Logistics Plus Founder and CEO Jim Berlin was featured on the weekly Business Spotlight program from WPSE Money Radio. Business Spotlight is a 30-minute program airing Fridays at noon. Each segment focuses on a business or organization that is making an impact across the region.
In this special segment, Jim reflects on 2023, discusses the company’s various relief efforts throughout the year, activities in Ukraine, the company’s growth and new offices, opportunities on the horizon, and what he anticipates in 2024 and beyond.
You can listen to a replay of the interview on the Logistics Plus Podcasts page or by clicking below to listen on LP Radio on Spotify.
Logistics Plus Manages Complex Delivery of First Non-Grain, U.S.-Managed Ship To Ukraine’s Port of Chornomorsk Since the Onset of the War
The overall project comprised 22 thousand tons of pipes and ended with over 1,000 trucks making the final, successful deliveries.
ERIE, PA (December 8, 2023) – Logistics Plus, Inc. (LP), a leading worldwide provider of transportation, logistics, and supply chain solutions, has successfully completed a challenging shipping operation in support of the reconstruction and development of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. This accomplishment reaffirms the company’s commitment to excellence and efficiency under the most demanding circumstances.
In this operation, Logistics Plus was tasked by its client, Vorex USA, with transporting thousands of tons of essential gas pipe into Ukraine amidst the ongoing war. During the project’s execution, Ukraine’s Black Sea ports were cut off when the Russian government withdrew from the international agreement securing port access for humanitarian reasons, and soon after, the Russian military began its bombings of Ukraine’s port infrastructure and vessels anew.
Adapting, Logistics Plus relied on its problem-solving expertise by rerouting the shipment through Romania’s Constanta Port. This strategic move facilitated the safe and efficient transport and delivery of 22,000 tons (47 million pounds) of gas pipe to Ukraine via ship, then onto dozens of barges, and lastly to end destinations across Ukraine utilizing over 1,000 truck shipments. This big, complex undertaking required prompt decision-making and effective communication across various branches of the global company. Logistics Plus teams in China, Poland, Ukraine, Turkey, and the USA played a pivotal role in planning and executing the entire project, including running operations at Constanta Port and ensuring the vessels were unloaded swiftly in the face of significant complexity and security risks.
Most recently, and despite the ongoing assaults on Ukraine’s port infrastructure by Russian forces, Logistics Plus delivered the final shipment of these materials directly to Ukraine’s Black Sea Port of Chornomorsk to meet the needs of Vorex USA and the people of Ukraine. This accomplishment marked the first time a non-grain, U.S.-managed ship successfully delivered and unloaded at the port since the onset of the war, a significant precedent-setting accomplishment made possible by the increased security provided by the Ukraine government in the region and the dynamic risk management capabilities of Logistics Plus. The Logistics Plus Ukraine team worked tirelessly to secure the necessary berthing permits and operational approvals, a testament to their perseverance and dedication. Their efforts culminated in the vessel’s successful docking at the Port of Chornomorsk in late November, with the final truckloads of the 22,000 tons of pipe being delivered successfully to their end destinations this week.
“This operation stands as a testament to the ability of Logistics Plus to handle complex logistical challenges and our unique global risk management capabilities,” said Jim Berlin, Founder & CEO of Logistics Plus. “It underscores our dedication to delivering solutions in challenging environments, driven by a unified effort across our international teams in Turkey, China, Poland, the USA, and, of course, Ukraine, where LP’s team of over 70 people continues to be a key part of our global business, as well as an inspiration to us all.”
Celebrating 27 years of service, Logistics Plus continues to be a reliable partner in logistics, bridging distances and overcoming obstacles in an ever-changing world to meet the needs of its clients and support communities globally. This operation adds another proud chapter to the company’s storied history of success for its clients across the 50+ countries where it has offices and beyond.
Yuiry Ostapyak comments on WPSE Money Radio:
About Vorex USA
Wherever there’s oil and gas, Vorex USA has the equipment and expertise you need to extract and transport it. They distribute products for more than 40 North American and European manufacturers in more than 15 countries around the world. Its goal is to provide the expertise to help you meet any technical challenge. Their products meet the industry’s highest standards and they deliver them on schedule, at the lowest cost to you. Learn more at usavorex.com.
About Logistics Plus, Inc.
Logistics Plus, Inc. (LP) is a 21st-century logistics company and a leading worldwide provider of transportation, warehousing, fulfillment, global logistics, business intelligence, technology, and supply chain solutions. LP works in the background to help businesses manage their supply chains in an ever-changing world. Founded in 1996, today LP has annual global sales of over $500M with more than 1,000 employees located in 50+ countries worldwide. LP is recognized as one of the fastest-growing privately-owned logistics companies, a top 3PL provider, a top 100 logistics company, a top freight brokerage and warehousing provider, and a great place to work. With a Passion For Excellence™, its employees put the PLUS in LOGISTICS by doing the big things properly, plus the countless little things that together ensure complete customer satisfaction and success.
The Logistics Plus (LP) Malaysia team successfully transported a boom, stick, and bucket from Johor, Malaysia, to Derince, Turkey. The LP Malaysia team was responsible for loading the cargo at the shipper’s factory, trucking it to Singapore, handling the customs clearance, and transferring it onto the ocean vessel.
In total, the gross weight of the shipment was 23,335 KG, and the three pieces of cargo measured 1488 x 156 x 279 cm, 1210 x 80 x 173 cm, and 210 x 154 x 167 cm. The volume of the shipment was 81.907 cubic meters.
The Logistics Plus (LP) Poland team continues to support and manage projects across Poland and nearby countries. In November 2023, the LP Poland team handled projects involving compressors, sterile tanks, vehicles, and more.
Handled the loading, local carriage, customs, and goods inspection for compressors going to Ukraine
Delivered two sterile tanks (13,000 kg and 18,000 kg) to Kuwait
-Completed route survey, removal of street obstacles, loading, and delivery
Handled warehouse operations for 8 containers of used cars
-Unloading from containers, loaded onto trucks for delivery
You can see some of the photos from these recent projects below. Visit pl.logisticsplus.com to learn more about LP Poland solutions.
FF&E stands for Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment. OS&E stands for Operating Supplies and Equipment. Also known as hospitality logistics, FF&E logistics and OS&E logistics refer to managing the procurement, transportation, warehousing, installation, and maintenance of these items for hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality venues.
For purposes of this article, we’ll simply use the term FF&E logistics. The goal of FF&E logistics is to ensure that the right items are delivered to the right place at the right time and in the right condition. FF&E logistics is a complex and specialized field that requires a deep understanding of the hospitality, retail, co-working, co-living, healthcare, education, trade show, and real estate development industries, as well as the ability to manage complex supply chains. FF&E logistics providers typically offer a wide range of services, including:
Project management: Planning and coordinating all aspects of the FF&E logistics process, from procurement to installation.
Transportation management: Moving FF&E items from the manufacturer to the hospitality venue.
Warehousing: Storing FF&E items until they are needed for installation.
Installation: Installing FF&E items in the hospitality venue.
Maintenance: Maintaining or replacing FF&E items already installed.
In addition to these core services, FF&E logistics providers may also offer a variety of value-added services, such as:
Inventory management: Tracking FF&E or OS&E items from procurement to installation and beyond.
Space planning: Helping designers of hospitality venues to optimize the use of their space.
Design consulting: Providing advice on the sourcing, selection, and placement of FF&E or OS&E items.
Procurement: Facilitating the sourcing and, if needed, the importation of FF&E or OS&E items from a variety of vendors.
Here are some of the benefits of using an established, reputable FF&E logistics provider:
Reduced costs: FF&E logistics providers can help to reduce costs by optimizing the supply chain and eliminating inefficiencies.
Improved efficiency: FF&E logistics providers can help to improve efficiency by automating and streamlining processes.
Increased quality: FF&E logistics providers can help to increase quality by providing expertise in selection, installation, and maintenance.
Reduced risk: FF&E logistics providers can help to reduce risk by managing the supply chain and ensuring that items are delivered in good condition.
If you are considering using an FF&E logistics provider, be sure to do your research and choose a provider that has solid experience, good technology, and a proven track record of success.
Logistics Plus Founder and CEO Jim Berlin was featured on the weekly Business Spotlight program from WPSE Money Radio. Business Spotlight is a 30-minute program airing Fridays at noon. Each segment focuses on a business or organization that is making an impact across the region.
In this operation, Logistics Plus was tasked by its client, 
The Logistics Plus (LP) Malaysia team successfully transported a boom, stick, and bucket from Johor, Malaysia, to Derince, Turkey. The 
FF&E stands for Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment. OS&E stands for Operating Supplies and Equipment. Also known as hospitality logistics, FF&E logistics and OS&E logistics refer to managing the procurement, transportation, warehousing, installation, and maintenance of these items for hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality venues.