Our Story
UWT’s story started back in 2003, when it was then called United World Cargo.
All those years ago, both owners approached logistics with a new perspective, being new to an industry will do that. This helped them develop innovative programs and features that the competition lacked. Customer and Carriers experienced tangible benefits that have lead to excellent long-term relationships. 15 years later, we are now known as United World Transportation, and have not lost our enduring passion for continuous improvement. UWT has grown to be a successful transportation provider in the refrigerated produce industry, an educator, and a sought-after employer.
How We’ve Made it Work
Solid Financial Structure
UWT’s strong financial structure allows us to provide one of the best and fastest advance and payment terms of any transportation provider. We recognize the cash flow requirements of Carriers, and realize it is our responsibility to ensure that our Carriers’ financial needs are met; this structure promotes a trusted partnership that is committed to the safe, secure, and on time delivery of your products.
Managing Exceptions
While we work to avoid any disruptions in delivery commitments, mechanical breakdowns and weather issues are a part of the business. We are committed to pursuing whatever avenue we must to try to maintain on-time delivery. As we are dealing with perishables, our primary concern is expediting delivery. Much of our performance is judged on how “we manage the exceptions.”
Bilingual accessibility and support
UWT’s dedicated Customer Service Department controls and takes responsibility for all communications, loading details, and appointment scheduling to ensure our drivers have the necessary support to concentrate on a safe and secure on time delivery. Our bilingual English and Spanish office is staffed 7 days a week, day and night, with round-the-clock complete access to all load details and specifics, making information readily available for Customer or Carrier questions, updates, issues, or last minute load changes.
Our Leaders
The people who are charged with UWT’s strategy, decisions and commitment to future goals. Our leaders are tasked with setting the example for everyone else to follow and making sure that others adhere to our core values and mission to achieve peace of mind. All leaders commit to adhering to existing business processes, promoting the business over individual mindset, demonstrating self-responsibility and encouraging trust and respect with fellow co-workers.
Steve Baker – Owner, President
North Shore born and raised, Steve is a Chartered Accountant by trade with an education background from both Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia. He is also an avid volunteer, offering countless hours for several notable charities across the Lower Mainland. In his free time, you can catch Steve hitting the slopes in Whistler, spending time with his family, and enjoying a game of squash. His favourite local spot to catch a bite to eat is a good old barbeque at home.
Jim Brister – Owner, VP Sales & Marketing
Also North Shore born and raised, Jim is a proud alumnus of the University of British Columbia Commerce Department. Jim enjoys getting outside and being active, snowshoeing in the winter and hiking in the summer. An avid wine taster and foodie, Jim’s favourite local spot to enjoy both is the Portly Chef.
Our Commitments
Purpose
Our Purpose at United World Transportation is to deliver peace of mind.
Vision
Our Vision at United World Transportation is to radically alter the transportation industry because we are:
> A driven team dedicated to building trusted partnerships;
> Surpassing expectations by using a systematic approach to timely freight management
> Committed to establishing a dynamic transportation community.
Mission
Our Mission at United World Transportation is to deliver improved productivity, cost savings and peace of mind to our customers and carriers by effectively communicating and proactively applying our knowledge and
resourcefulness.
Our Core Values
In order to achieve outstanding success UWT requires exceptional people. People are our biggest asset and we are committed to providing the right environment for people to excel. Our core values are Community, Character and Capability. Our goal is to create a safe and secure home where individuals have the opportunity to succeed.
Community
Environment
Our strategically located office provides a safe and secure place where individuals can have the comfort of home while working with an exciting, multi-cultural team.
Infrastructure
We provide excellent customer and carrier service where feedback and communication are corner stones of our process. We are also strong believers in contributing and supporting charitable causes that are important to our community.
Dynamic Team
Our goal is to build cohesive groups of co-workers into compact teams that excel both as a group and as individual members, and as a result, benefits the greater good of the organization.
Common Goal
A well defined culture with clear and consistent goals is critical to our success.
Character
Solid Principles
Everyone must at all times act with integrity and trust, while being loyal and respectful to fellow co-workers.
Curious Minded
Critical thinking is also a key to our success. We must be inquisitive and receptive to new ideas and be creative and flexible in providing solutions.
Good Team Players
We strive to develop good team players who are accountable, collaborative, reliable, effective communicators.
Self Responsibility
People with strong character values must hold themselves accountable to these values.
Capability
Knowledge
There are many facets to transportation and to the commodities we transport. We must equip ourselves with adequate knowledge in order to provide excellent service to our customers and carriers.
Communication
It is essential that we communicate accurately and concisely both in writing and orally. This applies to internal as well as external communication.
Process
We are a service process driven organization. We must have well defined procedures and sufficient software applications to efficiently and effectively perform.
Toolkit
Our aim is to provide everyone with the tools to excel at their job. This includes situational training as well as exposure to the industry.
Our Guiding Principles – The fuel that drives the road ahead:
1.
To listen to our customers and carriers and provide the best solutions and programs that meet current and future needs
2.
To be effective communicators, by regularly sharing critical information to the right people at the right time, in the right way
3.
To be accountable by being honest and accurate in the information we share and by delivering on our promises
4.
To build and share our knowledge (i.e. product/equipment information, regulations, etc) with customers and carriers, pro-actively and on an ongoing basis, to support their success
5.
To work as a team to ensure all of our services are integrated and effective for our customers and carriers
6.
To be socially responsible, by supporting important causes in our own community as well as critical initiatives to customers and carriers
7.
To foster a dynamic work environment that encourages diversity, respect, growth, and fun
