As a leading logistics firm with deep ties across North America’s transportation networks, Porter Logistics closely monitors developments like the CSX–BNSF agreement and the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, which signal a shifting landscape for shippers and logistics managers alike. Recent news—particularly the unfolding strategies among Class I railroads such as CSX, BNSF, Union Pacific, and Norfolk Southern—signals a shifting landscape with profound implications for shippers, logistics managers, and the industry at large.
On August 22, 2025, CSX and BNSF (a Berkshire Hathaway unit) unveiled a joint initiative to launch new coast-to-coast intermodal routes, connecting Southern California with hubs like Charlotte, NC, and Jacksonville, FL. This move improves shipping connectivity without pursuing a formal merger—intended to deliver many of the same customer benefits via operational collaboration, while avoiding the complexities of corporate consolidation.
Notably:
Further affirming this posture, Canadian Pacific Kansas City also publicly declined near-term merger discussions—reinforcing a trend favoring partnership over consolidation.
Meanwhile, in July 2025, Union Pacific proposed a blockbuster $85 billion merger with Norfolk Southern, aimed at creating the first modern coast-to-coast rail operator in the U.S. Early reports suggest regulatory reviews could extend up to 22 months. This plan—if approved—would instantly reshape the competitive dynamics of U.S. freight rail.
From Porter Logistics’ vantage point, the CSX–BNSF agreement appears to be a strategic reaction—not just a standalone initiative. Union Pacific’s coast-to-coast ambitions have put their rivals on notice. For CSX, the choice to pursue incremental expansion via partnership offers a way to remain competitive without triggering the regulatory headaches and cultural friction of a full-blown merger. As one analyst put it, CSX and BNSF are “waiting to see how the Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern regulatory path unfolds” before making long-term commitments.
CSX is under investor pressure to be proactive:
| Event | Description | Strategic Implication |
|---|---|---|
| CSX–BNSF service agreement | New coast-to-coast intermodal routes without merging | Collaborative response to avoid regulatory complexity |
| UP–NS proposed merger | $85B deal to form first coast-to-coast operator | Spurs competitive counter-moves and investor pressure |
| Ancora & Goldman Sachs pressure | Calls for merger or leadership change; strategic review underway | Adds urgency to CSX’s strategic planning |
| Regulatory environment | Surface Transportation Board review may take up to ~22 months | Encourages cautious, flexible approaches |
The recent CSX–BNSF pact highlights a broader trend: rail operators seeking to balance competitive positioning with regulatory caution. At Porter Logistics, we view this modus operandi—favoring operational partnerships over consolidation—as one that can preserve service improvements while minimizing merger-related uncertainty.
Nonetheless, the landscape remains dynamic. Should the UP–NS merger proceed, CSX and BNSF will need to evaluate whether partnership alone can deliver sufficient scale or if more structural alignment becomes inevitable.
We’ll continue to track developments closely—and support our clients with multi-modal strategies to navigate this evolving terrain.
At Porter Logistics, our people are at the heart of everything we do. This month, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Monica Lewis, our dedicated Customer Service Manager, whose leadership, resilience, and approachable personality help shape the exceptional experiences we provide to our clients every day.
Monica brings a truly diverse professional background to her role. Before stepping into logistics, she gained experience as a Correctional Officer, QC Lab Clerk, Manufacturing Line Person and Bookkeeper. Each role sharpened her skills in communication, attention to detail, and adaptability—qualities that now serve her so well in customer service leadership.
Her journey with Porter Logistics began when the company she was working for was acquired by Porter. Starting as a Customer Service Representative, Monica quickly stood out. Shortly after the acquisition, she was offered the Customer Service Manager position—an opportunity she embraced wholeheartedly.
As a leader, Monica is guided by three core values: honesty, trust, and passion for the business. She believes that building trust within her team fosters collaboration, transparency, and success. Her resilience in the face of challenges ensures that her team remains focused and motivated, no matter what comes their way.
“I believe honesty and trust are essential to creating a team that works well together,” Monica shares. “And passion is what keeps us all striving to do our best every day.”
When asked who inspires her most, Monica doesn’t hesitate: her father. His ability to remain composed in any situation left a lasting impression on her. “My father’s calm strength taught me that maintaining composure—especially in challenging circumstances—is one of the most powerful traits a person can have,” she reflects.
While Monica’s professional demeanor might lead people to think she’s all business, she reveals a more playful side: “People often think I’m very serious, but I’m actually kind of silly most of the time.”
Outside of work, Monica enjoys bike riding, swimming, hiking, and watching movies, finding balance and joy in the activities that keep her active and connected.
The best career advice Monica has ever received is simple but powerful: “If in doubt—ASK!” It’s a reminder that curiosity and communication are key to growth, understanding, and effective teamwork.
At Porter Logistics, we’re proud to have leaders like Monica Lewis who embody the values of honesty, resilience, and passion. Her ability to connect with customers, empower her team, and lead with heart makes her an invaluable part of the Porter family.
Savannah has become a key player in U.S. logistics. Its location, infrastructure, and growing industrial footprint make it a smart choice for brands that want to expand on the East Coast without the bottlenecks that often come with larger ports.
As with any strategic business decision, choosing the right 3PL provider in Savannah isn’t about picking the first name you see near the port. That’s how you end up with a Savannah 3PL that locks you into rigid contracts, uses outdated methods to manage inventory, and gives you little room to grow.
Choosing the best 3PL in Savannah is about finding a partner who can support your supply chain with real efficiency, adaptability, and local expertise.
When you know what to look for when evaluating the best 3PLs in Georgia, and the Savannah area in particular, you’re better equipped to make a smart choice for your business—allowing you to scale with ease and feel confident in your partnership.
One of Savannah’s biggest advantages is access to the Port of Savannah at Garden City Terminal, which is the fastest-growing container terminal in the U.S. According to the Savannah Economic Development Authority, the port is located within 300 miles of 37.2 million residents, 11 major metro areas, eight major international airports and five major ports.
But you can only leverage that advantage if your 3PL provider is positioned nearby. The closer your 3PL warehouse is to the port, the less you’ll spend on drayage and delays.
A strategically located Savannah 3PL warehouse also helps avoid congestion during peak shipping seasons. Keep an eye out for 3PLs that can offer fast container turnarounds and easy access to major interstates like I-16 and I-95. When a 3PL
What works for your supply chain now might not work six months from now. The best 3PL companies in Savannah understand that and offer scalable services, meaning they can flex to match your volumes, SKUs, and storage needs without skipping a beat.
Ask potential partners how they handle seasonal spikes, product line expansions, or temporary overflows. Do they have flexible storage terms? Can they quickly scale labor or space when needed? These are the types of capabilities that separate an average provider from a long-term partner.
Savannah’s proximity to global trade routes is only an advantage if your 3PL understands how to navigate it. That includes experience with port processes, customs clearance, container handling, and international documentation.
An ideal partner doesn’t just move product from Point A to Point B, they also help you sidestep red tape and avoid costly missteps. Look for 3PLs that work regularly with freight forwarders and customs brokers. You’ll spend less time worrying about compliance and more time moving product.
There’s no excuse for low visibility given the availability of advanced 3PL technology. Today’s supply chains need to move fast, and guesswork doesn’t cut it. Your 3PL should give you full visibility into your inventory, order status, and performance metrics.
The best 3PL companies in Savannah leverage:
Technology is what turns logistics from a cost center into a strategic advantage. If a provider can’t offer modern tools and easy access to your data, it may be time to keep looking.
At Porter Logistics, we use the Extensiv 3PL system which offers game-changing features such as EDI & API connections, eCommerce store integrations, and real-time inventory tracking. We’ve also developed in-house dock management software to book appointments, minimize dock congestion, and increase loading and unloading efficiency.
Storage and fulfillment services are the baseline. The best 3PLs go further, offering services like:
When you can handle these tasks in the same facility as your storage and shipping, you save time and avoid added transportation costs. Porter’s Savannah team supports these value-added services to help clients simplify their supply chain and reduce touchpoints.
Every logistics partner will say they’re reliable. What matters more is how they respond when things go sideways. Whether it’s a shipment delay, weather disruption, or an unexpected surge in demand, your 3PL should be a true partner—ready to solve problems and communicate clearly.
Ask how their team handles exceptions. Do they offer dedicated account support? Will they proactively flag issues or wait for you to discover them? A collaborative mindset is just as important as equipment and square footage.
One of the biggest mistakes companies make when choosing a 3PL is locking into a rigid contract too early. Your storage and fulfillment needs can change month to month, especially if you’re launching new products, navigating seasonality, or responding to market shifts.
The best Savannah 3PL providers offer flexible storage agreements without long-term commitments or minimum space requirements. You should only pay for what you use. That’s how logistics becomes a cost-effective extension of your business rather than a fixed overhead burden.
At Porter Logistics, we don’t force minimums or require clients to overcommit. Our Savannah 3PL services are designed to scale with your business, so you can adjust space and services as needed without jumping through hoops. Learn more about our engagement models.
Savannah supports a wide range of industries, including consumer packaged goods, eCommerce, food and beverage, HAZMAT, and more. Its access to the port and Southeast markets makes it ideal for both imports and regional distribution.
The closer the better. A facility within 10–15 miles of the port can significantly reduce drayage costs and speed up container movement. Porter’s Savannah location is designed for this type of proximity and port efficiency.
Yes, many 3PLs—Porter included—work closely with freight forwarders and customs brokers to ensure that containers are processed quickly and accurately. While we don’t file customs entries directly, we act as a logistics liaison for importers that need help coordinating shipments.
Onboarding typically includes systems integration, process mapping, inventory receiving, and a testing phase. The best 3PLs will guide you through this process and make sure your team knows exactly how to operate within their systems from day one.
In many cases, yes. Savannah offers direct rail access, faster port processing times, and less congestion than ports like New York/New Jersey. It’s also well-connected to Atlanta and other Southeast markets, making it an efficient hub for regional distribution.
Porter Logistics offers third-party warehousing and logistics services directly out of our Savannah, GA, 3PL facility with scalable solutions designed to support high-volume, high-efficiency supply chains. Whether you need help managing imported freight, regional fulfillment, or overflow warehousing, we’re ready to collaborate with reliable Savannah 3PL warehousing.
If your business relies on fast-moving supply chains, you know that choosing the right warehouse partner in Savannah, GA makes all the difference. Savannah is home to one of the busiest ports in the United States, making it a strategic hub for both importers and exporters.
But many businesses are hit with the age-old dilemma: With so many options, how do you know if a warehouse provider is truly reliable for Savannah B2B order fulfillment?
It’s easy for 3PLs to tout their expertise and hit all the right buzzwords, but it takes a keen eye to discern the fulfillment centers who just say they provide end-to-end support from those that actually do.
To choose the right 3PL partner for your Savannah B2B needs, you need to know what to look out for. Here are 10 key traits that set apart a dependable B2B and retail warehouse in Savannah.
A reliable B2B/retail warehouse in Savannah starts with location. With the Port of Savannah serving as a gateway for global trade, your warehouse partner should be positioned to handle both imports and exports efficiently. Proximity to the port means quicker drayage, lower transportation costs, and reduced lead times.
Beyond port access, look for a facility that has established relationships with freight brokers and carriers. Even if a warehouse doesn’t own trucks, it should have the ability to coordinate drayage, full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and international freight solutions on your behalf. All of this helps to ensure that goods move seamlessly no matter if they’re coming in from overseas or headed across the U.S.
If your products fall into regulated categories—like chemicals, food, or pharmaceuticals—you’ll need a warehouse that’s well-versed in compliance. A reliable partner will have certifications that demonstrate their ability to meet industry standards. These certifications aren’t just badges; they reflect processes and training that protect your products and your reputation.
Importers especially benefit from working with a warehouse that understands international compliance requirements. From customs documentation to export preparation, an experienced warehouse team can minimize delays and keep your supply chain moving.
Modern supply chains demand visibility. A warehouse that relies on outdated systems can leave you in the dark about where your products are, when they’ll ship, or how much inventory you really have on hand.
Reliable B2B/retail warehouses in Savannah use advanced warehouse management systems (WMS) to deliver real-time insights. For example, the Extensiv 3PL system used by Porter Logistics allows for:
On top of WMS capabilities, some warehouses develop their own in-house tools to solve bottlenecks. Dock management software, for instance, can reduce congestion by streamlining appointment booking for deliveries and pickups. These kinds of innovations translate into faster turnaround times and fewer headaches for your team.
Technology alone isn’t enough and it doesn’t paint the entire picture. You also need confidence that your products are being scanned, counted, and stored accurately. Dependable B2B warehouses invest in best-in-class equipment like Zebra scanners, which provide precise tracking for products moving in and out of the facility.
When a warehouse provides this level of accuracy, it ensures that inventory reports match reality, reducing shrinkage and costly errors. For businesses fulfilling retail or B2B orders in Savannah, that reliability is critical. A mis-shipped pallet or missed carton can quickly erode trust with your customers.
Not every warehouse is built to serve the same kind of customer. Some specialize in startups with just a few pallets of inventory, while others cater to massive enterprise needs. A reliable B2B/retail warehouse in Savannah will be transparent about its client fit.
The best partners are equipped to handle both large and mid-sized businesses. They’ll be able to offer 10,000+ pallet spaces for Fortune 10 companies, while still providing room for privately held brands with a few hundred pallets. This flexibility allows businesses to grow without worrying about whether their warehouse can keep up.
A dependable warehouse isn’t limited to one niche. Look for a partner that has proven success across a variety of industries, such as:
This diversity of experience means the warehouse is adaptable and understands the unique needs of different supply chains. Whether you’re storing regulated materials, temperature-sensitive items, or consumer products destined for retail shelves, a seasoned partner will already have the processes in place.
Even with the best systems, warehousing comes down to people. Reliable warehouses maintain open lines of communication with their clients. That means quick responses, clear reporting, and proactive updates if issues arise.
For B2B and retail fulfillment, transparency is especially important. From purchase order management to final delivery, you should know exactly what’s happening with your inventory. A warehouse partner that prioritizes communication builds trust and helps your business run more smoothly.
This is where 3PL warehouse reviews come especially in handy. Take a look at what real customers are saying about their partnerships and boots-on-the-ground support. Are the warehouse employees efficient and professional? Are wait times short? Is there face-to-face interaction? If you’re not seeing any reviews at all or they seem to be artificially skewed, that’s a red flag.
One trait that sets reliable warehouses apart is their approach to transportation. Some companies own their own trucking fleets, which can limit flexibility or create conflicts of interest. Others, however, build strong partnerships with multiple freight brokers.
By maintaining tight relationships with trusted brokers, a warehouse can provide competitive pricing for drayage, FTL, LTL, full container load (FCL), and less-than-container load (LCL) shipments—without pushing you toward one particular solution. This flexibility gives you access to the right mode of transportation for your needs, whether you’re moving goods domestically or internationally.
In a city like Savannah, where international trade is a daily reality, reliable warehouses are those that can manage both imports and exports with ease. That includes:
Global expertise ensures that your supply chain doesn’t just stop at the warehouse door. Instead, your provider becomes a true partner in moving goods across borders and continents.
Many B2B/retail warehouses in Savannah can remain steady in normal conditions, but what happens when there are sudden disruptions? A truly reliable warehouse in Savannah can weather the storm.
When a warehouse demonstrates this level of preparedness, it builds long-term confidence that your supply chain won’t grind to a halt during unexpected events.
When it comes to B2B and retail logistics, reliability is the foundation of your business operations and you should settle for nothing less than the best. After all, every late delivery, inventory error, or compliance misstep ripples down to your customers.
By choosing a Savannah B2B/retail warehouse with the traits outlined above, you can build a supply chain that’s resilient, efficient, and ready to grow. A warehouse that prioritizes visibility, accuracy, and communication will help your business thrive.
Ready to take the next step toward optimizing your B2B warehousing in Savannah? Call us for a free, zero-obligation quote.
We’re excited to share that Porter Logistics has officially received Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) food storage approval to operate as a certified food storage facility. This recognition marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards in food safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture regulates food storage and distribution facilities under a comprehensive set of safety and sanitation standards. Receiving this approval means that Porter Logistics has met all state-mandated requirements for the proper handling, warehousing, and distribution of food-grade products.
This includes compliance in key areas such as:
For more details on these requirements, visit the GDA Retail Food Program.
As a leading 3PL provider with a focus on cold chain logistics and food-grade warehousing, this approval reinforces the trust our clients place in us every day. It validates our investment in:
Whether storing packaged goods, perishables, or specialty items, our clients can move forward with confidence knowing their products are handled with the highest level of care and compliance.
With this certification, Porter Logistics strengthens its position as a premier logistics partner for food and beverage brands throughout Georgia and the Southeast. It also paves the way for expanded service offerings and new client partnerships in regulated sectors.
We’re proud to meet the rigorous standards set by the GDA—and even prouder to uphold them every day as we continue growing.
Looking for a GDA-approved partner for your food storage and logistics needs? Porter Logistics offers customized, scalable solutions backed by a team that understands the demands of a regulated environment.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your supply chain with certified food-grade warehousing and distribution.
In the fast-paced world of 3PL, growth isn’t just a metric—it’s mission-critical. Porter Logistics, a leading Atlanta-based 3PL provider, recently unlocked a game-changing transformation by partnering with Extensiv. The result? A staggering 100x growth with Extensiv growth in process efficiency, scalability, and profitability. Here’s how they did it.
As Porter Logistics expanded into new verticals—cold storage, hazmat, food safety, e-commerce—operational complexity hit a tipping point. Managing multiple SKUs, compliance standards, and order channels manually risked accuracy, service levels, and customer satisfaction.
PORTER NEEDED:
Porter adopted Extensiv’s Network Manager, 3PL Warehouse Manager, and integrated mobile tools. This unified suite brought together OMS, WMS, inventory control, and transportation logistics on a single easy-to-use platform.
Results included:
By streamlining workflows and automating key operations, Porter achieved remarkable outcomes:
To support food, pharma, and specialty chemicals, Porter deployed Extensiv across its new 145,000 ft² cold storage facility (chiller and freezer). Backed by rugged mobile terminals (StrikerX), scanning and inventory tracking in sub-zero environments have been reliable and accurate—down to −20 °F.
For Porter Logistics: Extensiv became their operational backbone, enabling:
For Porter’s customers: The benefits are palpable:
Partnering with Extensiv didn’t just solve Porter’s challenges—it future-proofed their whole operation. From cold-chain to e-commerce, regulated logistics to rail-served warehousing, they now have a platform that scales with every new venture.
If you’re a brand or manufacturer looking to modernize your distribution, comply with strict vertical standards, or prepare for aggressive growth—Porter Logistics, powered by Extensiv, has the proven path forward.
Contact Porter Logistics today to learn how this combined 3PL + technology solution can revolutionize your supply chain.
About Porter Logistics
A top-tier Atlanta‑based 3PL provider that is one of fastest growing logistics firms in the United States, Porter offers omnichannel warehousing, transportation brokerage, cold‑chain, hazmat, food‑grade, and DTC fulfillment—all backed by full tech integration and rigorous compliance measures.
At Porter Logistics, we know that outstanding service begins with exceptional people. This month, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Shonquella Allen, our dedicated Customer Service Manager, whose leadership, empathy, and passion for logistics help shape the exceptional experiences we provide to our clients every day.
Shonquella Allen’s journey in logistics began with a simple yet powerful motivation: the challenge of connecting people, products, and solutions in the most efficient way possible. Over the years, she has developed a deep passion for delivering meaningful service.
“No two days in this field are ever the same,” Shonquella shares. “I love that I’m constantly learning and growing. What keeps me going is creating an environment where both clients and employees feel supported and heard.”
Her role as Customer Service Manager is rooted in professionalism, reliability, and care — values that resonate in every interaction she leads.
What attracted Shonquella to Porter Logistics was the company’s commitment to innovation and efficiency. But it wasn’t just the technology and systems that drew her in — it was the opportunity to make a real impact on the customer experience.
“I saw a chance to work with a team that values excellence and empowers people to do their best work. That’s rare, and it’s something I deeply respect.”
As a leader, Shonquella places strong emphasis on integrity, accountability, empathy, respect, transparency, and a growth mindset.
While her professional life is grounded in logistics and leadership, Shonquella brings her fun-loving side to the table too.
“I love karaoke,” she laughs. “And I know every single word to 90’s R&B songs!”
Outside of work, Shonquella finds joy and balance in her hobbies. Whether it’s shopping, bowling, or spending quality time with family, these activities help her recharge and stay grounded.
“I believe in finding joy in the little things. My family keeps me centered, and that balance helps me show up fully at work.”
Over the years, Shonquella has gathered career advice that she now lives by:
“These four principles are my compass,” she says. “They remind me why I love what I do, and why I show up every day with heart.”
At Porter Logistics, we’re honored to have leaders like Shonquella Allen shaping our customer experience with authenticity and care. Her dedication inspires us all to lead with purpose and treat every challenge as an opportunity to grow.
Whether your company handles food, pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, or other temperature-sensitive goods, cold chain logistics are integral to your success. A strong cold chain can reduce spoilage, maintain regulatory compliance, and increase customer satisfaction. A weak one can undermine your entire supply chain.
If you’re looking to improve your cold chain logistics or are considering cold storage solutions for the first time, you should be familiar with core cold chain logistics best practices. These will help you operate more efficiently and mitigate risk while scaling sustainably.
It’s easy to assume that cold chain logistics begins and ends in a temperature-controlled facility. In reality, every touchpoint in your supply chain matters. The handoff from the loading dock to a reefer truck, the staging areas in distribution centers, the time spent in transit—all of these affect product integrity.
Before you select a cold storage provider, look at their capabilities across the board. Can they receive freight efficiently? Do they offer cross-docking or transloading services? What kind of monitoring is in place for goods while they’re waiting to ship?
At Porter Logistics, we operate a certified, tech-enabled cold storage building in Georgia. Our 150,000 sq. foot Atlanta facility is strategically located to support fast-moving regional and national supply chains. But we’re way more than just square footage. We help clients streamline inbound and outbound transportation so products stay within spec from dock to dock.
Not every product needs to be frozen. Some require controlled ambient conditions; others need to stay in the 35–40°F range. The best cold storage environments offer flexibility: dedicated temperature zones for frozen, refrigerated, and ambient products, plus a warehouse team that understands the importance of maintaining those thresholds.
Storing products in the wrong zone (even for short periods!) can lead to spoilage or regulatory issues. That’s why our Atlanta cold storage facility is engineered with multiple temperature settings and continuous monitoring. Our team helps clients match the cold storage product profile to the correct environment, and adjust as needed based on seasonality or changes in inventory.
Cold chain logistics doesn’t leave much room for error. The moment something goes wrong, whether that’s a door left open or a cooler malfunction, time is against you. Real-time monitoring systems that track temperature, humidity, and equipment performance are a must. These systems should also integrate with Warehouse Management System (WMS) platforms to ensure inventory visibility at the Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) level.
If you’re vetting cold storage partners, ask about their monitoring tech. Are there alerts for temperature excursions? Is the data logged for compliance? Can your team access live reporting? If the answer to each of these questions isn’t a resounding yes, you’re better off seeking out other cold storage providers.
At Porter, every cold zone is outfitted with sensors and alert systems. Our integrated systems give clients access to real-time data, making it easier to plan, audit, and troubleshoot when needed.
Long wait times can throw off delivery windows and increase exposure to temperature fluctuations. A facility with inefficient inbound and outbound operations adds more risk than it removes.
To avoid these issues, look for cold storage providers with strong throughput metrics, multiple loading bays, and experienced warehouse teams. Speed matters—but so does accuracy. Product needs to move quickly, but not at the expense of inventory mismanagement or handling errors.
Our Atlanta cold storage warehouse was built with logistics flow in mind. From staging to outbound dispatch, we’re set up to move high volumes without sacrificing control.
Cold chain logistics works best when your providers aren’t just vendors; they’re collaborators. A good 3PL will help you forecast demand, scale storage intelligently, and solve pain points in your supply chain. They’ll also understand the regulatory environment your products are subject to, whether that’s FDA guidelines for food or GMP requirements for pharmaceuticals.
At Porter Logistics, we work with companies that see cold chain efficiency as a competitive edge. Our team isn’t just here to receive pallets. We’re here to optimize your supply chain.
A member of the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), Porter Logistics offers flexible cold storage solutions out of our Atlanta facility, with temperature-controlled space, inventory visibility, and integrated logistics support. Whether you need a long-term partner or a scalable option for peak season, we can help.
Contact us for a custom solution. Our Atlanta cold storage services are designed to streamline your supply chain and drive your growth.
Cold chain logistics is essential for industries like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, cosmetics, and specialty chemicals. Any product that’s temperature-sensitive during transport or storage can benefit from a well-managed cold chain.
Cold storage facilities often include multiple zones:
Key factors include temperature control capabilities, real-time monitoring, proximity to transportation hubs, inventory visibility, and experience handling your product type. A provider with integrated logistics services can help reduce handoffs and keep products moving smoothly.
Check manufacturer guidelines or compliance requirements. Products that degrade under heat or exposure (such as perishable foods, vaccines, and active pharmaceutical ingredients) almost always require temperature control from the point of manufacture to final delivery. If you’re unsure, give us a call.
While our cold storage operations are based in Atlanta, allowing us to serve major Southeastern markets quickly and efficiently, we also operate facilities in Savannah and Tampa.
At a cold dock, time matters more than anywhere else. When a refrigerated trailer arrives, speed, coordination, and temperature control become the main KPIs. Because if at this stage, unloading takes too long, temperature-sensitive products can begin to warm beyond safe thresholds.
This might compromise product quality and jeopardize both compliance and customer trust.
At Porter Logistics, we manage a wide range of regulated goods, including food-grade and pharmaceutical freight. That kind of work puts a higher standard on how we run our docks. One of the ways we protect our cold chain is by keeping scheduling structured, coordinated, and visible for our teams and our clients.
| Quick Stat Research found that reefer drivers experienced detention at more than 25% of stops. Their average wait times reached 1.7 hours beyond the standard 2-hour threshold. That extra time on the dock puts cold chain integrity directly at risk. |
Cold chain breaks often start with something as simple as a late trailer, a crowded staging area, or a dock door that stays open longer than planned.
Temperature-sensitive freight doesn’t offer much room for delay. And unlike dry storage, where staging can be more flexible, cold storage often has limited buffer space and stricter door controls. If schedule delays happen, the exposure adds up quickly, and it’s not always caught until later. These issues can lead to rejected shipments or compliance flags, even when the product was handled properly overall.
A study by ATRI found that in 2023 alone, detention time across for-hire trucking exceeded 135 million hours. And refrigerated trailer drivers experienced detention 56.2% of the time, which is significantly higher than the industry average. This shows that these delays aren’t hypothetical. They’re already built into daily operations unless dock management is actively optimized.
You might have seen that traditional scheduling methods (like calls, emails, or spreadsheets) don’t hold up well in cold environments. Cold docks require tighter planning and better coordination. Schedules need to reflect not just time slots, but actual operational capacity.
What actually needs to be scheduled is a set of conditions:
Without a system that ties all these variables together, things break down quickly. Double-booking becomes more likely, equipment gets stretched, and teams lose visibility. And when more than one trailer shows up without clear direction, the entire dock can fall behind.
| This inefficiency affects the larger logistics cycle According to recent data, 57% of drivers reported being late or canceling a delivery due to detention at a previous stop. Moreover, 52% drivers ran out of available driving hours because of delays. |
Cold storage operations operate under scrutiny, especially when handling food or pharmaceuticals. Under guidelines like the FDA’s FSMA, cold chain processes are required to be both controlled and documented, including how long a shipment stays on the dock and how it’s handled during transfer.
If scheduling is disorganized, it becomes harder to answer questions like:
These details matter in audits and inspections, and they shape how customers view your reliability. That’s how scheduling is directly tied to compliance, reporting, and accountability.
To maintain product safety and regulatory compliance, cold docks must run on a fixed rhythm. Every trailer turn, door assignment, and load plan must be thought through in advance and tracked in real time.
At Porter, our dock scheduling system gives us the precision needed to operate with that rhythm. Door usage is mapped based on temperature zones. Appointment slots are structured around load complexity, staging capacity, and required dwell time. As a result, our dock doors only open when they should, trailers are processed on time, and cold chain exposure is minimized.
This approach gives us operational clarity. Our workers know which door is tied to which appointment, equipment is aligned in advance, and staging plans are executed with intent. As a result, the chaos that can creep into busy loading docks is replaced by predictable flow.
To support this operation, Porter uses Arrivy’s dock scheduling software. With it, our customers can book appointments directly through a self-serve portal. Appointments are aligned with real-time dock availability and governed by customized rules (buffer times, booking limits, and resource-specific constraints).
Arrivy also enables us to:
For example, if a customer books a frozen seafood delivery, they can book a slot tied to a sub-zero dock door. The system blocks adjacent time windows for staging and cleanup. It also makes sure the right equipment and crew are ready when the trailer arrives.
What matters here is control. Arrivy helps our dock managers make informed decisions by presenting accurate, real-time data. And it provides our carriers with the consistency they need to plan routes and dwell time expectations.
The benefits aren’t abstract. With better scheduling tools in place, our customers get a more predictable experience at the dock. Appointments are faster. Wait times go down. And there’s less back-and-forth on confirming or adjusting times.
Internally, our teams can plan better. Fewer calls and emails mean fewer manual updates. Our crews spend more time loading and less time waiting for paperwork or direction.
From a compliance standpoint, it also means we have a clear record of what happened, when, and by whom.
Cold docks don’t give much room for error. Even a short delay can put a shipment at risk or cause a compliance issue. That’s why scheduling has to reflect real capacity, real conditions, and the actual pace of the work on the ground.
At Porter Logistics, we’ve built our dock operations with this in mind. With the help of Arrivy, we keep appointments on track, reduce dwell time, and maintain the cold chain every step of the way.
As one of Atlanta’s premier third-party logistics (3PL) providers, Porter Logistics has built its reputation on delivering reliable warehousing and distribution services for some of the world’s leading brands across regulated industries—ranging from pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals to food, beverage, and hazardous materials.
But with rapid growth comes operational complexity. Managing a vast and evolving chemical inventory had become increasingly difficult for the Porter team—until they partnered with VelocityEHS and implemented the Accelerate® Platform.
Founded in 2016, Porter Logistics has scaled quickly to operate three large Atlanta-area warehouses totaling over 750,000 square feet. According to company president and co-founder John Foshee, their early chemical management methods—paper files, digital folders, and manual tracking—couldn’t keep pace with the company’s expanding inventory and increasing compliance requirements.
“We were a startup. We could handle things with paper and basic organizational methods,” Foshee recalls. “But now we’re handling many more products with many different chemistries… we’ve got to stay on top of things and stay compliant.”
Working heavily in regulated environments like hazardous goods, pharmaceuticals, and food-grade warehousing, Porter needed a smarter way to manage chemical safety data and meet requirements like EPA Tier II reporting under EPCRA.
In late 2022, Porter began evaluating chemical management software vendors. After considering three options, they quickly selected VelocityEHS Chemical Management for its depth, user-friendliness, and industry-leading SDS library which has helped Porter Logistics in its compliance efforts
“It acts as an organized repository for us,” said Foshee. “It has been able to scale with us as we continue to grow.”
Porter now manages tens of thousands of SDSs across clients using the Accelerate® platform, with employees easily locating specific documents via CAS numbers or other chemical identifiers. This capability not only supports compliance but also helps evaluate alternative chemistries and verify regulatory alignment.
The benefits of VelocityEHS go beyond hazardous goods:
With all chemical data centralized and instantly accessible, EPA Tier II reporting is now faster and more accurate, allowing Porter to quickly cross-reference ingredients against the EPA’s Extremely Hazardous Substances list.
“It’s helped us to stay organized, stay safe and stay in compliance,” Foshee affirms.
As Porter continues to expand operations—including bulk chemical transloading via its rail-served Atlanta warehouse—the team is confident that VelocityEHS will remain a valuable tool for managing complexity.
Whether managing hazardous inventory, supporting food-grade storage, or navigating the evolving regulatory landscape, Porter Logistics and VelocityEHS are proving that smart chemical management drives operational excellence.
Learn more about how VelocityEHS helps companies like Porter Logistics at EHS.com
