C A R G O & L O G I S T I C S
S p e c i a l F e a t u r e
Willson focuses on service
Since 1918, Willson International has
simplied North American and interna-
tional trade with client-focused customs
brokerage and logistics solutions. It has
service locations at major gateways along
the Canada-U.S. border, in addition to
trusted logistics partners around the
world.
Willson's competitive advantage
derives from not only being a transporta-
tion logistics specialist, but also a customs
broker.
"This results in a much quicker sharing
of information than you nd in the
standard transportation business model,
as well as the clear lines of communication
that clients require as they seek transpar-
ency in all business dealings," says Michael
Chisholm, Willson's vice-president and
general manager, logistics.
The combination of customs and
logistics solutions enables Willson to
navigate processes and regulations to
identify the best options that meet the
needs of importers and exporters.
This—along with Willson's state-of-the-
art technoloˆy that facilitates real-time
information, web portals, customized
solutions, and thoroughly trained client
service specialists—has made it the go-to
company for the food, steel, produce,
Šoral, and automotive sectors.
"Willson entered the B.C. market in
June 2015 and our growth has been so
strong that we now have seven sta" and, in
addition to our Richmond o•ce, this
month we are opening a second o•ce in
Surrey," he says.
Chisholm, who guarantees that clients
can directly access sta" to inquire about
shipments or make last-minute changes,
says: "We operate at a time when intense
competition compels many carriers to
knock down their rates to get business and
clients, in turn, wind up spending more
money in their quest to get the lowest
rates. By contrast, we focus on customers
who want an additional level of service,
nationally, internationally and
cross-border."
Cargo increases at
Air Canada
Air Canada Cargo makes a signicant
impact in the cargo transportation sector
across Canada and around the globe. It
provides air-freight solutions for its
customers to more than 200 online or
direct destinations, and more than 450
through interline partnerships and
scheduled trucking.˜With specialized
solutions tailored to meet their customers'
needs, it not only handles dry cargo, but
highly valuable goods, pharmaceuticals,
foodstu"s, emergency medical supplies,
dangerous goods and animals
.
In B.C., with its economy heavily based
on natural resources, plus an abundance
of seafood, fruits and vegetables,˜Air
Canada Cargo plays a crucial role in
moving time-sensitive shipments. Live and
fresh seafood, local berries, vegetables,
mushrooms and Okanagan cherries are
shipped out of Vancouver to Asia, Europe,
South America, and within North America
on a daily basis.
