Inbound Logistics | June 2026

Chemical Logistics: Solving the Equation

and freight ows. It recommended a redesigned hub-and-spoke distribution strategy that more closely aligned the company’s logistics operations with its long-term business objectives. The solution boosted truckload utilization, reduced dependency on less- than-truckload shipments, and enhanced inventory deployment. A year into the changes, transportation costs are lower and service responsiveness has improved. ENSURING PRODUCT INTEGRITY WSI’s facilities, including 6 million square feet of certied chemical warehousing space in the United States, are equipped to handle temperature- sensitive chemicals, ensuring product integrity is maintained. A comprehensive suite of logistics services, including transportation, packaging, and fulllment, are tailored to the requirements of the chemical industry. Smart sensors and IoT solutions monitor environmental conditions throughout warehouses and can detect potential hazards in real time. Materials like corrosion-resistant alloys and advanced polymer coatings help prevent reactions and releases during transport and storage. At all its locations, WSI is diligent in its efforts to be a responsible community member and partner, Jones says. It often hosts joint training sessions with local emergency response teams. All participants are able to become more familiar with the range of WSI’s buildings and operations. “At the end of the day, we’re all in the same community,” Jones says. “We’re willing to share our expertise with anyone.” As the chemical industry evolves, the logistics providers most likely to succeed will combine strong operations and governance, along with continuous improvement, all within a culture that is caring, diligent, and committed to ensuring its employees give their best to one another. “We’re doing that for each other, and for our communities and our customers,” Jones says.

Consolidation Calculations As environmental regulations

expand and technology plays an even greater role in the chemical logistics equation, smaller logistics providers may struggle to keep pace. Both logistics providers and shippers are consolidating, says SSA & Co.’s Je Krajacic. Consolidation among Class I rail carriers is also occurring, and prompting concerns across the

shipping community, ACD’s Byer says. The proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger would further reduce competition and increase costs at a time when supply chains are already under strain, he says, adding that ACD members need a freight rail system that is competitive, resilient, and capable of supporting long-term economic growth.

regulatory compliance, and specialized warehousing and packaging support, Jones says. WSI’s certication as a Responsible Care Partner with the American Chemistry Council, reects its stringent focus on safety, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and sustainability. WSI’s facilities offer Responsible Care certied storage and handling, as well as specialized re- rated rooms and site-containment, temperature-controlled rooms. These allow for advanced monitoring of temperature and humidity levels. WSI has also earned a silver rating from EcoVadis, a global platform that evaluates companies’ environmental, social, and ethical performance. This recognition places WSI among the top 15% of organizations assessed across the globe. WSI works with a global agricultural chemical organization that had been debating whether to completely revamp its North American distribution network. Not only was the network complex, but some transportation costs were spiking. Management wanted to reposition inventory to optimize service and product responsiveness across multiple regions. WSI evaluated the company’s warehouse positions and transportation lanes, as well as operational constraints

data visibility and custom reporting. In addition, an on-site freight management professional from Trinity makes coordinating shipments seamless. The company reduced its freight spending, while boosting customer service and on-time delivery. The Trinity solution helped the company grow without adding headcount and while cutting its risk exposure. “With Trinity’s support, the company is positioned for growth, protability, and strong performance,” Braun says. In the disruptive times of today, a partner like Trinity Logistics can offer a chemical company a differentiating competitive advantage. Trinity’s Managed Transportation solution provides visibility and data-driven actionable insights that enable its clients to make informed strategic decisions. “Our solutions can transform the supply chain into a proactive secret weapon, so it exceeds customers’ expectations while overall spend is reduced,” Braun says. WSI: RAISING THE STANDARD IN CHEMICAL LOGISTICS As a leader in the chemical logistics sector, WSI can offer its clients a strong catalog of distribution and transportation management services, expertise in

58 Inbound Logistics • June 2026