The chemical industry is vital in producing goods and services that touch every aspect of our lives. It’s a competitive market to be in.

Adapting to trends is crucial for chemical manufacturers to stay successful. The most profitable companies will be ones that work with business partners who keep them updated on these trends and embrace any changes that may come their way.

Trends Affecting the Chemical Industry

• Artificial intelligence
• Data analytics
• Specialty chemicals
• Sustainability
• Renewable and bio-based chemicals
• Safety and reducing risk
• Resilient supply chains 

Embracing Artificial Intelligence

The chemical industry has a history of embracing new technologies. Artificial intelligence (AI) is no exception. AI offers many potential benefits for chemical manufacturers. It can help find savings, improve efficiency, and increase productivity. There are so many ways AI can help chemical companies get ahead.

For example, it can help automate manual tasks and analyze vast amounts of data faster. With AI, chemical companies can make more informed decisions and improve quality control. Adopting AI can also help chemical companies improve workplace safety and reduce the risk of human error.

The Growing Significance of Data Analytics

Examining data sets for insights to improve decision-making is becoming more commonplace among chemical companies. Chemical manufacturers can use data analytics in their decision-making to enhance their productivity, reduce costs, and predict critical events that may impact their business. Moreover, they feed AI algorithms this data to forecast better and optimize their operations.

Accessing data can provide insight into the quality control of products or visibility into bottlenecks affecting their chemical supply chain. This data can help them pivot and improve their customer’s experience. Using data analytics is a great opportunity for chemical manufacturers to drive growth and profits.

A Rising Demand for Specialty Chemicals

Many other industries use specialty chemicals, like personal care, electronics, packing, and pharmaceuticals. In fact, the pharmaceutical industry accounts for the largest segment using them as the need for more medication grows.

Additionally, agrochemicals are another significant user of specialty chemicals. The growing population means an increased need for food and food production. Agricultural land is dwindling, and increasing the crop yield per acre of land becomes more important, increasing the demand for specialty chemicals.

Sustainability

The pressure on chemical manufacturers to reduce the environmental impact of their operations and products has never been greater. Regulatory agencies have placed stringent regulations with ambitious emission reduction goals for 2030. While many in the chemical industry have prioritized sustainability in their business, there is still work to do.

Green chemistry is part of this trend that’s gaining momentum. Green chemistry focuses on the processes and products to reduce the effect of hazardous materials and negative environmental impact while conserving natural resources for future generations. Green chemistry embraces recycling technologies, alternative energy resources, and other sustainable practices. This pushes many chemical manufacturers to review their current business strategies.

A Greater Need for Renewable and Bio-based Chemicals

A growing demand for renewable and bio- or plant-based chemicals should be no surprise.

This trend aligns with sustainability goals and brings the chemical industry opportunities for savings and new market opportunities. Companies are exploring avenues like synthetic biology, bioremediation, and the production of bioplastic or biodegradable materials

Prioritizing Safety and Reducing Risk

Safety and mitigating risk are huge concerns for businesses in the chemical industry.

Cybersecurity is a rising trend and threat for many companies. We see it all over the news. Hackers and scammers are becoming more tactical in cyber-attacks and company breaches of private information. It’s crucial for chemical companies to put in place security measures and training to keep their businesses safe.

The transport of hazardous chemicals has also recently gained special attention in the news. Rail transport accounts for around 19 percent of chemical shipments. Recent derailments, like in East Palestine, Ohio, have raised concerns about transportation safety.

Many chemical companies are also investing more in developing safer chemicals and products. Their concerns are not only to be less harmful to the environment but to human health as well.

Improving workplace safety is another concern. Companies install new safety protocols, enhance employee training, and use technology to address this.

Building a Resilient Supply Chain

In the last few years, companies realized how vulnerable their supply chains were.

In a survey by the American Chemical Council, 97 percent reported modifying operations due to supply chain disruptions. Chemical companies are focusing on reducing supply chain risk and increasing flexibility. With 25 percent of the U.S. economy depending on the chemical industry, it’s important their supply chains keep moving.

Keep Your Chemical Supply Chain Ahead of the Trends

Keeping your chemical company ahead of evolving trends and the competition is important. Having business partners that stay tuned to what’s happening in the chemical industry can be invaluable.

Trinity Logistics can help you with many of these trends through our services. Whether you have sustainability goals, are looking to build supply chain resiliency, or need technology to improve visibility and offer data analytics, we have solutions.

We’re members of many industry-related associations like the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) and are Responsible CareⓇ Certified, so you don’t have to worry about falling behind in news or trends that may affect your business. When you work with Trinity Logistics, your designated expert will keep you so informed that you’ll likely know what’s affecting the chemical industry before any of your competitors do.  

That’s just part of Trinity’s People-Centric service you’ll get to experience when working with us. We understand that people are at the heart of all businesses, so that’s who you’ll talk to – a dedicated relationship at Trinity. It’s also who we truly serve – your people.

Our goal is to improve lives, and when you decide to work with Trinity Logistics, you’ll see just that – improved life satisfaction amongst your employees and customers.

The chemical industry serves as support for many other industries, like agriculture, automotive, construction, and pharmaceuticals. According to an American Chemistry Council report, 96 percent of all manufactured goods trace back to chemical manufacturers. Chemical manufacturers often process raw materials into refined products used in other industries or within the chemical industry. However, raw materials costs have been rising recently, along with additional operating costs in the chemical industry.  

As chemical manufacturers face increased expenses, many find it more challenging to remain profitable. How can chemical manufacturers better manage their operating costs? In this blog, we’ll take a walk through what chemical manufacturers are currently facing and how they can better manage their operating expenses.  

Rising Raw Material Costs 

Raw materials costs have been rising in recent years. Part of the cause for increased prices is because they’ve gotten scarcer as the demand has risen for them. For example, raw agricultural materials have increased 117 percent since 2000, rubber has seen an increase of 359 percent, and steel is up 167 percent.  

Crude oil, which many chemical companies use for energy and other materials, is up 250 percent since 2000. Crude oil prices are the most important ones to watch because it affects so many different markets. For example, many basic ingredients originate in the oil and gas fields and then travel through a global supply chain to make materials like plastics, packaging, fertilizers, lubricants, paints, and much more. Additionally, higher energy costs mean higher operating costs for the chemical industry.  

Logistics Operating Costs in the Chemical Industry 

The strength of long, global supply chains continue to be tested. From the start of the Covid-19 pandemic to battling intense weather and labor shortages, prices for logistics operating costs in the chemical industry have skyrocketed. Chemical supply chains have had their weaknesses exposed, from their dependence upon the volatile oil and gas sector to their global shipping networks. It’s caused additional cost as many of the materials needed to operate are out of stock due to shipping congestion and backlogs. According to a survey done by the National Association of Chemical Distributors, 85 percent of chemical industry distributors reported at least one imported item out of stock. 

How to Better Manage Operating Costs in the Chemical Industry 

Interestingly enough, skyrocketing logistics costs are beginning to outweigh other operating expenses for chemical manufacturers. Finding better management and control in your logistics may be the thing to keep your chemical company cost competitive. As a result, a growing trend among chemical manufacturers is turning to outside help for their logistics. Many chemical companies find that using a third-party logistics company (3PL) makes a lot of sense. It helps them free up resources to focus on other aspects of their business. Here are some ways working with a 3PL can help you manage your operating costs.  

Find the Right Carrier – In Less Time 

We all know the stress and workload of finding a carrier to move your freight, especially for chemical manufacturers who need carriers that know how to handle their products safely. Capacity can be limited when looking for a hazmat certified, or tanker endorsed carrier for a decent shipping rate. Outsourcing your transportation is one solution to that problem.  

3PLs will take over the responsibilities of finding and vetting qualified carriers. A 3PL should make sure carriers have the proper credentials, insurance, and experience for your freight. Take control of your time and let someone else take on the workload so you can gain time for the rest of your business.  

Create Efficiency With A 3PL’s Technology 

Working with a 3PL also offers you access to their technology services, like shipment tracking, automated workflows, and detailed reporting. By replacing your manual processes with logistics technology, you’ll find more visibility into your supply chain. And that visibility can help you find efficiencies to help you manage your operating costs. While the technology itself can be an extra cost alone, most 3PLs offer you technology applications along with freight arrangements. Additionally, you’ll have experts you can rely on to help you navigate those applications.  

Transportation Management Systems 

All chemical companies are focusing on streamlining their operations, whether they choose to outsource their logistics or not. Many companies are turning to transportation management systems (TMS) to optimize their transportation networks. 

A TMS can help your business gain visibility into your supply chain, create new efficiencies, and automate your manual workload, so you can better manage operating costs.  

When using a 3PL, you often have options to choose how you want to integrate your TMS. Trinity Logistics offers you customer integration and a specialist to work with you every step of the way. No matter what option you choose, you gain the visibility and automation you’re looking.  

Control Your Logistics Costs 

In business and life, there are certain aspects that you can manage and control. As a chemical manufacturer, you must manage those costs that you can control and plan for those variances in costs for those you cannot. Logistics is one operating cost you can manage when you choose to partner with a 3PL.  

And you don’t have to look too far to find one. Trinity Logistics is well-versed in the chemical industry and understands your complicated market. Our Team of experts is here to help you find the quality carrier you need while offering technology to help you create efficiencies. We can help you gain control over your logistics costs, so you can make room for those other unknowns.  

If you’re ready to get a handle on your operating costs in the chemical industry, let’s get connected.  

Author: Christine Morris

The chemical industry faces complexities every day. From safety regulations to handling and shipping these products, making, and delivering chemicals is no easy task. One of the significant challenges facing the chemical industry today is the pressure for sustainability. With climate change in the spotlight, consumers are taking notice, and sustainability is molding the chemical industry. 

Changing the Old Ways

While safety, service, and costs are still important aspects of the chemical industry, sustainability is becoming an important detail. The industry faces pressure from activists, lawmakers, and the public to become more sustainable to help battle climate change. 

A big issue arising for the chemical industry is that most people have trouble putting the words “green” with “chemicals.” This idea is something progressive, and future chemists are trying to help the industry adapt.

And while it’s not ideal to pay more money for creating products, it’s the path we’re headed. Studies show that more than three-quarters of consumers are willing to change their shopping habits to reduce their own carbon footprint. Additionally, more than one-third are willing to spend more money on products that help with sustainability. 

Sustainability Issues within the Chemical Industry

With over 881 million tons of chemicals transported in previous years, this industry is growing and on the rise. Yet, with its growth comes an increase of challenges on the chemical industry to meet sustainability goals. 

One major goal for sustainability is reducing one’s carbon footprint in the world. For the chemical industry, abiding by modern environmental standards like replacing petroleum-based combustion engines with electronic vehicles, or manufacturing with plant-based materials over oil-based, can help achieve carbon reduction. However, the chemical industry has several issues to resolve to meet this goal.

One of those issues is plastic. Over one-third of the plastic we use is single-use, meaning that after one use of a water bottle, zip lock bag, or straw, for example, these items are thrown away. The “Plastic Waste Markers Index,” published by the Minderoo Foundation, calculated that energy and chemical companies are the sources of half of the world’s single-use plastic waste. Single-use plastic accounts for most of the waste harming marine life and seeping into land when burned. This issue is not taken lightly. Many lawmakers and activists are acting to introduce a new form of recyclable and reusable plastic. 

Major oil spills in recent years have become a rising issue as well. One major oil spill was the Exxon Valdez off the coast of Alaska in 1989, with over eleven million gallons of oil spilled in the ocean. Some more recent ones were the True Oil pipeline in 2020, the tanker truck rollover in 2020, and more. 

Finding Sustainable Solutions

The chemical industry is working hard to find new solutions to be more sustainable. One of the significant changes being made is reducing the rise of fossil fuels.

The use of hybrid or electric vehicles has been on the rise, and we’ve seen significant sales growth for these types of vehicles. People are turning away from pumping gasoline to plug their cars into an electric outlet. While these electric vehicles are not yet popular in the trucking industry, many companies are working to build new electronic trucks. Not to mention, President Biden’s recent executive order aimed at making half of all new vehicles (including semitrailers) sold in 2030 electric. 

Fossil fuels also play a part in plastics. Single-use plastics are made from polymers, with their base material from fossil fuels. As companies strive to reduce their plastic use or manufacturing, it simultaneously reduces fossil fuel use. 

However, with new rules to reduce single-use plastic items, the logistics field will need to find new sustainable ways to package shipments. Currently, products are packaged and shipped in some sort of plastic. 

Although these seem like small changes that one person can easily make, the companies that use or manufacture these products face major changes to their business. As severe weather and climate change continue to be front and center worldwide, chemical companies feel the pressure to make these changes towards sustainability.

We’re Here to Help You

Sustainability affects all practices for the chemical industry, including their logistics. Here at Trinity, we’re here to help you reach your logistics goals, including those on sustainability. We offer several modes of transportation, including intermodal, which can reduce your carbon footprint. Our Team of experts can help recommend customized solutions like freight consolidation as another way to be more sustainable with your freight transportation. Or you can consider using technology, like our best-in-class transportation management system, to gain efficiencies and data-driven insights into your logistics, which can also help you with sustainability in your logistics. 

We know sustainability practices are necessary for every business. This is why we take pride in our efforts and are proud of our earned recognition as both an SDCE Green Supply Chain Award winner and as a Food Logistics Top Green Provider. 

If you’ve been looking for a like-minded logistics partner to reach your goals, we’re here and ready to help.

Author: Turner Lee

What do semiconductors, plastics, furniture, chlorine, and more all have in common lately? They are near impossible to find. As disruption after disruption has interrupted supply chains, shortages are now messing with shipping and demand. Specifically, raw material and product shortages are affecting the chemical industry. With many other industries relying on the chemical industry, this is becoming a significant challenge to overcome.

MATERIAL AND PRODUCT SHORTAGES

Shortages in the chemical industry have worsened over the last quarter. According to a June survey of 84 National Association of Chemical Distributors, nearly 85 percent of distributors report at least one imported item as out-of-stock. This is a huge jump compared to only 47 percent found in March. Inventories in the chemical industry have begun increasing, but they have yet to reach their pre-pandemic levels. These shortages are not only hurting the chemical industries but the many industries that rely on them. One example is the shortage of citric acid, as it’s often used in vitamin or electrolyte drinks, even in soda. These material shortages mean tight supplies, high prices, and continued delivery delays.

Some recent materials and products that currently face shortages in relation to the chemical sector:

Semiconductors

Many manufacturers worldwide are having trouble securing supplies of semiconductors, delaying the production and delivery of goods, and increasing prices. Several factors are driving the crunch, which first affected the auto industry. The shortage is going from bad to worse, spreading from cars to consumer electronics. With the bulk of chip production concentrated in a handful of suppliers, analysts warn that the crunch is likely to last through the rest of 2021. Materials most vulnerable in semiconductor production include wet chemicals, solvents, photoresists, gases, and substrates. Several semiconductor process materials in the petroleum supply chain are also running short. Those materials include acetone, PGMEA, NMP, and IPA, and a few of several solvents.

Plastics

Yet another shortage complicating business is plastics. Food packaging, automotive components, clothing, medical and lab equipment, and countless other items rely on them. Since March 2020, a perfect storm of events has been putting severe strains on the supply of plastic raw materials, base plastics, and compounded plastics. This shortage has hit plastic product manufacturers very hard. 

The demand for plastics continues to surge, especially for food packaging and automobile components plastics production. Plastics required by high purity chemical providers for packaging and wet processing equipment are experiencing raw material price increases due to availability issues.

Plastics make every kind of product imaginable — from food packaging, appliances, smartphones, and car parts to exercise equipment and roller skates. So with the ongoing surging demand for goods, it’s easy to see why these shortages are a big deal.

Chlorine

The swimming pool boom from the pandemic created a higher chlorine demand, thus contributing to a shortage. There was also a manufacturing lab fire in August of 2020 in Louisiana that only further aided the shortage. 

Some pool supply stores have imposed quantity restrictions. In certain regions, prices for chlorine tablets have doubled from last year. The chlorine shortage is widespread, and it will likely worsen as homeowners use their swimming pools for the season. 

Gas, Oil, Fuel

It’s not quite that there’s a huge shortage of crude oil or gasoline. Instead, it’s a shortage of tanker truck drivers who deliver it. According to the National Tank Truck Carriers, 20 to 25 percent of tank trucks in the fleet are parked due to the shortage of qualified drivers. The driver shortage has been an issue for a while, but the pandemic multiplied it. 

Gas prices, which typically rise at the start of the summer as seasonal regulations take effect — requiring the more expensive “summer blend” of gasoline needed to combat smog — are also rising. The national average has surpassed $3 a gallon this summer and could get even higher if any hurricanes hit the Gulf Coast or if there are any other disruptions to supply, such as a refinery fire. 

Other Raw Materials

As countries work to switch over to green energy, the demand for copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and other rare earth elements is soaring. And these raw materials are vulnerable to price volatility and shortages as limited access to known mineral deposits is another risk factor. Only three countries together control more than 75 percent of the global output of lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements – the Democratic Republic of Congo, China, and Australia. Constraints on the supplies of their raw materials — especially polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and monoethylene (MEG) — are leading to factory shutdowns, sharp price increases, and production delays.

SHORTER SUPPLY + HIGHER DEMAND = HIGHER COSTS

Consumer spending rapidly grew because of the pandemic. Remote working and schooling created an increased demand for electronics. Higher demand came for food packaging and healthcare markets. Automotive production rebounded and surged beginning in the third quarter of 2020. All these and more are impacting the chemical industry.

These disruptions have undoubtedly led to rising prices. Echemi reported in late March that more than 20 chemical companies including BASF, DuPont, Dow, DSM, and LANXESS, have raised prices. These price hikes are largely due to difficulty in getting raw materials used to make products. And there’s less supply than there was a couple of months ago. As demand is rising relative to production, prices have increased for chemicals, like polypropylene, acetone, and other solvents. 

…AND LOGISTICS DELAYS

Not only have shortages worsened since March, so have delays. NACD’s survey found that 82 percent of respondents are dealing with an average uptick in travel time for their shipment of 11 days or more. And these issues extend throughout the supply chain. 

Containers and boats to ship products from overseas are in short supply. Products could be sitting in a factory overseas for months because they can’t get loaded onto a ship. Then you have the ports struggling with delays. Currently, you can look at live video outside of Los Angeles and you’ll see up to 30 boats driving around waiting to get an appointment because there are so many ships coming in. Ships are waiting longer to get in and once they do get in, there is a shortage of drayage drivers that only adds to the congestion. 

A lack of truck drivers and warehouse workers has contributed to the delays as well. The driver shortage was an issue before COVID, but the recent labor shortage in warehouse workers has created a larger problem. Say you do have a truck available. But if you don’t have somebody in the warehouse to pull the goods out of the racks and load them on the truck, then that’s another issue causing delays.

Supply chain issues continue to hamper the whole of manufacturing. It’s hard to look at the global supply chain and not think, “everything that can go wrong has.” The impact of these issues continues to impact many industries downstream. On raw materials such as chemicals and plastics, inventories are unlikely to be rebuilt amid continuing strong demand. There’s simply not going to be a quick return of inventories. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO DURING THESE TOUGH TIMES

Begin building a more resilient supply chain

Consider moving manufacturing operations closer to home. This can help reduce your transportation times from future delays or disruptions. Make plans now to be prepared for all potential disruptions. Disruptions to the supply chain are not new, but this current phase of repeat instances has been rougher than most.

Gain access to technology

Integrating technology into your supply chain has now become a necessity. Implementing technology like a transportation management system (TMS) will help all stakeholders maintain real-time communication and visibility. A TMS can help you optimize your routes and work with the best carriers, increasing your service levels and reducing any delays. It can provide you with data-driven insight so you can better manage current and future disruptions. And by using data analytics, you can recognize which carriers most likely have available capacity, reducing your time spent on transportation coverage. Gain insight into what’s happening across all markets, ensure proper rates for shipments, and keep more control over your budget and logistics costs with TMS technology.

Work with experts that keep a pulse on the market

An expert can help you pick up on early warning signs and help you prepare for potential constraints. They can also offer you alternative solutions when needed. 

Here at Trinity, we are a Team of experts. We do more than arranging your freight. When working with Trinity, we become logistics partners in your business and aim to help you with your growth. We can help you streamline your logistics procedures and give you insight into the freight market. We keep a close eye on it and keep you educated to help you plan and forecast. 

We also work very hard to follow through on what we say we are going to do. When issues arise, we work until they are resolved, keeping communication every step of the way. We have over 40 years of experience in logistics and industry challenges in supply chains is our day-to-day.

Industry experts and forecasters are saying this tough market is far from over. It may even look to extend into 2022. So don’t hesitate in asking for help. We’re here and ready to provide you with our People-Centric approach for you during this historical time in logistics.

Author: Jennifer Braun

Trinity Logistics is always looking to grow our company, our brand presence, and most importantly, our knowledge within our focus industries; chemical being one of them. We find being involved with industry associations helps keep us in tune with current challenges our customers may be facing while giving us new opportunities to connect. Recently, we came across NACD and thought it a perfect fit for Trinity.

What Is NACD?

NACD stands for the National Association of Chemical Distributors. It is an international association, established in 1971. It is made up of chemical distributors (called members) and their supply-chain partners (affiliates), like Trinity Logistics.

There are nearly 450 member and affiliate companies of NACD. They represent more than 85% of the chemical distribution capacity in the nation and 90% of the industry’s gross revenue.

Why It’s A Great Organization For Chemical Manufacturers

Becoming an NACD member provides many benefits to chemical manufacturers. You gain access to educational programs, important industry data, and networking with current or potential customers and supply chain partners. You also gain access to their list of “Responsible Distributors”, which can help you ensure your products are handled safely throughout the supply chain.

What Is Responsible Distribution?

In 1991, members of NACD created Responsible Distribution. Responsible Distribution is a mandatory third-party verified environmental, health, safety, and security program. It lets their members show their commitment to improvement in all phases of chemical storage, handling, transportation, and disposal.

Why NACD Made Sense For Trinity

As a supply chain partner and service provider, we are always looking for ways to better support our customers. We also want to continue learning and growing while networking. Striving to be our best is just something Trinity does.

NACD fits those objectives while aligning with our company culture. Learning about their Responsible Distribution program further solidified our decision to join. Since Trinity has been Responsible Care certified since 2009, gaining the opportunity to connect with like-minded companies that keep to similar standards of improvement made sense.

We are excited to be a new affiliate of NACD and to have the opportunity to connect with more members of the chemical industry.

Keep an eye out for NACD’s upcoming August edition of their magazine, Chemical Distributor. One of Trinity Logistics’ articles will be featured, written here by yours truly!

Interested in learning more about NACD and how to become a member? Join NACD

What is Responsible Care®?

According to their website, Responsible Care® is the chemical manufacturing industry’s environmental, health, safety and security performance initiative. It is an international improvement initiative of the chemical industry. Companies of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) carry out Responsible Care®. Choosing a 3PL that is part of the Responsible Care® program can be a benefit to your company, especially when shipping chemicals.

Why is it beneficial to choose a 3PL that is Responsible Care® certified?

Working with a Responsible Care® certified broker holds many advantages for your company. The 3PL will:

• understand the requirements to ship your chemicals
• provide extensive carrier vetting
• have a selection of many approved carriers
• understands the liability of moving hazardous chemicals
• be committed to doing all it can for sustainability

As of 2018, there are only 103 Responsible Care® Partner companies.

Only 24 of those are 3PLs.

How does Trinity Logistics use Responsible Care® when arranging chemical shipping?

Trinity Logistics has been Responsible Care® certified since 2009. Unlike most brokers, we carry Pollution Liability coverage. We chose to carry such insurance with Environmental, Health, Safety, and Security (EHS&S) in mind. Spills happen and need to be remedied immediately. Pollution Liability covers costs associated with pollution clean-up, and liability claims for pollution-related injuries, illnesses or death.

Our main goal as a company is continuous improvement. To do better today than we did yesterday. We do this by selecting approved carriers given the information our customers provide regarding their chemical shipment.

Trinity Team Members mitigate risk to our customers and carriers through carrier vetting and thorough communication.

Carrier vetting

Carrier vetting avoids the selection of carriers not approved for particular shipments. Doing so reduces the risk for the loss of containment.

Only trained Team Members can select approved carriers for hazardous shipments. Required training takes place each year for those Team Members involved. This annual training keeps those Team Members up to date with any regulations or process changes regarding hazmat certification. Operating procedures are in place for shipments that need specific certifications, such as hazmat or Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT).

We have an entire team dedicated to vetting motor carriers. Our Carrier Relations & Development Team must verify the motor carrier’s operating authority, insurance, certifications, etc. before the carrier may be added in our database as an “approved” carrier.

Operations training

Our onboarding for new Team Members is extensive. Ongoing training is required to maintain the knowledge needed by a Team Member.

Trinity has a complete program to manage its process with chemical transportation. This includes compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements using system wide operating procedures.

Operations Team Members have a role in the sharing of this information. Team Members make sure information is correct and meets standards with our customers. They create shipping documents and communicate that information with the drivers. Communication is the most important part of process safety and is kept open with our customers, carriers, and our Compliance Team.

Outside of Arranging Chemical Shipping

Responsible Care® is much more than preventing and taking care of chemical spills. Responsible Care® is all about sustainability; how we take care of this earth now, so it is still here in the future.

Trinity has Responsible Care® rooted in its company culture. It is a green, environmentally friendly way of life that we have taken ahold of.

As stated by our point person for our Responsible Care® Management System,

“Trinity’s purpose is to “continually improve people’s lives by constantly striving to be our best”. Implementing the Responsible Care® Management System, RCMS, drove greater visibility and accountability. It became an integral part of our daily operations. Having this system in place allows us to reduce risk and strive towards a sustainable future.”

Examples of our Responsible Care® initiatives at our offices include:

• Battery recycling
• Safety Data Sheets for every chemical in office
• Employee wellness programs
• Active shooter programs

We perform regular checks on our environmental, health, safety, and security performances. We then measure and define our improvement objectives.

Trinity Logistics upholds Responsible Care to keep all of our stakeholders safe. This includes our customers, carriers, Team Members, and our community.

Discover how our chemical customer, Albaugh, came to chose Trinity Logistics as their one source logistics provider in our case study.

Download Now

Read more about what goes into shipping chemicals safely in our blog post, Chemical Shipping and Storage: What You Need to Know.

Originally posted February 3, 2020. Updated July 14, 2020 by Christine Griffith

The chemical industry adheres to strict regulations with their products. With those regulations can come recalls and audits. To stay ahead of those headaches, traceability is needed in the supply chain for chemical manufacturers. Gaining traceability can help prevent possible recalls and offer preparedness for audits, while bringing many other benefits.

Shared Data

To get the greatest benefit from supply chain traceability, data needs to be easily shared across supply chain partners. The use of technology for end-to-end supply chain traceability is vital for recording and exchanging data with all. Having transparency amongst all supply chain partners brings accountability and trust.

Replace Manual Processes

Even today, a lot of traceability processes are still manual. It often takes contacting many individuals through phone or email to get the information you need. Using technology for traceability in the supply chain helps eliminate those manual processes. With current technology, you can find the information you need in minutes with one application.

Improve Customer Service

With all supply chain partners having transparency, there is great potential for customer service to be improved. Distributors can better manage their delivery times, improving communication and customer satisfaction. Retailers can provide consumers with access to product information, building loyalty and relationships. Shippers can see shipment activity and schedule heavy or light volumes, creating happier transportation partners. From end to end of the chain, it improves consumer satisfaction.

Quick Problem Solving

Traceability allows you to be more proactive should you need to cancel an order, stop a production cycle, have products re-inspected, etc. It gives you the opportunity to quickly detect problems and deliver greater service by providing solutions and visible communication right away.

Better Stock Management

Easily meet customer demand by knowing what is going on within your supply chain. Tracking and tracing shipments and orders leads to more efficient stock management. With better management brings the potential for costs savings.

Traceability With TMS

Transportation Management Systems (TMS) are one of the technologies available to gain traceability in your supply chain. They allow function and resources for all supply chain stakeholders. To reduce cost, working with a third-party logistics (3PL), such as Trinity Logistics, can give you access to their TMS technology, as well as their experience in supply chain solutions.

Looking to learn more about TMS? Click here to read our Guide on TMS.

Creating a connected supply chain adds value and strengthens those relationships with all stakeholders. It makes a company more desirable to work with and to buy from. The smallest of details can make a difference in the success of a company. Traceability is one of those finer details in your chemical supply chain that you can’t be without.

If you’re ready to make a move towards having traceability in your supply chain, connect with us and find your solution.