Author: Stu Spikerman

FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone) Warehousing: How It Can Revolutionize Your Supply Chain

What is FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone) Warehousing? At its core, FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone) warehousing is a designated area where businesses can import goods without immediately paying customs duties or tariffs. Think of it as a safe haven for international trade, right within the U.S., where goods are stored, processed, and even exported without the […]

Custom Reporting: Unlocking Insights for Smarter Logistics

What is Custom Reporting? Custom reporting is the process of designing reports tailored to the specific needs of a business. Unlike standard reports that follow fixed templates, custom reporting offers flexibility in structure, visualizations, and data sources. At Tri-Link FTZ, we’ve seen firsthand how this capability empowers businesses to extract actionable insights from complex logistics […]

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) Integration: Enhancing Business Processes

Understanding EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) Integration EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) Integration refers to the automated transfer of standardized business documents between systems. Instead of relying on manual processes like email or paper-based transactions, EDI enables businesses to exchange purchase orders, invoices, shipment notices, and more electronically. As a company with over 35 years of experience […]

Labeling and Barcoding: Streamlining Logistics and Inventory Management

Defining Labeling and Barcoding Labeling and barcoding refer to the use of labels and barcode technology to encode, identify, and track items in a supply chain or warehouse. A barcode is a machine-readable image that encodes product data like SKU, weight, or location. Labeling ensures these barcodes are attached securely to products, shelves, or packages, […]

3PL Value-Added Services: Enhancing Your Supply Chain for Success

What Are 3PL Value-Added Services? In my 35 years of experience in third-party logistics (3PL), I’ve seen the industry evolve from simple storage and transportation solutions to becoming an integral part of the supply chain. 3PL value-added services refer to specialized services that extend beyond basic logistics offerings. These are designed to meet specific customer […]

Third-Party Logistics Services: Everything You Need to Know

What Are Third-Party Logistics Services? Third-Party Logistics Services, or 3PL, involve outsourcing various supply chain functions to a specialized provider. As someone who has spent decades leading Tri-Link FTZ, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative 3PL services can be for businesses. At their core, these services simplify operations by handling tasks like storing products, managing inventory, […]

​​Contract Logistics: Transforming Supply Chain Management for Efficiency and Growth

What is Contract Logistics? Contract Logistics refers to outsourcing logistical operations to a third-party provider, encompassing services such as transportation, warehousing, inventory management, and order fulfillment. Unlike traditional logistics, contract logistics offers end-to-end solutions tailored to a company’s unique supply chain requirements. With over 35 years of experience at Tri-Link FTZ, I’ve seen how businesses […]

The Ultimate Guide to Dedicated Warehousing: Benefits, Challenges, and Success Stories

What is Dedicated Warehousing? In the world of logistics, Dedicated Warehousing refers to a warehouse operation exclusively designed for one company. Unlike shared or public warehouses, this model focuses on customization, efficiency, and long-term strategy. The 3PL provider may own or lease the warehouse, but all resources—labor, technology, and equipment—are dedicated to a single client. […]

Warehouse Storage Solutions: Optimizing Space and Efficiency in Your Warehouse

What Are Warehouse Storage Solutions? Warehouse storage solutions are the systems and strategies used to organize and store inventory efficiently. These include options like pallet racking, shelving, mezzanines, and gravity-based systems. The goal of these solutions is to optimize space, improve accessibility, and enhance operational efficiency. At Tri-Link FTZ, we’ve seen firsthand how the right […]

The Ultimate Guide to Palletization in Supply Chain Management

What Is Palletization? At its core, palletization refers to the process of placing goods on pallets to form a consolidated unit that can be handled, stored, and transported as a single entity. Pallets, those simple yet indispensable structures, form the backbone of the modern supply chain. Whether you’re moving beverages, pharmaceuticals, or auto parts, palletization […]