R&S is referred to as R&S Logistics or R&S Warehousing Solutions throughout our website. They are used interchangeably and are one and the same company.
A Case Study Look at Distribution & Fulfillment Made for Oversized Products
ZMC Window Covering Supplies Expands Across the United States by Partnering With R&S Logistics
R&S Logistics specializes in shipping and handling oversized products. See how we recently collaborated with an international window parts supplier to deliver:
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- Efficient floor loading of their non-standard products
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- Customized racking and storage solutions
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- Business expansion across the United States
- ZMC witnessed remarkable growth in the US market through their partnership with R&S Logistics.
- After teaming up with R&S, ZMC noticed a decrease in product damages, attributed to R&S’s expertise in handling non-standard products.
- ZMC’s partnership with R&S Logistics has positioned them to outpace many competitors in the marketplace, offering new products, shorter lead times on delivered orders, and improved quality.
About ZMC Window Covering Supplies
Founded in 1986 in Toronto, Canada, ZMC Window Covering Supplies quickly developed a loyal customer base by producing custom-fit coil stock and rails for Venetian blinds. Over the years, they have flourished into a prominent supplier to independent fabricators of private-label window covering products and have expanded into international markets. Rapidly evolving construction demands have compelled ZMC to consistently define, refine, and implement effective programs and procedures to better serve a global audience.
The Challenge
Expanding into the US market was integral to ZMC’s long-term sales strategy, yet they had the enviable problem of growing too quickly. Simply put, they had more international orders than their in-house warehouses could handle. Alongside managing their accelerated growth, ZMC encountered logistical hurdles such as shipping errors, transit damages, and extended delivery times.
To address these challenges, they engaged a search firm to find a third-party logistics company. A meticulous vetting process followed, spanning several months, including face-to-face meetings with several top warehousing providers.
Why such a thorough search? ZMC’s selection criteria was stringent: They sought a provider not only to facilitate daily order fulfillment and maintain precise inventory records but also to manage their labor-intensive and non-standard product line.
Window blinds don’t fit in a standard parcel box, and they’re too delicate for machine loading. ZMC’s teams sometimes spent more than six hours manually loading a truck due to the complex handling and mix of SKUs all requiring floor loading.
Several 3PLs were interested—until they got the details. More than one warehousing provider told ZMC that they simply couldn’t accommodate the complex, labor intensive shipping at a fair rate. These other 3PLs didn’t use so many words, but it was clear they were looking for customers who neatly fit a certain profile, with no room to think outside the box.
At R&S, however, agility is a core value. We’re creative and adaptable, and we genuinely enjoy problem-solving to help customers reach their business goals. When we heard about ZMC’s specialized needs, we got straight to work.
“The implementation of our warehouse and logistics was very smooth, with minimum hiccups. R&S takes care of all our warehousing and logistics, shipping, and receiving for customers in the US. I have visited a few warehouse facilities in Tennessee; I find R&S is the best to suit our needs.”
— Phil, ZMC President
The Strategy
In order to grasp a deeper understanding of ZMC’s non-standard product and the additional handling it required, we traveled to ZMC’s headquarters in Toronto to conduct on-site assessments and observe the manufacturing process firsthand. We believe that you have to proactively understand a company’s full supply chain process in order to provide the best logistics solution.
Our teams developed a systematic approach for the manual unloading of containers that expedited the process without damaging inventory. Given the nonstandardized size of the product, we made substantial investments in racking, equipment, and personnel to ensure seamless accommodation. We also analyzed ZMC’s customer base and recommended flatbed carriers to reduce service lead times, particularly for West Coast sellers.
The Results
R&S Logistics Facilitates ZMC’s USA Expansion
The expansion of ZMC’s business into the United States has resulted in remarkable growth. What was once an obstacle has transformed into a competitive advantage. The collaboration between ZMC and R&S Logistics has strategically positioned ZMC to surpass numerous competitors in the market.
R&S Ensures Quality Care of ZMC’s Product
Even with technological advancements, certain products pose challenges for robotic handling. R&S Logistics stood out by considering unloading aspects often overlooked by other 3PLs. We understand that technology wouldn’t work for some products, but that didn’t cause us to shy away from non-standard products. We invested in the racking, the equipment, and the manpower needed to accommodate ZMC’s oversized product.
R&S Solved Shipping Problems
R&S possesses the right connections to ensure efficient operations. By handling international and domestic shipping, R&S relieved ZMC of logistical stress. With uncertainties about who to contact about shipping, ZMC relied on R&S to navigate their product’s journey to the United States seamlessly.
“We highly regard ZMC and its team as an incredibly valued partner. They are an exemplary customer in so many ways. We love the opportunities to solve problems on a grand scheme as well as daily operations challenges. The team at ZMC is incredible to work with and truly values the relationship as a whole. We love the ZMC team and are incredibly grateful for entrusting R&S Logistics with the care of their business.”
— Joe Michalik, CEO at R&S
About R&S Logistics
R&S Logistics is a customer-focused logistics company dedicated to optimizing supply chain operations. Our experienced team provides tailored solutions, leveraging expertise and technology to deliver efficient and reliable services.
Whether it’s optimizing transportation routes, managing inventory, or providing shipping solutions for oversized products, we strive to exceed expectations and drive success for our clients.
Discover how we can help solve your logistics problems with:
- Over 2 million square feet of configurable warehousing
- Strategic locations in Knoxville, TN convenient to I40 and I75
- Multiple service lines
- Deep water navigation year-round on the Tennessee River
- Real-time accuracy in inventory management and shipment tracking
Give us a call today if we can help.