Midwest warehousing and Fulfillment

Midwest 3PL has all the features you need!

2010-03-29T15:06:00.000-07:00

When choosing a Third Party Logistics (3PL) company there are several things you should look for to ensure that you are selecting the right logistics company.

Location is an important factor in selecting a logistics company. Is the location near interstate highways, industrial areas, railways, airports, sea ports? In addition, the actual facilities where your product will be stored should be inspected to be sure that there is enough available space, as well as sufficient dock doors for loading and unloading of your product.

Expansion capability may not seem important for your company today, but verify that your 3PL can accommodate your future needs in addition to your current needs.

If your product includes chemicals, it is essential that your 3PL provide a well-managed hazmat warehousing solution. Being ISO 9001:2000 certified is a good indication that your logistics company can handle your hazardous materials. If your product is food related, it is critical to ensure that your logistics partner has an A.I.B. Superior rating from AIB International.

Technology is an integral part to being a successful 3PL partner. Be sure that your 3PL has the technology that is compatible with your in-house technology and that their reporting capabilities are up to your company’s standards. Do they have EDI or RFID? Can you access your inventory online 24/7?

A logistics partner should be able to provide a number of value-added services, and clarifying those services before you select a 3PL can save a lot of headaches in the future. Does your logistics provider have the necessary equipment for marking, stuffing, ticketing, shipping, etc. ? If you are in need of Pick and Pack services, inquire about flow racks, scanning stations, conveyors, sealing machines, carton sealing and packing tables. Other equipment that should be considered includes pallet racking, forklifts, reach trucks, as well as the type of trucks the 3PL has on hand.

It is vital that there is a good form of communication established between you and your logistics company so that everyone will be able to stay on top of what’s coming in, what the quantities are, when it is coming, when it is shipping, etc. Make certain that you join forces with a logistics company that you can get the kind of communication that you will need whether it is through 24/7 technology or excellent customer service.

Does your 3PL offer a range of services, including special requests and rush orders? Check on the policy for overtime and 2nd/3rd shifts prior to entering a relationship with your 3PL so there are no surprises when your needs change in the future.

Some good questions to ask include what systems the logistics company has in place to deal with reporting, order processing, system limitations, integration and inventory control.

Entering into a partnership with a 3PL can generate huge cost savings for your company. Be sure to take advantage of this cost savings by clarifying that your partner has the right equipment, facilities, technology and services to meet your company’s needs.

Experience is the key to providing excellent logistic services. Fresh Warehousing & Fulfillment will provide your company with the professionalism, commitment and experience you need with the dedication that you deserve.

For a smooth relationship and pleasant business experience, find a company that offers you a budgeting tool that will work within the parameters of your needs. For more information, visit www.freshwarehousing.com or call Vice President John Cusumano, at 618-482-8712.

Pennies Can Make a Difference in Both Warehousing and Logistics. Build-a-Budget to Achieve your Budgeting Goals!

2008-02-01T11:13:00.001-08:00

Our Build-A-Budget Tool is designed to guide you through the process of planning for warehousing, distribution and/or fulfillment services. This budgeting tool can be emailed to sales@freshwarehousing.com or call us at 618-271-5500, Extension 3006. We will work with you to design the most efficient logistics program to meet your objectives. We are flexible and creative. Our third generation firm will create the service to match your needs! We also have three other account management and vendor selection tools for your use. Feel free to try them out!

We offer flexible billing cycles to fit your accounting requirements, generally bi-monthly or monthly.

“Shuttle Me Locally” Said the Container Landing at the Fresh Warehousing Facility From China

2008-01-28T06:12:00.001-08:00

Our No Hassle Shuttle Program creates a seamless road between your dock door and ours:
· Empty Fresh Warehousing trailers are left at your facility ready for fast shuttling.
· Fresh Warehousing trailers provide additional short term storage to assist in balancing inventories.
· Dedicated spotting services available.
No Hassle Shuttle Program, an extension of your facility!
Our shuttle program acts as an extension of the client’s existing facility. Special drop and hook rates and 24 hour trucking shuttle will ensure a smooth process flow and create an effective storage solution.

Distribution Center Budget Cost United States

2008-01-25T06:24:00.000-08:00

Years ago, most, if not all, business was conducted via "The Old Boy Network." Handshakes sealed the deal after parties said, "Just charge me whatever." Those days are gone.

Our economy has gone global and people doing business do not want surprises at any part of the supply chain. They want and need a detailed cost driven logistic analysis that has a strict budget.

Third Party Logistics has become a catchword lately. Anybody can be a 3PL. Many firms are non-asset based, controlling the movement of containers from overseas manufacturers to ports to ships to U.S. ports to distribution points and, finally, the customer with an office and a laptop.

Many times, each facet of the transaction is outsourced. Piece by piece payments shine a detailed spotlight on costs.

The costs for warehousing and distribution services are especially critical for the process. Companies in charge of bringing the product in to this country need to know the cost to do so down to the last penny. That's what they tell the end user. That is where we come in.

Customers should have a budgeting tool, a way for them to know their costs from the time the product leaves the port until it arrives at its destination.

If a 3PL is going to provide warehousing and distribution services, either by paying someone else to do so, or providing it internally, they need to know exactly what they are getting/providing and how much it will cost. Everyone needs to understand the margin involved and there is nothing wrong with discussing it.

To ensure all parties will end up on the same page, they need to lay out their budgeting requirements before they make any other arrangements. I like to use the analogy of the patient and the dentist. The patient is in the dental chair and, just as the dentist is starting to drill, the patient grabs his hair and says, "We're not going to hurt each other, are we?"

That dentist is going to be upfront and say, "This might hurt a little, that may hurt a little, but we're all going to work for the same goal." If the patient does feel some pain after being assured there will be none, the dentist will also get hurt!

However, if the patient, (customer) knows that there will be some pain (costs) along the way, he can prepare. By establishing trust and eliminating the pain by putting everything on the table upfront, then the customer will be happy and reap the desired results.

Planning a workable budget is a good starting point to analyze your situation and establish a budget that agrees with both parties.

By getting all the information and prices upfront, you are avoiding "Budget Hiccups." In the old days, that was not such a big deal. Today, it could get someone fired or cause the loss of a customer.

If your 3PL quotes rates that are cheaper than other companies and you give them your business, and then at the end of the month they are losing money, what happens? They pass their losses on to you. BUT, and this is a BIG but, they have your product in their building, while your customers are relying on them to provide the service. Now, you are back in the dentist's chair.

The amount of freight coming into the country is growing. It is almost cheaper to buy steel overseas, pay someone to box it, pay someone to put it on a boat and ship it from China to California, then deliver it next door to the steel mill, then it is to buy it at the steel mill.

Think of all the containers of product being brought into this country that need to be handled/stored before going on to their destination. Many people do not want the headaches of managing and running a warehouse and will pay for such. If you do pay, or even provide, is important to know what you are getting for your money or what your costs may be. Without a complete understanding you are looking for trouble.

For a smooth relationship and pleasant business experience, find a company that offers you a budgeting tool that will work within the parameters of your needs.
For more information, visit www.freshwarehousing.com or call Chief Executive Officer John Cusumano, at 618-271-5500.

Best Value for Container Shipments for China & Orient/Mexico to STL, too!

2008-01-23T06:12:00.001-08:00

When you check your pricing do you know what you are really paying to move your containers? Try out Fresh Warehousing & Fulfillment for best values and see if you can beat our average price (based on December, 2007 rates) for a container…$1,000 from Los Angeles to our door in St. Louis, Missouri. A like shipment to Chicago would be $1,200 and to Memphis $1,050. Save the dollars…it even looks better for outgoing shipments. With our central U.S. location we can give you the very best LTL rates, fastest UPS and DHL deliveries, and a whole lot of savings to your bottom line!

Bring Us Your Containers…All of your Shipments Because Intermodal Rails Converge on Fresh Warehousing…almost on our door step!

2008-01-21T06:11:00.001-08:00

Our facilities are conveniently located next to the big 3 Intermodal rail hubs. Fresh Warehousing & Fulfillment provides superior Intermodal distribution services. We are UIIA Certified (Uniform Intermodal Interchange & Facilities Access Agreement Certified). We are certified for Intermodal access at UP, SCX, NS, BNSF Intermodal hubs.
Our fleet of trucks can pick up and return your containers. Our caring staff then warehouses, distributes & fulfills orders at rates you will find competitive. Great UPS, DHL, FedEx, rates and extremely competitive LTL rates seal the deal so Fresh Midwest can give you the competitive edge you need for lower costs and timely delivery!

St. Louis Named Number Two in Nation for Friendly Logistics

2008-01-18T06:11:00.001-08:00

St. Louis was named the second-most logistics-friendly city in the nation based on its transportation infrastructure, according to a recent Expansion Management magazine study. Kansas City was ranked No. 1.
Expansion Management marries the informational needs of qualified site location executives with the marketing ambitions of economic development organizations. This occurs through the delivery of timely editorial content in print, on-line and in person.

The magazine compared 362 metropolitan areas on 10 major criteria related to logistics, or supply chain management: transportation and warehousing, work force, road infrastructure, road congestion, road and bridge condition, interstate highway, state fuel taxes and fees, railroad services, water commerce, and air cargo. Rounding out the top 10 in the magazine's listing were Atlanta; Houston; Dallas-Fort Worth; Cincinnati; Louisville, Ky.; Chicago; Cleveland; and Nashville, Tenn.

Fresh Connects all over the Country as a Warehouse Capacity Owner

2008-01-16T06:38:00.000-08:00

Landstar Global Logistics Warehouse Capacity Owner Independent Contractor Agreement

May 22, 2007 (Chicago) – The International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) recently approved the Landstar Global Logistics (Landstar) Warehouse Capacity Owner (WCO™) independent contractor agreement for use by its membership. Warehouse Capacity Owner is the Landstar term used to refer to the independent business owners who supply the company’s customers with warehouse capacity as part of Landstar’s integrated supply-chain services.
“We are pleased to have identified a practical 3PL – 4PL agreement that is now available to other IWLA members who wish to become Landstar WCOs,” said Joel Anderson, president and CEO of the IWLA. “We believe this agreement is advantageous for our members as well as their customers.”

“The IWLA’s support in reaching a standard form agreement is invaluable and will allow us to collaborate with other IWLA members to expand the services we offer to our customers,” said Jim Handoush, president of Landstar Global Logistics. “IWLA members who contract with Landstar will have access to the Landstar system network of more than 1,000 independent sales agents and a large, diversified customer base that can benefit from the warehousing services provided. In turn, IWLA members can offer their existing customers all of the supply-chain services offered by Landstar. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

For its new warehousing operation, Landstar has already signed up over 100 WCOs located in 84 markets across the U.S. Landstar’s warehouse management system is a web-based transaction data handling system that allows cross-network visibility and is integrated with Landstar’s proprietary transportation management system.

A subsidiary of Landstar System, Inc.(NASDAQ: LSTR), Landstar Global Logistics and its subsidiary, Landstar Express America, provide international and domestic multimodal (over-the-road, air, ocean and rail) transportation, expedited, contract logistics and warehousing services. All Landstar operating companies are certified to ISO:9001:2000 quality management system standards.
IWLA is a trade association of warehouse logistics providers that helps members run high-quality, profitable businesses. IWLA focuses on the warehouse logistics business, providing ideas and information that make it easier for member companies to succeed. Visit http://www.iwla.com for more information.

How does insurance work in a third party warehousing and fulfillment situation?

2007-03-23T01:09:00.000-07:00

In order to understand the way that insurance works in the warehousing and fulfillment business, we find the following analogy of a dry cleaner to be an effective way of describing the situation.

If you go to a dry cleaner, you are paying them to do a service, clean the clothes. During the process, you retain ownership of the goods. Now lets say you take a $2 t-shirt and a $2,000 suit to get cleaned.

Scenario #1: The dry cleaner destroys the clothes. He is covered up to a certain amount for his own negligence. The remaining losses are covered on your homeowners policy, and you must file a claim with your agency to receive reimbursement for the loss.

Scenario #2: The drycleaner is completely destroyed by Godzilla along with your clothes. The losses are all covered under your homeowner policy.

It is the same situation with warehouseman's legal liability insurance and the insurance that a corporation would normally have on their goods. They retain ownership of the goods throughout the whole process, and therefore the goods are covered under their policy. If we should happen to be negligent and destroy their goods, our policy covers up to a million dollars per occurrence. If Godzilla comes and destroys the warehouse along with their goods, their insurance covers the situation along with ours.

Connectivity with business partners

2007-03-09T01:17:00.000-08:00

Email is great for quick communications to avoid the timely mail system not to mention paperless. If you were to send a purchase order via email then you would likely have to print out the document and enter the data into another program such as an accounting or inventory package. Businesses need a structured secured format for sending and receiving information. The white papers below will highlight some of the options.

EDI: What is it?
EDI is simply the sending and receiving of information using computer technology

Benefits of EDI!
• Reduced postage costs, expenses in general
• Speed. Because information is moved faster and with greater accuracy, time spent communicating with suppliers is decreased
• Elimination of paper documents
• Elimination of labor-intensive tasks such as data entry
• Greater accuracy of information
• Better tracking

The efficiency of EDI has made it a condition of doing business in numerous industries, including retail, grocery, warehousing, transportation, health care, education, real estate, and government. Companies or trading partners can exchange standard business documents as needed using EDI as long as both have made the preparations to do so. Some examples of the type of documents are purchase orders, invoices, shipping schedule, inventory inquiry, and many more.

EDI is not limited by differences in companies or communication methods. Instead, EDI bridges the information gap that exists between companies using different computer systems. EDI can’t be activated with a flip of the switch as many procedures must be carried out in preparation for exchanging EDI data with a trading partner.

There are typically two ways of communicating the data between trading partners. Usually the trading partner will designate the method of either a VAN or Direct Connect.

VAN (Value Added Network)
A Van is a third-party service that transmits and stores data in the “electronic mailbox” until it is picked up by the appropriate party. Since the EDI message contains addressing information, the VAN routes the message to the mailbox of the recipient. Until recently, it was considered the most secure method of transferring data. Communication via a VAN can sometimes become quite costly. Most VAN providers charge monthly for the services that they provide based on the number of kilo-characters transmitted.

Direct Connection
Unlike a VAN, a direct connection allows you to pass the data straight to the receiving party. There are a few types of direct connection like, VPN (Virtual Private Network), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), and EDIINT (EDI over the internet) usually EDIINT is done in conjunction with AS2 software which encrypts the data before sending it over the internet.

AS2: A new standard for data exchanges

AS2 (Applicability Statement 2) is the draft specification standard by which vendor applications communicate EDI or other business-to-business data (such as EDI and XML) over the Internet using HTTP, a standard used by the World Wide Web. AS2 provides security for the transport payload through digital signatures and data encryption and ensures reliable, non-repudiable delivery through the use of receipts. AS2 communications can securely transfer not only EDI documents but also documents in various formats such as X12, SML and Microsoft word. Due to the high level of security and cost-effectiveness, several businesses including major retailers such as Wal-Mart and Kohn’s have mad the move to AS2.

XML: A New Standard for Document Exchange and Application Integration

What is XML?

XML stands for “Extensible Markup Language. XML was developed by an XML Working Group in 1996 and became a formal specification in February 1998. XML is now an industry standard that enables accurate, flexible, information rich data exchange.

XML allows the flexible development of user-defined document types. XML is not a programming language, and you don’t have to be a programmer to use it or learn it. XML makes it easy for a computer to generate data, read data and ensure that the data structure is unambiguous. It provides a robust, non-proprietary, persistent and verifiable file format for the storage and transmission of text and data both on and off the Web.

XML is extensible, meaning that it is designed so that its capabilities can be expanded. XML is also platform-independent, meaning that data can be exchanged across the internet or from application to application, regardless of the operating system/application used.

Why is XML important?

XML is commonly used in enterprise application integration, linking legacy systems to newer systems such as intranets and Web sites. XML makes it easy to send data from any application to any internet or desktop application (application-to-application integration).

In order to appreciate XML, it is important to understand why it was created. XML was created so that richly structured documents could be used over the web. The adaptability and functionality of XML lends itself to many uses.

XML: A New Standard for Document Exchange and Application Integration

XML has the potential to become the method for exchanging data because it is easy to use, extensible (its capabilities can be expanded as needed) and platform-independent reasons and because XML document trading is more cost-effective than other means for exchanging data, XML is becoming the buzz word in the 3PL industry as the new standard format for trading documents electronically.

Who is using XML?

Distributors are beginning to use XML to trade documents such as Transfer Orders (shipments), Shipment Confirmations (shipment acknowledgements), Receipt Authorizations (inbound receipts), Receipts (receipt acknowledgements) and Product Master Updates with their fulfillment centers (3PL Warehouses). With the use of XML and applications that make use of internet connectivity, it is possible for 3PL’s and their customers to be “linked together” so that these documents can be traded seamlessly. At the distributor’s order processing center, the user generates the order and sends it as an XML document. In even as little as seconds, the order is received into the 3PL’s WMS system without any user interface – meaning that the user does not have to import a file into their system to create the order.

EDI and XML

The big question is, “Is traditional EDI obsolete?” There are advantages and disadvantages to both, so therein lay the debate. At this time, though, the answer is “Far from it.”

“When the largest company in the world won’t do business with you unless you do EDI; when the US health industry makes it mandatory to use EDI; when the world’s energy companies are using EDI; when institutions that are sending people into space are using EDI; when Universities are sending students’ records in EDI; and when a Department of Defense, with the largest budget ever, has an EDI system in place, then surely one can’t say EDI is obsolete.”*

In reality, XML and EDI are not mutually exclusive. “XML actually complements EDI. Any technology that promotes e-commerce is good for EDI.”*

However, flexibility and speed are the key factors that make XML a viable alternative to traditional EDI. It allows multi-point or many-to-many integration required in an elaborate trading partner network. Unlike traditional EDI, where information movement between companies is predominantly through batch transfers, XML fosters cost-effective, real time data exchange.

In addition, there are moves to enable traditional EDI documents to travel inside XML, as well as proposals to replace the existing traditional EDI formats with XML ones**.

Probably the biggest effect on traditional EDI is the rise of standardization attempts for XML business documents and transactions. The standard jointly sponsored by OASIS and United Nations/CEFACT is ebXML (Electronic Business XML) which provides Schemas for the common commercial transaction document types.**

Labels: business partner

Freshwarehousing company profile

2007-03-09T00:23:00.000-08:00

Fresh Warehousing has 25 years experience in the third-party logistics industry, and has been ranked in the top 100 Third Party Logistic Companies in the country by Inbound Logistics Magazine. Our “hands on” approach means that one of the owners will customize your logistics solution, then team up with a dedicated account manager.

Over 1,300,000 square feet owned and operated in greater St. Louis area
Over 200 truck dock doors, 20 rail sidings
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
A.I.B. Superior Rating
ISO 9001-2000 Certified

Fresh Warehousing and Fulfillment is ISO certified company providing distribution fulfillment warehousing, third party warehousing, Hazmat warehousing, food grab warehousing, Upfront budget warehouse, Midwest shuttle service, Secondary Contract Packaging company, pick and pack services, warehousing handstacking company, Midwest Warehousing, Fulfillment warehousing services, Warehouse intermodal service, Professional Warehousing and Distribution, Dropshipping services