THE CHEMISTRY OF TRUST: Logistics Leaders Reinvent Chemical Supply Chains
human insight, can help shippers navigate these challenges. “Chemical logistics is complex,” Boyle says. “A great deal of work and expertise is needed to develop a strong chemical network across various modes.” The companies profiled here bring the experience, insight, and dedication needed to make this happen. LMR: ‘WE DON’T Launched in 1981, LMR was one of the first 3PLs in the chemical space, as well as the first logistics provider to achieve ISO certification in North America. “LMR’s business, processes, and systems are specifically designed to service the complex bulk liquid and dry chemical markets,” Hodges says. MIMIC SOLUTIONS; WE CREATE THEM’ The company’s state-of-the-art IT solutions, along with its deep experience and close relationships with bulk chemical carriers, place it at the forefront of the chemical logistics industry. Operating effectively in this space requires rigorous oversight and automating services such as carrier compliance, problem resolution, and auditing, and LMR excels at each of these, Hodges says. “Our clients can
business reviews, provides actionable insights, and searches for trends and continuous improvement opportunities. The improved capacity and shipping and delivery performance LMR provides has directly helped clients boost their sales. Recently, LMR attracted a client whose previous logistics provider wasn’t offering a completely reliable logistics service, due to the provider not ‘owning’ problems as they arose, gaps in the track-and-trace capability, and a limited bulk carrier network. LMR was able to solve each of those limitations with experience and relationships, including improving track-and-trace to more than 95% accuracy. A recently completed tech initiative enhances the capabilities available through LMR’s transportation management system (TMS), including automated data exchange, and real-time visibility and operational reporting. “This advances our ability to continue to deliver quality service and operate as a reliable, effective extension of our clients’ teams,” Hodges says. In addition to vast shipping experience across all shipping modes, LMR’s feature-rich TMS supports clients by offering real-time costing information, comprehensive shipment tracking, and simplified freight audit and invoicing, among other capabilities. By leveraging its own middleware system, LMR offers quick turnaround on customized, automated reporting/EDI at no cost to its clients. “Most importantly, unlike our competitors, our TMS platform is not a direct cost to our clients or our carriers, nor are there additional subscription fees,” Hodges says. “We are not a TMS seller, but rather use the TMS to deliver our clients a process-based solution customized for their needs.” ODYSSEY LOGISTICS: TRANSFORMING COMPLEXITY INTO OPPORTUNITY Initially spun off from Union Carbide’s logistics operations about 22 years ago, Odyssey Logistics supports chemical
rest assured that their business is being handled by known, vetted carriers in the chemical vertical,” he adds. Most of LMR’s carrier relationships extend back decades, and they’re as valued as the company’s client relationships. “My dad started the business as a carrier,” Hodges says. “We come with a legacy of knowing how carriers feel and operate, and we know they’re not a commodity.” LMR works closely with its carrier partners to ensure their operations are best-in-class and meet shippers’ expectations for reliable, quality service. In contrast to some providers, LMR’s mentality is to ‘own’ a client’s problem versus relaying issues back to the client to create a solution. As a result, the client doesn’t have to dedicate personnel to creating a solution. LMR experts are available 24/7 and quickly provide responses to customers’ inquiries. “Our customers are buying our expertise—all our employees are trained in bulk chemical shipments—and our ability to manage their shipments from ‘cradle to grave,’” Hodges says. “LMR truly operates as an extension of the client’s team and is focused on their success,” he says. To that end, LMR regularly conducts
Odyssey Logistics offers a suite of chemical logistics services that are purpose-built to resolve supply chain issues and keep chemical shipments moving safely, sustainably, and on time.
68 Inbound Logistics • June 2025
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