CHEMICAL LOGISTICS ONAROLL
Among the first American Chemistry Council Responsible Care 3PL partners, WSI ensures the safe storage, transport, sampling, packaging, and distribution of chemicals and other hazardous products. WSI acts as a single-source provider of logistics solutions for many companies.
WSI: ABOVE-AND-BEYOND SERVICE WSI was among the first ACC Responsible Care 3PL partners. “This shows our dedication to voluntarily operating above and beyond what’s required to ensure the safe storage, transport, sampling, packaging, and distribution of chemicals and other hazardous products,” says Scott Buber, director of chemical operations. The company’s commitment to safe, sustainable operations has been a hallmark of operations for the approximately 30 years it has worked within the chemical industry, and is instilled in employees, from the front lines to executive leadership. “We take a lot of pride in how we operate, and we’re dedicated to providing the expertise required to meet our customers’ needs,” Buber says. WSI’s chemical facilities comply with myriad regulatory schemes,
solutions it provides, WSI can act as a single-source provider of chemical logistics solutions for many companies. Many top-tier organizations have turned to WSI for just that reason. “We’ve completed just about every function within the chemical arena,” Buber says. Along with its emphasis on safety, WSI is working to enhance sustainability and reduce the level of emissions its operations generate. Among other steps, the company is shifting to electric lifts, upgrading equipment to cut power consumption, and installing energy- efficient lighting. WSI tracks all improvements and works to continue reducing its environmental impact. As part of these initiatives, WSI partners with its customers to help them reduce their environmental footprint where possible. This may mean, for instance, evaluating greater use of intermodal or rail transportation. These analyses can help customers cut costs and greenhouse gas emissions. WSI’s chemical warehouse in Council Bluffs, Iowa, is a Free Trade Zone. Customers pay no duties while storing their products, only when moving them into the domestic market. “This provides huge tax benefits, especially when bringing in products from overseas,” Buber says. The complexity of today’s chemical industry demands flexibility and responsiveness, as well as a strong culture of safety. “Safety is not just a priority at WSI, because priorities change,” Buber says. “It’s part of our culture. We strive every day to be safe, faithful stewards of the products entrusted to us.” n
and invest in technology,” he adds. TLC’s relatively smaller size also is a benefit, Hassenfratz says, as it fosters nimbleness. The company is able to efficiently onboard new customers and evaluate multiple freight options. Its flexibility also allows it to quickly manage volume surges. The company’s employees also have made a point of developing strong relationships with workers at multiple ports, particularly on the East Coast, as well as with drayage and freight companies across the country. “Our relationships help ensure our customers’ shipments move quickly and aren’t overly delayed by congestion,” Hassenfratz says. And if one port is congested, TLC’s employees have the knowledge and relationships that allow them to quickly shift to another. While TLC currently is a smaller logistics provider, that might not be
The complexity of today’s chemical industry demands both flexibility and responsiveness, along with a safety focus.
the case for long. “We have a strong customer base and we’re looking to grow,” Hassenfratz says. TLC’s clients recognize the value of the stellar customer service and competitive rates the company provides. They also appreciate the range of carriers with which TLC partners, and the breadth of its services. “We can manage entire supply chains, including for companies with multiple, complex operations,” Hassenfratz adds.
including DOT, EPA, DHS, and others. In addition to outfitting all warehouses with the latest fire suppression and containment systems, WSI regularly invites local fire departments to conduct drills at all its chemical sites. “This helps build rapport and the firefighters become familiar with our operation,” Buber says. If anything unusual should happen, the department is prepared to respond quickly and effectively. Given the range of services and
80 Inbound Logistics • June 2021
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