A P U B L I C A...

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F
Serving the warehouse industry from Virginia to Florida to
Louisiana. Education, information, community.
P.O. Box 898, Madison, GA 30650 • (706) 431-6025 • dean@swaonline.org • www.swaonline.org
November 2014
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Happy November everyone.
All of us TN fans are thankful for
What a wonderful time of year!
Butch Jones and his first SEC win
Besides enjoying the cooler
of 2014 at the expense of Spur-
temperatures, viewing the vivid
rier’s Gamecocks. It was a long,
colors of the leaves turning and
fought battle between the teams,
watching the SEC dominate the
but Butch kept his perseverance
poll, it’s a time to remember all
and vision. He knew the young VOLS
the many blessings in our life.
had it in them. He just had to figure out
We all face
challenges in everyday life and time
can easily slip away. We’ll turn
around twice and it will be 2015.
the best way to encourage his team to
victory.
Beth and I hope everyone has a
Happy Thanksgiving holiday.
Seems like nowadays, every com-
Jeff
pany is trying to see who can be
the first one to display Christmas
items. Or, who can open the earliest
for Thanksgiving sales, which once was
referred to as Black Friday. It seems now it’s more like Black
Thursday.
As the world continues to speed up, we need to be sure
we’re slowing down and taking the time to make the
proper gestures to
not only our friends
and family, but to
our companies,
customers and
employees. It
could be as simple as a phone call, or
a pat on the back for a job well done. It’s
the little things that sometimes can make
the biggest impact on someone.
CURRENT SWA MEMBERSHIP
Warehouses................................90
Associates..................................35
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S COLUMN
On November 1st we began a new
SWA activity year which means
Thanksgiving and our year end
holidays must be just around the
corner. Kathy and I remain thankful for many things — our family,
good health and the opportunity
to work with, and for, our many
SWA friends. It continues to be
rewarding, even fun, and helps
us “give back” to an industry that
has treated us well.
From the business side, the
2014 convention at Brasstown
Valley has been put to rest with
a smile. And the ability to send
a total of $450 in three separate checks to these important
health organizations: St. Jude’s
Children’s Hospital, the American Heart Association and the
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. You
may remember that
it’s been one of the
goals of our golfers to have their annual tournament generate
sufficient dollars to support that charitable giving.
Annual 2014/2015 membership dues invoices have been
distributed; if you have not yet received yours, please let me
know. Dues are our primary source of operating revenue and
we depend on the timely turnaround of those invoices!
Jeff’s first board meeting will be scheduled at
the Long Boat Key Club on
the weekend of January
30/31 2015; we
last visited that
resor t during
2006 and your
Exec Board thought it might be a good idea to scope it out
for a future convention in keeping with a plan to point toward
resorts we have enjoyed.
I’m going to be asking for some company profiles with pictures from our newer members which will be included in The
Breeze. And will ask for the same from some members who
have seen a marked change in their business organization or
strategy. It’s always interesting and has been well received.
Permit me to remind you of SWA’s next Strategic Planning
Session to be held in Charlotte, NC on December 3rd & 4th
with Chip Scholz facilitating (please see the SPS ad on this
page). We have a class forming but there is room for more.
Please consider it, the time spent is of definite value based
on past sessions.
SWA will host a webinar in early
December that will provide ideas
and information on how to better
cope with the Affordable Care
Act. The New Year (2015) will
bring some changes! Webinar details will follow under
separate cover, please look
for them.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! Enjoy the spirit of the holiday and the opportunity to
share your gratitude. Until next time,
Dean
Bullet-proof your business
for 2015 and Beyond:
STRATEGIC PLANNING
SEMINAR
Charlotte, North Carolina,
December 3 and 4, 2014
Strategic Planning helps you envision the future
for your company that you want to create.
A well considered plan reveals profitable business
opportunities and ID’s the necessary resources to
capitalize on them.
This is an action packed, hands on, two day
working session designed to build the basics of
your company’s strategic plan, and then set about
doing it! Registration will be
limited to ten participants.
To be faciliated by Chip
Scholz at the Duke Mansion
– Charlotte. Contact the SWA
office for the details.
The Breeze – Page 2
ASSOCIATE MEMBER CORNER
DO YOU KNOW YOUR LABOR COST PER CUSTOMER?
billed correctly for the work being done. There is also the
added benefit that they now know what each of these clients
cost them, so when they go back for contract renewals they
will have a much better picture of their spending.
If you are running into these issues and would like to discuss how Inbound can provide a simple and cost-effective
This is a question that we have
solution, please feel free to reach out to us.
asked of many 3PL’s yet time and
Lastly I will say thank you all for making us feel so welcome
time again the answer comes
at my first ever SWA Convention. It was a fantastic time of
back…NO! The truth is they do
business and fellowship. Have great a fall and I hope you see
have some sense of that spending
you all soon!
in general terms, but not down to
the job level for each customer
Ryan Howard
and how many man hours go into
Inbound Technologies
each of those jobs, and who actu-
Tel: (318) 855-0400
ally did it. That begs the question,
how can you properly bid a job? How can you know you are
making money on this customer or that one? Could it be that
one client is costing you way more than another and you don't
Educational Webinar
Coming in December
even know it? The simple answer is YES! But that doesn’t
have to be the case.
Inbound Technologies has perfected the art of tracking
workers’ productivity by customer and function. And has the
ability to assign different rates for each of these jobs and pay
them on a productivity basis. When you move employees from
an hourly pay scale to one truly based on productivity, one
can see an average labor cost savings of 30%.
One success story was realized with a 3rd party labor provider who had approximately 25 different clients under the
same roof and was responsible for doing work for most of
them. While this com-
The Affordable Care Act:
What Impact the
2014 Mid Term Elections
will have on the ACA!
Wednesday, December 17th
Time & details to be advised
pany did use some
productivity models,
it was done with
pencil and paper
along with many
FTE’s entering a great deal of data to just be able to bill the
customer. They are now on our DockLink system, along with
TimeTracker, and the 3PL now knows exactly when each
employee arrived, what clients they worked on behalf of, what
functions they peformed — even down to the time spent in
between talks. And the comfort of knowing they are being
The Breeze – Page 3
SWA WHITE PAPER
The Dynamic Impact of International Clients
& the Opportunity to Serve-Up Excellence in the Southeast
Segment #3- November 2014: Complexity & the U.S. Market
The third and final segment in our white paper focuses
on the Complexity of the US Marketplace, and how we can
directly impact our international clients’ introduction, momentum, and success in their chosen segment of the US.
US Marketplace
–
Our clients recognize
the US Market is a
huge and often untapped opportunity for
volume and revenue. For
many “non-resident” clients,
we ARE their US presence for the first
few years- supporting supply chain management, front & back end customer service, and reverse
logistics.
Following the questioning approach we discussed in Segment #2, we have found inquiries like these useful to map out
a successful partnership:
• What segments of their business are they willing to have
the 3PL handle – i.e. customer service calls, damage
evaluation and rework, invoicing, and having access to
their true product and landed costs, and their US financial
objectives?
• How aggressively are they approaching the US marketplace and how will this affect the 3PL’s scope of service
requirements and labor allocation?
• Can the client scale upward appropriately and quickly if
needed?
• Retailer/ Wholesaler requirements & compliance penalty
structure – this can be a minefield for international clients
and represents significant financial exposure. Defining
& structuring disciplined operations procedures is a big
value added service for clients – that directly impacts the
bottom line.
• Etailer & End Users – Americans are accustomed to
instant gratification feedback (and this is now worldwide)
– so targeted investment in technology and education to
our clients has been impactful for clients to stay ahead
of their competition – as this model is quite different from
the old school distribution center fulfillment.
• Omni Channel Fulfillment – although this model is
evolving at the speed of light – our International clients
have limited understanding of its real world impact in the
US marketplace – for product availability and placement,
cost, and higher customer demands. We can provide
significant value in navigating with confidence as the
client’s business grows. Proper investment of time and
resources (educating) offers dramatic benefits and allows
our clients to gain greater confidence for their position in
the US Marketplace.
Thank you for taking time to read about our learning experiences as we serve our international clients. We trust this
series has been helpful, and we will ALL continue to Serve
Up Excellence in the Southeast as we help our
clients continue to grow their US marketplace presence.
Erik Hinson
• What are the specific limitations of liability for the 3PL –
errors, inventory availability, charge backs, and customer
services issues- and are these clearly understood by
both?
Complexity – The US market complexity provides us as
the 3PL a unique opportunity to offer significant value in guidance, support, and mature council as clients build their US
business. We found the following are challenges to international clients, for which we provide education and solutions:
• Freight Misunderstanding – i.e. - being able to place
Europe inside of Texas, there are education gaps we
bridge regarding cost to ship across the US vs. Europe.
Modeling can give international clients a clear picture of
their cost expectations.
The Breeze – Page 4
A leading national safety management,
training and staffing services firm.
1640 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 275
Marietta, GA 30067
770-628-0823
www.smartsafetygroup.com
Ed Reel, Director Sales & Marketing ed@smartsafetygulfcoast.com
Economic News - November 2014
Canadian Pacific
Spurned After
Asking CSX
About Merger,
WSJ Says
The Greatest Challenges Shippers Face
Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. was rebuffed after
approaching U.S. railroad
CSX Corp. (CSX) about
a possible combination,
the Wall Street Journal
reported, citing unidentified people who had been briefed on
the situation.
According to shippers
U.S. retailers remain concerned about
unresolved labor issues at West Coast
ports.
With negotiations over a new labor
contract between the Pacific Maritime
Association and the International
Longshore Warehouse Union (ILWU)
now in their fourth month and no clear
end in sight, National Retail Federation (NRF) President Matt Shay wrote a
letter to leadership at PMA and the ILWU,
asking the parties to come to terms on a
new agreement soon.
As e-commerce continues to
grow, more retailers are looking
for those companies capable of
providing “last mile” deliveries.
E-commerce is up 19 percent in
compounded annual growth rate
since 2000. The search is on for
companies that can make home deliveries effectively and efficiently.
The Teamsters have been active
in the LTL segment, successfully
organizing a Con-Way terminal in
Laredo, Texas and a FedEx facility
in Croydon, Pennsylvania.
Cutting Transport Costs
63%
Business Process
Improvement
32%
Improving Customer Service
31%
Supply Chain Visibility
22%
Managing Inventory
20%
Finding, Retaining, Training
Qualified Labor
20%
Reducing Labor Costs
18%
Expanding/Selling to New
Markets
17%
Regulations, Security, Other
Compliance Issues
17%
Expanding/Sourcing to New
Markets
13%
Vendor Management
12%
Technology Strategy and
Implementation
12%
Source:
Suppy Chain 24/7
Full Service Transportation
Law Firm
30 West Monroe Street, Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60603
Tel: (312) 255-7200 • Fax: (312) 422-1224
Insurance & Risk Management Plans & Programs
2839 Paces Ferry Rd, Ste.1200 • Atlanta, GA 30339
800-535-4305 • Fax 800-568-2991
Jeff McConnell,Vice President
jeff.mcconnell@ioausa.com • www.ioausa.com
The Breeze – Page 5
NEWS AND VIEWS
FROM THE HOMEFRONT
Warm wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving to all our SWA family. I hope that special
day will be spent with family, friends and all
you love — giving thanks for the many
blessings we have received.
4) “Social Security will immediately return to its original
state. If you didn’t put “nuttin”
in, you “ain’t getting nuttin
out”.
This November we have
watched the celebrations in
Berlin marking the fall of the
Berlin Wall 25 years ago.
Truly a reason for thankfulness.
5) “Professional athletes –
steroids? The first time you check positive you are banned
from sports for life.”
Tomorrow we celebrate
Veteran’s Day with deep
gratitude for all our USA
service men and women
7) “The Pledge of Allegiance will be said every day at school
and every day in Congress.”
6) ”One export of ours will be allowed: wheat, because the
world needs to eat. However, a bushel of wheat will be the
exact price of a barrel of crude oil.”
8) “The National Anthem will be played at all appropriate
ceremonies, sporting events, outings, etc.”
both past and
present. Without the dedication and
bravery of these Americans we
would not be able to enjoy
all the blessings and freedoms we have in this country.
He ended his “platform planks” with these words — “My
apology is offered if I’ve stepped on anyone’s toes, never the
less, God Bless America”.
Last week we participated in a
“mid-term” election. Regardless of your party affiliation, I hope
you took advantage of the opportunity to cast your ballot.
While I appreciate our freedom to vote as we choose, I have
to admit I am thankful the election is past and hope we may
have a bit of a break before the next “on slaught” of nasty
rhetoric, empty promises and mudslinging.
From our home to yours Happy November and Happy
Thanksgiving!
Prior to the 2012 national
election I came across some
thought provoking and often
amusing “platform planks” put
forth by comedian Bill Cosby as
he considered becoming a write
in candidate for President in
that election. Enjoy some of his
“promises”:
As we look forward to Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season, may you find joy, multiple reasons to be thankful
and quiet moments in which to refresh your mind and body.
Kathy
dkmatheson@att.net
or 706-342-9915
Insurance broker specializing in the
transportaton, warehouse & construction
industries.
1) “Any use of the phrase
“press #1 for English” is immediately banned. English is our
official language.”
2) “America will allow no imports and we’ll do no exports.
We’ll make it here and sell it here.”
3) ”When imports are allowed there will be a 100% import
tax levied.”
The Breeze – Page 6
2515 East 43rd St.
Chattanooga, TN 37407
877-668-1704
Fax: 866-553-6202
Andrew Ladebauche,
Eric Cambell
www.reliancepartners.com
SWA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President
1st Vice Pres.
2nd Vice Pres.
Sec./Treasurer
Past President &
Pres. Council
Chairman
Executive Director
JEFF LEWIS
Kenco Logistics Services
2001 Riverside Drive • Chatanooga, TN 37406
(800) 758-3789
jeff.lewis@kencogroup.com
VAN SWAFFORD
Swafford Transport and Warehouse Co.
P.O. Box 1805 • Greer, SC 29652
(864) 848-3854
van@swaffordtransport.com
STAN JONES
Dothan Warehouse
P.O. Box 222 • Dothan, AL 36302
(334) 793-6003
sjones@dothanwarehouse.com
DEVON ANDERS
InterChange Group, Inc.
1346 Plesants Drive, Suite 6
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
(540) 433-1900
devon.anders@interchangeco.com
BRUCE TRANTHAM
Tranco Logistics, LLC
3101 Alton Park Boulevard
Chattanooga, TN 37410
(423) 822-1000
bruce@trancologistics.com
DEAN MATHESON
SWA
P.O. Box 898 • Madison, GA 30650
Off. (706) 431-6025, Cell: (706) 818-1675
dean@swaonline.org
STATE DIRECTORS
Alabama
Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
Louisiana,
Mississippi
and
Arkansas
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Virginia
JACK MEADOR
Meador Warehousing & Distribution
P.O. Box 391, Mobile, AL 36603
(251) 457-4376
jack@meadorwarehouse.com
NEIL PORTER
The Grimes Companies
600 North Ellis Rd.
Jacksonville, FL 32254
(904) 446-4850
nporter@grimeslogistics.com
WESLEY GRIFFIN
Gray Distribution Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 3047, Albany, GA 31706
(229) 436-7221
wesley@graydistribution.com
BRIAN JOHNSON
Advance Distribution Services, Inc.
2349 Millers Lane • Louisville, KY 40216
(502) 449-1720
bjohnson@advancedistribution.com
TERRY NICHOLAS
Warehouse Services Inc.
P.O. Box 13487 • Jackson, MS 39236
(601) 362-8891
tn@warehouseservices.biz
WILL PITTMAN
Triangle East Storage
2010 Baldree Road, Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 245-0569
wpittman@triangleeaststorage.com
ROB COLLINS
Winyah Properties
P.O. Box 1289 • Georgetown, SC 29442
(843) 325-9917
rob@winyahpropertiesllc.com
JOHN OZIER
UWT Logistics
823 East Holmes Road • Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 948-3481
jozier@uwtlogistics.com
STEVE WILLIS
Camrett Logistics
2460 N. 4th St. • Wytheville, VA 24382
(276) 625-8107
swillis@camrett.com
November Birthdays
December Birthdays
7th. ................................. Wes Thornton
9th. ...................................Lauren Crow
9th. ................................ Erika Johnson
9th. .................................... Chip Scholz
16th. .................................. Kathy Davis
18th. ............... Karin Matheson Tamplin
19th. .....................Stephanie Patterson
21st. ......................................Fred Yohe
21st. ......................... Michelle Wellmon
28th. .................................Buster Lewis
4th. .....................................Tom Woody
7th. ........................... Charlie Anderson
9th. .................................... Debbie Peel
11th. .........................Mary Olivia Jones
19th. .....................................Jan Turner
22nd..................................Dale Ledford
28th. ...................................Susan Yohe
November Anniversaries
7th. ..............................Tad & Nell Duke
12th. .................. Wes & Carol Thornton
16th. ...........................Paul & Sue Verst
17th. ..................... Chip & Chris Scholz
28th. ..........Tom & Stephanie Patterson
December Anniversaries
6th. ........................... Josh & Amy Long
10th. .......... Turner & Mary Olivia Jones
13th. ..................... Van & Tina Swafford
19th. ..........................Ray & Jan Turner
27th. .........................Tom & Susan Taul
31st. .............. Michael & Kathy Meador
Please advise the SWA office if you have been
“overlooked” or incorrectly listed on your special day!
AT LARGE DIRECTORS
C. WILSON BALDRIDGE
Wilson Warehouse Co., Inc.
P.O. Box 748
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
(225) 382-5269
wilsonb@wilsonwarehouse.com
ANDY BROWN
Twin City Warehouses, Inc.
3302 Old Lexington Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27107
(336) 499-7221
abrown@tcwinc.com
WILLIAM (BILL) CLARK
WIMCO Consulting
1820 E. First St., Ste. 500
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(888) 739-5518
william-clark@leavitt.com
FRED MEREDITH
Meredith Whsing & Dist., Inc.
103 Carolina Court
Archdale, NC 27263
(336) 861-5773
fred@meredithtransport.com
TOM MIRALIA
Distribution Technology
POB 7123 • Charlotte, NC 28241
(704) 587-5587
tom.miralia@distributiontechnology.com
PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL
GEORGE W. DAVIS III
Davis Storage & Warehouse, Inc.
618 Craighead Street
Danville, VA 24541
(434) 793-7721
g.davisiii@gamewood.net
Forklifts, Racks, Dock Equipment, Yard Spotters & Rail Movers
LiftOne, LLC
440 E. Westinghouse Blvd. • Charlotte, NC 28273
704-588-1300 • Fax: 704-588-5438
www.liftone.net
Troy Garrison – tgarrison@liftone.net
The Breeze – Page 7