials – Packaging goods can now more easily be accomplished with environmentalism in mind thanks to increased production in recycled paperboard. Here as well, there may exist a higher price for recycled materials, but consider the end result – a consumer who may be more inclined to purchase your product knowing that it was prepared in the most environmentally-friendly way possible.

These are just two of the ways that you can strengthening your environmental approach without weakening your products’ protection as they make their way to market via our crossdocking services.

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Rotate Your Stock with Ease Thanks to Crossdock Manitoba

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Crossdock Manitoba

As spring turns to summer, nearly every consumer service business in North America will be undergoing a rotation of stock.

Whether your company is a clothier who will changeover from spring jackets to swimshorts or you’re a grocer importing barbeque favourites, the time now becomes prominent for you to assess your needs for the coming season and more importantly decide your methods of changeover.

It’s at this time where you need a company who can provide you with a wide range of service options, something that Crossdock Manitoba is well equipped to provide your business.

From warehousing to crossdocking, your products can be stored safely and securely, with the opportunity to hold frequently-refreshed stock in our facilities. You can also depend on our facility and experts to handle your stock with the absolute most care, whether it arrives to our loading docks by truck or rail.

We also wanted to take this opportunity to tell you about one of our other services – container stripping. Not only will we receive your products, but we can also unpack them fully and store them for you  at your request.

Keep all these factors in mind when you’re choosing which company you are going to work with for your Winnipeg storage and stock needs.

For more information on our services, contact us today!

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Make Management Easy with Crossdocking

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Crossdock Manitoba

Product management isn’t what it used to be – it’s better now than it ever was.

The secret to proper product management lies in crossdocking and the storage capabilities this form brings to your Winnipeg business.

Consider the following aspects:

  • Material Handling – In days gone by, issues may have arisen from manual handling. We’re human – errors happen. With automation, however, managing the way pallets are handled becomes that much easier.
  • Cost savings – This is one that will be music to your finance department’s ears. Crossdocking, when executed properly and with a trusted name like Crossdock Manitoba, can be one of the most affordable storage-and-shipment options available.
  • Vendors – Here’s where ease is dependent on two parties – you and your vendor. The integral part to making crossdocking work is ensuring that you are both on the same page – that you understand their functions and are able to operate properly together.

To learn more about the ease of working in a crossdocking environment, contact us today!

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Crossdocking Case Studies: JCPenney

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Crossdock Manitoba

Recently, as you may recall, Crossdock Manitoba presented an interesting case study on WalMart from south of the border.

Certainly, WalMart, one of the major US retailers, has plenty of weight in the marketplace and their use of crossdocking solutions stands as a bright, shining example of how effective crossdocking can be for an organization in Manitoba and across the continent.

Today, however, we’d like to provide you with another example – JC Penney.

JC Penney, you may be surprised to know, already had five crossdocking facilities when it officially opened its new facility in July 2007. There’s just cause for this – with over 1,100 retail outlets across all 50 U.S. states (as well as Puerto Rico), logistics becomes a major issue.

Crossdocking, as described in a 2010 case study (available for purchase here) assisted in the company reducing material handling. Additionally, the company was able to save money through energy efficient technology usage. Proper site selection, again a result of careful planning and multi-facility usage, also played a part in maintaining the company’s bottom line.

To see how crossdocking can help provide a financially-efficient solution for your organization, contact us today.

 

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When You’re Already Ready – Third Party Logistics

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Crossdock Manitoba

Big concepts, dreams and ideas make the headlines, but it’s attention to the details that brings the big ideas to fruition. In the business world every minute counts, every dollar counts and little things, over the long haul, make a big difference.

With that in mind Crossdock Manitoba has managed to become an area leader in supply chain management. Winnipeg is one of the world’s great transportation hubs because it’s central location and access save businesses time and money. Within the global concept Crossdock has further refined the process as a Third Party Logistics Provider (3PL). Again, the big things are in place: 50,000 square feet of warehouse space, six loading docks and ultra-modern technology. However, it’s the attention to detail that helps to separate Crossdock from the competition.

A prime example of Crossdock’s ability to save you time and money in micro-fashion lies in its ability to provide you accurate quotes online. That’s right, you can get your product moving as quickly as you can manipulate your keyboard. With the contact information provided here Crossdock can get you jump-started in a hurry. Simple and easy to navigate, the online process allows you to take better advantage of all the company has to offer, including the vaunted Pick and Pack warehousing and cross docking services.

“But, I want to talk to a human being, so what do I do?”

Not a problem. Crossdock has a great staff ready to field your telephone enquiries. They can talk you through the quote system and show you how it can work for you efficiently and painlessly. Remember, Crossdock’s online program is great because their people are great.

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Food Logistics Solutions for Canada

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Crossdock Manitoba


Do you ever wonder where the food on your table comes from? With today’s technology, food logistics have evolved in quantum fashion – which means the food that you eat can come from places far or near.

To ensure buyers get the freshest products at the lowest prices and to minimize spoilage, food producers, distributors and retailers are faced with many supply chain challenges.

Crossdock Manitoba can help. Contact us today.

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What We Warehouse

Posted on March 21, 2013 by Crossdock Manitoba

With 50,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space Crossdock Manitoba can handle an impressive array of merchandise, from auto parts to zithers. In between the A-Z parameters Crossdock can warehouse dried food products, paper goods and even widgets if those are what you need to have stored and transported.

Six loading docks facilitate our cross-docking services so goods that need to move quickly are in-and-out in rapid order. Our 3PL capabilities are omni-directional, which means you can count on us for more than just a forward flow of supply. Our reverse logistics ensure that all your returns are integrated within the supply chain management systems we can provide.

Whether you work with a single product or a store-full of different items you need to be assured that your goods don’t sit around if they need to be on the move. We have floor space and racking, so that we can offer our famous Pick and Pack system. As your goods, large and small, arrive at our facility, we can break down the incoming loads and re-organize them for transport to final destinations.

Crossdock Manitoba is known as the Distribution Solution for good reason. Our central location and access to road and rail lines make us a leader in area warehousing. Winnipeg itself has become one of the most important transportation hubs in the whole of North America. Goods come in from all over the world via land, sea and air, and Crossdock is ready to meet the the time-sensitive cost-conscious demands that can mark the difference between success and failure.

We make your distribution process easy to deal with, even providing online quotes to help you plan ahead. Contact us and we’ll be ready to help with any and all links in your specific supply chain. Our strength is our people and our job is to make your job easier and more profitable.

Contact us at (204) 987-1500 or warehouse@crossdock.mb.ca

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Food Logistics: Solutions to Gaining Supply Chain Management Efficiency

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Crossdock Manitoba

It’s been a long time since farmers have hauled grain to town in horse-drawn wagons. Food logistics have advanced in quantum fashion and they continue to evolve rapidly. Today’s challenges mean that producers, distributors and retailers must continue to advance with the times.

Next you will see a few of the obstacles the food industry faces and then some of the measures being taken to ensure the safe and efficient movement of food from farm to table.

Supply Chain Challenges

  • Product Safety – Contamination of food has long been a concern, but, in recent years we have also had to contend with the deliberate introduction of contaminants into the food chain.
  • Fuel Prices – Fuel prices have continued to escalate as have basic commodity prices, reducing already slim profit margins.
  • Demanding Customers – The public doesn’t want the same thing day-in and day-out and it keeps the food industry hustling to provide newer and better products.
  • Cycle Times – The production or cycle time time of an item can be negatively impacted by bottlenecking, which can be due to batch sizes and equipment limitations.
  • Environmental Sustainability – Old technologies and production methods can be inefficient and damaging to the environment, reducing profits and increasing pollution.

Supply Chain Solutions

  • Cross Docking – A specialty at Crossdock Manitoba, cross docking keeps the product moving with a minimum of handling and storage time.
  • Increased Rail Use – A train with 100 containers uses a lot less fuel and manpower than 100 individual truckloads.
  • 3PL Consolidation Centers – In Winnipeg warehousing consolidation is a key to efficiency. Crossdock Manitoba enhances this process with their Pick and Pack warehousing system.
  • Technology – Companies need to move with the times, improving inventory visibility and utilizing computers and Third Party Logistic Providers to help plan and maintain efficient forward distribution.

Give Crossdock a call so they can tell you more about how they can help you with integrated logistics, both forward and reverse. Phone: (204) 987-1500

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Store Now, Ship Later

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Crossdock Manitoba

You have a product. You take the product to market. The product sells and then you repeat the process. Pretty simple stuff, right? Well, it’s simple until your business outgrows your garage or mini storage. Now you have multiple products, multiple markets and a single delivery deadline. So, you either have a problem or an opportunity. Best option? Eliminate the problem by taking the opportunity. Utilize Crossdock Manitoba’s Pick and Pack Warehousing. Winnipeg offers great access for highway and rail delivery, allowing you to send your goods far and wide and Crossdock Manitoba makes it easy to do just that.

Using Pick and Pack warehousing means you don’t need to invest in a fleet of vehicles or build yourself a warehouse. When you have  materials delivered to Crossdock Manitoba’s 50,000 sq. ft. climate controlled facility they can break down the shipment, re-organize and re-pack your goods and deliver them to their ultimate destination.

With both racking and floor storage available, along with six loading doors and modern technology Crossdock makes a great Third Party Logistics Provider. You are free to concentrate on what you do best, whether that involves dry food products, small manufacturing parts, paper goods or a host of other items.

Coordinated warehouse distribution and cross-docking services enable you to purchase, store and transport your shipments in a prompt and organized fashion, without you having to take the time and effort to do all these things yourself.

You can also initiate your business with Crossdock Manitoba online, making things even more convenient for you. Through the contact information here it’s easy to get a quote for services. Time is money, so contact our professional staff today. We’re located in the Inkster Industrial Park, on Paramount Rd., between Inkster Blvd. And Keewatin St.

Contact us at (204) 987-1500 or warehouse@crossdock.mb.ca

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Get In from the Cold

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Crossdock Manitoba

Weather doesn’t take a day off. It varies over the course of a year, but each season provides a challenge to anything you leave outdoors. If you are in business the last thing you want to deliver to your customers are “pre-damaged” goods. Even if your business is small and your deliveries don’t involve huge truckloads of goods you should avoid the temptation to save a few bucks by keeping some pallets of merchandise in your driveway.

Following are a few of the advantages of utilizing an indoor storage facility like Crossdock Manitoba‘s.

  • Elementary – Indoor storage protects your merchandise in a number of ways. Wind, rain, snow and harsh sunlight will take their toll. Even if you have things covered the wind can play havoc, blowing water and debris under the covering. Covers cost money, too, and they don’t last long in punishing climates.
  • Security – You won’t be able to spend all your time watching your merchandise, but that’s done for you when you have your property in a modern warehouse facility.
  • Access – Having your merchandise in a secure indoor space means you can delegate the access, either to your employees or to personnel who handle your warehousing. Winnipeg has a great centralized transport location, making it a natural place from which to ship your goods.
  • Cleanliness – Keeping things clean and presentable goes a long way toward establishing business goodwill. When your items show up at a retailer looking like they’ve been through a hurricane it doesn’t bode well for future business relations.
  • Pest Free – This doesn’t just pertain to food products; bugs and critters have an amazing capacity to damage or destroy everything from cardboard boxes to complex electronics.

There are many more good reasons for using indoor warehousing. Winnipeg businesses rightfully place their faith in the types of benefits provided by companies like Crossdock Manitoba. Call them and let them fill you in on how they can take care of your business in a profitable and time-saving way.

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