In the logistics and transportation sector, where the effective movement of goods is paramount, business success depends on the fusion of collaboration, understanding, and shared goals among customers, suppliers, and logistics providers. This partnership fosters operational efficiency, reduced delays, optimal resource use, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

Western Freight Solutions (WFS) embodies this ethos, making customer service its operational core and establishing itself as a leading supply chain solutions provider in Canada's logistics and freight industry.

WFS has built an extensive network that spans Canada's East and West coasts by forging strong connections with customers and suppliers. This network makes supply chain operations practical and economically viable and boosts international trade markets, creating opportunities for market expansion.

"We cultivate synergistic relationships with customers to understand their path to success clearly. As we delve deeper into their business and operational goals, our guidance becomes more effective," says Casey Bassenden, managing director at WFS.

Through effective communication and an in-depth understanding of each client's needs, WFS offers custom supply chain solutions. The company manages all aspects of logistics and transportation, including export, import, drayage, or inland requirements, functioning as a trusted guide in each client's logistics journey.

WFS intends to simplify the supply chain for clients. It adopts a consistent and rigorous approach to executing transactions that uphold and enhance trade market fluidity. The company aims to navigate the fluctuating Canadian supply chain landscape by skillfully managing every transaction and effectively addressing emerging industry challenges.

Navigating the New Normal

Three fundamental aspects of efficient export procedures—pipeline capacity, container availability, and cost-effective transportation pricing—are tested as the sector adjusts to a post-pandemic rhythm.

WFS proactively addresses these challenges by working with transloaders, shipping lines, and equipment providers to improve supply chain efficiencies and ensure effective stakeholder communication. The company believes the supply chain revolution requires vertically integrated services with all suppliers, carriers, partners, and customers while maintaining exceptional customer service. The firm simplifies the entire process as a liaison between the involved parties, allowing clients to concentrate on trading.

Its extensive network enables the transportation of agricultural goods via rail, truck, or intermodal methods. To ensure efficient grain export from Canada, it employs pipelines for trans-loading, vessel spaces, and equipment at cost-effective rates. Supply chain assets in Montreal have enabled it to form partnerships in Western Canada to offer various supply chain solutions from coast to coast with coverage over every KM including domestic and sourceload offerings.

WFS strategically places itself within the Canadian supply chain, providing customers with relevant information and expert guidance on optimal routes.

Its collaborations with partners like DG Canest Transit and Les Entreprises Yvon Bessette in Quebec, it empowers WFS to facilitate transportation from rail to sea. Through collaborative efforts with transloaders and drayage companies like Quebec’s Canest Trucking Incorporated to improve container access and maintain cargo fluidity with DG Canest Transit’s advanced transloading facility at the Port of Montreal, which offers a storage capacity of 91 silos and 68,000 MT which serves to counter-balance any lack of available containers while maintaining costeffective solutions.

A Partner-Driven, Client-Centric Approach to Logistics

WFS maintains a lean organizational structure that provides seamless and transparent internal communication to avoid the pitfalls of fragmented forwarding, equipment, and operations divisions. This strategy ensures that the solutions provided are practical, easy to implement, and cost-effective.

"Our company’s unique strength lies in our work with shippers, vendors, steamship lines, and Canadian National and Pacific Railway in Canada, covering the entire spectrum to deliver customized solutions to customers. We help them navigate the new normal that emerged post-pandemic," says Bassenden.

A partner-driven, client-centric approach enhances operational efficiency and fluidity. WFS extracts valuable insights from various supply chain participants, enabling proactive shipment planning, negotiating favourable rates, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and creating mutual benefits for all parties involved.

WFS simplifies the customer process by providing all-inclusive rates that cover the complete logistics journey. There is no need for customers to manage rates from multiple service providers, allowing easy conversion of the provided quotes into a cost per metric ton and streamlining the process’ financial aspects.

WFS goes beyond this by assuming the associated risks and ensuring clients secure their desired price. Through extensive analysis and research, it offers quotes that consider crucial factors such as equipment and space availability. Unlike others, WFS does not depend solely on container availability for cargo handling; it also offers clients the flexibility to wait for economical price options through its silo benefits in Quebec. Businesses can store and protect their cargo from environmental factors at the company's facilities without worrying about railcar or intermodal time constraints.

The benefits of WFS' customer-centric and transparent pricing extend beyond individual businesses, fostering shared economic growth across the supply chain and nurturing a thriving ecosystem.

While adhering to this ideology, Bassenden recognizes the supply chain’s dynamic nature and emphasizes the importance of equipping professionals with a comprehensive understanding of global trends and their repercussions. This proactive attitude empowers WFS to stay agile in responding to changing market narratives. It also helps cater to the growing client demands by expanding its services and establishing a domestic team that manages various aspects of the supply chain's first mile. This includes intermodal transportation, trucking, and rail cars, providing seamless solutions for direct transport from facility doorsteps to final destinations.

WFS takes great pride in its professionalism and work ethic, earning a loyal customer base. The company measures its success by being the preferred choice for businesses navigating Canadian logistics complexities. Understanding that there are multiple solutions for every challenge, it uses customer feedback and market insights to offer effective and economical solutions. It also provides direct and personalized contact throughout the transaction process, ensuring clients have a dedicated point of contact who works closely with them. This encourages engagement, strengthens relationships, provides a personal touch, and enhances the overall experience.

A Dedication to Curiosity and Lifelong Learning

Given WFS’ ability to deliver highly effective solutions, one might wonder about the source of the company's success. Competence stems from its supportive work culture, epitomized by its motto, ‘Raise Your Hand.’ This slogan represents its commitment to fostering employee curiosity and continuously promoting knowledge sharing and open dialogue.

"We encourage staff members to ask questions, challenge ideas, and offer unique perspectives,” says Bassenden. “We value diverse viewpoints as they contribute to our logistical success.”

WFS prioritizes internal growth and professional development by motivating ambitious, curious, and driven employees. They understand the importance of knowing their team's goals and aspirations, effectively guiding them to success.

WFS strategically curates a workforce that balances entrylevel hires and industry veterans to encourage innovative problem-solving and deeper market awareness.

Young professionals offer fresh perspectives, while experienced employees provide expertise, mentorship, and a solution-oriented mindset. WFS represents and celebrates Canada's vibrant cultural fabric by embracing cultural diversities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and races.

The company acknowledges the significance of workforce diversity and operational diversification in meeting the evolving needs of its expanding customer base. Its growth-oriented outlook enables it to expand its operations, witness significant growth in its Quebec network, and enhance its services at DG Canest Transit and Yvon Bessette. The firm has also invested in technological infrastructure to improve communication.

Due to its steadfast commitment to customer service and supply chain transparency, WFS revolutionizes the supply chain by ensuring cargo fluidity and forging robust partnerships. Even if businesses are experiencing a supply chain “midwinter,” WFS' presence assures a bright future for all.