| |
 NEWS
Temperature-Controlled Customized Packaging a Natural Fit for RLS Logistics
September 16, 2005
In the food industry, as in other market segments, outsourcing has become a viable option for
cutting costs. According to Robert Curcio, Vice President, Packaging at RLS Logistics, "By
outsourcing packaging and fulfillment operations, companies no longer have to make a huge capital
investment in facilities, equipment or personnel. They can hand over the operation to a third-party
logistics provider like RLS and free themselves to concentrate on their core competencies. We
become, in effect, an extension of their business, providing cost-effective, customized packaging
services ranging from the simplest to the most complex operation."
 A
nationwide provider of temperature-controlled warehousing and transportation services, RLS Logistics
recently added customized packaging and order fulfillment to their portfolio of services. "It
seemed a natural progression for us," explains Curcio who has over 20 years experience in
food logistics management. "We were already warehousing and transporting products for refrigerated
and frozen food processors and marketers, food service distributors, supermarket chains and shopping
clubs.
"RLS Logistics' customized packaging services include shrink wrapping, overwrapping, and
bundle wrapping. "We also specialize in re-packing," says Curcio. "We provide temperature-controlled
space for opening goods intended for re-packing, and re-pack them according to our customer's
specifications. We have the facilities, the equipment and the work force to provide these kinds
of services to both large and small customers. Our primary goal is to enhance their profitability."
The growth of the Internet and ecommerce is another reason for outsourcing. "Product fulfillment
services are becoming a major part of our business," explains Curcio. "For example,
we process a significant drop ship volume for television shopping channels. We also provide product
fulfillment for sales generated by our clients' websites as well as catalog and mail order fulfillment."
RLS has the capacity of fulfilling up to 30,000 orders per day. "Our biggest advantage,"
says Curcio, "is our on-site warehousing facility that has over 200,000 sq. ft. of freezer,
cold and dry storage. As orders arrive we quickly pick, pack and ship via UPS, and post resulting
inventory and tracking data back to our customer."
RLS Logistics offers clean, safe and secure facilities. "Our equipment is fully automated,
everything is bar coded and we maintain strict inventory control," says Curcio. "Our
facility is routinely audited by the American Institute of Baking (AIB). We recently received
an "Excellent" rating for our entire operation." AIB auditors are involved in every
step of the food supply chain and are committed to ensuring the production, packing, and distribution
of safe, high-quality foods.
With customized packaging a growing segment of their business, RLS Logistics is looking to the
future. "We recently added the re-packing and storage of fruit and produce to our services,"
says Curcio. "We currently have three packaging lines and will soon add a fourth."
For more information on customized packaging services, contact Robert Curcio at 800.445.1789,
extension 37, or e-mail rcurcio@rlslogistics.com.
|
We've been doing business with
RLS for over 20 years. We depend on them to deliver our orders in good condition and in a timely
manner...
RLS provides warehousing, transportation
and distribution services at very competitive rates... |
SERVICES
