Logistics Consulting Help for Northern Ontario Shippers/Exporters

What is the Logistic Consulting Service?

Specialists from the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, with business and logistics knowledge and experience, are available for one-on-one consultations with Northern Ontario shippers to provide practical, cost-effective solutions to your distribution challenges.

Why does the Service Exist?

Distribution costs are the third highest cost of doing business in Ontario, ranking close behind labour and materials. Firms in Northern Ontario are faced with unique and challenging distribution problems. Transportation costs typically represent a higher proportion of total costs than in other areas of the province owing primarily to the greater distances involved in moving goods to and from the area. Some companies are not aware of their total logistics costs nor are they familiar with the options available to reduce those costs. They simply do not realize that freight consolidations, carrier discounts and other logistics tips are at their disposal.

Logistics is one of the few remaining areas where major savings are often achievable, sometimes with very little effort. There are also times when lucrative market opportunities are overlooked because of mistaken beliefs that distribution costs will be prohibitive.

To survive and grow in a highly competitive global environment - and for Northern Ontario firms to expand international trade and create jobs - access to logistics expertise is essential.

Is my Company Eligible for Assistance?

The service is available without charge to any Northern Ontario business that requires transportation/distribution/logistics assistance.

What Distribution Issues will the Consultant Examine?

The consultants are available to review specific areas of concern, or analyze your company's entire distribution chain - from the inbound movement of raw materials through to final delivery to your customer. This analysis can focus on your existing markets and practices - or it can be an overview of distribution issues related to expanding into a new market - be it domestic - U.S. - or overseas.

The analysis may include (but is not limited to):

• appropriate buying and selling terms
• customer service issues
• transportation alternatives and rates
• private fleet operation
• customs procedures and documentation
• NAFTA regulations
• foreign duty rates
• international trade agreements
• offshore costing and documentation

How is Advice Provided?

Advice may range from a verbal response to your query, to the provision of a detailed written report based upon a thorough analysis of your situation. The reports typically provide a full explanation of the issues - and include rate quotations - specific recommendations and contacts for further information.

How do I access the Service?

To request assistance simply contact the:

Ministry of Northern Development & Mines
Programs and Transportation Unit
70 Foster Drive, Suite 200
Sault Ste. Marie, ON.
P6A 6V8

Contacts: Gerry Bouchard
Tel: (800) 461-2287
Fax: (705) 541-2140
E-Mail: gerry.bouchard@ontario.ca