www.insightssuccess.com 2021 / Vol. 01 / Issue-07
THE RIGHT DIRECTION The Victory Path in the Post-pandemic Business Sphere
DIY
6 tips to help you set up your own logistics business
WORLD’S
BEST LOGISTICS TECH SOLUTION
MARTIN HUBERT CEO & Founder
PROVIDERS
FREIGHTGATE
EDITOR’S DESK
D
elivering material goods and services to customers and merchants involves much more than throwing or pushing packages on trucks and ships. Logistics companies need to carefully manage and coordinate a greater number of people, technology, and transportation of goods from one place to another to ensure customers and merchants can receive their goods and products within stipulated time and in a good condition.
www.insightssuccess.com 2021 / Vol. 01 / Issue-07
THE RIGHT DIRECTION The Victory Path in the Post-pandemic Business Sphere
DIY
6 tips to help you set up your own logistics business
WORLD’S
BEST LOGISTICS TECH SOLUTION
MARTIN HUBERT CEO & Founder
PROVIDERS
FREIGHTGATE Incorporating advanced technologies to improve logistics solutions.
Care needs to be taken that goods are not broken or damaged on the way, therefore good packaging is also an important part of the logistics industry to ensure smooth delivery of goods and products. Sufficient revenue, manpower, quality transportation facilities, and warehouse spaces play an important role to be a top logistics provider. Effective use of technology is the most significant part of ensuring the quality and timely delivery of goods and products from one place to the other. Today, organizations are looking for more fully integrated and advanced logistics solutions. They seek full tracking of their shipments of products from the factory origin to the destination using one platform. They also want to be able to be aware of the shipments across all modes and to be notified to customers or merchants of the possible delays as soon as it becomes apparent that there is going to be a delay in the delivery of the goods.
This also gives companies the option to make alternative possible arrangements to re-route shipments of goods if required. With the advanced technologies are at the fingertips logistics companies can improve the logistics solutions and are able to fulfil the needs of the customers and merchants. To remain competitive and enhance efficiency, the use of technology is a must for logistics companies. In testing times like these, companies across the world need seamless connectivity with their customers and merchants to deliver goods, services that they have planned to do so. This seamless connectivity can be delivered by tapping the exponentially multiplying potential of the logistics industry. Improved technology is also enhancing the capability of logistics companies. This has increased the productivity of logistics companies and this advanced technology is also contributing to minimize costs and reducing errors. These improvements in technology benefit almost all areas of the logistics industry like trucking transportation, supply chain management, international transportation (both ocean and air), shipment tracking, etc. Technology is enabling logistics companies to have faster and efficient supply chain software. With technology, logistics businesses can provide efficient data-capture, easy monitoring of resources, effective labor management and reduced stock losses and improve overall profitability. Enhanced GPS accuracy is also improving the logistics solutions. The increased accuracy of GPS allows for enhanced productivity and satisfied merchants, by tracking locations of trucks and improving halts through quick access to updated traffic data. In this edition of “World’s Best Logistics Tech Solution Providers,” we highlight those companies that are delivering seamless connectivity and transportation of goods and services from origin to destination and thereby contributing to improve logistics solutions.
Pertaining to this, we at Insights Success bring to you this exclusive edition titled, The 10 Best Education Franchises to Open In 2020, which places the spotlight on such companies that ensure the provision of quality education to those seeking to change the course of their lives. The practice of franchising has always been a preferred option when it comes business expansion or brand marketing. Along with prominent fast-food restaurants, clothing brands, and retail chains, vocational education providers have leveraged franchising to spread their brand throughout the world with globalization and change in customer preferences acting as the catalyst. However, presently the franchising industry is undergoing a prominent change around how it functions and emanates from its traditional form and this change is being spearheaded by technology. Social media—another major medium of the digital world—which provides a huge boost to franchising, especially as it helps franchisors develop opportunities, has already revolutionized franchising’s operating model. Due to social media, in-country promotions of franchised products and services, and lead generation for franchise sales have become more efficient. A plethora of brands have and continue to distribute franchising rights to potential franchisees with the intent of benefiting the entailing advantages. Through this edition our aim is to exhibit organizations that sternly believe in re-skilling and upskilling and its necessity in today’s workforce, and thus providing the best and comprehensive educational facilities and provisions to learners.
Sharad Chitalkar sharad@insightssuccess.com
Cover Story
CONTENTS
08
FREIGHTGATE
EMPOWERING CUSTOMERS WITH A POWERFUL BPMN ENGINE
24
18 Wheels Logistics Delivering Trust and Quality since Inception
20
Parkland County
30
A Thriving Business Community Supported with a Robust Transportation Ecosystem
INTERVIEW WITH INSIGHTS SUCCESS
ARVIEM Driving the Logistics Space with Digital Proficiency
A RT I C L E S
16 26 The Right Direction The Victory Path in the Post-pandemic Business Sphere
DIY 6 tips to help you set up your own logistics business
Editor-in-Chief Sumita Sarkar Senior Editor Anish Miller Managing Editor Abhishaj Sajeev Assisting Editors Sharad, Darshan Visualiser David King Art & Design Head Asha Bange Art & Design Assistant Vivek Mane Co-designer Paul Belin Art & Picture Editor Priyanka Rajage Business Development Manager Sherin Rodricks Marketing Manager Joseph D'souza Business Development Executives Kelly, Jenny Sales Executives Alice, Joe Technical Head Jacob Smile Assistant Technical Head Amar Sawant Technical Consultants Pratiksha, Aditya, David Digital Marketing Manager Alina Sege Assistant Digital Marketing Manager Amol Wadekar SME-SMO Executives Gemson, Renuka Research Analyst Eric Smith Circulation Manager Tanaji sales@insightssuccess.com
January, 2021 Corporate Ofce Insights Success Media Tech LLC 555 Metro Place North, Suite 100, Dublin, OH 43017, United States Phone - (614)-602-1754 Email: info@insightssuccess.com For Subscription: www.insightssuccess.com
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WORLD’S BEST
LOGISTICS TECH SOLUTION PROVIDERS
Company Name
Management
Brief
Freight Gate freightgate.com
Martin Hubert CEO
Freightgate's Logistics Cloud Platform, known as the Freightgate Universe, enables transportation professionals on all levels to collaborate with global vendors and logistics providers seamlessly
Parkland County conway.com
Robert Fernandez Director of Economic Diversification
Parkland County is a growing municipality located immediately west of the city of Edmonton in Alberta, Canada.
Arviem arviem.com
Simona Androvicsova CMO
Arviem solves the challenges of obtaining visible and intelligent trade by offering real-time end-to-end cargo tracking and monitoring services.
18 Wheels Logistics 18wheels.ca
Adrian Wen CEO
18 Wheels Logistics are distribution experts, specializing in copacking, omni-channel e-commerce fulfillment, third party warehousing, and trucking.
PiVAL International pival.com
Mario La Barbera President
PiVAL International Inc. is an "end to end" logistics and supply chain management company offering a full menu of logistics solutions.
CarrierDirect carrierdirect.com
Peter Rentschler CEO
CarrierDirect is a team of people absorbed in all things transportation, logistics, and supply chain.
Transsmart transsmart.com
Pieter Schalk Business Development Director, Co-founder
Transsmart optimizes your entire logistical shipping process from order to delivery.
Astrata astrata.eu
Eugene Foo Head of Sales
Astrata is a software company with strong foundations in geolocation, telematics and fleet management.
Logility logility.com
Henry Canitz Director of Product Marketing
Logility helps companies seize new opportunities, sense and respond to changing market dynamics and more profitably manage their complex global businesses.
BLG Logistics Group blg-logistics.com
Brian Hollenbeck CEO
BLG LOGISTICS stands for international networks in the business areas of automobile, contract and container logistics.
EMPOWERING CUSTOMERS WITH A POWERFUL BPMN ENGINE
Cover Story MARTIN HUBERT CEO & Founder
World’s Best Logistics Tech Solution Providers
W
ith COVID-19 posing critical challenges for businesses, many organizations are experiencing vulnerabilities related to their workforce, significant fluctuations in product demand and heavy supply chain disruption from the affected areas. Unpredictable events and uncertainty related to the pandemic continue to expand the scope of risks, highlighting the heightened need for crisis management and plans to build strategic, operational and financial resiliency across the industry.
The freight industry has been affected a lot due to the Covid-19. Hence, the need for understanding the broader economy and overall economic recovery has become paramount. Although, it all depends on the outside factors, of which we do not have any control of. These factors vary from possible resurgence of the virus, government’s economic-policy response, and the ability to reinstate business and consumer confidence. What we do have control of is how we adapt to these times by responding with more efficient processes and the use of technology to make better informed decisions. “We are blessed to have built a loyal customer following and are energized by the trust place in us,” says the team of Freightgate Inc. Even when working remote (since march 2020), the team have daily stand-ups and checkins to stay aligned and post daily wins to celebrate. Freightgate was established in the year 2000 with a mission to deliver digital transformation and exceptional value to Importers, Exporters and LSPs alike, by offering the most flexible, highly configurable and modular Internet native platform. Now known as the Cloud Freightgate’s founders are early pioneers and visionaries that are driven to harness the power which highly collaborative ecosystems hold. Freightgate’s vision is to create solutions that help our customers generate exponential returns. It gives the team of Freightgate distinct pleasure when they jointly solve supply chain puzzles and help make the world a better place.
Truly Moving Offerings Freightgate has one of the broadest most flexible logistics cloud offerings in the market. And it has created additional packages to enable even smaller Importers and Exporters to take advantage of its unique dynamic rating. The benefits don’t stop there; coupled with the rating, its routing is paired with comprehensive schedule and benchmark data. With its upcoming webinar, Freightgate is hoping to help many Importers and Exporters get ready for the unprecedented RFP season. According to Freightgate’s team, this is the appropriate time to make strategic moves in order to enhance the business, to plan ahead in the future and define a suitable supply chain to overcome and come out stronger on the other end. “Equip your business with the leading-edge technologies you need to run your supply chain and to help align your strategy with your risk appetite,” says Freightgate's team. With Freightgate Logistics Cloud, the company helps its clients get through the difficult times by helping them achieve their supply chain goals with a platform to best fit their respective business. “We have decades of experience delivering digital supply chain transformation services and software to shippers, 3PLs, and their customers,” shares the team of Freightgate. Employing one of the most flexible, vertically-integrated real-time global visibility platforms along with an impressive history and proven track record of innovation, the Freightgate team strives in creating solutions that help its customers generate exponential returns. Dynamics of Freightgate Freightgate already has the perfect digital transformation toolset, but the company also understands that it’s hard to overcome internal hurdles to modernize the way businesses work. Now more than ever, the industry can benefit from what the company has been creating for more than 20 years. Freightgate has been preaching
‘
‘
Making a BPMN work flow engine part of the offering will enable our customers to orchestrate even complex business processes across heterogeneous eco-systems with ease and flexibility
about automating processes, raise efficiencies, reduce monotonous tasks and create an environment where employees can get creative and find better ways of solving the day-to-day puzzles.
trace capability over the internet through establishing EDI capabilities with carriers. “We spun-off Freightgate in 2000 with a vision to provide a focused platform that improves the life for logistics companies and shippers,” describes Martin.
As part of its Success by Design Methodology, the company leverages the flexibility of the Freight Gate Logistics Cloud platform to tailor the perfect fit solutions for its customers. “We are constantly improving our cloud with advanced AI and ML capabilities, enabling new options that make them more agile and empower them to reduce risk, safe money, and make better decisions faster,” says Martin Hubert, CEO and Founder of Freightgate.
Martin is driven by a passion for innovation and neverending improvements. He leads a team that strives to provide innovative logistics solutions, fostering global collaboration and productivity, while building a highly configurable platform with a global-by-design philosophy. Martin will continue to deploy technology to find smarter ways to solve today’s and tomorrow’s supply chain challenges.
Martin believes that it has been an interesting experience to see more people and companies realizing what they have been advocating for such a long time. This pandemic’s effect has enabled Freightgate to provide the required solutions to its customers in order to help them take control of their freight, make date driven decisions and respond to the market conditions in real time with the use of its Freightgate Cloud Platform.
The Freightgate Team has worked very hard in creating a universally adaptable and flexible platform that can be tailored to our customers specific needs with ease. Offering unlimited dashboards, unlimited users, the most flexible dynamic routing and API enabled Logistics Cloud platform, the company looks forward to working with many importers, exporters and LSPs to leap frog into the digitally empowered future.
“We foresee that many companies will turn into an Innovation Leader like us in their quest for similar goals as we work around the globe to make Supply Chains more resilient,” informs Martin. One of the examples is where, Freightgate has integrated a very powerful BPMN engine into its platform. This has empowered the company’s clients to model their business processes in the tool instead of requiring a one-size fits all approach that forces them into a behavioral pattern that only fits partially. An Exceptional Leadership Martin Hubert was born in Germany. He sold his first program at age 16, then went on and studied computer science. While at the university, he started a software company selling custom software solutions. After graduating with a Master in Computer Science and MBA he did a short engagement in New York at a freight company whose president afterward offered him a job as Director IT. In 1994, his independent internet quest began by founding a company that focused on providing track and
TESTIMONIALS “We view Freightgate as a strategic technology partner. They are an integral part of our GLOBE initiative – a distinction that no other outsourced IT provider shares. The net result of a relationship with Freightgate is competitive advantage in the marketplace.” -Nestle Waters North America “BDP International is thrilled to partner with Freightgate to enhance the order management and order execution experience” -Brian Kautz, CIO at BDP International. “The Freightgate team has yet again exceeded our expectations with insightful questions and ideas that took a basic concept way beyond our original imagination” -Alliance Shippers Inc
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www.insightssuccess.com 2021 / Vol. 01 / Issue-07
THE RIGHT DIRECTION The Victory Path in the Post-pandemic Business Sphere
DIY
6 tips to help you set up your own logistics business
WORLD’S
BEST LOGISTICS TECH SOLUTION
MARTIN HUBERT CEO & Founder
PROVIDERS
FREIGHTGATE
“
Choose E xc e l l e n t, Choose Insights
16 | JAN 2021
www.insightssuccess.com
BUSINESS SPHERE
POST-PANDEMIC
The Victory Path in the
The Right Direction
www.insightssuccess.com
17| JAN 2021
T
he coronavirus outbreak was a human tragedy that has affected and continues to affect billions of lives, with a major impact on the global economy. As the world braced itself for the Covid-19 pandemic, the lockdowns implemented in its response had serious consequences on economies. Many businesses shut down, whereas many businesses rose to unprecedented prominence. The demand for many non-essential goods and services saw a heavy drop, meanwhile the demand for many essential products, services, and amenities expectedly went up. Now, the Covid-19 vaccine is being administered across the world, but businesses started staggering towards continuity after releasing the lockdown restrictions. Gradually, markets are opening back up, coming in swing of the new normal, and now with the vaccine in place business houses are formulating strategies to bounce back with a bang and in hopes of making the best of a bad hand. Listed below are three of the most popular strategies implemented by businesses to emerge victorious in the post-pandemic world: Video conferencing and business collaboration platforms Work-from-home policies, social distancing and other such measures had become a staple during the lockdowns, and now there is no going back from it. Businesses have realised the utility of introducing such practices in their work cultures. Working remotely can bring positive outcomes for employers as well as employees. Enhanced productivity, better work-life balance, and diminished costs are a few ways in which remote work flexibility can be beneficial. Emerging ways to reconfigure sales strategies The biggest trend that we have seen businesses adopt in the post-pandemic world is implementation of sales at the centre of the business strategy. It seems everyone has stumbled upon this important
18 | JAN 2021
realisation: in a tight market, look to your sales function to win business. Sales connect all your offerings to the market and the sales function is how strategy gets executed. Even though the economy has tightened during the pandemic, it does not mean there are no new opportunities. Covid-19 has caused lifestyle shifts that have created new markets and sales prospects. Enterprises have increasingly started looking at their sales organisation as the feedback loop to glean insights about the customers’ changing needs. They are, after all, on the front lines and uniquely positioned to help understand what the customers want now and are not getting or, perhaps more importantly, what are they getting from the competition. Fast-tracking the AI revolution Since the pandemic struck, investment in AI platforms have skyrocketed, shifting from a ‘nice-tohave’ initiative to a full-blown business imperative. The disruption of the ‘business as usual’ played as the main catalyst in this revolution, exposing the gaps in digital transformation initiatives where human capital and existing resources or processes could not scale to meet the increasing demands of the postlockdown era. It became increasingly clear that the digital intelligence and automation were suddenly the only solutions that can perform urgent jobs at large scale. In both the short as well as the long term, and across back and front office applications, AI has the potential to add value to business workflows, augment employee capabilities, and harness the power of man and machine to improve customer experience. All these developments are just scratching at the surface of the major way in which the businesses have adopted themselves to the new-normal and plan to dominate the same. It is an exciting time in the world right now! - Aditya Umale
www.insightssuccess.com
Arviem
Driving the Logistics Space with Digital Prociency
G
oing digital has been the mantra for different businesses since the ongoing pandemic has hit the overall operations dynamically. Traditional methods of operating a business are proving to be at a standstill and the need for innovation in every industry has arrived. It’s not that innovation was not happening earlier, or the companies were not adapting digitization. Before, the reason for going digital was mostly making the processes efficient and cost-effective, but now it is more than just saving money and time. Adapting digital resources has now become paramount to stay ahead of the curve and most importantly stay relevant in the dynamic business environment. One such company preaching about adapting digital transformation in the logistics space is Arviem. The company’s CEO, Stefan Reidy has shared some of his insights about how the logistics space has evolved through the answers given below: 1) According to you, why is adapting digital transformation necessary? How could it be beneficial to the business? According to Stefan, all the industries including supply chain and logistics are on brink of digital transformation. Few of the companies are still supervising their operations by resource and time-intensive administrative processes using traditional methods such as telephone, email communication, and excel sheets. On the other hand, some are digitalizing and automating their operations by leveraging latest technologies, having information available at their fingertips. Along with this, other factors are pushing companies to re-evaluate their networks designing the processes of the future that are leaner and more efficient. Therefore, a well-versed entrepreneur believes that new technologies such as connected devices, networks of things, Big Data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are changing the way businesses and supply chains operate today. These technologies not only bring additional benefits to businesses through automation, process optimization or elimination of inefficiencies but also enable them to build new business models to solve the glitches of today and the issues of the future. 20 | JAN 2021
2) How is your company contributing in the everevolving logistics and SCM sector? Arviem believes that IoT devices are the interface between the digital and physical world, they are vital for supply chain digitalization, automation, optimization, and modernization. The data gathered from IoT devices creates transparency and visibility that sets the foundation for the growth of the supply chain and logistics industry along with its transformation. Stefan foresees about the future of supply chain and logistics chains which will be data-driven, ‘smart’ with inherently better supply chain performance and better risk management. So, the CEO along with his team is supporting the industry and their clients on the journey of this transformation. Today’s supply chain industry is facing complex challenges along with known vulnerabilities and inefficiencies. Some of the pain points of shippers and cargo owners are cargo security, transparency, and visibility into the movement of their goods within their global manufacturing network and supply chains. To conquer these pain points, Arviem offers a solution that addresses these issues and enhances the overall operations. 3) How do you sustain in the current unpredictable markets and hectic competition? The global supply chain is like an engine running at full capacity, so much so that even the slightest jolt could break it. Uncertain times such as current COVID-19 situation is a bit more than a slight jolt – no one has any experience of so many parts of the business not working. In such a situation, no wonder supply chains have collapsed. However, only with the right visibility in supply chain will businesses have the information they need to make decisions early enough – issues will no longer cause significant disruption, as data will allow contingencies to be deployed early in the process. The current crisis significantly reinforces the longterm value of Arviem’s business model. While some of the companies are badly affected by the prevailing uncertain times. Others begin to look at how they can modernize their supply chain and protect them from future disruptions. This strengthens Arviem’s business model and provides more business opportunities.
www.insightssuccess.com
“
We provide traceability from doors closing to doors opening
“
Stefan Reidy CEO
INTERVIEW WITH INSIGHTS SUCCESS www.insightssuccess.com
21| JAN 2021
“
Our leading-edge solution provides global supply chain stakeholders with ondemand access to real-time, transport-related data
We at Arviem, are at the forefront of the Internet of Things revolution. As IoT devices are the interface between digital and physical world, they are essential for supply chain digitalization, automation, optimization, and modernization. We realised the importance of high quality and reliable data. As we found the performance of most of the commercially available devices unsatisfactory, we decided to develop our monitoring devices in house. Using our own devices makes our service one of the best performing ones on the market. 4) How does your company upgrade itself with the volatile technological changes in order to boost company’s growth? In the volatile supply chain market, some companies are
22 | JAN 2021
“
With regards to hectic competition: Unlike its competitors, Arviem is offering a full, carefree service to customers that allows them it to track all their global shipments, regardless of the transportation mode or the logistics service provider, on one single platform. Arviem’s services provide a holistic view on all shipments, the information is displayed on an appealing user interface and can be accessed through various channels. Our service ecosystem that we offer on top of the cargo monitoring data sets us apart from the competition.
eager to enhance their operations and processes by leveraging innovative, technology-enabled services while others are still looking at the supply and logistics chain as a cost center and are immune to change and reluctant to try something new. As a supply chain solution provider, Arviem faces the challenge to deliver the best of breed solutions for its clients that allow them to stay relevant with the industry trends. For industry players to change their business mindset and to embrace IoT’s full potential, they still need to be educated on the business benefits of new technologies. And now, the supply chain solution providing company is aiming to exhibit the business value of IoT enabled supply chain visibility and its vast optimization potential for the entire organization. 5) Give a brief detail on the company’s inception and journey it has experienced. Seeing the inefficiencies in global supply chains, the arising security issues after 9/11 and the lack of visibility and control supply chain professionals had over the movement of goods globally, we realised that with the emerging new technologies it is possible to improve the status quo and bring transparency into how supply chains operate. Arviem has been on the market for over 10 years and successfully monitoring and protecting cargo globally. During these years we learned the importance of exceptional quality data. www.insightssuccess.com
For this 100% reliable IoT sensory devices are necessary. We decided to develop these devices in house as we could not find other reliable devices on the market. Using our own devices ensures that we offer our clients a reliable and independent cargo tracking and monitoring service. Moving forward Arviem is working towards building a service portfolio to support our vision of becoming a ‘onestop-shop’ for services for optimizing various aspects of the supply chain. Having the collected cargo monitoring data in the core of our new service offering, we have already developed new services that rely on the data hidden in supply chains. 6) How does your company entice its target audience through its cutting-edge solutions? Arviem offers IoT enabled supply chain visibility services by monitoring the location and condition of goods in transit in real-time with sophisticated sensor devices. Thanks to Arviem’s services, clients know where their cargo is in any given moment, the environmental conditions it is exposed to and if its security has been breached. If disruptions arise (cargo experiences shocks, unfavourable temperature or humidity conditions, an intrusion or door opening, or an unexpected transhipment is detected) clients are notified immediately so they can take corrective action. Besides real-time event notifications and alerts, supply chain professionals can also rely on Arviem’s cargo monitoring platform to manage their goods in transit. Arviem’s monitoring platform provides an overview of all shipments in an easy to use, visual, user friendly management dashboard making it possible to access any information of the cargo’s journey at fingertips. While our IoT based services help clients to digitalize parts of their supply chain without the need for investing into new technologies, hardware or staff, our scalable, pay-per use service offers a possibility of a quick ROI by reducing costs and enhancing efficiency. Arviem’s service works alongside legacy systems, the data can be accessed through a cloud-based platform or it can be integrated with clients’ systems via an API. 7) Describe your approach on attracting your target audiences for their better experience. Arviem’s IoT enabled supply chain visibility service helps clients to optimize their physical and financial supply chains by monitoring the flow of goods in-transit in realtime. The vast amount of data and management reports generated by Arviem enable supply chain professionals to optimize their supply chains, improve their working capital management, reduce transport insurance premiums, administrative costs as well as to ensure product safety and product quality during transit. Arviem’s IoT based services help clients to digitalize parts of their supply chain without www.insightssuccess.com
the need for investing into new technologies, hardware, or staff. Moreover, the reverse logistics (making device available at clients location and managing the device pick up from destination) is handled by Arviem’s operations team thus, clients need not spend time, cost and resources on device logistics and have hassle free monitoring solution in place. 8) Give a detailed description of the featured person’s influence over the company and the industry. Stefan Reidy is the CEO and founder of Arviem, he is a supply chain enthusiast and a visionary. Stefan has over 20 years of experience with innovative technologies and business models in the supply chain which he gathered both by working for corporations and in the start-up environment. Before founding Arviem, Stefan was responsible for IBM’s Secure Trade Lane Solution, developing innovative solutions with the goal to improve security in international trade. Stefan’s passion and industry expertise has been important for Arviem’s development ever since. Stefan often shares his knowledge with university students and industry professionals periodically at various events.
23| JAN 2021
World’s Best Logistics Tech Solution Providers
18 WHEELS LOGISTICS Delivering Trust and Quality since Inception
I
n testing times like these, companies across the globe require seamless connectivity with their customers to deliver products, services, and solutions that they have promised. This connectivity can only be delivered by leveraging the exponentially multiplying potential exhibited by the logistics industry. This edition titled, World’s Best Logistics Tech Solution Providers, places a spotlight on companies that are striving ceaselessly to deliver unparalleled connectivity and transportation throughout the globe. One prominent name among these companies is 18 Wheels Logistics, exhibiting expertise in warehousing and trucking, along with specializing in distribution, co-packing, and transportation. 18WL’s history is as strong and tough as the values on which its cornerstone was laid upon. Founded by Perry Wong in 1989 on the principles of superior customer service and long term sustainability, 18WL today, possesses a strong team of 250+ employees and has operations across USA and Canada.
The one aspect that has put 18WL on the map has been its distinguished strategy—one that aids the company to stand out from competitors—growing deep versus wide. Shedding light on the aforementioned strategy, the team at 18WL says, “Our strategy in the early 90s surely took a different path. Apart from the warehouse storage, which was the beginning focus of the company, we had partnered up with transportation companies to distribute for local businesses in the early 90s. Eventually, 18WL shifted its primary aim to repackaging products for customers. This new path began with investment in equipment for contractpackaging and co-packing. The additional service allowed us to resurface the products for better marketing for a new set of customers.” “18WL later merged with Rolls Right Industries, a local trucking giant, to stabilize the businesses stronger and deeper. Now our team provides the unique supply chain solution that no other company has the parallel services provided to customers. Warehousing, logistics, and copacking all can be arranged with 18 Wheels Logistics.” “Being excellent at everything we do; Inspiring our people and customers to grow; Building trusting relationships; Everyone is important; Helping each other; Learning every day; Hiring the best; and Celebrating successes, these are the values that we live by while striving to reach our vision of becoming the most customer-centric company in the universe,” adds the team. Strong Foundations “We are truly honored to work with a wonderful team of the top logistics professionals in the industry. Our team members are self-starters, have diverse experiences, and phenomenal skill sets related to the supply chain, which helps the company live out its mission of providing the absolute best customer experience possible, says Adrian Wen, the CEO of 18Wheels Logistics. With over 20 years of experience in logistics and a strong background in distribution, Adrian holds a degree in BCom, Business Management from
24 | JAN 2021
www.insightssuccess.com
Royal Rhodes University and was previously running import and export operations for Lulu-lemon Athletics. With strong servant leadership intuition Adrian has directed the company to focus on providing the absolute best customer experience. He has guided 18 Wheels to pursue its niche of a onestop solution for contract-packaging, warehousing, and trucking services, narrowing its market segment to CPG beverage, alcohol, electronics, and building materials. Under Adrian’s leadership 18 Wheels has grown from 100,000 square feet to over 600,000 square feet of warehousing space in two Canadian provinces and 1 US state, providing services to business that are fortune 500 companies to small business owners.
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Talking about the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the logistics industry and how 18 Wheels Logistics is tackling this challenge, Adrian comments, “In the face of the global pandemic, all aspects of the business are limiting personal contacts which make a huge impact on our operation team. All services provided are involving human interaction. Many standards of operations are no longer valid and have been altered to protect the team and 18WL’s partners. It has been a huge challenge that all businesses must endure and withstand.” “It is our decision when we realize this has been the critical time when all operation technical shall transition to electronic devices to minimize the interaction between members and partners. The dire situation calls for serious measurement to upgrade personal safety to each member, and premise safety to all inbound and outbound operations.”
“Supply chains have proven to be one of the most important parts of people’s life. All team members have been stepping up a level to keep the operation going throughout the past few months that are called the Heroes amongst the toughest time in history. 18WL couldn’t be prouder of all teams in all our terminals. I personally couldn’t be prouder for all our team members.”
“
Our mission is to provide the absolute best customer experience ever. No Excuses. Trust Truly Delivered
“
Adapting and Overcoming Talking about 18WL’s successful journey and the challenges it came across, Adrian says, “We have made some big decisions with 18WL in the past few years. Since the team has been expanding drastically since the last decade, we are implementing a new structure to the management team as well. This brings the whole operation to another level. This transition allowed 18WL to invest in a large variety of machinery to provide more services to existing customers. Also, the company acquired more warehousing space to provide convenience to our customers in all regions possible. Nonetheless, the challenges posed when the area grows larger, the more difficult it is to manage. Depending on human eyes has not been the best way to utilize space maximally. The operation will need to involve computerized software to assist the managing team to utilize spaces better.”
25| JAN 2021
6 26 | JAN 2021
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GISTICS BUSINESS
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he backbone of e-commerce, the logistics sector has been helping businesses manage their shipping and warehousing needs. Today, logistics companies provide an array of services including storing products, shipping overseas, and offering freight services. With the e-commerce sector at its peak and the US Government spending over 10% of GDP on logistics, the industry has opened doors to huge business opportunities. However, great opportunities attract greater competition. Setting up a logistics business from scratch is a tough task. Logistics forms a vital link between consumers and sellers. Thus, the businesses in this sector need to be effective and diligent with their services. So, what should you consider before setting up your own logistics business? Start by chalking out an effective and practical business plan and follow these prime tips to set your logistics business. Choose a niche “What niche should I choose?” This should be the first question you ask before you move towards acquiring capital and the necessary licenses. The logistics industry has several niches, viz., inbound, outbound, and reverse logistics being the broad ones. Instead of exploring every path at the start, choose one and be a renowned name in a certain niche. Acquire the necessary capital Once you have answered the questions, “what niche should I enter” and “who will I cater to” move towards arranging a source of business capital. Decide whether you will build your business fund through a bank loan or through investors. Consider every aspect that requires funding including setting up an office, operation, and maintenance cost. Also, consider industry-related expenses such as licensing, vehicle maintenance, and driver skills development training. Having a clear picture of expenses beforehand will help you efficiently manage your funds and avoid considerable losses. Registration and compliance The next step is to register your company with the state government and obtain a logistics license. Check for the necessary government compliance certificates you need to get for your logistics business’ smooth operations without any legal speed breakers. Other 28 | JAN 2021
than logistics-related compliances one may need to register with other government bodies such as for filing tax forms with the state government. Invest in the right vehicles Investing in the right size and quality of vehicles matters from day one. It shows your professionalism and commitment towards work, especially when you are working as a third-party logistics service provider. What type of vehicle is right for your business? Pondering over these essential factors will help you make the right buying decision: • Will you transport small parcels, heavy goods, perishables, or passengers? • What kind of terrain will the drivers be covering on a routine trip? • The type of wear-and-tear you will be facing on an average trip. • Can you consider any fuel-efficient equipment? Incorporate strong hiring practices The work of your team on-field can make or break your logistics business considerably. As your business starts paving a path of success establish standard hiring practices and ensure you are following state employment rules. Every business starts with a one-man-army. However, as it evolves into a renowned name, gaining the trust of your consumers, you may need a team working in different sections such as administrative staff, maintenance staff, Human Resource (HR) team, and sales and marketing team. Establishing your logistics start-up as a brand Once you have successfully hit the logistics ground, the next step is to establish your start-up as a brand. Consider introducing your business to a wider audience through marketing. Think of advertising through local channels, hire marketing professionals, or consider appearing the niche magazines. The later opens a door to collaboration as your organization’s name will be discovered by other local transporters. Still, doubt your aim of entering the logistics sector? These wise words by a famous American writer and entrepreneur, Mark Twain, will guide you in the right direction “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” - Vrushali Rakhunde
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PARKLAND COUNTY A Thriving Business Community Supported with a Robust Transportation Ecosystem
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estled 20 kilometers west of the City of Edmonton, Parkland County is a municipal district in central Alberta, Canada. With an idyllic setting, this rural community offers a distinctively vibrant atmosphere with an assortment of country residential acreages, farming properties, and a diverse range of small- and large-scale businesses. Most importantly Parkland County offers an environment that is conducive for business success and growth.
Moreover, the county has lots of available land, has short approval timelines when it comes to the processing of permits and the county’s fees and taxes are some of the lowest in all of Alberta.
An Easy Access to Distribution Networks
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
One of the most appealing aspects of this western Canadian locale is excellent transportation/logistics infrastructure and networks that offer companies easy access to both domestic and international markets. Transportation advantages include quick connections via air, rail, and major trucking routes which support incoming and outgoing distribution of Alberta’s resource industries and supply chains. Such transportation connectivity is readily embraced today by most of the leading large logistics and e-commerce providers such as Fedex, Gregg Distributors, Sysco and several other local logistics companies, A number of transportation companies such as Overland Container Transportation Services (OCTS), Bushell Transport, Manatoulin Transport, Roseneau Transport are also present that support the large logistics and transportation operators.
“We are all equally affected by COVID but not equally impacted by it,” says Robert Fernandez, Director of Economic Diversification at Parkland County.
Located adjacent to the county is Edmonton International Airport (EIA), the largest airport in Canada by size, which runs 24/7 operating 365 days of the year. It has six cargo handling terminals right onsite with 40 state border and
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customs brokers. Also, the flight distances between Edmonton and main Asian markets are significantly shorter than other logistics ports in North America due to the polar flight route.
Being located outside a main city core gives Parkland County the benefit of a large employment base nearby. That said, since we do not have the same population density that other jurisdictions and regions have, the county has thankfully been less impacted by COVID,” he adds. According to Robert, the logistics industry in Canada is thriving. It certainly has challenges such as finding qualified staff and long driving hours as Canada is a very big country. But with all of those challenges also come opportunities through technological advancements. Technological developments such as self-driving technologies will help abate driving distances and address driver fatigue. Nearby in Edmonton is the first connected vehicle test site in Canada, where tests are being undertaken for the development of self-driving vehicle technologies in
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World’s Best Logistics Tech Solution Providers interconnected ways. Some companies are really taking advantage of the testing opportunities there and looking at how technology innovations can transform the logistics industry. “The logistics industry as a whole and logistics businesses located in Parkland County’s industrial parks, has been hugely impacted in a positive way by the pandemic,” says Robert. “E-commerce transactions, online shopping, and demand for traditional seasonal goods, day to day staples, food and supplies have been growing exponentially.” A Proficient Leader The economic diversification of Parkland County is led by Robert Fernandez. He joined Parkland County in the summer of 2019 and brings with him extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. During the course of his 20+ year career, he has had the opportunity to develop multifaceted government programs, lead municipal and provincial economic strategies, facilitate private-sector job growth, and assist dozens of companies in their relocation and expansion pursuits.
Robert Fernandez, Director of Economic Diversification
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From industrial start-ups and expansion from home-based businesses, Parkland County offers some of the best assets for business growth and new economic development opportunities.
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Parkland County traditionally has had a very strong industrial base supported for many decades by the proximity of energy production, notably coal; this in turn has supported the local economy and taxation base. With coal now being phased out and the multiple coal plants no longer in operation, the need to attract alternative industries to leverage existing workforce and talent has become a major strategic objective for the county. The role of Robert and his team is to oversee the creation and execution of strategies to attract new corporate investments to the county. A Roadmap Ahead Parkland County is working with developers to further grow its industrial and commercial base. Given the exponential increase of e-commerce transactions and online shopping great attention is being given to the transportation/distribution sector and Robert and his team are actively pursuing logistics companies, of all sizes. With current lots zoned for industrial development expected to sell out over the next five to seven years the county is also actively working at expanding the existing footprint of industrial parks and establishing new ones.
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