CHEMICAL LOGISTICS
For the past several years, WSI has offered a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) in its Council Bluffs, Iowa, location; it is one of the rst chemical logistics providers to do this. The FTZ allows manufacturers and producers to save on taxes and levies. Companies in the agricultural chemical sector account for many of its customers. WSI also works with border patrol to ensure products are packaged securely, so they can be transported ef ciently and in compliance with regulations. “It’s more intense than just putting products on the back of a trailer,” Buber says, noting the volumes of paperwork and numerous audits by customs and port directors that often accompany FTZ shipments. END-TO-END VISIBILITY Through its technology, WSI offers its clients end-to-end supply chain visibility. It’s also looking to arti cial intelligence to provide even more knowledge. For example, in addition to knowing their containers are on the water, the new technology will provide more precise locations. WSI is also investing in analytical tools, as well as technology that offers the ability to monitor features like temperature. After the recent train derailments, WSI checked its internal safety procedures. The ndings were generally positive, although management learned it could offer more hands-on training on procedures to follow if a chemical release occurs. “We train and drill as if it’s a real- life scenario,” Buber says. Management also lets employees know the goal isn’t to play some sort of “gotcha game,” Buber says. Instead, it’s about continuous improvement, and a reminder to avoid taking short cuts, he says. WSI also shared the ndings with its customers. “They appreciate the transparency,” Buber says. “More and more, companies know us based on our reputation as faithful stewards of customers’ shipments,” Buber says. “We care about our customers, the environment, and the communities in which we operate.” n
benchmarking, and improving its freight transportation ef ciency. Over the past six months, Trinity has helped several companies whose containers of imported goods remained stuck at U.S. ports. In some cases, the companies had lost critical warehousing or transloading information. Trinity was able to access and retrieve the loads, provide drayage service, and transload and truck them to their destinations. By providing access to goods that previously had been detained at the ports, Trinity helped both its clients and their customers. One Trinity client ships goods that must be protected from freezing during winter months; this essentially eliminates LTL as an option during cold weather. Trinity helped the company consolidate 160 LTL shipments to 53 multi-stop, truckload shipments. “They didn’t have to wait for the weather to warm to make the shipments,” Braun says. Even better, the changes saved the company almost $50,000. By emphasizing people-centric service and technology, and committing to a servant-leadership model, Trinity continues to capture business from leading companies across multiple industries, including the agricultural, industrial, pharmaceutical, and coatings sectors. It continues to expand its footprint, with new of ces in Arizona and California. The Trinity Foundation, an independent non-pro t, has given more than $600,000 to the communities in which Trinity operates. In the 1960s, six lift truck operators noticed an opportunity as they worked in a coated paper mill: The mill had no place to store the paper. The group brainstormed ideas, pooled their resources, and built the rst warehouse in Combined Locks, Wisconsin. (Its current population: 3,641). This was the beginning of Warehouse Specialists, known today as WSI. It’s one of the WSI Supply Chain Solutions: ABSOLUTE RELIABILITY
largest privately held logistics companies in the United States, with operations in 10 states. Material Logistics & Services, WSI’s chemical handling subsidiary, has extensive experience working with hazardous materials and is a Responsible Care Partner. “We have a strong commitment to the environment,” says Scott Buber, director, operations, chemical division and regulatory compliance. That includes within its own operations, where WSI has cut energy use by installing more ef cient lighting and water systems, among other steps. WSI offers four certi ed chemical warehouses across the United States that are available for public lease, as well as additional private chemical warehouse facilities. Its services extend beyond the facilities. “We’re not just a warehouse,” Buber says. “We’re hands-on in our operations; we don’t just put products in a bin.” WSI provides nationwide chemical logistics, as well as bulk storage and transfer, ammable and temperature-controlled rooms, packaging and labeling services, and sampling services, among other offerings. WSI has four certified chemical warehouses across the United States that are available for public lease, as well as additional private chemical warehouse facilities. Its services extend beyond the facilities.
100 Inbound Logistics • June 2023
Powered by FlippingBook