Logistics Plus Helps Western Shelter Systems Deliver Relief to Nepal 42 Tons of Humanitarian Aid Products Air Freighted from Oregon to Nepal
ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA, July 17, 2015 – Logistics Plus Inc., a worldwide provider of transportation, logistics and supply chain solutions, helped successfully coordinate 42 tons of humanitarian aid products from Oregon to Nepal. Working with its customer, Western Shelter Systems, the two-part shipment was picked up in Eugene, Oregon in early July and cleared customs at the American Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal on July 10, providing much needed relief shelters and supplies to the area.
Nepal was rocked by succession earthquakes in April and May, creating a humanitarian crisis. The first earthquake, on April 25, killed over 8,000 people, injured over 18,000, and destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes. A second major earthquake struck on May 12. The second quake toppled already weakened buildings, triggered a series of landslides further hampering relief efforts.
“Logistics Plus was flawless working with us on this humanitarian aid shipment,” said Mike Scala, President and CEO for Western Shelter Systems. “Email and phone communication were extremely abundant on this sensitive shipment, and we were guided through every detail including pallet configuration to dial in the best and fastest transport. Once the shipment cleared customs in Nepal, our people there were able to start working with the USDOJ in order to deploy this important aid.”
About Western Shelter Systems
Since 1992, Western Shelter Systems has been the standard, exclusive supplier of re-deployable shelters for all U.S. Federal government FEMA emergency responder teams, state and county governments, and municipal fire and police jurisdictions; as well as forest service, military, hospital, and industrial organizations. For more information, visit www.westernshelter.com.
About Logistics Plus
Logistics Plus Inc. provides freight transportation, warehousing, global logistics, and supply chain management solutions through a worldwide network of talented and caring professionals. Founded in Erie, PA by local entrepreneur Jim Berlin nearly 20 years ago, Logistics Plus has been repeatedly recognized as one of the fastest-growing transportation and logistics companies in the country. With a strong passion for excellence, its 350+ employees put the “Plus” in logistics by doing the big things properly, and the countless little things, that together ensure complete customer satisfaction and success.
The Logistics Plus® network includes offices located in Erie, PA; Fresno, CA; Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; Evansville, IN; Detroit, MI; Kansas City, MO; Lexington, NC; Buffalo, NY; Cleveland, OH; Charleston, SC; Greenville, SC; Nashville, TN; Dallas, TX; Fort Worth, TX; Laredo, TX; Houston, TX; Australia; Bahrain; Belgium; Canada; Chile; China; Colombia; Egypt; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Kazakhstan; Libya; Mexico; Poland; Saudi Arabia; Turkey; United Kingdom; and additional agents around the world. For more information, visit www.logisticsplus.com or follow @LogisticsPlus on Twitter.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Slideshow and Video included below)
Logistics Plus Coordinates Big Cargo Shipment from Germany at the Port of Monroe in Michigan First European cargo shipment received at the Michigan Port in over 50 years
ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA, July 15, 2015 – Logistics Plus Inc., a worldwide provider of transportation, logistics, and supply chain solutions, helped successfully coordinate the unloading and transportation of two 190-foot, 28 thousand-pound windmill blades destined for Gratiot, Michigan, and 127 sections of 40-foot long pipes being delivered to the Ohio gas line in Dundee, Michigan. After a two-week journey from Bremen, Germany, the 411-footlong Faglegracht, a Spliethoff Lines vessel out of Amsterdam, arrived at the Port of Monroe on Monday, July 6. It was the first European cargo ocean line to dock at the Port of Monroe in the 1960s.
The delivery was brokered by Robert (Bob) Hallberg, vice president of domestic operations for Logistics Plus, and Paul LaMarre III, director for the Port of Monroe. In a quote to local media, Mr. Lamarre said the event marks a milestone in the port’s history and is a preview of its initiation into the modern, global transportation industry. “I think the Port of Monroe has not necessarily been seen as a potential gateway to international trade in recent history, but this is proof that our capabilities are far-reaching,” Mr. LaMarre said. “It essentially takes our port from being a highly productive domestic cargo hub and broadens its reach across oceans.”
The success of this international cargo project required coordination between six entities beyond the Port of Monroe, including Logistics Plus, Spliethoff Lines, DRM Terminal Services, Barnhart Crane and Rigging, the Carl Polzin logistics company, and Mund and Bruns cargo surveyors (see slideshow and video below). Logistics Plus facilitated a large portion of the communication to bring the parties together and is handling all of the domestic transportation, which will include over 60 truck movements.
“This is just one of much clean energy and pipeline cargo projects we are coordinating to the U.S. from Europe,” said Hallberg. “For this particular shipment, it was important for us to optimize the U.S. ground portion of the move to reduce overall transportation costs. In the Port of Monroe, we have definitely found a port that can efficiently handle this kind of cargo for shipments being delivered to points in eastern Michigan and northwestern Ohio.”
About the Port of Monroe Port of Monroe is a commercial harbor established in 1932. It is located off E. Front St. and intended to provide easy access for cargo to the interstate and railway transportation networks in southeast Michigan. For more information, visit www.portofmonroe.com.
About Logistics Plus (LP)
Logistics Plus Inc. provides freight transportation, warehousing, global logistics, and supply chain management solutions through a worldwide network of talented and caring professionals. Founded in Erie, PA by local entrepreneur Jim Berlin nearly 20 years ago, Logistics Plus has been repeatedly recognized as one of the fastest-growing transportation and logistics companies in the country. With a strong passion for excellence, its 350+ employees put the “Plus” in logistics by doing the big things properly, and the countless little things, that together ensure complete customer satisfaction and success.
The Logistics Plus® network includes offices located in Erie, PA; Fresno, CA; Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; Evansville, IN; Detroit, MI; Kansas City, MO; Lexington, NC; Buffalo, NY; Cleveland, OH; Charleston, SC; Greenville, SC; Nashville, TN; Dallas, TX; Fort Worth, TX; Laredo, TX; Houston, TX; Australia; Bahrain; Belgium; Canada; Chile; China; Colombia; Egypt; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Kazakhstan; Libya; Mexico; Poland; Saudi Arabia; Turkey; United Kingdom; and additional agents around the world. For more information, visit www.logisticsplus.com or follow @LogisticsPlus on Twitter.
Logistics Plus was recently profiled by WiseTech Global – one of our key technology partners that is a multi-award winning global developer of cloud-based software solutions for the international and domestic logistics industries. Its leading product, CargoWise One, provides the most sophisticated and comprehensive end-to-end logistics solution in the world and forms an integral link in the global supply chain.
To develop the profile, WiseTech Global interviewed Jim Berlin and various stakeholders involved with the implementation and use of the CargoWise technology solution at Logistics Plus. CargoWise provides a foundation for our international freight forwarding operations (including our online eWorldPlus application), warehouse management system (WMS), customs brokerage solutions, and corporate finance. The profile includes an online overview of our company, a professional video segment, and a downloadable PDF flyer.
When you work with a capable logistics partner, door-to-door international shipping shouldn’t be complicated for shippers; but it’s a complex process behind the scenes. A shipment exported from the United States to a foreign country becomes a maze of modes and regulations before it arrives at your customer’s door. According to Emily Grein, international manager for Logistics Plus, “We try to make shipping internationally no different than shipping domestically. From our customer’s perspective, it should be simply a matter of picking up the shipment, transporting it to the destination, and then delivering it to their customer.”
So what should you look for when selecting a door-to-door logistics partner? If you look hard, you might find many options for international door-to-door delivery services. With exports on the decline due to the higher dollar valuation, the competition is intense. But buyer beware – not all logistics companies are the same. Some providers may outsource the bulk of the work to five or six different vendors, from trucking to warehousing to customs brokerage. Other logistics companies may outsource only a portion of the responsibility, providing more internal expertise and control. Having fewer parties involved reduces a shipper’s loss, damage, and security risk. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before selecting a door-to-door international freight forwarder:
Are they large enough to be credible but not so large that they ignore my individual requirements?
Do they understand compliant packaging regulations (such as ISPM 15 and HT)?
Do they have offices and people located around the world with local knowledge of the country to which I am shipping?
Have they established strong relationships with air, ocean, and ground carriers to secure capacity and affordable rates for my shipment requirements?
Do they have the ability to warehouse and distribute my product according to a set schedule if needed?
Do they have an online technology solution that provides me with shipment visibility?
Will I have a dedicated logistics specialist working with me every step of the way?
Okay, now that you’ve selected a capable door-to-door freight forwarding partner (hopefully it’s Logistics Plus), you need to prepare your shipment for the big move. Preparing an international door-to-door shipment can sometimes require planning up to a year in advance. The main factors affecting the shipment’s transportation mode and cost will be the size, weight, and dimensions of the cargo being moved and the final destination. Packaging will also be a factor, both in terms of cargo security and shipment dimensions and cost. Remember, you don’t want to “pay for air,” so make sure your shipment is optimally packaged for secure and safe transport.
You should start by compiling a detailed packing list and itemizing every piece of the shipment, including both description and dimensions. This will allow your logistics provider to provide you with an accurate rate estimate. Armed with a detailed understanding of your shipment and its final destination, your logistics provider will find the appropriate shipping line and shipping ports for optimal results. Once your shipment is en-route, you should have the confidence that your logistics provider will be able to provide you with frequent shipment status updates, if needed, and will notify you once your shipment has been delivered. They should also explain to you how to select the best Incoterms for your shipment to ensure your total transportation costs and any applicable tariffs or duties are minimized. They should also be able to provide you with a consolidated, itemized invoice for the entire transaction.
“There’s often a lot of steps and documents involved with international door-to-door shipping,” says Emily, “But our goals is to make importing and exporting easy for our customers simply.” If you’re ready to learn more about Logistics Plus door-to-door international shipping services, please email us at quotes@logisticsplus.com or click the button below to get a quick quote on your next international shipment.
**Please note: Due to liability issues, we do not ship personal effects or belongings.**
Logistics Plus Named a ‘2015 Great Supply Chain Partner’ Logistics Plus will appear in the 2015 July/August issue of SupplyChainBrain magazine
ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA, July 7, 2015 – Logistics Plus Inc., a worldwide provider of transportation, logistics and supply chain solutions, is proud to announce that it has been selected as a ‘2015 Great Supply Chain Partner’ by SupplyChainBrain in its 13th annual awards to 100 Great Supply Chain Partners. Logistics Plus will appear in the 2015 July/August issue of SupplyChainBrain magazine as a celebrated member of this year’s 100 Great.
“Each year, our list of 100 Great Supply Chain Partners features a select group of companies whose customers are recognizing them for providing outstanding solutions and services,” said Brad Berger, president and publisher for SupplyChainBrain. “This year we received nominations for literally hundreds of solutions providers in every aspect of supply chain management, as a result of our six-month on-line poll: in which supply chain professionals were asked to nominate vendors and service providers whose solutions have made a significant impact on their company’s efficiency, customer service and overall supply chain performance. Logistics Plus fared extremely well given the large amount of quality nominations we received.”
“Being formally recognized as a great supply chain partner is an exciting honor for us,” said Jim Berlin, founder and CEO of Logistics Plus. “As we like to tell people, the ‘plus’ in Logistics Plus means doing the big things properly, and the many little things needed to ensure our customers’ complete satisfaction and success. It’s very gratifying to know our efforts have not gone unnoticed.”
About SupplyChainBrain SupplyChainBrain, the world’s most comprehensive supply chain management information resource, is accessed year round through a wide range of ever evolving multi-media formats by hundreds of thousands of senior level industry executives. In addition to addressing the fundamental principles of supply-chain management, SupplyChainBrain identifies emerging trends, technologies and best practices, forward thinking ideas and cutting-edge solutions ~ and continues to write and report about these as they evolve and mature. For more information, visit www.supplychainbrain.com
About Logistics Plus (LP)
Logistics Plus Inc. provides freight transportation, warehousing, global logistics, and supply chain management solutions through a worldwide network of talented and caring professionals. Founded in Erie, PA by local entrepreneur Jim Berlin nearly 20 years ago, Logistics Plus has been repeatedly recognized as one of the fastest-growing transportation and logistics companies in the country. With a strong passion for excellence, its 350+ employees put the “Plus” in logistics by doing the big things properly, and the countless little things, that together ensure complete customer satisfaction and success.
The Logistics Plus® network includes offices located in Erie, PA; Fresno, CA; Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; Evansville, IN; Detroit, MI; Kansas City, MO; Lexington, NC; Buffalo, NY; Cleveland, OH; Charleston, SC; Greenville, SC; Nashville, TN; Dallas, TX; Fort Worth, TX; Laredo, TX; Houston, TX; Australia; Bahrain; Belgium; Canada; Chile; China; Colombia; Egypt; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Kazakhstan; Libya; Mexico; Poland; Saudi Arabia; Turkey; United Kingdom; and additional agents around the world. For more information, visit www.logisticsplus.com or follow @LogisticsPlus on Twitter.
I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with Patrick Randolph, the co-founder and managing partner for Lynx Fulfillment (see slide show below). There are some good things going on at Lynx Fulfillment, and much of its past and future successes are tied to Logistics Plus. If you didn’t know, Jim Berlin, founder and CEO of Logistics Plus, is also a co-founder of Lynx Fulfillment. As such, Logistics Plus and Lynx Fulfillment are strategic partners in delivering very unique and compelling warehousing and fulfillment solution that is a great fit for small and medium-sized businesses that want to successfully sell and distribute their products in the United States. That’s probably why many customers using these services are based outside the U.S. – they needed a reliable partner and they found Lynx Fulfillment to be a perfect choice.
Founded in 2009, Lynx Fulfillment went through many of the growing pains that small businesses often experience: technology hiccups, customer defaults, property issues, and personnel challenges. However, thanks to Patrick’s experience and perseverance – and a little resource support from Logistics Plus – Lynx Fulfillment is now a thriving business. The Olean, NY operation currently occupies 40,000 square feet of warehouse space; but has the ability to expand its capacity if needed. Lynx Fulfillment is now the home to over 70,000 SKUs of products for a growing and diverse customer base that includes retailers and distributors of clothing, shoes, pottery, healthy foods, home decor merchandise, landscaping materials, hair and beauty products, books, DVDs, and much more! Lynx Fulfillment clients sell directly to their customers as well as through online merchants, such as Amazon and eBay. Patrick and his small team handle all aspects of the process to help its clients be successful, including inventory management, kitting and packaging, picking, packing, and shipping. Its LynxPro™ software will easily integrate with clients to provide instant, real-time order processing, inventory reporting and shipment tracking. They’ll even help with a marketing consultation and customer service support.
Lynx Fulfillment services are a great complement to the solutions that Logistics Plus already provides. On the sourcing side of things, Logistics Plus supports the importation and customs clearance of goods at any port in the United States. We can then arrange for temporary warehousing and final transportation to the Lynx Fulfillment warehouse. On the order fulfillment side of things, Logistics Plus provides Lynx Fulfillment with its best LTL and truckload freight rates for customers that need to ship large orders. The image below is an illustration of how the two companies work together to provide a complete, start-to-finish supply chain solution.
According to Patrick, “Lynx is focused on an overall solution that wraps around your business versus just putting through-put through the building. Our goal is to establish a fulfillment program that is going to be successful long-term … and Logistics Plus has been vital to our success.”
If you’d like to learn more about Logistics Plus and Lynx Fulfillment solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, check out the Logistics Plus Case Study page. There you can watch a video in which Patrick talks about the business, download a copy of the Logistics Plus/Lynx Fulfillment case study, and you can also request a copy of the Lynx Fulfillment white paper titled “The Benefits of Outsourced Fulfillment.” Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or if you’re ready to use any of these services.
ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA, July 15, 2015 – Logistics Plus Inc., a worldwide provider of transportation, logistics, and supply chain solutions, helped successfully coordinate the unloading and transportation of two 190-foot, 28 thousand-pound windmill blades destined for Gratiot, Michigan, and 127 sections of 40-foot long pipes being delivered to the Ohio gas line in Dundee, Michigan. After a two-week journey from Bremen, Germany, the 411-footlong Faglegracht, a Spliethoff Lines vessel out of Amsterdam, arrived at the Port of Monroe on Monday, July 6. It was the first European cargo ocean line to dock at the Port of Monroe in the 1960s.
ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA, July 7, 2015 – Logistics Plus Inc., a worldwide provider of transportation, logistics and supply chain solutions, is proud to announce that it has been selected as a ‘2015 Great Supply Chain Partner’ by SupplyChainBrain in its 13th annual awards to 100 Great Supply Chain Partners. Logistics Plus will appear in the 2015 July/August issue of SupplyChainBrain magazine as a celebrated member of this year’s 100 Great.
