For Canadian manufacturers selling to the U.S., having your own warehouse can seem like the smartest way to stay competitive – until the hidden costs start to add up. Year-round rent, full-time staff you might not always need, plus the day-to-day of managing it all.
Add complex shipping, like hazardous materials, for example, and suddenly doing it all yourself drains time, money, and energy that could go toward growing the business.
That’s exactly what EcoPoxy, a Canadian company making bio-based epoxies for woodworkers and artists, discovered.
Here’s how partnering with Red River Freight helped them cut costs, stay compliant, and serve their biggest market more efficiently.
The Fulfillment Headaches EcoPoxy Needed to Solve
When EcoPoxy started looking for a better way to serve their U.S. customers, they were up against three big challenges:
1. Cross-Border Costs and Delays
Shipping from their Manitoba HQ into the U.S. meant extra miles, higher shipping costs, and longer delivery times. They needed a way to move products closer to customers, without driving up costs.
2. Hazmat Shipping Complexity
Their bio-based epoxy products come with strict labeling and handling requirements. Managing Hazmat compliance in-house would mean more training, certifications, and risk.
3. Lack of Integration and Visibility
Handling fulfillment internally made it harder to keep orders flowing smoothly. They needed clearer tracking, real-time inventory updates, and fewer manual headaches.
How a 3PL Helped Cut Costs and Simplify Shipping
1. No More Fixed Overhead
Instead of paying for warehouse space and staffing all year long, EcoPoxy now pays only for what they ship and store. This flexibility helps protect their margins and frees up budget for growth.
2. Hassle-Free Hazmat Compliance
Shipping epoxies across the U.S. requires strict labelling and handling. With our certified team and secure facility, EcoPoxy doesn’t have to juggle extra training or stay up at night worrying about compliance issues.
3. Full Visibility, Fewer Errors
Our Extensiv system ensures orders flow from sales channels directly to our warehouse, with clear communication every step of the way. Customers get what they ordered, on time. No confusion, no surprises.
4. A Reliable Cross-Border Fulfillment Partner
With our location right at the border, EcoPoxy can serve their largest market efficiently. Orders ship quickly, customs clearance is smooth, and there’s one less thing to worry about.
In EcoPoxy’s Words
“Red River Freight helped us move away from renting our own warehouse and managing full-time staff in the U.S. The 3PL model means we pay only for what we need, which saves costs and makes scaling more predictable.
“They handle everything from small parcels to pallets, Hazmat included. The whole experience is smoother, and the service reflects their small-town work ethic, we’re very happy.”
The Takeaway: Why 3PL Matters for Complex Shipping
Managing your own warehouse and staff can feel like control, but for growing manufacturers it often means carrying costs that don’t scale.
With a trusted 3PL partner, companies like EcoPoxy can handle complex shipments – including Hazmat – while keeping costs flexible and operations lean.
Whether you’re shipping cross-border, expanding into new markets, or need to handle special shipping requirements, the right 3PL helps you get it done without tying up more of your time or budget.
Ready to Simplify Your Shipping?
At Red River Freight, we help manufacturers, retailers, and ecommerce brands keep orders moving, no matter how complex.
From certified Hazmat handling to real-time inventory tracking, our cross-border warehouse and team are here to help you run smarter.
Want to see what’s possible for your business? Contact us to get started.
FAQs: Using a 3PL for Cross-Border and Complex Shipping
Q1: What types of products can Red River Freight handle?
We handle a wide range of shipments – from small parcels to large freight, including regulated goods like hazardous materials (Hazmat). Our team is certified to label, store, and ship Hazmat products safely and compliantly.
Q2: How does partnering with a 3PL save money?
Working with a 3PL means you only pay for the storage and shipping you actually use – no need to cover year-round warehouse rent or hire full-time staff you don’t need every month. This flexibility helps protect your margins as you grow.
Q3: Is a 3PL right for my Canadian business shipping to the U.S.?
If you’re managing U.S. orders from Canada, a 3PL can help you get products closer to customers, reduce shipping times, and simplify customs. Our U.S.-based warehouse near the border makes cross-border fulfillment faster and more efficient.
