Author: Stu Spikerman

FTZ Warehouse Operations: The Ultimate Guide to Efficiency, Cost Savings, and Compliance

What Are FTZ Warehouse Operations? At Tri-Link FTZ, we’ve spent over 35 years optimizing global supply chains, helping businesses unlock the full potential of FTZ warehouse operations. But what exactly does that mean? Simply put, an FTZ warehouse is a facility located in a Foreign Trade Zone, which the U.S. government classifies as being outside […]

FTZ Cost Savings Strategies: How to Reduce Expenses & Optimize Supply Chain Management

What is an FTZ and How Does It Work? A Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is a designated area within the United States where businesses can store, process, or manufacture imported goods before customs duties are applied. Think of an FTZ as a duty-free warehouse, allowing companies to delay or eliminate paying import tariffs until their […]

Foreign Trade Zone Benefits 2025: How Businesses Can Cut Costs & Optimize Supply Chains

What is a Foreign Trade Zone? A Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is a designated area near a U.S. port of entry where businesses can store, process, and manufacture goods without immediately paying customs duties or taxes. FTZs operate under the supervision of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) but are considered outside of U.S. customs […]

The Ultimate Guide to Supply Chain Visibility and Optimization

What is Supply Chain Visibility and Optimization? At its core, supply chain visibility and optimization refers to the ability to track goods from raw materials to the final destination while using data and technology to improve efficiency. It’s about knowing where your products are, how they’re moving, and what’s affecting their journey. This allows businesses […]

The Ultimate Guide to Supply Chain Optimization Training: Unlock Efficiency & Cost Savings

What is Supply Chain Optimization Training? Supply chain optimization training is a structured learning program designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chain operations. It teaches professionals how to streamline processes, reduce costs, and maximize productivity using modern strategies and technologies. The goal is to enhance supply chain visibility, improve forecasting accuracy, and […]

Real-Time Supply Chain Optimization: How Tri-Link FTZ Maximizes Efficiency in Global Trade

What is Real-Time Supply Chain Optimization? Real-time supply chain optimization is the ability to track, analyze, and adjust logistics operations as they happen. Unlike traditional supply chain models that rely on outdated reports, real-time optimization uses live data to streamline operations. This means companies can predict demand shifts, track shipments, and respond to disruptions instantly. […]

Supply Chain Cost Optimization: How to Reduce Costs Without Sacrificing Efficiency

What is Supply Chain Cost Optimization? In simple terms, supply chain cost optimization is the process of reducing expenses across the entire supply chain while maintaining or even improving efficiency, quality, and service levels. Many businesses mistakenly believe that cutting costs means sacrificing performance, but that’s not true. A well-optimized supply chain balances cost reduction […]

The Ultimate Guide to Supply Chain Network Optimization Tools

What Are Supply Chain Network Optimization Tools? In my 35 years in third-party logistics and foreign trade zone (FTZ) operations, I’ve seen supply chains evolve dramatically. What used to be simple, regional supply chains have become global networks with thousands of moving parts. That’s where supply chain network optimization tools come in. These are software […]

The Role of a Supply Chain Optimization Analyst in Logistics & Foreign Trade Zones

What is a Supply Chain Optimization Analyst? A Supply Chain Optimization Analyst is a logistics expert who focuses on making supply chains run smoothly and cost-effectively. They analyze vast amounts of data to find inefficiencies, identify risks, and improve overall performance. Their job is to ensure goods move from suppliers to consumers without unnecessary delays […]

Navigating Supply Chain Optimization Challenges: A 3PL Perspective

Understanding Supply Chain Optimization Challenges In our 35 years in third-party logistics (3PL) and Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) operations, we’ve seen it all—economic recessions, global pandemics, shipping crises, and trade wars. Supply chains have never been simple, but today, they operate in an environment of unprecedented volatility. Supply chain optimization challenges aren’t just about cutting […]