Transloading terminals and logistics services offer many benefits but choosing the facility might take a lot of work. It’s not always easy to compare different facilities' services when looking at costs, distances, software, and equipment. So how do you prioritize the most essential elements of a transloading facility? Get information about three key factors to help you compare facilities and how they’ll serve you.
Services and Equipment
Transloading facilities should have the right equipment to handle your products. When shipping grain and crops, for example, you want to know that the transloading facility can handle your handling and logistics needs. You also want to know that the facility can manage the size of your deliveries, potentially breaking up a large amount of cargo into smaller shipments for ease of distribution. Moving food-grade products has its own list of needs, so ask about processes regarding cross-contamination and cleanliness of containers, too.
Distance to Receivers
Many Canadian agricultural commodities are exported to China, the U.S., Europe, and other ports worldwide. Minimizing the amount of transportation between senders and receivers can give you the most cost-saving benefits. By rail is typically the most efficient method of shipping, so finding a facility that has access to many rail carriers often gives you more competitive rates. Using a transloading facility close to shipping ports can also be beneficial because of their strategically located network of resources for exporting goods. They may have special rates or services to quickly get your product through the process.
Capacity to Move Product
You should also ask about the operating capacity of the transloading facility. When crops are harvested, the facility may be overwhelmed with demand during the peak months of the shipping year. Ask how the facility meets those challenges during high season to avoid additional costs to your shipment. You may also want to discuss how the facility plans to grow and how it can handle any growth in your projections.
Other Logistics Services
Although the three main elements of a transloading facility are important, many logistics services add value through trucking, warehousing or digital services. For example, logistics management software can help you track your inventory and increase the cost-effectiveness of services by managing the best route at the best price every step of the way. The priorities for any transloading facility are its operations, but it is important to consider how the service providers ancillary services can support your business.
WTC Group Is an Industry Leader
WTC Group has made significant investments in human capital and custom equipment to find solutions in logistics. Annually we handle over half a million tonnes of grain and special crops annually seamlessly. Our relationships with rail carriers, ocean carriers, and port operators help us resolve challenges and adapt to situations that occur when shipping. Our customized software provides real-time information to track commodities, expedite schedules, and accurately maximize savings. Our comprehensive logistics services help you get your product to market on time. Above all, WTC Group allows companies all over the world to ship simpler™.
Contact us for more information and how we can integrate our services into your business.
