The potential disruptions looming for the U.S. supply chain due to a dockworkers’ strike at East and Gulf Coast ports are the largest since the 2020-2022 COVID-19 pandemic. Negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have reached a deadlock. With the current labor agreement set to expire on September 30, a strike could begin as early as October 1. This would affect 43% of U.S. imports, leading to significant delays, higher shipping costs, and disruptions across industries relying on these ports.
Efforts from the Biden administration to encourage both sides to negotiate in good faith are ongoing, but there are no plans to intervene using the Taft-Hartley Act, which could temporarily halt the strike. If the strike goes ahead, the economic impact could be staggering, with estimates of losses reaching up to $5 billion per day. Companies, including those in the 3PL industry like Porter Logistics, should consider alternative transportation routes and preemptive measures to mitigate the effects of potential delays.
For Porter Logistics, staying prepared with contingency plans, such as diverting shipments to West Coast ports or adjusting inventory levels, will be essential to maintain service levels during this period.
Porter Logistics proudly supports 5 of the top 35 global chemical distributors in the world, as recognized in the 2024 ICIS Top 100 Distributors list.
This annual ranking highlights the world’s leading chemical distributors, including industry giants like Brenntag, Univar Solutions, and Tricon Energy. As the chemical distribution industry faces challenges like sustainability and geopolitical shifts, these top performers continue to drive growth and innovation.
Porter Logistics remains committed to delivering specialized chemical warehousing services that meet the evolving needs of these industry leaders.
For the full list of the top 100 chemical distributors, you can access it here.
Meet Savana Bristol, our Operations Manager at Porter Logistics! Savana is a crucial member of our team, providing support and solutions to ensure the smooth running of our day-to-day operations. As the Operations Manager, Savana is responsible for scheduling and dispatching our crews, monitoring work quality, and ensuring accurate paperwork. She also maintains the fleet and collaborates with the management team to improve efficiency.
With seven years of experience in the logistics industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. Her children are her greatest inspiration, infusing her life with unmatched joy, determination, and creativity. When she’s not overseeing operations, Savana enjoys a perfect day filled with the sound of chirping birds, a home-cooked breakfast, and a good TV show. And if there’s anything with gravy on the menu, count her in! We’re grateful for Savana’s dedication and hard work at Porter Logistics.
At Porter Logistics we are proud of the team members who work hard every day.
Porter Logistics’ General Manager Mark Grant is a critical leader of our team. Mark has 25 years of Logistic experience where he worked for large companies like Home Depot and Lowes. He also has a unique background working in construction logistics, where he had to deal with the intricacies of coordinating materials such as rail and cement. Through these experiences, Mark has a comprehensive understanding of the logistical challenges inherent to high-volume fulfillment as well as large, bulky commodities which has been crucial to Porter Logistics’ growth. He is truly a Swiss Army knife in terms of his ability to manage diverse client types.
As a leader, Mark’s main goal is to create an environment where everyone’s skills are nurtured to allow them to grow and excel. He is always seeking ways to help develop and empower his team to excel in their roles. Mark is a key in developing the team environment at Porter Logistics which is his favorite part of working at Porter Logistics.
“We have a supportive and collaborative group of colleagues who make every day enjoyable.”
When Mark isn’t working he is enjoying his four kids and bringing family and friends together with some good food. Mark is a master in the kitchen and on the grill. He loves to bring new recipes and ideas together in order to bring people together. Mark not only loves watching but also playing basketball and football. He is an avid sports fan so you will find him cheering for Florida State Seminoles, Miami Dolphins, Miami Hurricanes, and the Miami Heat.
Thank you Mark for all that you do for Porter Logistics!
We’re excited to highlight another manager we appreciate at Porter Logistics. Melissa Russell, our Customer Service Executive, is a true expert in her field. She works tirelessly with our exceptional Customer Service Representative team to ensure our clients receive the best possible experience.
With over 25 years in the logistics industry, Melissa has worn many hats—from quality control and shipping/receiving to dispatching, supervising, and serving as a Customer Service Representative. Now, as Porter Logistics’ Customer Service Executive, her driving goal is to motivate and mentor her employees to achieve excellence. This dedication to leadership is one of the many reasons we value Melissa at Porter Logistics.
Outside of work, Melissa cherishes time with her husband and family, who are her greatest inspiration. You’ll often find her cheering for Alabama (Roll Tide!) or one of her favorite NFL teams: the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, or Pittsburgh Steelers. If stranded on a deserted island, Melissa’s priorities shine through—she’d bring her husband, some good books, and clothes. We love her sense of what’s truly important!
Thank you, Melissa, for your unwavering dedication to Porter Logistics.
In today’s global economy, businesses are constantly seeking ways to optimize costs,
streamline operations, and enhance their competitive edge. One powerful tool that is
increasingly being utilized by companies is the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ). At Porter Logistics,
we recognize the immense value that FTZs can bring to your supply chain strategy, especially
for companies involved in international trade.
A Foreign Trade Zone is a designated geographic area where goods can be imported, stored,
and sometimes even manufactured or assembled, without being subject to customs duties and
taxes until they enter the domestic market. This unique setup provides a significant financial
advantage, allowing companies to defer, reduce, or even eliminate customs duties, which can
result in substantial cost savings.
At Porter Logistics, we offer comprehensive solutions for businesses looking to leverage the
benefits of Foreign Trade Zones. Our expert team will guide you through the process of setting
up and managing an FTZ, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements while
maximizing the financial and operational benefits for your company.
Partner with us to unlock the full potential of FTZs and take your business to the next level.
Whether you are looking to reduce costs, streamline your supply chain, or expand your global
reach, Porter Logistics is here to help you achieve your goals.
Foreign Trade Zones represent a strategic advantage for companies engaged in international
trade. With the ability to defer or eliminate customs duties, increase operational efficiency, and
enhance competitiveness, FTZs are an invaluable tool in today’s business landscape. PorterLogistics is committed to helping you navigate and capitalize on the benefits of FTZs, ensuring
that your business remains agile, competitive, and profitable in a dynamic global market.
The evolution of warehousing to meet the demands of omnichannel fulfillment is a pivotal topic for third-party logistics (3PL) providers, and the latest insights from Maersk highlight several key trends that are reshaping the industry. As the retail landscape shifts towards omnichannel, which integrates brick & mortar and eCommerce channels, warehousing operations must adapt to ensure seamless and efficient delivery experiences for consumers.
One significant trend is the rise of micro-fulfillment centers and dark stores located in urban areas. These smaller, strategically placed facilities enable faster delivery times, often within hours, which is critical to meet consumer expectations for rapid and reliable service.
In-store fulfillment and click-and-collect models are also becoming increasingly popular. These models allow retailers to use their physical store locations as fulfillment centers, thereby reducing delivery times and costs. This hybrid approach can be particularly advantageous for Atlanta 3PL providers, as it leverages existing retail infrastructure and provides consumers with flexible options for receiving their orders. By supporting these models, Porter Logistics Atlanta eCommerce fulfillment team can get product into the hands of customers regardless of which channel the order is submitted from.
Automation technologies, including robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), are transforming warehouse operations by increasing efficiency and reducing labor costs. These technologies enable faster processing times and greater accuracy in order fulfillment, which are essential in an omnichannel environment where speed and precision are paramount. For Porter Logistics, investing in advanced automation can streamline operations, reduce errors, and enhance scalability to handle peak demand periods effectively.
Finally, the importance of a seamless returns process cannot be overstated. Efficiently managing returns is a critical component of the customer experience in omnichannel retail. Advanced tracking systems and streamlined processes ensure that returned items are processed quickly, and inventory is updated in real-time. Porter Logistics can differentiate itself by offering robust returns management solutions that provide transparency and efficiency, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
In conclusion, the evolution of warehousing to support omnichannel retail is driven by trends such as urban micro-fulfillment centers, in-store fulfillment models, automation technologies, and efficient returns management. By embracing these trends, Porter Logistics can enhance its service offerings, meet the growing demands of omnichannel retail, and provide exceptional value to its clients
We are thrilled to announce that our company has successfully passed the Alliance for
Chemical Distribution (ACD) Responsible Distribution Audit! This is not just a milestone but a
testament to our unwavering commitment to safety, excellence, and responsible practices in the
chemical distribution industry.
Passing the ACD audit is a rigorous process that evaluates a company’s adherence to the
highest standards in safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. By meeting these standards,
we have solidified our reputation as one of the top Hazmat certified warehouses in Atlanta GA and the Southeast.
A Mark of Trust and Reliability
Our success in the audit underscores our dedication to maintaining a safe and efficient work
environment, which is crucial in the Atlanta chemical distribution warehousing industry. This achievement is especially
important to us because it means our customers can have complete confidence in our ability to
handle chemicals responsibly and safely. The trust that comes with this certification is
invaluable, as it assures our clients and partners that they are working with a company that
prioritizes not only business objectives but also the well-being of people and the environment.
Benefits of Passing the ACD Audit
A Future Built on Excellence
As we celebrate this achievement, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated team, whose
hard work and dedication made this possible. We also thank our clients and partners for their
trust and commitment, which motivate us to continue striving for excellence.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to not just maintaining but exceeding the high standards
we have set. This audit is not the end but a part of our ongoing journey towards better, safer,
and more responsible chemical distribution.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to continued success and safety in all our future
endeavors!
— The Team at Porter Logistics
About Porter Logistics
Porter Logistics is a leading Atlanta-based 3PL warehousing provider offering comprehensive third-party logistics services to brands, manufacturers, retailers, and direct sellers across many industries including Consumer Products, Food & Beverage, HAZMAT Chemical, & Bulk Commodity industries.
With Porter Logistics, brands are able to achieve economies of scale, reduce spend, and bring omnichannel operations under one roof to drive revenue growth and reduce complexity in their supply chain.
Their key offerings include:
We are absolutely thrilled to take this opportunity to recognize Brandy Wood. Brandy is the Manager of Operational Excellence at Porter Logistics. Her role is pivotal to our success, particularly when it comes to ensuring we consistently meet compliance standards.
Brandy’s passion and dedication are the driving forces behind her work. Her primary aim is to help Porter Logistics grow and she continually strives to help us achieve the highest level of excellence and standards, setting us apart from our competitors.
With six years of experience in the logistics industry, Brandy has been an instrumental part of our team. She enjoys growing alongside Porter Logistics and takes pride in being a part of the journey.
Brandy is an embodiment of strength and resilience, constantly growing and evolving both personally and professionally. It is not surprising that she draws inspiration from other powerful women like Erin Brockovich, whose motivation, strength, and unwavering determination resonate with Brandy.
Despite the fast-paced environment at Porter Logistics, Brandy knows the importance of balance and she cherishes her downtime. Her idea of a perfect day is one of tranquility, lying in the sun with a cool breeze flowing and listening to music. This quiet time allows her to rejuvenate and come back stronger, ready to conquer the challenges at Porter Logistics.
At Porter Logistics, our clients are our top priority, and Nick Keaton plays a vital role in maintaining these relationships. As the Client Integration Manager, Nick focuses on building enduring relationships based on trust, communication, and integrity. Nick has spent six years in the Warehouse Logistics industry.
Before joining Porter Logistics, he worked in medical logistics and as an Operational Supervisor for UPS. His strong work ethic and attention to detail make him a valuable leader at Porter Logistics.
Outside of work, Nick enjoys hiking with his fiancée. If he were ever stranded on an island, he’d have the essentials: a guitar, an umbrella, and a comfortable chair. His idea of a perfect day involves being on an island or in the mountains with his fiancée, their future dog, some fine wine, and no obligations. Sounds like a fine day indeed! We appreciate everything you do for our clients, Nick, and for continually elevating the Porter Logistics brand!
