Commtrex and Wellington Group of Companies Case Study:
Korean beauty store navigates challenging supply chain year through partnership.
Case studies are a great way to understand how solutions can be created for shippers and get insight into the logistics process. This case study showcases a successful 4PL relationship throughout the challenges of the 2022 market.
The Business:
The shipper this case study is based upon is a rapidly expanding retailer of Korean beauty products. They also happen to be a member of Commtrex’s Shipper platform. When they initially reached out to Commtrex, they were looking for a solution for moving five skids of their products from multiple storage locations across the USA to a store opening in British Columbia, Canada. After reaching out to Commtrex, they were partnered up with Wellington Motor Freight to help them find a solution.
What was their struggle?
The freight was LTL and a one-time move, making it less desirable. Further, it was going to require a few different modes to make it to its destination in a cost-efficient manner. As a growing retail brand, the shipper needed help understanding possible modes of transportation and where to save on cost. Additionally, as they expanded (and are still expanding) across North America with changing freight needs, their supply chain would depend heavily on flexibility and room for expansion.
Is this struggle unique?
Not really, despite the fact each shipper has unique needs, it’s likely all shippers have experienced growth that created challenges similar to this shipper's experience. Fast-growing businesses can find themselves geographically spread out, storing their inventory in various locations and with fewer freight industry connections. Inexperience with a more complicated supply chain makes any shipper vulnerable, and most simply will not have the experience they need on their internal team. In this stage, most shippers are looking for advice, experience, and a partner to start expanding their supply chain.
How did Wellington Motor Freight end up helping this shipper?
The key in this situation was a full-service partnership that provided the Korean beauty retailer with all the guidance necessary to keep up with its current supply chain market. In logistics, this is often described as a 4PL relationship. This shipper and Wellington found success through excellent communication as they coordinated the initial five skids of product through warehousing, less than truckload moves, rail movements, and local pickup and delivery.
The result?
After the original five container move, Wellington Motor Freight is still assisting this shipper with its ocean freight from China, picking up freight at the Port of Vancouver and delivering it to BC Warehouses where it can be cross-docked and distributed locally or across Canada. They have also successfully opened and closed project stores in B.C., Quebec, and Ontario. Even more, the shipper is now utilizing Wellington Motor Freight’s in-house customs broker and warehousing, adding value to their partnership.
We wish this partnership all the best throughout the 2023 market!
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