How JAM-N Logistics Built a 3PL Powerhouse

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How JAM-N Logistics Built a 3PL Powerhouse—with a Little Help from Their Friends

When it comes to third-party logistics, JAM-N Logistics is more than just a service provider—they’re an innovator with deep roots and a forward-thinking mindset. Founded over three decades ago in Seattle, JAM-N has grown into a trusted name in fulfillment, warehousing, and transportation services, serving some of the biggest names in retail across the U.S.

Now headquartered in Los Angeles, JAM-N has built its reputation on flexibility, innovation, and strong partnerships. According to CEO John Watkins, those values continue to shape the company’s evolution today.

“We do about 1.5 million orders a year and tens of thousands of LTL and full truckload shipments. That includes everything from soft goods to lumber, toys, and footwear.”1

And it doesn’t stop there. JAM-N is also the original birthplace of Extensiv—formerly known as 3PL Central—a cloud-based warehouse management system (WMS) now used by leading logistics providers across North America, including Canadian Alliance Terminals.

“We built the software out of necessity,” says Watkins. “We couldn’t find what we needed on the market, so we made it ourselves. And it turns out, others needed it too.”

That spirit of adaptability and foresight has kept JAM-N relevant in a competitive, ever-changing industry.

The Power of Partnership

One of the company’s more recent successes? Building a collaborative network of likeminded 3PL providers—what JAM-N and partners refer to as the “A1 Team.” Canadian Alliance Terminals has become a key member of that alliance.

“We met at a conference years ago and have stayed in touch since,” Watkins recalls. “They’re part of a group of partners who share leads, resources, and most importantly—standards.”

The A1 Team isn’t just a handshake agreement; it’s a strategy. These hand-picked partnerships are about more than expanding footprint—they’re about trust and accountability.

“When we refer a customer to another provider, our reputation is on the line. That’s why we choose partners like Canadian Alliance—people who treat customers the way we do.”

Strength in Shared Values

At its core, JAM-N Logistics values communication, quality, and flexibility. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re survival traits in the 3PL world. Especially in a market where costs, tariffs, and economic uncertainty are on the rise, having a trusted network is more vital than ever.

“Every 3PL runs things a little differently,” Watkins explains. “But when you have shared software, shared values, and shared goals, it makes collaboration smoother. Canadian Alliance checks all those boxes.”

Canadian Alliance Terminals brings a similar ethos to the table: a commitment to customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and staying agile in the face of change.

“They’ve been great to work with. We’re building something sustainable together—something that can compete with the biggest players out there.”

Looking Ahead

Today, JAM-N continues to push forward. Watkins has returned full-time to the CEO seat, bringing decades of experience and a board-level perspective on the software that helped reshape the industry.

“We’re not just trying to grow JAM-N,” he says. “We’re trying to grow a network. So when a customer needs service in Vancouver or Montreal, we can trust our partners to step in and deliver.”

That’s where Canadian Alliance comes in.

As JAM-N scales and adapts, it does so with confidence—knowing it’s backed by a team of partners who share its vision. In a business where execution is everything, those relationships are worth their weight in gold.

Would you like to learn more about other locations we cover through our partnerships? Are you looking for a trusted partner that can provide warehousing or 3PL partnership? Contact us today to explore how we can support your business.