An In-depth Look at United Facilities' Third-Party Logistics Solutions

Taking command of supply chain management is essential to thrive in any manufacturing and retail business. But unfortunately, most businesses are not wealthy enough to establish in-house resources and manpower to keep their supply chain in optimum condition.

This fact alone underscores the importance of companies like United Facilities, Inc. These types of third-party logistics companies provide distribution, packaging, warehousing and transportation solutions for all types of businesses that need supply chain solutions. Below we take an in-depth look at United Facilities' third-party logistics/3PL services.

3PL Services of United Facilities

The distribution warehouses of United Facilities spread in 11 cities throughout the United States. The company offers a complete spectrum of warehousing, supply chain and distribution solutions. The solutions of these companies start from packaging to the delivery of your supplies.

The third-party logistics services of United Facilities cover all the logistic needs of each and every client. Online inventory tracking, food temperature storage, quality control inspectors, packaging and special labeling, RF and barcoding, EDI transaction sites, customer service administration, purchasing, recouping, rail service, AIB certification, equipment, cross docking, performance measurement, foreign trade zone, etc are some of the services provided by United Facilities.

Online inventory tracking helps you to assess the items that are on stock, needs to be reordered and nearing empty. The food/temperature storage service of United Facilities helps you to ensure that your supplies stay viable and fresh for use. Customers give topmost importance on quality when they purchase an item. The quality control inspectors help you to keep your product with high quality. You can check the quality of the product by using the quality control inspectors of United Facilities. They can also handle FDA approval needs on behalf of their clients.

Branding has greater role in popularizing your product. The special labeling and packaging solutions of United Facilities help you to do it efficiently. Just tell them regarding the type of labeling and packaging your business requires. The company will perform as per your expectations.

Correct inventory and sales tracking can be done by using the RF and barcoding of United Facilities. The company is also able to provide the barcoding technology to each and every single product, which moves out of the warehouse.

Learn more about United Facilities' third-party logistics/3PL services by visiting the company's official website at www.UniFac.com.

Why Invest in United Facilities for 3PL Services?

A large number of distribution centers, top-rated 3PL companies, and warehousing providers are available today. So, you may think that what are the peculiar features of United Facilities and why do you select the services of this company. After reading the following reasons, you will realize that why the supply chain management solutions of the United Facilities are some of the best in the industry. 

Third party logistics companies must be able to handle the logistics services efficiently. This is the major business of these companies. So, their focus must be more intense. United Facilities is always committed to update its laws and new technologies as per the industry. So, the company can able to reinvent your supply chain in the best possible way without alerting the core operations of your company.

United Facilities has decades of experience in the field of logistics business. So, they can keep up with the times. The 3PL services of United Facilities are more affordable. Therefore, you will get more time to focus on marketing and meeting the target sales. If you need a nationwide 3PL services from a dependable and experienced provider, United Facilities is the best option.

The company has expertise, capabilities and resources to help you perfectly. United Facilities operates and manages highly-streamlined and fully customized warehouses designed to boost the clients’ bottom line. The company has high level of operational expertise to maintain efficient and consistent production.

3 Leading Logistics Warehouses in California

Unlike common storage warehouses, distribution and logistics warehouses provide a greater level of services for clients. With California an epicenter for shipping, distribution, and logistic, pinpointing a reputable warehousing solution is not always an easy endeavor.

When you do learn and understand the information about some of the leading logistics warehouses in California, you can make the right decisions for your company. To help you get started, here is a review of three leading logistics warehouses in California.

United Facilities, Inc.

United Facilities, Inc. is a supply chain management and third-party logistics company that has continued to provide people with the best services in the United States, with many offices throughout Europe, Asia, Latin America as well as North America. They offer end-to-end and global supply chain services that includes transportation management, international freight forwarding, truckload brokerage, customs brokerage, project logistics, global trade compliance, and global TMS technology. United Facilities also offer a couple different logistics warehouses in California.

With their tailor made engineering solutions and integrated logistics to these plastics, pulp and paper, chemical, consumer goods as well as automotive industry, you will be satisfied with their best services. They provide warehousing as well as value-added services like packaging, pick and pack, bulk material handling, kitting as well as sequencing combined with modern transportation solutions. The warehouses of United Facilities features are rail, hazmat, advanced WMS and temperature controls.

Inland Star Distribution Centers, Inc.

Inland Star offer a nationwide logistics solutions for the packaged goods manufacturers. The company has specialized in transportation, warehousing, and auxiliary fulfillment services in delivering efficient distribution of these merchandise. The company has a cutting edge technology as well as safety features when facilitating storage and food grade handling as well as hazardous chemical materials. They have been rated as among those companies that will make sure that you do enjoy the kind of services you would need when you hire them.

Inland Star is a provider of full line of distribution, transportation and warehousing services with a 1.2 million square feet in terms of storage in Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, Illinois, Ohio & Chicago. Equipment includes slip sheet, extension forks, clamps-roll, and barrel. You will definitely be certain that you would enjoy the kind of products that you enjoy from them including food, alcohol, chemicals, paper, retail items, building & industrial, steel, ladders, lumber and general merchandise

LeSaint Logistics

LeSaint Logistics is a nationally recognized third-party logistics provider, which has a well-know and flexible services in terms of performance levels when you need power your supply through delivering intelligent solutions to streamline efficiencies as well as boost your bottom line. The company has an amazing line that has made them stay out as one company whenever you need these services.

LeSaint Logistics offers a wide range of services that has made prefer them to others especially when picking and packing their distribution. The company also provide a wide range of modern logistics services when handling their customer’s products right from the manufacturing plant to an end user. You will appreciate the kind of services that you would enjoy whenever you are acquiring the services.

In conclusion, the above is a review of the top three Leading Logistics Warehouses in California to help you make an informed decisions.

An Inside Look at the Turnkey Automation Systems from CASI

Cornerstone Automation Systems (CASI) is the foremost automation solutions provider in the entire industry. It is known to offer, intelligent and innovative automation for the purpose of order fulfillment operations. Below is the list of top products from CASI.

CASI Conveyors

CASI Transmaster conveyor is a from a modular line of basic 24 volt direct current roller type conveyer systems that can be customized and adjusted for a wide variety of functions, such as the belt over roller, the zero pressure accumulation as well as belted curves and the low profile.


Each part of the conveyor is a plug and simply play method and can enable casters to install it in a very easy way. Moreover, the machine has a system of built in logic, and power rollers, to completely eliminate, the requirement for there to be separate cabinets, for the purpose of electrical controls.

CASI IBOD Case Opener

The fully operational, automatic case opening machine comes with a programmable feature which is ideal for warehousing activities and processes. The mechanism is available in two options, The Single IBOD intelligent and smart box opening design and it is capable of removing up to 500 case tops per hour.


The specially designed IBOD Duo is capable of removing up to a 1000 cartons within one hour which is truly impressive. However, the actual speeds of case cutting will be dependent on the size of the boxes and the different variables, which will create alterations on the cut time.

CASI Picking Systems 

The picking products are all differentiated from each other. The decision regarding the method of picking order depends on a number of methods. These are the various features of the products actually being handled, such as the total pickups per order, the quantities per pick, the number of picks per SKU, the total number of SKU’s, private labeling.

Also, if you are working with full pallet load picks, piece picks and case picks, CASI picking systems are some of the best in the industry. In many scenarios, a combination of many picking methods is required to adapt to different product characteristics.

CASI Dimensioners

CASI produces a cubing and package dimensioning system for many applications. These cubers and dimensioners are an integral part in the process involved in warehousing. In essence, Solidcube is sold along with the best CASI in motion scaling device in order to completely and perfectly record and calculate package weights and dimensions. It is a great and useful device for the quality control and the rate shopping.

CASI Sortation Systems

CASI manufactures a wide range of case and carton sortation systems as a part of its impressive, intelligent automation systems. These advanced sortation systems are used for the purpose of order fulfillment processes.


CASI offers systems for the large cartons, parcels, mailers, as well as item level sortation. The most typical applications involve reject systems, zone routing, sort to order and many more. As with any type of sorter machine, the rate of parts per minute totally depends on the lengths of the items, the conveyor speed as well as the perfect gapping between all the products.

To source CASI automation systems and product solutions, check out WalzEQ.com one of the leading suppliers of automation solutions for many types of businesses.

New SOLAS Shipping Container Weight Verification Regulations Take Effect July 1st

The Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) has been approved by International Maritime Organization to make sure that containers being shipped via ships must have a defined and validated weight. The responsibility of verified shipping container weight is assigned solely to the organization whose shipping the item. This new rule will become active starting July 1, 2016. Therefore, once the regulated package requirement is in effect, a violation would be assigned to the ship controller and marine terminal operator if the weight of the containers onboard have not been confirmed.

The SOLAS container weight verification requirements state that there are two avenues shippers can take in order to define the container’s weight once the packaging phase has occurred. If you live on the Earth, this rule applies to you. All people involved with the shipping process will need to create guidelines and policies to enforce these guidelines: guidelines teaching how to verify the weight of a container. There are questions concerning the fine print details of these new SOLAS container weight verification requirements; the World Shipping Council has given an outlined rundown of the new policies.

SOLAS Container Weight Verification Procedures

First the container that will be placed on the ship for shipment must have a proven weight through a simple weighing process on a shipping truck scale or appropriate weighing system. People in control of these containers will technically be reprobating against SOLAS if they do not have a clarified weight of their containers. This rule is cemented and there are no exceptions.

There are two ways to weigh a container according to the new SOLAS amendments. The first method is weighing the container, fully loaded with whatever contents are inside. The second method is weighing the contents of the container and the container separately, then adding the two weighs. The weight of only the empty container will be posted on the door of he container.

Weights must be definite, and it is not allowed for someone to give an estimation of the weight. The organization in control of the package must actually weigh the container, in order to have the exact weight. The scale or piece of equipment being used to weigh out the container must pass the national certification and calibration requirements. The organization whose packing the container cannot used a weight given from some other party.

SOLAS Container Weight Verification Procedures

The organization whose carrying the container can use the weight verification of the shipper in order to ensure accuracy. The third-party logistics carrier is not required to verify again the shipper’s weight verification. SOLAS container weight verification policies do not require the carrier to prove that a shipper has followed the proper container weight verification procedures, according to the authority of the packing and sealing process of the container. The carrier must sign the container or papers related to the container in order to represent the shipper and the accuracy of the weight calculations the shipper used, on behalf of the shipper.

If there is no signing to prove the defined weight the shipper recorded, then the full container can be weighted at the shipping port. If the shipping port terminal has no weighing equipment then an alternative must be used in order to determine the weight of the container; if the weight cannot be provided, the container will not be put onto the ship.

It is up to the jurisdiction of the shipping terminals to decide what the process will be if a container arrives that does not have signed proof of the container’s weight from the shipper. The terminal will determine the process to weigh the containers and the weight addition onto the ships stowing plan. When the container is weighed at the shipping port loading area, the weight will be used for vessel stow planning.

Shipping stow plans are also required to have weights that are verified for every container onboard the ship. All commercial parties will be held responsible for the confirmed gross mass of the containers and the proportional distribution of costs involved.

If there is a difference between the weight of the container prior to the verification process, and post verification process, then it will be solved by using the post verified weight. The weight of a container as weighed at the port terminal will be used if there is a difference between weight of the container found at the terminal and the alleged weight of the container prior to its delivery to the terminal.

For more information on the new SOLAS shipping container weight verification requirements, visit WorldShipping.org.

Continuous Improvement Focal to Third Party Logistics Provider

United facilities, Inc. is third-party logistics and supply chain management company that is recognized for continuously implementing improvements to keep up with the ever changing demands of supply chain management (SCM). The company remains focal to continuous improvement to better meet the needs of customers and to continue the evolution of the way third party logistics and distribution business is conducted.

Below, experts of United Facilities provide insight as to the company's focus in continuous improvement (CI) and how this emphasis has helped the third party logistics provider grow and thrive for decades.

United Facilities on CI

Our ongoing efforts to improve products, services and processes are the continuous improvement that the company has dedicated itself in order to be the very best in supply chain management. Some the changes that have been made and some the changes that will be implemented are efforts that happen over longer periods of time and quicker breakthroughs that occur almost immediately.

United Facilities has been in business over 50 years and has over the duration of the lengthy process seen an enormous change during the time. The third party logistics provider has prided itself on the fact that it has always been able to make positive changes by being able to identity issues and address them appropriately.

Horizontal Integration of CI for Logistics & Distribution

The third-party logistics company has put the CI mindset into practice and this has enabled United Facilities to focus on solving long term issues better than before. By adopting the CI principles of identify, analyze, measure, improve, and evaluate, United Facilities has increased customer profits and helped improve the company’s own objectives and goals.

By implementing CI in each and every facility of ours we have been able to help change the thinking processes and culture by which even our hourly employees adhere. Throughout the structural blueprint of the company, from bottom to top, each and every employee and their attitudes have changed for the better as has the efficiency of our operations.

The fact that we have been recognized as the CI “champions of the year” by a Fortune 100 company who also happens to be one of our largest customers is a measure and evidence of the success we have enjoyed in improving our business functions to meet our customers’ needs.

The company who has recognized our efforts did so after we saved their company over 2.1 million dollars in just a one year period. This is just one of the many reasons why our company has stood out among U.S.-based third party logistics providers.

A Model Among Third Party Logistics Providers

United Facilities knows by its own experience that by maximizing the performance of a supply chain, your businesses’ performance is what is really maximized in the long run and end result.

As a reputable third party logistics provider in the U.S., our company offers the services, teams, and systems necessary to meet all your packaging needs as your business demands as you do your best to keep your business evolving and moving forward.

From LEAN packaging services and warehousing to finished and inbound goods, we at United Facilities are equipped and ready to see that you can be as ready as we are to meet your needs as you should be to meet the needs of your own customers. Attention to detail and accuracy are key priorities that our team is always focused on in improving supply chain management.

The logistics management services we provide and serve for many Fortune 100 companies in regional distribution centers is customary to those in the automotive sectors and consumer goods industries. United Facilities has been around for a long time and will be around much longer and all the while the constant improvements will continue to develop as we strive to maximize supply chain management even further.

No matter the business, no matter the product, United Facilities has the systems and solutions you need to maximize the performance of your supply chain - and your business.

Walz Scale Releases Dynamic Dimensional Scanning & Weighing Equipment

Walz Scale, the company popular for industrial weighing solutions such as heavy duty weighing equipment and truck scales, has introduced a new line of highly dynamic dimensional scanning and weighing systems designed for shipping and distribution centers. Walz new dimensioning products range from static package scanners for simple needs to dynamic cubing systems for high-volume conveyors.

The new dimensional scanning and weighing equipment from Walz is suitable for many different applications that demand efficient and fluid dimensioning and cubing. The line-up of dimensioning systems make scanning, weighing, and overall cubing processes much more efficient while still keep the equipment affordable.

Below we discuss the new dimensional weighing systems from Walz. They are all sustainable for applications spanning from high-volume logistics and distribution companies to local shipping centers and bring value to all relevant operations.

In-Motion Package Scanner (IMPS)

As indicated in its name, the in-motion package scanner (IMPS) is a dynamic system that is good for conveyors. As one of the top high-speed cubing systems, it provide real-time package dimensions and metrics. The industrial-grade design of the IMPs allows shipping and logistics operations to incorporate this system directly into their existing conveyor systems. It uses field tested, efficient laser scanning technology to achieve high accuracy dimension data at high conveyor belt speeds.

The system operates either as a standalone dimensional weighing system or as an integrated part of an existing conveyor system. It fully-automate shipping and manifest systems, which focuses on maximizing on efficiency and throughput so as to minimize cost while maximizing output.

Pallet & Large Freight Dimensioning

These are high-end dynamic weighing solutions suitable for clients that need accurate dimensioning system for pallet and large freight operations. These systems are popular for their ability to provide some of the fastest and most accurate measurements in tough conditions and are simple to operate.

It includes data management functionality that enable the system to be easily integrated into existing warehouse management systems, which make it a turn-key for setting up a fully-operating and highly automated system.

Like the IMPS, the pallet and large freight dimensioning systems by Walz include scanners that generate accurate dimensional data at instant time. They are designed for advance dimensional weight data without necessary stopping the pallet. Furthermore, these dimensional weighing scales are available for indoor and outdoor operations. It only require the user to choose the right machine depending on the specific application.

Static Package Scanner (SPS)

The Static Package Scanner (SPS) is a perfect dimensioning and cubing system suitable for warehouse and shipping operations. They are also good for POS desk and other organizational dimensional weighing operations. It is a unique weighing solution that is available at affordable price, is reliable, efficient, and include easy to use unit.

The SPS include industrial-grade sensors that ensure accurate package dimensions. Unlike the conventional dimensioning systems, the engineering and design behind the SPS allows for continued operation in rugged industrial applications and high-volume shipping stations. Apart from the above, Walz has also realize other advance cubing dimensional weighing systems that are custom for a wide spectrum of needs. They have tailored their products and service programs to fit for projects at hand.

Learn more about these and other cubing and dimensioning systems at WalzScale.com.

A Role Model Among Warehousing & 3PL Providers Nationwide

Advanced third-party logistics (3PL) is buzzword in the warehousing and transport industry. However, not all self-proclaimed 3PL providers are as advanced as they set out to be.

One Illinois-based logistics and distribution company is setting the standard in advanced 3PL by re-defining what constitutes total supply chain solutions. From packaging and transport to warehousing and order fulfillment, United Facilities has grown over the decades to be recognized as an industry role model among warehousing and 3PL providers nationwide.

Expanding from its local roots in central Illinois, United Facilities owns and operates 12 strategically placed distribution centers spanning from California to Florida. But its widespread network is not all that makes this truly advanced 3PL so powerful. Below we capture the essence of what makes United Facilities a leading logistics and supply chain management company.

Warehousing and Fulfillment Expertise

The tailor-made warehousing solutions of United Facilities involve the management, oversight, and operation of customized warehouses aimed to enhance clients' bottom line. Irrespective of whether you use your team or ours, the in-house experts provide frequent assistance to facilitate increased fill rates, excellent inventory management and proper utilization of resources.

United Facilities provides a wide range of services including: food and garbage storage, online inventory tracking, performance management, quality control inspections, purchasing and customer service administration and many others.

Packaging Services

One thing that pops up often when talking about packaging is effective utilization of resources. First off, United Facilites' effective utilization of LEAN production is specifically designed for individual customers' needs. Co-locating package/assembly needs with storage is key to saving a business time and money. This is irrespective of whether United Facilites works in clients physical location(s).

Furthermore, United Facilities' outstanding and proven record speaks for itself. The wide range of packaging services offered by the advanced 3PL provider include (although not limited to): packaging and shrink wrapping, product assembly, repackaging and re-conditioning, kitting, multi-parks, custom pick and pack, and performance measurement.

Advanced Information Technology (IT)

United Facilities is internet driven and utilizes some of the most advanced IT systems for tracking and fulfillment. In fact, technological revolution keeps happening often. The logistics management company offers an array of technologies, such as the JDA software platform which has help to optimize various aspects of the company.


Additionally, the IT solutions provided United Facilities help the company to:

• effectively manage warehouse management and packaging systems for both turnkey and industry
• navigate around world class server-based systems
• integrate perfectly with customer ERP systems

Transportation Management Solutions

Effective transport operations are key to an efficient supply chain network. United Facilities' network of professional and trusted partners help the 3PL provider maintain consistency and sufficient safety of clients' goods or products until they get to their final destination. It may involve route planning, courier management, load handling, execution and all the freight payments involved. United Facilities has tailor made transport solutions uniquely designed for the most complex transportation needs.

Value Added Services

As a company that endeavors to boost customer experience, United Facilities is always engaged in efforts to come up with aspects that will help us achieve that. One such aspect is CI or rather Consumer Improvement. This takes the form of incremental improvements over a specific duration of time or just breakthrough improvements which happen immediately.

It's based on 5 guiding principles: identify, analyze, measure, improve, evaluate, and it's definitely a win-win for both the company and the customers. It has had tremendous positive impact on the employee operations and overall organization.

In addition, United Facilities has been acknowledged and rewarded by one of its top customers - a Fortune 500 company, as the CI champions of the year. This is a great highlight that actually stemmed from the cost effective measures and strategies we've been able to effectively implement.

Walz Scale Taps into Truck Scale Rental Business

Walz Scale, the well known manufacturer of truck scales and advanced weighing equipment, has expanded into the truck scale rental business as a result of increased demand for short-term solutions. 

With this move, the company has increased the types of rental truck scales that it offers its clients for limited use. Walz Scale has seen a strong growth in demand as a result of many transporters opting to measure the loads on their vehicles to enhance safety.

A recent crackdown on trucks exceeding the legal limits has also contributed to the increased business. Transport companies have turned to truck scale rental solutions to comply with the regulations.

Walz Scale has assured its customers that the can now take advantage of numerous benefits of leasing and renting truck scales for temporary use. The truck scale rentals are also fully tested to ensure that they provide certified accuracy levels. In addition, clients now have a wide range of rental scales that include floor scales, bench scales, axle scales, weighbridges and portable rental truck scales.

The Value in Truck Scale Rentals

Transporters, industrial manufacturers, farmers and construction companies now appreciate the important role of measuring their trucks plays in their businesses. In certain industries such as mining, the operators have to ensure that they use highly accurate measuring scales due to the high-value nature of their products.

The investment in truck scale rentals for short term use comes with many advantages. Companies that need to measure their products do not have to spend a substantial amount of money purchasing their own units. Walz Scale has taken the initiative to rent out all types of truck weighing scales to meet the demand.

Portable Truck Scales for Rent

According to the company, many customers have been going for portable truck scales for rent due to their ease of use. Being light, they can be carried around and have the ability to measure all types of vehicles. For companies looking for a highly portable unit, wheel weighers are a good option because they are light enough to be moved from place to place.

Portable truck scales are also known for their high accuracy levels and in remote areas some types can be operated using batteries. Although the portable truck axle scales are light, clients have been assured that the units have the capacity to handle heavy weights.

Walz Scale is a market leader in the provision of weight measuring scales. The company has a wide range of weighing solutions that are suitable for all market segments.