Q. What are some common misconceptions about automated sorting systems?

A. That automation replaces people entirely. Automated systems are more about enhancing human productivity. They free up workers from repetitive, physically demanding tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-value activities.

We’re facing a labor shortage, so it’s crucial to value our existing workforce and equip them with the tools to succeed. Automating repetitive tasks allows people to leverage their strengths and expertise, ultimately leading to a more efficient and successful operation.

Q. What advice would you give companies starting the selection process for a sorting system?

A. Choosing the right sorting system provider can make all the difference. It’s not just about finding a specific system—it’s about finding a partner who understands your business.

The ideal provider will work with you, taking the time to assess your specific needs. This means understanding your space constraints, your current workflows, and the unique challenges you face in your operations. They should be able to come on-site and see your facility firsthand.

But the best partnerships go beyond the initial sale. A forward-thinking provider will design a sorting system with scalability in mind. They should consider your potential future needs and be able to adapt the system as your business grows and technology advances.

Finally, look for a provider who’s committed to a long-term partnership. They should have readily available technical support to address any issues and be there to answer your questions. Ultimately, a true partner will be invested in your long-term success.

Q. What additional factors should be considered?

A. Finding the perfect fit for your sorting needs goes beyond the sorting function itself. Consider maintenance requirements, standardization of parts in need of replacement and repair, reliable service, and high-impact automation. Often, strategically applied automation can address a significant portion of your sorting challenges: 80% of the work can be done with a 20% investment in automation.

For example, one of our customers considered a large, expensive system. However, through a thorough analysis, we were able to identify key areas for automation that could achieve significant efficiency gains with a much smaller investment. Six years later, they never needed the larger sorting system.

Q. How do your solutions address evolving sorting requirements?

A. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we take the time to understand your specific environment and pain points. We then design a system that integrates seamlessly within your existing space and directly addresses your bottlenecks.

We also understand business volumes fluctuate. That’s why we champion the combination of automation with guided technologies. This gives you the flexibility to manage the ebbs and flows of your operation.

The Provider

RSI Logistics, a TrinityRail® company, is dedicated to improving the effectiveness of freight shippers’ rail logistics. Through their range of solutions, including rail management software, logistics services, and rail rate analysis software, they make rail shipping simple, efficient, and cost-effective.

The Challenge

Though the Class 1 railroads provide credits for loading, unloading, or missed switches, railroad failures impact crews, capacity, and storage. These effects can often snowball into more than a day or two’s worth of credit. Failed service throughout the month, missed switches, car bunching, inaccurate ETAs, incorrect fleet sizing, and other factors exacerbate demurrage charges.

Navigating the complexities of rail demurrage—the charge imposed on shippers or consignees for holding a railcar within a terminal beyond the allotted free time—can be a time-consuming and costly affair for businesses reliant on rail transportation.

However, with insight, diligence, and precision, RSI Logistics secured 30% in savings for its clients through successful demurrage disputes.

RSI Logistics’ comprehensive rail logistics services includes demurrage management, and this success story exemplifies the importance of expertise in rail logistics, as well as the significance of powerful data analytics and dedicated teamwork in driving success.

Demurrage charges are often seen as an inevitable cost of doing business in the rail freight industry. Yet, for three of RSI’s clients, these fees had ballooned to exorbitant levels that threatened to disrupt their financial performance.

The Strategy

The cornerstone of RSI’s success lies in its systematic approach to disputing demurrage, which involves two complementary elements: sophisticated data analytics and seamless communication.

RSI Supplied Data: RSI Logistics’ rail management solution Rail Command® includes a detailed Demurrage Summary & Detail Report and was instrumental in highlighting inaccuracies in demurrage billing. By analyzing Car Location Messages (CLMs) and the client’s Demurrage Rules, RSI had a clear vision of legitimate charges versus disputable ones.

Manual Reporting: By manually maintaining detailed reports such as an Invoice Tracker, Total Demurrage, and Switch Performance Report, RSI maintained a granular view of every facet of the demurrage process. These documents served as a critical cross-reference that bolstered the data gleaned from technology-driven tools.

Railroad Demurrage Tools: The Class 1 Carriers each have a Demurrage Tool, which was key in dissecting the charge breakdown by car, including placement, order, and CP dates. It was also an efficient platform for submitting disputes, offering a direct communication line with the carriers.

Charge Order Vigilance: Monitoring charge orders’ start and end dates across both RSI Logistics and the carrier tools prevented overlooks and ensured billing accuracy.

Proactive Site Manager Interaction: Dialogue with the on-site manager ensured that operational setbacks, such as missed or incomplete switches and bunching, were promptly addressed and factored into demurrage claims.

Monthly Service Surveillance: Holistically monitoring services across the month allowed for early detection of systemic issues and trend identification, feeding into a preventative strategy against undue demurrage charges.

Car Bunching Scrutiny: Identifying and tracking car bunching instances through an integrated analysis of RSI data and Carrier data provided tangible evidence to support demurrage disputes.

The Outcome

RSI’s multi-faceted approach culminated in significant financial reprieve for its clients. By marrying the rigorous application of data with human expertise and strategic communication, approximately 30% of demurrage charges were successfully reclaimed.

Visit www.rsilogistics.com for more information.

The world keeps changing. Pandemics, wars, and droughts. Ecommerce, environmental changes, and artificial intelligence. Supply chains continue to face bottlenecks and disruptions. But when Change happens—Logistics Plus® delivers!

THE SOLUTION

Logistics Plus, like a Sherpa, works in the background to help its customers on this complex journey. They say “yes” to any supply chain challenge, from warehousing to transportation, procurement to fulfillment, customs brokerage to global compliance; air, ocean, ground, or rail; regional, national, or international. With passionate people and world-class technology, Logistics Plus is nimble, creative, clever, and resourceful.

THE RESULTS

When the largest manufacturer of locomotives secured a massive order for Indonesia, Logistics Plus managed the importation, customs clearance, and delivery of more than 100 locomotives, each measuring 20.8 x 3.2 x 4.3 meters and weighing 132 metric tons.

When 9/11 happened, Logistics Plus coordinated the first post-attack airfreight charter delivery from Europe to the United States to get critical parts to a global transportation manufacturer.

When the war began in Ukraine, Logistics Plus delivered millions of dollars of aid and support and managed a complex delivery of 22,000 tons of gas pipes to Ukraine, including the first non-grain ocean vessel to one of its key ports.

When the world’s biggest co-working startup needed to grow, Logistics Plus helped them open nearly 2,000 new offices around the world within four years, including sourcing, imports, warehousing, transportation, and final installation.

When the largest solar farm was constructed in southern California, Logistics Plus managed the importation and delivery of more than 3 million solar panels for a global leader in solar energy and energy storage solutions.

When one of the most successful hedge fund bankers in the world needed to supply its global data centers with IT infrastructure and equipment across 50+ countries, they called Logistics Plus for its combination of global warehousing, trade compliance, inventory management, importer of record (IOR) capabilities, and white glove installation solutions.

When a Fortune 100 technology company needed to get its consumer electronics products to market, Logistics Plus created regional global control towers with nearly 100 dedicated employees to help them manage their entire supply chain.

When a leading private manufacturer of rockets and spacecraft needed a partner to help analyze its supply chain using business intelligence and visual reporting, they called the experts at Logistics Plus.

If your business has unique supply challenges, Logistics Plus can develop creative solutions for you too.

To learn more:
contact@logisticsplus.com
1-866-LOG-PLUS (564-7587)
www.logisticsplus.com

Bad Cat Amps, which traditionally worked with a distributor, learned this practice can create a distance between the supplier, retailer, and potential customers—ultimately resulting in stray branding and inventory dependent on bias preferences and budgets. In Bad Cat’s case, this disassociation nurtured the loss of brand control in one of the most critical and competitive musical instrument markets.

Faced with the alternative of selling directly to retailers, Bad Cat Amps lacked the capability to manage the necessary logistics, along with backstock capacity in a country where physical space is at a premium. While some of the biggest brands can maintain distribution centers in Japan, this isn’t feasible for smaller companies like Bad Cat.

Despite their size, Bad Cat had ambitious growth plans and needed a third-party logistics provider (3PL) with a global logistics network to help them scale.

Specifically, they required a way to distribute products in Japan that enables the team to maintain brand control and ensure superior service and stock availability. The rise of direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales in Japan presented a growth opportunity for Bad Cat’s premium brand.

Beyond enhancing their reputation, having all SKUs ready to ship throughout the country within 24-48 hours creates a competitive advantage and secures valuable sales opportunities. Therefore, their distribution strategy required a logistics partner capable of handling both business-to-business (B2B) and DTC sales.

The Solution

A company founded on being small enough to care and big enough to scale, SEKO Logistics helped Bad Cat develop a winning distribution strategy, providing comprehensive support from fulfillment to final mile in Japan. By integrating into SEKO’s global B2B and DTC network, Bad Cat boosted their growth while reducing the external companies within their distribution network. Streamlining their operations allowed Bad Cat to surpass their total sales from the previous 18 months with just one retailer.

Despite Bad Cat’s initial low volumes, their premium product, which is heavy, handmade, and relatively fragile, requires secure transport overseas. SEKO’s expertise in delivering secure, customized logistics solutions for high-tech and high-value products enables Bad Cat’s customers to receive their shipments in pristine condition.

The partnership is constantly evolving to promote growth and efficiency. From onboarding Bad Cat to electronic data interchange and data connectors to integrating their ERP with SEKO’s custom WMS to create a seamless outbound process, SEKO serves as a valuable source beyond their role as a logistics service provider.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that without SEKO, we might still be searching for the right logistics partner and struggling to re-enter the Japanese market. SEKO has helped us unlock Japan while retaining control over our brand direction,” said Matthew Smith, Bad Cat’s Director of International Business Development.

With support from SEKO, Bad Cat can focus on making killer guitar amps that inspire their customers and trust that new product launches will be enjoyed by musicians around the world.

To learn more:
hello@sekologistics.com
630-919-4800
sekologistics.com

The customer, a producer of construction materials like gravel and stone, often faces the inevitable challenge of equipment wear and tear. In this case, the main shaft of a rock crusher’s head broke off, which required a quick solution for the company to meet its project timeline.

The Challenge

The massive crusher head needed to be transported from Pennsylvania to Utah for repair. While the head initially weighed 135,000 pounds, it was expected to be 25,000 pounds heavier post-repair due to the installation of a new shaft. Anything over 80,000 pounds is considered a heavy haul shipment.

Cheatham determined the transportation from Pennsylvania to Utah on a truck and trailer with 13 axles was needed to distribute the equipment’s weight properly. But with the added weight of a new shaft, he would need to arrange the return trip using a trailer with 16 axles.

Given the specific requirements, Cheatham knew he could count on the Landstar network to find the right equipment and an experienced business capacity owner (BCO)—the term Landstar uses for independent owner-operators leased to the company—to accommodate both trips.

The Solution

The heavy/specialized team put him in touch with Frank Paleck, who has been handling heavy/specialized loads as an owner-operator leased to Landstar for nearly 30 years.

Paleck owns two hydraulic Faymonville HighwayMAX trailers, one model featuring 13 axles and the other 16 axles—perfect for this particular project.

Additionally, Paleck used his extensive knowledge of permitting and routing to help coordinate the permitting process across several states and adjust the scheduled route when it became necessary.

“The haul went smoothly once it was loaded, and it got to Utah in 7 days,” Paleck says. Once it arrived, the customer had its own indoor crane ready to unload the equipment.

After the repairs are complete, Cheatham and Paleck will work together again to transport the equipment, 25,000 pounds heavier, back to Pennsylvania via the 16-axle trailer.

Cheatham is not only pleased to have satisfied this customer, but also to have fostered a new relationship to help future customers with similar challenges.

“Landstar’s heavy/specialized department supported my agency, and the Landstar network provided the capacity solution. I was able to give my customer the high-quality specialized service they were looking for and to keep them apprised of progress along the way,” explains Cheatham.

As part of the Landstar network, independent Landstar agents and their customers have access to the specialized equipment and the right people with the right skills to safely manage every step of a project and crush it.

To learn more:
877-696-4507
landstar.com

As the labor market quickly changes and evolves so too does the technology available to utilize for hiring initiatives. Hiring practices have moved from placing an advertisement in the newspaper to posting available positions on social media and analyzing respondents using artificial intelligence (AI).

Within the logistics industry, the labor market has made a turn—we now have more candidates than available positions. This creates a unique opportunity for employers to find the best match possible for open positions.

Prior to the pandemic, we were experiencing a shortage of labor within the logistics industry, due to changing consumer behavior and fulfillment expectations, making it difficult to locate and onboard readily available labor. Since then, we’ve seen the labor market rebound, bringing forth a plethora of quality candidates, dedicated to securing and maintaining their jobs.

The Solution

At MD Logistics, we pride ourselves on promoting team members from within to fill available roles. However, to continue our strategic growth as a company and offer new and innovative, customized solutions for our clients’ supply chains, looking outside of the organization to fill roles becomes necessary. We have found success by utilizing a variety of different hiring channels.

Referral Programs. We know many times, the best “recruiters” are members of our very own team. This is why we have an employee referral program in place, rewarding team members who refer new, potential members to the MDL team.

Online Marketing. We have found great success communicating open opportunities at MD Logistics via our company LinkedIn and Facebook pages and on our website: www.mdlogistics.com.

In-person Hiring Events. In-person events are a great way for our team to talk to individuals who have an interest in a career within the logistics industry. Because our company culture is an incredibly important aspect of our organization, meeting applicants who are a good fit with our culture is of utmost importance.

Professional Networks. We have also found tremendous success utilizing our professional networks, working with external recruiters and temporary agencies to market open positions within the organization.

ATS. We utilize an applicant tracking system (ATS) to accurately manage applicants through each stage of the hiring process. The use of this technology allows our HR team to make sure all attributes that are important to creating the best match—an applicant’s education, skills, and relevant work history—fit the appropriate vacant position.

We work hard, we play hard, and we work to create a family atmosphere. We are very transparent about this during the interview process, so all applicants know what to expect.

Over the past 28 years as an organization, we’ve been able to determine that those who have had long tenures with MD Logistics have been individuals who embrace and create our culture. We are excited about where the market is headed and remain poised to use new technologies to find the best cultural fit for our organization.

If you would like to join the MD Logistics team, take a look at our available positions or email a copy of your resume to HR@mdlogistics.com.

To learn more:
info@mdlogistics.com
317-838-8900
www.mdlogistics.com

Whether responding to economic shifts, technological advancements, or evolving customer needs, CLI stays ahead by continuously innovating and improving their processes.

This proactive approach ensures they can handle any disruption seamlessly, providing their customers with the stability and reliability they need to maintain their operations.

For instance, during recent supply chain disruptions, CLI leveraged its robust network and advanced technology to minimize delays and keep their customers’ businesses running smoothly. This adaptability solves immediate problems and strengthens long-term relationships by demonstrating CLI’s commitment to their customers’ success.

Investment in Engineering, Technology, and Systems for Customers

One key reason to consider CLI is their investment in cutting-edge technology, engineering, and systems. CLI stays at the forefront of technological advancements, including their proprietary, (STREME) with real-time tracking and data analytics tools for customizable dashboards.

Their newly introduced ultra-secure, budget-friendly Machine Learning systems alert operators to correct errors in real-time, preventing defective parts from ever reaching the shipping docks. Initial deployments have yielded significant cost reductions while requiring only minimal time to implement.

CLI’s innovative technologies give customers greater visibility and quality control over their products by identifying trends and potential issues before they become critical, enabling proactive management and continuous improvement. This builds trust and confidence, fostering long-term relationships that span decades.

Commitment to Customer-Centric Service

At the core of CLI’s long-term success is their unwavering commitment to excellent service. With 20 locations—including Detroit, MI; Duncan, SC; York, PA; Spring Hill, TN; and Denton, TX, to name a few—CLI places a strong emphasis on understanding each customer’s unique needs and challenges. CLI’s personalized approach ensures they can tailor their solutions to meet specific requirements, providing a level of service that is both flexible and responsive.

This dedication to customer satisfaction not only helps in resolving immediate challenges but also builds trust and loyalty over time.

In conclusion, Comprehensive Logistics’ ability to build and maintain long-term customer relationships with Fortune 100 companies in a constantly changing 3PL world is driven by their adaptability, technological investment, and customer-centric service. These core strengths enable CLI to provide reliable and innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of their high-profile customers, ensuring long-term success and growth for all parties involved.

If you’re looking for a 3PL partner who can deliver consistent solutions and partner with you for years, contact us now at solution@complog.com. Let’s build a future where your inbound logistics needs are met with reliability, continuous improvement, and excellent customer service. www.complog.com

Q. What does the future hold for domestic and global freight incoming to the United States?

A. Since no one has a crystal ball, the surest way to look forward is to track the nuances in the global market. The economic recovery post-pandemic is expected to continue pushing the global freight market. We are starting to see many economies rebound, resulting in a growing demand for goods and raw materials—driving increased freight volumes.

The price of containers inbound from China continues to drive up and with peak shipping season upon us, there are no signs of that letting up. Combine that with some uncertainty surrounding shipments out of Europe heading through the Red Sea, and it leaves a lot of question marks on whether many will receive their expected material on time and on budget.

This is driving many consumers of raw and finished commodities to search for alternative sources—enter Latin and South America. These channels heading both north and south are becoming more favorable than ever. The border between Mexico and the United States has seen its challenges, but infrastructure updates and private interest will provide an improvement in efficiency of goods moving in and out.

Here at The Logistix Company, we leverage our portfolio of partners both globally and domestically to help our customers deliver their products to their door on time and at the budget they expected.

Q. What separates The Logistix Company from other 3PLs and freight forwarders?

A. The Logistix Company is extremely unique: We are able to handle a wide variety of transportation capabilities. From the largest ocean vessel down to an LTL parcel, and everything in between, if it is moving over the road, ocean, or air we have plenty of partners to assist along the way.

We work very closely with many chemical distribution companies, and that experience has proven to be invaluable in providing solutions to even the most challenging supply chain opportunities.

We work with a whole network or warehouses and transload sites to ensure our customers’ products are given the attention that is required, especially when dealing with food grade as well as hazardous material.

The carriers we utilize are deeply vetted to ensure the appropriate insurance coverages and expertise meet our critical standards. The Logistix Company takes great pride that when you reach out you are met with a prompt response from a direct member of our team.

In today’s climate where more and more companies are being turned into massive conglomerates, hearing a human on the line with knowledge of your situation means the world to our customers. With decades of experience in our back pocket there isn’t a logistical hurdle we can’t clear.

The Hong Kong-based company faced demands from its clients for fast, cost-effective shipping, so it needed to partner with a full-service, global logistics provider that could handle the complexities of international shipping while also ensuring high service quality and seamless data integration.

The distributor was also dealing with rising transportation costs and challenges in coordinating and maintaining strong relationships with multiple international and domestic carriers.

Another major pain point was integrating data across various platforms and technologies used throughout its supply chain.

Apex Logistics emerged as the ideal partner to enable the company to better serve its own customers.

Passion Drives Success

The effective partnership rests on Apex’s passion for seamless service and its array of advanced solutions including air and ocean freight services, cross-border trucking, §321 (ET86) eCommerce clearance, last-mile delivery, returns management, and warehousing services. Apex has a presence in 70 countries worldwide—including 12 strategically placed locations in the U.S.—serving more than 20,000 customers and was ranked the number-one air freight forwarder in China in 2022.

Today, Apex is responsible for all of the distributor’s transportation needs, overseeing every shipment from the company’s warehouse in Hong Kong to its final U.S. destination at the consumer’s doorstep.

Here’s how the process unfolds: The Hong Kong firm provides weekly shipment forecasts, enabling Apex to assign, in advance, the necessary air cargo space via Apex’s controlled fleet capacity and commercial capacity agreements. When shipment processing begins in Hong Kong, Apex’s proprietary operating system shares information with its destination office for preprocessing of customs clearance, warehouse value-added services, and last-mile booking arrangements.

Upon arrival in the U.S., shipments are delivered to Apex’s customs bonded and Foreign Trade Zone warehouse—with§321 (ET86) eCommerce clearance completed before aircraft “wheels down” and last-mile services already scheduled and waiting. Apex Advanced Dedicated Last-Mile Service continually monitors shipments with real-time tracking and direct communication with driver and receiving location until final delivery.

For returns, Apex utilizes a dedicated warehouse and works closely with the client to determine the appropriate steps based on different scenarios. Tying it all together, Apex’s dedicated e-commerce team manages the entire logistics process.

Apex helps the distributor meet its customer demands via the following:

• Apex operates more than 2,000 controlled flights annually. In addition, its commercial partners’ capacity commitment programs provide consistency in capacity and preferred pricing.
• Leveraging §321 (ET86) eCommerce clearance for parcels valued below $800 results in duty-free shipping—another cost savings.
• Apex’s zone-skipping distribution network, supported by strategically located warehouses near global entry gateways in the U.S., ensures fast and cost-effective deliveries. This helps Apex consistently meet its client’s seven-day delivery timeframe from Hong Kong to end consumers, maintaining high customer satisfaction.
• Apex’s backend systems integrate data from the company, providing thorough track-and-trace capabilities and full shipment visibility, which they can share with their customers.

Through a commitment to delivering passion through comprehensive solutions, Apex addresses this customer’s specific challenges and pain points with innovative strategies and technology.

To learn more:
www.apexglobe.com

The Challenge

As a high-value shipper which operates largely in the LTL space, Convergint keeps a close eye on key performance indicators such as cost per commodity, on-time-in-full delivery performance per carrier, and claims ratios.

For one such high-value shipment, Convergint needed to move a large quantity of ATMs. These banking machines needed to be secured properly in order to maintain proper functioning upon arrival. To prepare for this, the devices had been equipped with wheels to move more smoothly between trailers and docks in the loading process.

Despite explicit instructions from Echo, the ATMs were accidentally loaded onto faulty pallets by the carrier. As a result, the products could not be secured as required during transit. Upon arrival, the pallets had broken, leaving the high-tech devices damaged and in need of significant repair.

“It was almost a total loss,” said Raj Dharamsi, supply chain manager at Convergint. “The damage was significant, and we were worried our products would not be able to be salvaged.”

The Solution

In 2023, Echo Global Logistics, a leading third-party logistics provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management services, introduced EchoInsure+, a means to add an extra layer of protection to LTL shipments. This shipping solution offers best-in-class coverage as a simple addition to loads booked through Echo and includes claims paid in as fast as 10 days, zero deductible up to $10,000, broader protection with fewer exclusions, and full-value coverage rather than limited carrier liability.

Fortunately, Convergint had included EchoInsure+ on its damaged ATM shipment. Convergint’s client was able to receive reimbursement for 75% of the value of the product, and the parts from the machines were able to be salvaged. The turnaround for filing and resolving the claim was swift, and the time lost and the damage dealt was resolved much more easily than if the shipment had not been insured.

With EchoInsure+, the shipping and claims process is significantly easier, and in the event of lost or damaged goods, the client payout much more accurately retains the value of the product. Now, Convergint ships nearly every load with EchoInsure+, providing peace of mind when transporting their business’s valuable products.

“We were thankful we had included EchoInsure+ on this particular shipment,” Dharamsi said. “It quickly allowed us to turn a major roadblock into a readily available solution. We’re able to continue to ship our high-value products worry-free with Echo’s help, and we’re grateful for the support of their innovative services and dedicated team.”