Warehousing

Vancouver’s leader in trucking and warehousing has some important tips that you should know when choosing a strategic storage solution for both short and long-term warehousing needs.

Warehousing may not be at the top of our minds when it comes to importing and transporting goods, but it is an important and integral part of the logistics journey that should be planned thoroughly to help you save time and money and to grow your business. Let’s dive into some important tips that you should know when choosing a strategic storage solution for both short and long-term warehousing needs.

Although the topic of warehousing might not get much attention from businesses that store their materials and inventory on-site, it’s a great idea to plan ahead and familiarize yourself with the different situations where you may need warehousing and choose one that fits your needs.

Why Would You Need Warehousing?

1. Sufferance Warehouse

Businesses should plan ahead and choose a sufferance warehouse when importing goods as the inspection of a shipment may not take place at the port of entry at the time of arrival. All goods entering Canada need to be assessed by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) before they are allowed to be released and cargo will need to be transported to a bonded sufferance warehouse to await clearance.

A sufferance warehouse is a privately owned storage facility regulated by the CBSA for short-term storage of imported goods that have not yet cleared customs. Shipments transported to these warehouses remain under customs control. Only goods that have had security bonds posted are eligible to be stored at these warehouses for ​​a maximum of 40 days, with a few exceptions that have reduced stays.

2. Short & Long Term Storage

Long-term storage may be part of the logistics plan already if you require space to store your goods for a longer period of time, but short-term storage is equally as important when it comes to managing the flow of goods. For businesses that have several shipments arriving at the same time, a trucking company that also has warehousing capacity can prepull containers and trailers to their secure yard and redeliver them when you are ready to receive them. 

3. Services that Warehouses Provide

Warehousing includes a variety of services that helps save you time and money in the long run. This may include re-packing your imported shipment and sending them on their way to their final destination. The following services will most definitely help increase the flow efficiency of your imported goods and decrease your warehousing costs.

• Container & Trailer De-Stuffing
• Cross Docking
• Loading & Securing Cars, Vehicles
• Blocking & Bracing
• Shrink Wrapping
• Container & Trailer Stuffing
• Palletizing
• Dangerous Goods Storage

What to Look for When Choosing a Warehouse?

1. A All-In-One Trucking & Warehousing Solution

Hiring a trucking company that also provides warehousing services will give you the most efficient and effective logistics solution as there are fewer partners to communicate with. This in turn results in fewer chances of complications and lower costs.

2. Safe and Secure

A safe and secure location with state-of-the-art technology for storing products and goods, perimeter fencing, high-definition cameras, a modern alarm system, and security guards on site are extremely important. 

3. Authorized by Port Metro Vancouver

Having a large fleet carrier with access to all major ports and rails in Greater Vancouver taking care of your shipment is a must when it comes to keeping the flow of your imported goods going.

4. Experienced Staff

A well-trained warehouse team with forklift certification not only gives you peace of mind when it comes to moving your goods but together with the support of an experienced transportation team, costly problems can be prevented before they even occur.

As a leader in trucking and warehousing in BC for over three decades, our team is ready to serve you with our full fleet of over 250 trailers, extensive range of trucks, LTL/FTL services, sufferance warehouse, and authorized access to all major ports and rails in Metro Vancouver. Whether you need to transport your goods in BC or to Alberta, Ontario, or Quebec, our experienced team is here to help. Connect with us today at (604)-276-9044 or info@sandhartrucking.com.