CHEMICAL LOGISTICS
operation, such as delivery times. WSI has a robust documentation and tracking system to monitor the movement of hazmat products at every stage of the supply chain. Users can sort shipments by product, commodity type, hazard class, and other attributes to quickly check their status. “This takes a lot of the guesswork out of formerly manual processes,” Buber says. PROVIDING EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE WSI worked with a distributor of industrial lubricants whose previous logistics provider was not fully complying with safety and environmental requirements. The previous provider was also reluctant to accommodate the customer’s desire for a bulk transfer facility, which would enable the distributor to reduce its transportation costs and expand its service capabilities. WSI partnered with the distributor to set up a bulk transfer facility at WSI’s Dallas warehouse. This allows the distributor’s customer to buy products in bulk and ship them by the truckload, capturing significant savings. As part of this operation, WSI pumps the chemicals from the truck, transfers them to drums or totes, and maintains an inventory from which it can fill customers’ orders. Having the product on the shelves allows the distributor to respond more quickly to its customers in the area, while also pursuing a new customer base. As it prepared to offer this service, WSI researched local codes, obtained the appropriate permits, and participated in multiple inspections. It worked with its engineering group to build a containment berm around the dedicated loading dock. To accommodate the required heavy- duty compressors, WSI upgraded the electrical system. Employees at all levels completed HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) training. It’s one example of WSI’s goal of becoming a world-class chemical 3PL, first in the nation and then across the globe. “That’s a lot, but that’s our drive,” Buber says. n
consolidating storage and labor needs, reducing costs, meeting scalability challenges, and boosting operational flexibility, among other benefits. The services WSI offers include bulk storage and transfer and versatile packaging options, including drums, totes, pails, boxes, bags, and super sacks. WSI can provide flammable-rated storage and temperature-controlled rooms, as well as packaging, repackaging, relabeling, fulfillment, dilution, and transportation services. It offers blending services, as well as live load transfers of products from tankers or railcars and into above ground storage tanks or back into tankers. Many services can be offered at the client’s facility or at WSI’s buildings. A key differentiating capability is WSI’s emergency response services. “For any site-level issues, we have our own internal emergency response teams,” Buber says, noting that few chemical logistics providers offer this. To offer this service, WSI has partnered with several agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and OSHA, and developed an in-house training program. As a result, it’s able to train both its own teams, and its partners’ and customers’ teams, Buber says. WSI’s newly updated warehouse management system can provide real- time information on transactions, while also tracking all activity relating to an
freight bills. These arrangements created significant visibility gaps, particularly in trying to align freight audit and payment functions. By partnering with Odyssey and leveraging its customized solution, the manufacturer has gained real-time, accurate visibility to transportation data. Its freight moves more efficiently and the company has been able to cut its transportation spend. Results like these help Odyssey consistently post double-digit growth rates. WSI: A World-Class Chemical 3PL In working with its clients, WSI, a Responsible Care ® Partner, strives to apply solid business sense to its operations, while also fostering sustainability, the environment, employees’ well- being, and the company’s presence in each community. “Every company seeks to make money. We’re trying to do this in a way that enhances these areas,” says Buber, director of operations, chemical division and regulatory compliance. The goal is to ensure the company operates in ways that employees and others can trust. Then, should they see a toxic symbol on a product, they can be confident it’s being handled carefully and responsibly. To that end, WSI’s services can help chemical companies improve their operations by
Monitoring the movement of products at every stage, WSI provides companies with the confidence their shipments are being handled carefully and responsibly.
80 Inbound Logistics • June 2024
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