Wednesday, June 6, 2025
3PL Spotlight: June 2025
Welcome June!
This month, we highlight industry leaders making quiet yet powerful moves in logistics, automation, and strategic operations. From emerging technologies to timeless customer-first values, discover how companies are streamlining performance and setting new standards across the supply chain.
Why Do Truck Drivers Leave a Fleet?
Driver turnover remains a major challenge in the transportation industry—but it’s not always about pay. A recent CCJ article dives into the real reasons drivers leave: poor communication, lack of respect, inconsistent home time, and feeling undervalued. Fleets that focus on transparency, strong relationships, and realistic expectations are more likely to retain top talent in today’s competitive market.
Spotlight: OSHA Inspection Checklist
Creative Safety Supply offers a comprehensive OSHA Inspection Checklist designed to help facilities prepare for unannounced OSHA inspections. The checklist covers key areas such as hazard communication, personal protective equipment, emergency preparedness, and recordkeeping. By systematically addressing these areas, organizations can ensure compliance with OSHA standards and maintain a safe working environment. Regular use of this checklist can aid in identifying potential safety issues before they become violations.
Cybersecurity Alert – Russian GRU Targets Western Logistics
On May 21, 2025, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a joint advisory warning of a Russian state-sponsored cyber espionage campaign aimed at Western logistics and technology companies. This campaign focuses on entities involved in the coordination, transport, and delivery of foreign aid to Ukraine and spans across all transportation modes—air, sea, and rail.
The Russian military intelligence group (GRU) has targeted dozens of organizations, including government agencies and private companies, affecting critical sectors such as defense, transportation hubs, maritime, air traffic management, and IT services across NATO member states, Ukraine, and international organizations.
CISA recommends staying vigilant and reviewing their latest alerts and advisories.
CNBC Investigates Cargo Theft Surge (May 2025)
- Cargo Theft Surge: The U.S. supply chain is facing a record rise in cargo theft incidents.
- Criminal Exploitation of Tech: Thieves are using supply chain technologies—originally meant for efficiency—to hijack shipments.
- Massive Financial Losses: Experts estimate annual losses from cargo theft may exceed $1 billion.
- Widespread Impact: The issue affects cargo brokers of all sizes, prompting widespread efforts to increase security.
Spotlight: How AI Is Revolutionizing Warehouse Operations
Warehouse AI uses machine learning, IoT, and augmented reality to boost efficiency and accuracy. It creates a real-time digital twin of operations, optimizing picking, slotting, and inventory management. AI-driven robots and devices reduce travel time and errors, while AR helps workers perform tasks better. These technologies cut costs and increase productivity, transforming logistics.
Why 60% of Supply Chain Digital Efforts Will Fall Short by 2028
Gartner predicts that by 2028, 60% of supply chain digital adoption efforts will fail to deliver the promised value. This outcome is primarily due to insufficient investment in learning and development. While organizations are increasingly adopting technologies like AI and machine learning to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency, the lack of a strong foundational knowledge and skills among employees hampers the successful implementation and realization of these technologies' full potential.
To mitigate this risk, Gartner advises companies to focus on building a robust learning culture, investing in continuous training, and ensuring that their workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to leverage new technologies effectively.Without such investments, organizations may struggle to achieve the desired outcomes from their digital transformation initiatives.
Spotlight: Amazon’s New Warehouse Robot “Vulcan” Revolutionizes Fulfillment Centers
Amazon has unveiled Vulcan, an innovative warehouse robot equipped with tactile sensors that allow it to "feel" and handle about 75% of products in a typical fulfillment center, including delicate and irregularly shaped items. Currently operating in Spokane, Washington, and Hamburg, Germany, Vulcan assists workers by retrieving items from hard-to-reach bins, enabling employees to focus on safer, more efficient tasks in the "power zone."
Designed to work alongside humans, Vulcan can operate for 20-hour shifts, improving both productivity and workplace safety. Amazon plans to expand Vulcan’s presence across the U.S. and Europe, reflecting its ongoing commitment to automation that enhances efficiency while supporting its workforce.
Watch the full story to see Vulcan in action and learn how this technology is reshaping warehouse operations.
U.S. Industrial Market Update — May 2025
The May 2025 CommercialEdge National Industrial Report highlights an 8.8% vacancy rate and a 6.7% annual increase in rents, now averaging $8.49 per square foot. Dallas-Fort Worth is leading industrial sales and new construction, including a rise in cold storage facilities. Growing demand for AI-powered data centers boosts some markets, though investors remain cautious. Overall, the industrial real estate sector shows steady growth with regional differences.
Interview - UNIS — The Sleeping Giant of Logistics
Founded in 1989 in the Los Angeles area, UNIS has grown from a regional player into a nationwide logistics powerhouse—quietly building a system that now reaches 98% of the U.S. population. With 42 warehouses and a fleet of over 1,800 trucks, UNIS has become the trusted logistics engine behind some of the country’s biggest brands.
Built for Control and Complexity
UNIS differentiates itself by operating as a fully integrated logistics platform. It owns its trucks, runs its warehouses, and manages every part of the supply chain in-house. This allows for faster, more reliable service and agile responses to changing market demands. From bonded FTZ storage to D2C shipping and zone skipping, UNIS handles high-stakes logistics with consistency and precision.
Empowering Fast-Growing Brands
UNIS isn’t just for industry giants—it’s a launchpad for ambitious brands ready to scale. Their national fulfillment network and advanced systems help companies move like they’re ten years ahead, breaking traditional growth barriers with confidence.
Tech-Powered, Human-Driven
AI and robotics are core to UNIS operations, powering faster sorting and smarter inventory processes. But the foundation remains its dedicated team—thousands of full-time employees who bring stability, service, and care to every facility.
A Quiet Force, Ready to Lead
UNIS has spent decades building trust behind the scenes. Now, with a proven platform and a growing presence, the “sleeping giant” is stepping into the spotlight—ready to support brands of all sizes with reliable, forward-thinking logistics solutions.
Spotlight: Drama-Free Owner Buyouts in Family Businesses
Smooth ownership transitions in family businesses are achievable with the right approach. The Family Business Consulting Group emphasizes fostering a supportive family culture, establishing clear and fair buyout processes, and educating family members about these procedures to avoid conflict. Prioritizing transparency and open communication helps ensure buyouts proceed smoothly, preserving both the business and family harmony.
Interview - Arnold Machinery Company
Since 1929, Arnold Machinery Company has been a driving force in the material handling industry, serving regions across the western, southern, and midwestern U.S. With four equipment divisions, the company offers a full spectrum of parts, service, and product solutions.
Kirk Hellofs, Director of Automation & Robotics for the Material Handling Division, has played a critical role in shaping the company’s automation strategy. After nearly retiring, Kirk returned to share his 37 years of expertise in 3PL, helping Arnold Machinery continue its legacy of innovation. He notes that the company remains focused on creating material handling solutions that streamline operations and increase efficiency.
Smart Automation with Realistic ROI
Kirk emphasizes that successful automation starts with proper integration into warehouse management systems. Companies that skip this step risk failure. While full automation may not be the right fit for everyone, those who implement it thoughtfully can see ROI within 2 to 5 years.
Maximizing Efficiency
With growing demands for speed, space optimization, and cost reduction, Arnold Machinery delivers robotics and automation tools that enhance workflows, accuracy, and warehouse scalability.
Strategic Partnerships in 3PL
Kirk highlights how 3PLs can use automation as a value-add, negotiating longer-term contracts by offering efficiency improvements. One example: a $15 million automation investment helped consolidate three buildings into one, cutting labor and boosting efficiency—achieving ROI in under five years.
Customer-First Culture
Arnold Machinery’s “Silver Service®” philosophy and trademarked motto “Customer Satisfaction Is Our Only Policy®” guide its operations. Kirk is passionate about helping smaller 3PLs grow using scalable, intelligent automation systems backed by proven industry expertise.
The takeaway: with the right partner and tech, 3PLs can transform operations and drive long-term growth.
The X-Change Board
If any of these listings interest you or you'd like more information, please reach out to Chris Kane at chriskane@3pl-rx.com