Storing food and beverage products is vastly different from handling consumer goods like apparel, electronics, and furniture. Food and beverages will only last so long on the shelf. If these products expire or are mishandled and stored improperly as they make their way through the supply chain, and your products might end up in the local landfill instead of the homes and mouths of consumers. Continue reading
Is your supply chain sucking you dry? Moving your goods from point A to B and C isn’t always easy, especially when there are dozens of variables at play. Every dollar counts when it comes to mastering the supply chain. Your business may be hemorrhaging money in certain areas that you may not even realize. For example, your order fulfillment may take far too much time and use way more resources than necessary. With a few adjustments, you can improve your operations and reduce hidden costs. Continue reading
In 2018, the U.S. produced 669 million metric tons of oil. We tend to associate metal drums with the oil and gas industry, but there may be a better solution when it comes to storing and distributing large quantities of oil. Today, we’ll spend some time advocating for IBC totes. These large, durable containers were designed to store and ship messy industrial products, including chemicals, solvents, and gels. Therefore, oil is a natural fit. Continue reading
If you work in the metal fabrication industry, you’re all too familiar with the challenges in that space. Working with metal is vastly different than generating other consumer products, such as clothing, food, and plastic goods. Fabricating metal pieces requires a certain level of expertise, rigorous safety standards, and a highly organized facility to ensure that mistakes do not occur. Continue reading
Manufacturers continue to depend on a wide range of containers and equipment when it comes to generating their products and getting orders out the door, but none may be as important as the almighty wire storage bin. These containers come in all shapes and sizes, helping companies large and small handle their inventory and supplies with added efficiency. Continue reading
The food and beverage industry moves at its own pace. Unlike traditional consumer goods, food and beverage products come with an expiration date. These products need to reach consumers as quickly as possible, or they may end up in the trash. Depending on the nature of your goods, you may need to keep them a certain temperature during transit. Even if your goods aren’t frozen or refrigerated, room-temperature items can easily spoil if there’s too much heat or humidity in the air. Continue reading 
The automotive industry isn’t what it used to be. Instead of storing and shipping hundreds of different automotive parts from the same warehouse or showroom, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are starting to focus their efforts on certain niches within the industry, while emphasizing personalization and innovation. Trying to keep hundreds of different parts under the same roof can be a losing game. There’s always going to be another company that does it cheaper, so companies are looking to put their own unique stamp on the industry by focusing on a particular set of products, such as aftermarket tires, smart transmissions and wireless communication systems. Continue reading
The U.S. steel industry is going strong. According to the International Trade Commission, total U.S. steel production in 2018 increased to 86.6 million metric tons from 81.6 million metric tons in 2017–an 11.4 percent increase. However, studies show trade tariffs and other geopolitical factors have put the steel industry on edge. Demand tends to fluctuate on a dime as customers take their business to different manufacturers all over the globe. It’s all about getting the highest-quality steel at the most affordable price. Continue reading
Long gone are the days of aftermarket parts catalogs and massive showrooms that cater to everyday drivers. Today’s automotive industry lives largely online. Customers prefer buying replacement parts and aftermarket equipment on the web instead of visiting stores in person. The North American online automotive eCommerce market size is now worth over $16 billion (U.S. dollars) and growing at 14 to 16 percent per year, and OEMs and other automotive companies will need to adjust their operations accordingly. Instead of shipping to a local auto parts retailer, OEMs need to deliver individual products right to a customer’s front door. Continue reading
Hazardous materials are a staple of the global supply chain. The U.S. alone receives more than $2,334,425 worth of hazardous materials every year. Companies that ship, handle and store these products need to maintain proper safety protocols at all times. A small error could easily spiral out of control. Leaks, spills and cross-contamination are just some of the concerns these companies may face. Staff members may be exposed to harmful substances. These materials can also severely damage the natural environment, leading to costly fines from the federal government. Continue reading