Inbound Logistics | June 2023

CHEMICAL LOGISTICS

inventory obsolescence and non-value- added activities. In March 2023, Rinchem announced the development of a technology that revolutionizes how chemical companies track and report regulated materials. The technology, which will track all CAS Registry Numbers for regulated items, was done in partnership with CAS, a division of the ACC. “We’re the rst to do something like this,” Jensen says. Given its strong performance and the growing chemical market, Rinchem remains committed to expansion. In 2023, it is opening new facilities in Oregon and Arizona in the United States, as well as in Malaysia. “Our strategy is to grow where customers need us to go,” Jensen says. “We want chemical providers to focus on producing chemicals, rather than spending time nding out where their orders are,” Miles says. “So, we provide a one-stop shop for chemical manufacturers.” Trinity Logistics: IMPROVING LIVES IN SUPPLY CHAIN BY SOLVING TOUGH PROBLEMS Over the more than 40 years Trinity Logistics has been providing logistics services, it has relied on a blend of people-centric service and technology. “It’s not one or the other,” says Jennifer Braun, vice president of the company’s Kansas City Regional Service Center.

As important, Rinchem’s focus on both innovation and safety has led to a total corporate injury rate (TCIR) of less than one. That compares to an industry average of about ve, says Matt Jensen, vice president, global warehousing. Chem-Star ® , the company’s proprietary, web-enabled warehousing and transportation management system, provides visibility across Rinchem’s global network of warehouses, which are temperature-controlled and compliant with hazardous materials regulations. The GPS tracking capabilities within Chem-Star ® also offer visibility to Rinchem’s eet of customized, temperature-controlled, and hazmat- compliant trucks and trailers, as well as its extensive team of hazmat-trained drivers. “The software provides door-to- door visibility, enabling shippers to make proactive decisions,” Miles says. Chem- Star also offers numerous real-time inventory queries and reports. ENABLING COORDINATION To improve warehouse receiving and picking speed and accuracy, Rinchem employs radio frequency technology. Its systems can interface with numerous ERP or inventory management systems. This boosts visibility and enables seamless data transfers and coordination across chemical manufacturers’ entire supply chains, so they may be able to reduce safety stock and cut

Eight values—teamwork, integrity, legacy, fun, continuous improvement,

excellence, determination, and leadership—guide employees’

partnerships with customers, carriers, business partners, and each other. Over the decades, Trinity has worked with chemical companies of all sizes, helping them manage their supply chains and navigate the complex regulatory environment that governs chemical production, distribution, and transportation. It can manage many types of shipments, including truckload, less-than-truckload, expedited, drayage, and multimodal. CUSTOM TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS Trinity’s custom technology solutions provide critical visibility and connections. Through its customer portal, shippers can access live tracking updates on shipments, set tracking notications, access invoices and documents, and make invoice payments, among other functions. Trinity’s transportation management system (TMS) also provides clients information and visibility to their freight shipments, enabling them to make proactive decisions. It also helps chemical shippers manage their extended supply chains, including their internal logistics departments, suppliers, carriers, and warehouses, among others, gaining control and visibility, Braun says. The system also enables shippers to evaluate various metrics, like cost per pound shipped. They can determine how rates might be impacted by changes, such as by shipping to different regions or consolidating LTL to truckload shipments. Trinity also works with its shippers to help them achieve their sustainability and environmental goals. It has been a Responsible Care partner since 2009 and is certied through the NACD’s Responsible Distribution program, an environmental, health, safety, and security program. Through its participation in the EPA’s SmartWay program, Trinity advances supply chain sustainability by measuring,

Trinity Logistics works with chemical companies of all sizes, helping them manage their supply chains and navigate the complex regulatory environment that governs chemical production, distribution, and transportation.

98 Inbound Logistics • June 2023