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9756 International Blvd Cincinnati, OH 45246 513.771.1850
Cincinnati, Customer Experience, Internet of Things, Leadership, Lean, Ominchannel, Operations, People, Processes, Safety, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Technology, Third Party Logistics, Value-Added Services
Sustainability Taylor Logistics Inc.

CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 27TH, 2023 – Taylor Companies, comprising Taylor Logistics Inc, Taylor Warehouse Corp, and Taylor Distributing Co, proudly announce significant strides in its commitment to environmental sustainability. The integrated efforts of these entities underscore their dedication to reducing environmental impact and fostering a more sustainable future.

Over the past several years, Taylor has prioritized integrating environmentally conscious practices across its operations, recognizing businesses’ crucial role in addressing global sustainability challenges. The commitment spans multiple facets of the supply chain, from transportation and warehousing to distribution.

Taylor Logistics Inc., the logistics arm of Taylor, has implemented innovative transportation solutions to reduce carbon emissions across all three scopes. This includes optimizing routes, investing in fuel-efficient vehicles, and exploring alternative energy sources. By embracing cutting-edge technologies, Taylor Logistics Inc. aims to streamline operations while minimizing its ecological footprint, with a particular focus on Scope 3 emissions.

Taylor Warehouse Corp, which is responsible for storing and managing goods, has initiated comprehensive sustainability programs within its warehouse facilities. These initiatives encompass energy-efficient lighting, waste reduction strategies, and the implementation of recycling programs. Through these measures, Taylor Warehouse Corp is working to create environmentally responsible and resource-efficient warehousing solutions.

Taylor Distributing Co, the distribution arm of Taylor, is actively engaged in sustainable packaging practices to address all three scopes of emissions. The company is committed to minimizing packaging waste by adopting eco-friendly materials and optimizing packaging design. Taylor Distributing Co is also working with suppliers to measure and reduce the carbon footprint associated with the production and transportation of packaging materials, contributing to Scope 3 emissions reduction.

“At Taylor, we believe in the power of responsible business practices to drive positive change,” said Noelle Taylor, Sustainability Captain and Marketing Director at Taylor. “Our commitment to environmental sustainability is a key aspect of our corporate responsibility. We are proud of our progress thus far and remain dedicated to continually advancing our sustainability initiatives.”

In addition to these individual efforts, Taylor is exploring collaborative initiatives with industry partners, suppliers, and local businesses to enhance its environmental impact reduction strategies further. By fostering a culture of sustainability across its subsidiaries, Taylor Companies is demonstrating its commitment to creating a more sustainable and resilient future.

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Freight, Fulfillment, Lean, Operations, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Third Party Logistics

In the ever-evolving landscape of global commerce, the ability to adapt swiftly to market dynamics is paramount. Enter elastic logistics—an innovative approach to supply chain management that revolutionizes traditional practices. Elastic logistics prioritizes flexibility, allowing businesses to respond dynamically to changing market demands. We’re delving into the concept of elastic logistics, exploring how it optimizes vessel and transportation usage, reduces costs, and minimizes environmental impact.

Let’s define Elastic Logistics:

The term “elastic” in the context of logistics, particularly in “elastic logistics,” refers to the ability of a system or process to be flexible, adaptable, and responsive to changes. In the field of supply chain management, an elastic approach means that the logistics and operational processes can expand or contract easily in response to variations in demand, market conditions, or other external factors.

Adaptive Supply Chain Operations:

Elastic logistics is centered around the idea of adaptability. It involves the real-time adjustment of supply chain operations based on market demand. By constantly monitoring and analyzing market trends, businesses employing elastic logistics can optimize their processes to ensure maximum efficiency.

Efficient Vessel and Transportation Use:

One of the key advantages of elastic logistics lies in its ability to optimize vessel and transportation use. Rather than sticking to rigid schedules and fixed routes, elastic logistics allows for dynamic route planning. This ensures that vessels and transportation modes are utilized efficiently, reducing idle times and overall operational costs.

Cost-Cutting Measures:

Elastic logistics is inherently cost-effective. By adjusting space utilization and matching inventory to orders, businesses can minimize excess inventory costs and avoid overstock situations. The dynamic nature of elastic logistics also enables companies to streamline their operations, cutting unnecessary expenses and enhancing overall cost efficiency.

Reducing Environmental Impact:

Sustainability is a growing concern for businesses worldwide. Elastic logistics contributes to environmental conservation by minimizing unnecessary transportation, reducing fuel consumption, and optimizing warehouse space. This results in a smaller carbon footprint, aligning businesses with eco-friendly practices.

Space Optimization and Inventory Management:

Elastic logistics emphasizes the importance of efficient space utilization. By dynamically adjusting warehouse space based on demand fluctuations, businesses can reduce storage costs and enhance overall space efficiency. Inventory management is also streamlined, ensuring that stock levels align with current market needs.

Matching Inventory to Order:

Elastic logistics employs advanced technologies, such as data analytics and artificial intelligence, to match inventory levels precisely to incoming orders. This prevents overstocking or stockouts, enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing the financial impact of excess inventory or lost sales.

Elastic logistics is not just a trend; it’s a strategic imperative for businesses aiming to thrive in today’s fast-paced and unpredictable market. By embracing the principles of adaptability, efficiency, and sustainability, companies can navigate market dynamics with ease. As technology continues to advance, the future of supply chain management undoubtedly lies in the hands of those who can master the art of elastic logistics.

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Amazon Fulfillment, B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Customer Experience, Data, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, EDI, Infographics, Internet of Things, Inventory Management, Key Performing Indicators, Leadership, Lean, Ominchannel, Operations, Processes, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Teamwork, Technology, Third Party Logistics, Warehousing, WMS

In the fiercely competitive world of modern business, brands need to leverage advanced technologies to streamline their operations and gain a competitive edge. One such technology that is transforming inventory management for brands is real-time inventory tracking through a Warehouse Management System (WMS) customer portal. In this blog post, we’ll explore how partnering with a 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) provider like Taylor, who offers a cutting-edge WMS customer portal with real-time tracking capabilities at no extra cost, can revolutionize inventory management and drive unprecedented benefits for your business.

1. Real-Time Inventory Visibility

When it comes to inventory management, knowledge is power. Real-time visibility into your inventory levels across multiple locations is essential for optimizing operations and promptly meeting customer demands. With Taylor’s WMS customer portal, you gain instant access to accurate, up-to-the-minute information about your inventory. This includes stock levels, order status, inbound and outbound shipments, and more, empowering you to make well-informed decisions at every step of the supply chain.

2. Seamless Order Fulfillment

Efficient order fulfillment is the lifeblood of any brand striving to deliver exceptional customer experiences. Taylor’s WMS customer portal facilitates seamless order processing by providing real-time insights into available inventory. With this comprehensive view, you can efficiently allocate stock to fulfill orders from the nearest distribution center or warehouse, ensuring faster delivery times and reduced shipping costs. The result? Satisfied customers and increased loyalty to your brand.

3. Proactive Inventory Management

Proactive inventory management is crucial for avoiding costly stockouts or overstocking situations. Taylor’s WMS customer portal allows you to set up automated alerts for low inventory levels, enabling you to replenish stock in a timely manner. By staying one step ahead of demand fluctuations, you can optimize inventory turnover, reduce holding costs, and free up working capital for other strategic investments.

4. Data-Driven Decision Making

In the age of big data, businesses that leverage actionable insights gain a significant advantage over their competitors. Taylor’s WMS customer portal collects and analyzes real-time inventory data, presenting you with easy-to-understand dashboards and reports. This data-driven approach empowers you to identify trends, spot inefficiencies, and make informed adjustments to your supply chain strategy, further enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

5. Enhanced Collaboration

Effective collaboration between brands and their 3PL partners is essential for mutual success. Taylor’s WMS customer portal fosters seamless communication by providing a shared platform for real-time inventory updates and order tracking. This transparency ensures that both parties are on the same page, leading to better coordination, fewer errors, and improved overall performance.

In conclusion, real-time inventory tracking through Taylor’s WMS customer portal is a game-changer for brands seeking to optimize their supply chain and deliver exceptional customer experiences. By partnering with a 3PL that offers this technology at no extra cost, you gain access to invaluable tools for inventory management, order fulfillment, and data-driven decision-making. Embrace the power of real-time inventory tracking and elevate your brand to new heights of efficiency and customer satisfaction.

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Amazon Fulfillment, B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Carriers, Cold Supply Chain, Cross-Docking, Customer Experience, D2C, Data, Drayage, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, EDI, Flatbed, Flatbed Transportation, Fleet, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, Fulfillment, Internet of Things, Inventory Management, ISDT, Key Performing Indicators, Leadership, Lean, LTL, Ominchannel, Operations, Packaging, People, Port Services, Processes, Retail, Safety, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Teamwork, Technology, Third Party Logistics, Transloading
3PL Provider Taylor Logistics Cincinnati Ohio

Companies always look for ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency in today’s highly competitive global economy. To handle their supply chain needs, many companies outsource to third-party logistics providers (3PL).In addition to warehousing, order fulfillment, and transportation, 3PLs offer various services. The benefits of these services can be significant for companies, but they need to be appropriately considered before deciding to use any 3PL. To evaluate a 3PL provider, you should follow these ten steps.

Compare Costs

It is essential to compare the costs of their services to in-house operations as a first step. By doing this, you can determine whether 3PL’s services are cost-effective and if they provide value for money. Don’t forget to factor in additional costs such as setup, technology, and transportation fees.

Analyze On-Time Delivery Rates

An essential aspect of 3PL management is measuring on-time delivery rates. If the 3PL meets customer expectations, this will give you an idea of its reliability. On-time delivery rates are vital for companies that operate in industries where timeliness is critical.

Inventory Accuracy

Inventory accuracy is another important metric to look for in a 3PL provider. This will let you know how well the third-party logistics provider is managing your inventory and whether they can monitor stock levels. Since this can significantly contribute to errors and delays, measuring the 3PL’s capacity to track inventory in transit is also critical.

Customer Satisfaction

Numerous methods, including customer surveys, reviews, and feedback, can be used to gauge customer happiness. You can determine how well the 3PL is meeting consumer expectations by asking for a customer promoter score and referrals.

Return on Investment

Keeping track of your costs will provide insight into the amount of extra revenue your business obtains from the 3PL. In addition, analyzing the revenue generated by the 3PL and comparing it to the costs associated with their services will enable you to gain a more comprehensive understanding of your overall return on investment.

Results

Following the steps outlined above can help you evaluate a 3PL provider and see if they are providing value for the money. With the right metrics in place, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to continue working with them.

Bottom Line

?Selecting the right 3PL provider is an important decision that can significantly impact your company’s success. Evaluating a 3PL provider’s industry experience, technology and tools, services offered, customer service, pricing and agreements, security and compliance, scalability and flexibility, and reputation will help organizations meet their logistics needs and gain a competitive edge. As a result, you can make more informed decisions.

It’s essential to thoroughly research any 3PL provider before making a decision. This includes asking the right questions and conducting due diligence to verify vendor credentials and capabilities. By selecting a 3PL provider that best suits their needs, companies can improve the efficiency of their supply chain, reduce costs, and improve the customer experience. Questions or need to speak with an expert? Talk with Taylor!

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B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Cincinnati, Cold Supply Chain, Customer Experience, D2C, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Fulfillment, Leadership, Lean, Ominchannel, Operations, Safety, SQF, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Third Party Logistics, Warehousing
SQF Warehouse Cincinnati

The Safe Quality Food Program

The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program is a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) recognized food safety certification covering all stages of the food supply chain through industry-specific codes ranging from primary production to food manufacturing, distribution, food packaging, and retail.

What is the SQF Certification?

The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program is a food safety and quality program for companies of all sizes, from large corporations to small, family-owned businesses. The certification is recognized by retailers, brand owners, and food service providers worldwide.

The program involves a set of rigorous food safety and quality codes designed to meet industry, customer, and regulatory requirements for all food supply chain sectors. This means from the farm to the retail stores. And the certification is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative.

Achieving SQF certification is a public statement of commitment to food safety. Because SQF is a set of strict “farm-to-fork” food safety quality codes and standards, achieving the certification lets food producers show their customers that their product meets the highest possible level of safety. It helps demonstrate that food safety and quality controls have been effectively implemented and validated in that facility and throughout the supply chain.

Benefits of SQF Certification

Although SQF certification is a strict process that requires organizations to adhere to stringent food safety and quality management standards, there are many advantages it comes with. Here are three essential benefits of SQF certification.

Product Safety

Cost Savings

Increased Efficiency

Cincinnati Food-Certified Warehousing Solutions

At Taylor, we want our clients to rest assured that our team handles and stores their products carefully. By obtaining the SQF certification, you can have confidence that we have a comprehensive food safety system to make it happen.

Our SQF food-grade warehouses have monitored security and undergo regular sanitation and pest control treatments to ensure a clean and stable environment following today’s regulatory compliance requirements.

We offer ambient warehousing for racked and bulked storage. Our team members are highly trained, quality-minded, safety-conscious, and overseen by experienced management personnel.

Questions? Talk With Taylor!

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Amazon, Amazon Fulfillment, B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Carriers, Cincinnati, Cold Supply Chain, Cross-Docking, Customer Experience, D2C, Drayage, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, EDI, Flatbed Transportation, Fleet, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, Fulfillment, Intermodal Transportation, Internet of Things, Inventory Management, ISDT, Key Performing Indicators, Leadership, Lean, LTL, Ominchannel, Operations, Packaging, People, Port Services, Processes, Retail, Safety, SQF, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Teamwork, Technology, Third Party Logistics, TMS, Transloading, Value-Added Services

Four Functions of 3PL Providers

As a business expands and you need to get products in new markets to more customers, there comes a time when it must determine whether to outsource its supply chain operations.

To meet customer demand, shippers turn to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider to do just that.

But not all 3PLs offer the same services and capabilities. For example, some just focus on transportation, and some just on fulfillment. But what about a full-service logistics provider that can do it all? Learn more about the functions of a full-service 3PL like Taylor.

1. Shipping and Receiving

Taylor helps companies with shipping and receiving; our brokerage team manages the shipping process from start to finish. As a technology-driven organization, our transportation management system (TMS) allows for managing carrier relations, freight data, and matrix reports for real-time visibility and increased transparency throughout the shipping process.

2. Transportation

As a multi-service 3PL that also handles transportation, we are responsible for transporting goods between locations, from manufacturer to fulfillment to any brick-and-mortar store, and even direct parcels to your doorstep. Because we have our in-house brokerage and local Cincinnati fleet, there’s no need to leverage another partner to complete any shipping needs.

3. Warehousing

Warehousing is typically the most common function of a third-party logistics provider. To no surprise, warehousing is a large portion of our service portfolio; from multi-client public warehouses to dedicated client contract facilities, we’ve altered our warehouse services to meet the needs of our business partners. Taylor provides customizable ways to handle storage, distribution, and transportation.

4. Value-Added Services

In addition to transportation, warehousing, and distribution, several 3PLs like Taylor also provide a wide variety of value-added services, including eCommerce, pick & pack, kitting, custom labeling, manufacturing, Amazon prep services, and design. By outsourcing these services, business partners can focus on their core business. 

Need a full-service 3PL partner?

Fill out the form below and a member of our team will reach out asap. Questions? Inbox us at info@taylorlog.com or call 513-771-1850

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Carriers, Cincinnati, Customer Experience, Drayage, Flatbed Transportation, Fleet, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, Lean, Ominchannel, Operations, Port Services, Processes, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Technology, Third Party Logistics, TMS, Transloading

Regardless of the time, day, month, or year, we can provide a precise update on what is happening with your cargo. If there are any problems, we will notify you so that a solution may be implemented before matters escalate. In addition, the information provided is so accurate that you do not have to worry about complaints later for incorrect information or the correct information at the wrong time. If you’re not already partnering with a 3PL with container tracking capabilities, let’s walk you through how your business can benefit.

How Container Tracking Works

Container tracking is a series of technological functions that allows shippers, carriers, and freight forwarders to access the latest status updates on cargo. The technology is effective regardless of location, time zone, route, port, personnel, and cargo type. Despite these benefits, experts are still trying to understand why the technology is not widely used in the sector.

Container Tracking Increases Efficiencies

Container tracking provides operations teams with accurate freight arrival and departure times, improving personnel productivity and exception management by reducing manual detective work by 20-50%.

Better Visibility Further Mitigates Risk of Detention and Demurrage

The ocean carriers have been slower to introduce this new technology because hours and minutes matter in trucking, whereas ocean shipping thinks more in terms of days. Identifying and responding to potential disruptions can significantly reduce demurrage fees and accessorial charges. This innovation and profit-boosting system for container tracking requires on-demand access to accurate and reliable accountability streams.

By partnering with Taylor, you gain access to our container tracking capabilities; we constantly evolve our technology to be best in class. That’s why we partner with project44 to provide our customers with the best data. project44 delivers, covering more than 96% of the world’s container volumes, with the highest data quality and most accurate ETAs available. Have questions? Please fill out the form below, and a member of our team will reach out ASAP.

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Cincinnati, Customer Experience, Drayage, Freight, Leadership, Lean, Ominchannel, Operations, Port Services, Processes, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Third Party Logistics

CINCINNATI, OH — December 20, 2022 — At Taylor Logistics Inc. (TLI), our partners are critical to our continued growth and success – and we’re delighted to recognize a logistics partner and the impact they have on our customers and business. This year we are pleased to announce that Crowley Logistics Inc. is our 2022 Logistics Partner of the Year.

“Faced with another round of intense labor discussions with three of the largest rail unions in the country and a pending strike, Crowley worked exclusively with our team locally to ensure increased communication and foresight during and after the disruption from the short strike,” said Will Roberson, COO, Taylor Logistics Inc. “It is an honor to recognize Crowley as Logistics Partner of the Year for all their resilience, agility, and responsiveness. We look forward to continuing a successful partnership.”

This award was based on evaluating each company’s service portfolio and partnership scorecard performance – a rating system that assesses quality, extraordinary partnership, collaboration, and integrity – and input from Taylor senior leadership. In total, there were four partners nominated for this award.

About Crowley: Jacksonville-based Crowley Holdings Inc., a holding company of the 123-year-old Crowley Maritime Corporation, is a privately held family and employee-owned company. The company provides project solutions, energy and logistics services in domestic and international markets by means of six operating lines of business: Puerto Rico/Caribbean Liner Services, Latin America Liner Services, Logistics Services, Petroleum Services, Marine Services and Technical Services. Offered within these operating lines of business are: liner container shipping, logistics, contract towing and transportation; ship assist and escort; energy support; salvage and emergency response through its 50 percent ownership in Ardent Global; vessel management; vessel construction and naval architecture through its Jensen Maritime subsidiary; government services, and petroleum and chemical transportation, distribution and sales. Additional information about Crowley, its subsidiaries and business units may be found at www.crowley.com.

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B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Cold Supply Chain, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Fulfillment, Leadership, Lean, Ominchannel, Operations, People, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Technology, Third Party Logistics, Warehousing
Taylor Multichannel Merchant Top 3PL-1

Taylor Logistics Inc, a Cincinnati-based third-party logistics company, for the second year in a row has been named a Multichannel Merchant (MCM) Top 3PL for 2023, joining dozens of other leading third-party logistics providers selected by Multichannel Merchant in its eighth annual directory.

The criteria for MCM Top 3PL was determined based on industry experience, services offered, capabilities and performance.

“We are honored to be included with such an elite group of logistics and eCommerce solutions providers,” said Noelle Taylor, Director of Marketing, Taylor Logistics Inc. “This award is a great honor and recognizes every team member’s commitment to serving our customers and our core values.”

View the 2023 MCM list here

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B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Cold Supply Chain, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Fulfillment, Leadership, Lean, Ominchannel, Operations, People, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Technology, Third Party Logistics, Warehousing

Taylor Logistics Inc, a Cincinnati-based third-party logistics company, has been named a Multichannel Merchant (MCM) Top 3PL for 2022, joining dozens of other leading third-party logistics providers selected by Multichannel Merchant in its seventh annual directory.

The criteria for MCM Top 3PL was determined based on industry experience, services offered, capabilities and performance.

“We are honored to be included with such an elite group of logistics and eCommerce solutions providers during this critical time,” said Noelle Taylor, Senior Marketing Manager, Taylor Logistics Inc. “This award is a great honor and recognizes every team member’s commitment to serving our customers and our core values.”

View the 2022 MCM list here

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eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, Food & Beverage, Fulfillment, Lean, Ominchannel, Operations, Packaging, Retail, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Technology, Third Party Logistics, Warehousing

It’s time to start planning for the holiday shipping race! From Black Friday to December 23rd, it’s always a rush to make sure items are delivered in time. Or maybe you’re just trying to ship one parcel in time for the holidays. Either way, the holiday season is swiftly approaching, and it’s time to start preparing. Here are your deadlines for USPS, UPS, and FedEx:

USPS 2021 Deadlines


Service TypeShipping Cutoff Date
Retail Ground™Wednesday, December 15th, 2021
First Class Mail®Friday, December 17th, 2021
Priority Mail®Saturday, December 18th, 2021
Priority Mail Express®Thursday, December 23rd, 2021

UPS 2021 Deadlines


Service TypeShipping Cutoff Date
Ground®Check UPS.com/CTC 
3 Day Select®Tuesday, December 21st, 2021
2nd Day Air® ServicesWednesday, December 22nd, 2021
Next Day Air®Thursday, December 23rd, 2021

FedEx 2021 Deadlines


Service TypeShipping Cutoff Date
FedEx SmartPost®Thursday, December 9th, 2021
FedEx Ground®Wednesday, December 15th, 2021
Home Delivery®Wednesday, December 15th, 2021
Express Saver®Tuesday, December 21st, 2021
2Day® ServicesWednesday, December 22nd, 2021
Overnight® ServicesThursday, December 23rd, 2021
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B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Food Safety, Leadership, Lean, Safety, Team Taylor, Teamwork, Warehouse Awards, Warehousing
Team-Taylor-Safety-Warehouse-Awards

Congrats to our June 2021 monthly warehouse award winners from our team in Bellevue, NE. These awards are given based on productivity and QA points. One Team – One Mission!

Most Improved- Anthony Watts Jr.



Receiving award- Carolina Gallegos


Shipping award- Anthony Watts Jr.


Putaway award- Freddy Marquez


Picking award- Lonnie Johnson & Bryan Tesch


Replenish award- Mike Berry


Safety Award- Mike Berry


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B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, eCommerce Fulfillment, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Fulfillment, Leadership, Lean, SQF, Team Taylor, Teamwork
Taylor Logistics Food Safety

Last week, our Bellevue Team underwent a Safe Quality Foods audit scoring an outstanding 97%. This is an exceptional accomplishment, and we appreciate the dedication to food safety and food quality. A special kudos to the entire Bellevue team. We will be adding yet another championship banner!! One team, one mission!

What is SQF?

The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program is a rigorous and credible food safety and quality program recognized by retailers, brand owners, and food service providers worldwide. Recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), the SQF family of food safety and quality codes are designed to meet industry, customer, and regulatory requirements for all food supply chain sectors – from the farm to retail stores. This rigorous farm-to-fork food safety and quality certification also help food producers assure their buyers that their food products meet the highest possible global food safety standards.

Why is SQF Important For Your Brand?

This farm-to-fork food safety and quality certification helps food producers assure their buyers that food products have been grown, processed, prepared, and handled according to the highest possible global food safety standards. It can immediately improve your standing in the eyes of new partners and deals. For everyone at Taylor, this achievement is an excellent validation of our hard work and our team’s commitment to safe food operations. For you, it means increased protection in the event of recalls, improved operational efficiencies in our work together, managed risks, and peace of mind with certified due diligence.

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Lean, Operations, Processes, Taylor Information, Team Taylor

Lean relates to reducing waste of any form in any industry. For the logistics industry, that’s the waste of materials and products, order processing, and employee time as well as loss of sales throughout the supply chain, but is there a way to apply lean principles to your home life? We promise not to turn this blog into some Pinterest lifestyle content, but a recent conversation amongst some colleagues sparked an idea. Everyone at Taylor has practiced the art of the lean business approach – and for a good reason. It helps companies decrease costs and cultivate leadership qualities in team members. After talking a bit about it, we discovered that many members of our team had implemented lean principles to life outside of Taylor. In some cases, we didn’t even realize we were doing it; lean is simply taking over.

Apply 5S


5S is a workplace organization method common in lean companies. It is used to create and maintain an organized, clean, and safe workplace through the following five steps: sort, straighten, shine, standardize, sustain. What might this look like at home?

Sort: Remove clothing and other items that you don’t frequently use so that you will have easy access to the things you do enjoy.

Straighten: Keep items close to where they will be used.

Shine: Immediately clean and carefully store small appliances and cooking equipment after use.

Standardize: Have a set day for tasks like changing the sheets or vacuuming the upholstery.

Sustain: Reassess your success concerning the above regularly.

Focus on Value


Lean doesn’t just dictate what companies do; it also tells them what not to do. Everything that doesn’t add value to the customer is considered waste and is eliminated. Consider your activities and commitments. Are there things you do out of habit or guilt that don’t enrich your life? Maybe arts and crafts with your kids will be a more valuable use of your time than your usual

Eliminate Work in Progress


Just like in professional settings, it’s a good idea to reduce the amount of work in progress you have at home. It’s critical to avoid having a dozen half-finished tasks. For example, if the dryer buzzer dings, don’t stop the task you’re working on to fold the clothes. Wait until you’ve completed that project, then move on to folding the laundry and putting it away. Again, this streamlines processes and ensures tasks are completed rather than being left half-finished.

Minimize Waste


Lean organizations look for ways to eliminate waste by identifying processes and resources that add value, those that don’t add value but are necessary under current conditions, and those that don’t add value and should be eliminated. Doing this at home can simplify your life and save you time and money. An overcrowded fridge is an example of the waste of inventory. You may let food spoil because you didn’t know it was hiding in the back. The full fridge may be due to making more food than your family can eat, or in Lean terms, overproduction. Once you have an eye toward waste reduction, you’ll likely be surprised by how much you find.

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B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Customer Experience, eCommerce Fulfillment, Fulfillment, Lean, Operations, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Third Party Logistics, Warehousing, WMS

The E-commerce Warehouse of Today

Traditional forms of warehousing are not able to keep up with the ever-shifting retail landscape. Today’s consumers can review, compare, and purchase items faster than ever. New retail trends have led many consumers to expect low-priced — yet astonishingly fast — processing, shipping, and handling. To achieve this new level of speed for customers, warehouses today look much different than they have in previous years. For instance, the size of the warehouses has increased significantly over the years. E-commerce has required businesses to not only stock a more extensive selection of items but also have additional space available for the technology and equipment facilitating the various high-speed processes taking place. Warehouses today also require much taller interiors to allow for vertical integration of storage, conveyor systems, and so on.

A New Way of Picking Orders

Warehouses used to be able to ship vast quantities of items to other businesses for sale. However, the model has shifted drastically as the new point-of-sale is in consumers’ palms — in the form of mobile phones, tablets, and other devices — rather than brick-and-mortar locations. For warehouse management, this means trends in purchasing are more challenging to predict, and now warehouses must stock more items. Furthermore, those employees and robots working in the warehouse must be able to efficiently pick and package individual items rather than load the entire pallet.

Manage All Order Types Under One Roof

There is no longer this notion of splitting up different order channels amongst various distribution centers (DC). In the past orders from different retailers came from one DC, all while online orders came from another center. There was even separation from small parcel shippers that operated using less-than-truckload to those who were shipping out entire palettes. Now with the use of a sophisticated warehouse management system, all the different functions of an e-commerce operation can be handled under one roof. Thus improving customer’s efficiency as well as overall cost.

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Leadership, Lean, Operations, People, Processes, Team Taylor, Technology

Employee education is an essential key to the success of your organization- it’s a fundamental way to set your business apart from the competition. Employees who feel their company is invested in their careers are likely to stay longer and work harder. On top of employee satisfaction training allows your employees to become more versatile and bolsters the value of that employee. There countless benefits to the importance of employee development, such as– a more competitive workforce, increased employee retention, and higher employee engagement.

At Taylor Logistics, we make sure all staff members in any role are equipped with the tools they need to succeed. We have memberships to many professional logistics, warehousing, management, and quality organizations that allow our employees to benefit from their classes, webinars, and discussions. Organizations such as The Resource for Warehouse Logistics (IWLA) which offer various course offerings throughout the year. A number of our staff members have attended IWLA courses including their Essentials of Warehousing and Rate Class. All classes are closed with a course exam and upon a passing grade are complete with a certificate adding value to that employees’ career.

Along with classes, our upper management will send several employees a year to various conferences in our particular fields. It’s a part of the Taylor model not only to learn and grow from these opportunities but to gain a new network from them. Through these various organizations and conferences, we have expanded our industry contact list, which allows for continuous brainstorming and mentorship.

Training doesn’t have to be as complicated as sending someone to a class for a certification or to a conference but can be a tutorial on creating a PowerPoint Presentation or on Adobe InDesign formatting. If there is an area an employee is looking to improve in, we try and provide the tools necessary for their success. The importance of training our employees – both new and experienced – cannot be overemphasized in our organization.

Other classes, organizations, conferences, and certifications our staff attends:

IWLA, IANA, TIA, TMSA, WERC, Lean, SQF, Six Sigma

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Key Performing Indicators, Leadership, Lean, Processes, Team Taylor, Warehousing

When storing another companies’ products in your warehouse it is crucial that your operations team has a system for sanitation and workplace organization. At Taylor we utilize the practice of 5S which stems from concept of lean management.

Here are the steps of 5S:

  1. Sort
  2. Set in Order
  3. Shine
  4. Standardize
  5. Sustain

5S: Sort

This requires all equipment and tools have appropriate areas within the warehouse. It’s important to sift through materials, keeping only the necessary items needed to daily complete tasks.

5S: Set in Order

It’s important to make sure all items have a designated location. Organize all workplace items in a logical way so they make tasks easier for employees. It’s also important to make sure each item has a specific spot to ensure that the team doesn’t put an item in the wrong place it also allows for managers to tell if something is missing.

5S: Shine

After items are sorted and set in order it is time to clean.  A clean and orderly warehouse ensures purpose-driven work place all team members. Look for potential safety hazards and hard to read labeling. Storage bins can be used for smaller items to prevent any loss.

5S: Standardize

Create a set of standards for processes and organization. For every item create rules for how and when they will be used. These standards can involve schedules, charts, lists, etc.

5S: Sustain

This step focuses on taking all of the previous steps of 5S and transforming them into ongoing habits to ensure continuous improvement. Sustaining a lean warehouse involves constant evaluation and discipline. The goal, after all, is to be as efficient as possible.

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Leadership, Lean, Operations, Supply Chain Management, Team Taylor, Warehouse Awards, Warehousing
Taylor Logistics Inc. Blog

Working in a warehouse at times can be repetitive, demanding, and labor-intensive. How do you keep warehouse staff engaged and motivated in such an environment? One of the most important resources is a motivated team. How staff are treated and how they value the company has direct impact on our overall success and competitive advantage. With our warehouse team being such a critical part of the company Operations Manager Randy Newman in Bellevue, Nebraska came up with a creative and innovative way to keep our staff motivated.

Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? Internal rivalry is an effective way to ignite motivation as well as boost performance and productivity. To avoid stress and hostility, great managers must know effective ways to help competition benefit the workplace. Randy has successfully implemented a friendly competition that has our warehouse staff excited and motivated for work each day. He came up with a monthly awards system that are given out to warehouse staff. Awards such as monthly picking winner, receiving winner, putaway winner, loading winner, and most improved.  These awards are based off of three different criteria accuracy, efficiency, and teamwork. It’s not all about who gets the job done fist but who does it with these three things in mind. It’s human nature to thrive on success. We simply love it when we meet a target because it’s proof of our hard work and achievements. All awards are complete with bragging rights along with a WWE style belt that can be worn for the shift or simply held for a picture to be added to our warehouse board.  

Since the implementation of Randy’s award system, we have had a great response from both warehouse staff and management. Healthy contest has made the team stronger than ever. Even though the awards are given out individually it’s teamwork that makes them possible. All in all, the awards have encouraged team members to use the competition as an opportunity for personal growth, to learn from each month’s winners, and to be more motivated. It’s creative ideas like Randy’s that are what makes Taylor’s workplace an environment for all to succeed.


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Food Grade, Food Safety, Lean, People, Safety, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Warehousing

Since transitioning to our new warehouse on International Boulevard in Cincinnati, Ohio our operation managers have decided to implement new principals into our daily practice. At our old facility all employees, visitors, and contractors were required to wear the standard yellow safety vest. Having everyone  in the same colored vest made it hard for managers and employees to distinguish team Taylor from contractors on the warehouse floor. Grant Taylor General Manager of Contract Warehousing had an amazing idea to order different colored vests and create categories for the various different colors. Taylor employees in yellow, contractors and visitors in orange, and all management in a tri-colored vests. This way everyone can spot who is who on the warehouse floor.

Since the implementation of the different vest categories we have had great response from warehouse operators and our warehouse management. Clay Revis Taylor’s World Park Warehouse Manager states  “ It’s more of a safety thing than anything, there are several projects happening on the warehouse floor. It’s nice to look out and see where the contractors are” .  At Taylor we are always looking for ways to improve our processes and by doing so we follow a procedure called 5s. 5s is an organization technique to create and maintain an intuitive workspace. Given the name 5s there are five essential categories sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain. The implementation of the safety vests falls under the 4th S which is “standardize” set standards for a consistently organized workplace. As we continue to refine practices we will be using the 5s model to help guide us to a safer and more profitable warehouse.

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