Rinchem’s diverse network of warehouses are temperature- controlled and comply with relevant hazardous materials regulations. In conjunction, its global fleet of more than 300 hazmat-trained drivers operates temperature-controlled trucks and trailers customized to handle hazardous materials. As an owner of three trucking companies, Rinchem offers industry- leading pay and numerous regional, “pony express” routes so drivers can get home more often. This has been helpful in addressing some of the driver shortages, Miles says. Chem-Star ® , a proprietary web- enabled warehousing and transportation management system, provides inventory visibility across Rinchem’s network of warehouses. “Our customers expressed the desire to track their freight,” Miles says. “We listened to them and soon made technology advancements to develop our ‘glass pipeline.’” Chem-Star is available to Rinchem customers at any time and offers an expansive range of real-time inventory queries and reports. Within its warehouses, Rinchem leverages radio frequency barcoding technology to improve receiving, picking speed, and accuracy. It also offers direct customer web access and eliminates human error caused by keystroke entries or misplaced documents. In response to current supply chain challenges, Rinchem leverages its buying power with its preferred carriers and even chartered vessels to capture space and minimize the supply chain risk to its clients. “We’ve become more proactive and creative in adjusting to this new normal,” Miles says. Rinchem expanded its service capabilities by growing its asset fleet and acquiring two strategic trucking companies. Carolina Tank Lines specializes in refrigerated, dry van, hazmat, and pharmaceutical freight. Rinchem also purchased JS Transportation in Taiwan, the market leader for spec gas transport in the semiconductor industry.
TLC can handle complex chemical shipments, from soup to nuts. For example, it helped a company that was importing ISO tanks with customs approval and documentation. It also arranged drayage so the tanks could be moved from the Port of New York & New Jersey (pictured) , transloaded into totes, and distributed to the end user.
In addition to standard dry van shipments, TLC can arrange refrigerated, temperature-controlled shipments, international shipments, and blind/double-blind options. “There’s not a transportation lane or need with which we haven’t had some partnership,” Hassenfratz says. “We offer diverse capabilities paired with excellent customer service.” TLC’s expertise also means it knows the questions to ask to ensure it can properly handle complex chemical shipments. “We’ve dealt with a range of scenarios and lean on that experience to ask the right questions,” Hassenfratz says. For instance, before drivers can legally handle some shipments, they need specific documentation or classification. Similarly, transporting some liquid bulk chemicals requires specific equipment. TLC checks for all this, boosting safety and helping to avoid delays and potential fines. For example, TLC had been working with a company that was importing ISO tanks. However, the company lacked the customs approval and documentation needed to move the tanks into the United States. TLC’s legal team worked with the company to help it properly obtain the documents needed to gain customs approval. That wasn’t the end of TLC’s role, however. Once the tanks made it to the United States, the company’s customer couldn’t accept them because it lacked the necessary equipment. TLC arranged
These additions, plus Rinchem’s established U.S.-based CGL
Transportation and its global Rinchem Trucking fleets, provide increased capacity in full-truckload, less-than-truckload, final mile, temp-control LTL, refrigeration, hazardous, and bulk offerings. Rinchem continues to enhance its service offerings, including intermodal tank yards in the United States, Asia, and Israel; it’s also planning to offer these in Europe. Among other steps, and following customer requests for the service, it’s evaluating the purchase of ISO tanks for chemical suppliers or semiconductor manufacturers. This would free them from the capital outlay and the maintenance these tanks require. “We continue to expand through organic growth and acquisitions, and we’re looking to increase our service offerings to best meet our customers’ needs,” Miles says. The members of The Logistix Company’s (TLC) leadership team each bring at least 15 to 20 years of experience, says Joe Hassenfratz, sales and marketing manager. Their experience, along with the company’s national network of carriers and service providers, enable TLC to provide a diverse suite of offerings. Among other capabilities, TLC offers steaming and anti-freeze facilities, liquid bulk and less-than-truckload shipments, warehousing, international freight forwarding, customs clearing, and rail transit.
82 Inbound Logistics • June 2022
Powered by FlippingBook