Articles
Chemical Logistics
Chemical Logistics: Delivering Solutions for a Complex Industry
Chemical manufacturers—and the third-party logistics partners that serve them—tackle enormous challenges to keep the $770-billion industry moving.
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Transforming Liquid Assets into Capital Gains
Q: What is the current state of the bulk liquid transportation market? A: Over the past several years, the only viable option for bulk liquid transport has been specially designed tank trucks. These trucks are expensive to produce and maintain, and their quantity is limited. A single truck can only carry a specific type of […]
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The Natural Gas Factor: New Market for Providers, New Competition for Capacity
The boom in natural gas and shale exploration in North America holds both good news and bad news for chemical companies. The natural gas being extracted from shale plays across the United States and in Canada has emerged as a low-cost alternative source for powering industrial facilities. As a result, some chemical manufacturers are reshoring […]
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Supply Chain Technology Taps into Efficiencies
Access to technology is an important driver for logistics and transportation outsourcing in the chemical market. The industry has lagged behind some other verticals in adopting logistics and supply chain technologies, partly because of the business’ unique nature. Many small, specialized transportation providers serving the industry haven’t had the resources to offer electronic transaction services, […]
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Outsourcing for Optimum Supply Chain Effectiveness
MORE TO THE STORY: An Industry in Flux The chemical industry’s complex logistics needs, safety and security concerns, and regulatory issues make outsourced logistics, transportation, distribution, and warehouse services an important part of its supply chain. Third-party logistics (3PL) providers working with the chemical industry offer a wide range of services in different levels of […]
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No Shortage of Challenges
Lack of capacity is one of the biggest challenges chemical shippers are currently grappling with. The culprits? The ongoing truck driver shortage, and changes to the Hours of Service rules, which take effect in July 2013 and will limit drivers’ time on the roads. While capacity issues are impacting all shippers, chemical companies feel the […]
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Complex Products, Complex Logistics Needs
By their very nature, chemicals make for complicated logistics. Transporting, storing, and distributing flammable, corrosive, highly reactive and carcinogenic materials is not an easy task. And when things go wrong, it’s not just a late or missing shipment at hand—there are economic, environmental, and emotional consequences. The deadly fertilizer plant explosion that occurred in April […]
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Chemical Logistics: Shippers/Providers Achieve Perfect Chemistry
For the right blend of expertise, experience, and equipment, many shippers of chemical products turn to specialized carriers and 3PLs.
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Chemical Logistics: Smart Strategies For Uncertain Times
After years of uncertainty, chemical shippers and service providers are getting back on the right road.
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