by logisticsplus | Sep 30, 2021 | News
In this year’s Manufacturer & Business Associaton‘s Annual Report, the Business Magazine talks with several “captains” of industry, including Logistics Plus CEO Jim Berlin, on the lessons they’ve learned when it comes to their leadership journey and organizational success — and how it guides the way.
Read the full magazine online at https://issuu.com/mbabusinessmagazine/docs/businessmagazineoctober2021/2 or click the magazine cover below to download a PDF of the article.
Read other Logistics Plus Media Coverage.
by logisticsplus | Sep 30, 2021 | News
Even though Christmas is three months away, you may want to begin your shopping now. Logistics Plus Customs Brokerage Manager Gretchen Blough connected with Erie News Now to discuss supply chain problems that have caused delays worldwide. Nearly 100 container ships are waiting off the coasts of California and New York as the ports remain jammed.
“Even if you look at your wishlist on Amazon, things have been popping in and out as unavailable. ” Gretchen told Erie News Now.
While it’s impossible to predict how long these supply chain issues will last, it’s not expected to get any better this year. Watch the full news story by clicking the image below or using this link: www.erienewsnow.com/story/supply-chain-issues-cause-problems-for-shoppers
by logisticsplus | Sep 28, 2021 | News
The Logistics Plus Chicago warehouse team completed a last-minute charter project over the weekend for one of our freight forwarding clients. On Thursday, September 23rd, our team received a call to see if we could accommodate and receive an inbound charter of 38 airline pallets. The pallets were floor-loaded PMC’s and the client needed us to sort and segregate, palletize, shrink wrap, and have them ready for pickup by Monday morning. Like always, the Chicago team delivered and completed the project on time.
Logistics Plus Midwest Manager Christian Marz said, “We got the call, rolled up our sleeves, and got it done over the weekend. There wasn’t much else to say when we were on the phone other than ‘absolutely we can help.’ That’s the LP way.”
Pictures from this warehousing project can be seen below.
by logisticsplus | Sep 27, 2021 | News
Last week, the Logistics Plus Antwerp, Belgium employees gathered for a small team-building night. The team enjoyed a nice dinner and night at the bowling alley after work. As a growing office in the Logistics Plus global network, it was great for the employees to better get to know each other. Our employees in Antwerp speak six languages (Dutch, German, French, English, Russian, and Chinese) and have more than 20 years of experience in freight forwarding.
Rudy Claes, General Manager of Logistics Plus Belgium, said, “The Antwerp team continues our strive for growth and service to our customers. When working in such a fast-paced environment, it’s important for the team to slow down and enjoy each other’s company once in a while. It was great to throw some pressure away while aiming at the pins.”
If you’re located in Antwerp or any other surrounding community, your friends at Logistics Plus are ready to provide you with local, domestic, and global transportation and logistics services.
by logisticsplus | Sep 27, 2021 | News
Logistics Plus Director of North American Operations, Craig Warnshuis, was a recent guest on the Broker Connect segment of Trucking Business & Beyond on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Radio. Trucking Business & Beyond is hosted by Kevin Rutherford with Brent Hutto, Chief Relationship Officer at Truckstop.com, as a co-host for the Broker Connect segment. The radio interview was arranged in cooperation with the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA). The original interview aired live on September 17, 2021, at noon, but you can listen to a replay of the entire segment below.
by logisticsplus | Sep 23, 2021 | News
(New material handling equipment purchased by LP)
Material handling equipment is any tool used to aid in the movement, protection, storage, and control of materials and products. Without the proper equipment and systems in place, your company is more likely to damage products or fall behind in productivity. By knowing more about material handling equipment, you can better equip your warehouse or distribution center with the proper equipment and systems for your company’s needs.
The 4 Categories of Material Handling Equipment
1) Storage and Handling Equipment
This equipment category is self-explanatory. Storage and handling equipment is used to hold materials while they aren’t being used. The material commonly stored on this type of equipment is usually waiting to enter the production cycle or waiting to be transported. Here are some of the most common pieces of storage and handling equipment:
- Drawers, bins, and shelves: These are the most basic storage items commonly used to store smaller materials in an organized manner.
- Racks: Racks help companies store materials in accessible locations, and they save floor space.
- Stacking Frames: These are interlocking units that enable materials to get stacked without being crushed.
2) Bulk Handling Equipment
Bulk handling equipment refers to equipment that transports, stores, and controls bulk materials. This type of equipment is generally used to move and store materials in a loose form. Common examples of this type of equipment include:
- Stackers: Like forklifts, stackers help lift and stack heavy loads on the dock or in the warehouse.
- Reclaimers: These are large machines used to recover bulk materials from a stockpile.
- Bucket elevators: These elevators (also known as grain legs) assist with hauling bulk materials vertically.
- Silos: Silos are towers that hold materials. Materials that are typically stored in silos include grain, woodchips, coal, and sawdust.
3) Industrial Trucks
Industrial trucks are essential for warehouses and distribution centers. These powered trucks, such as forklifts, move large quantities of materials around the manufacturing floor. They are also utilized to load or unload heavy objects onto delivery trucks efficiently.
- Hand trucks: Hand trucks (also called dollies) are a simple piece of equipment designed to give operators the leverage they need to move heavy materials to new locations.
- Sideloaders: Sideloaders are built to fit in narrow aisles. They pick up items from different directions, making them ideal when a warehouse has aisles close together.
- Pallet trucks: Otherwise known as forklifts, pallet trucks are machines operators use to lift heavy pallets. The forks slip under the pallet, lift it, and secure it as the operator takes it to a new location.
4) Automated Systems
Automated or engineered systems refer to automated material handling equipment made to help transport and store materials. Rather than a single piece of equipment, an automated system is generally made out of several units. Here are some examples of automated systems:
- Conveyor systems: Automated conveyor systems carry heavy materials to specified destinations using belts, flexible chains, or live rollers. It is highly efficient equipment to move large volumes of material quickly.
- Automated guided vehicles: These vehicles are mobile robots that follow specific markers or wires in the floor to move large materials around a manufacturing facility or warehouse. Vision, magnets, or lasers can be used as methods for AGV navigation.
- Robotic delivery systems: Robotic delivery systems transport goods and materials around a facility. These systems usually help move goods along an assembly line.
New Material Handling Equipment Incorporated by Logistics Plus
The Logistics Plus warehouse teams are in the process of upgrading our warehouse handling equipment (as shown in the slideshow above). For example, our Chino, CA warehouse has purchased several electric forklifts as part of our environmental and sustainability initiatives. We also purchased uniquely efficient Combilifts to meet the needs of our growing solar business. These specialized lifts help us get heavy solar products on high racks within a limited space. Our Chicago, IL warehouse purchased new Aisle Master units specially designed to work in narrow aisle rack configurations.
With the help of proper material handling equipment, you can ensure your products are stored safely and appropriately. If you’re searching for a warehousing and distribution partner you can trust, contact Logistics Plus today. We have the equipment and resources needed to take your business to the next level.
