At Porter Logistics, our clients are our top priority, and Nick Keaton plays a vital role in maintaining these relationships. As the Client Integration Manager, Nick focuses on building enduring relationships based on trust, communication, and integrity. Nick has spent six years in the Warehouse Logistics industry.
Before joining Porter Logistics, he worked in medical logistics and as an Operational Supervisor for UPS. His strong work ethic and attention to detail make him a valuable leader at Porter Logistics.
Outside of work, Nick enjoys hiking with his fiancée. If he were ever stranded on an island, he’d have the essentials: a guitar, an umbrella, and a comfortable chair. His idea of a perfect day involves being on an island or in the mountains with his fiancée, their future dog, some fine wine, and no obligations. Sounds like a fine day indeed! We appreciate everything you do for our clients, Nick, and for continually elevating the Porter Logistics brand!
Congratulations to Porter Logistics Employee of the Month honorees! This month, we are recognizing Alexis Williams, Aaron Lewis, and Ydrekous Cooper for their unwavering dedication. Each one plays a crucial role in the success of Porter Logistics. We are privileged to acknowledge their hard work this month.
We are pleased to announce that both of Porter’s facilities have been audited by AIB International and received a score of 960 / 1000. Porter now operates over 600,000 sq. ft of Food Grade Warehousing that adheres to the highest quality standards.
Receiving an exceptional score on a food grade warehouse audit is not just a validation of operational excellence but also a testament to unwavering commitment to food safety and quality standards. Such an achievement reflects the dedication and meticulousness of every member of the team, from frontline workers to top management. It’s a moment of pride and celebration, acknowledging the collective effort invested in maintaining the highest standards of hygiene, cleanliness, and organization within the facility.
Thanks to the team who worked very hard on this accomplishment and our Manager of Operational Excellence, Brandy Wood, for leading the charge on this.
In recent years, the Houthi insurgency in Yemen has had a profound impact on trade routes through the Red Sea, disrupting one of the world’s busiest and most critical maritime passages. The Houthi rebels, who seized control of the Yemeni capital Sana’a in 2014 and later expanded their control over large swathes of the country, have been engaged in a protracted conflict with the internationally recognized government of Yemen, backed by a Saudi-led coalition. This conflict has not only resulted in widespread human suffering but has also significantly disrupted global trade flows, particularly through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a crucial chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
The Houthi presence in Yemen has led to heightened security concerns for vessels navigating through the Red Sea. The rebels have carried out numerous attacks on commercial ships, including oil tankers, using both conventional weaponry and asymmetric tactics such as naval mines and remote-controlled explosive-laden boats. These attacks have prompted maritime insurers to increase premiums for ships passing through the region and have forced many shipping companies to reroute their vessels, adding considerable time and cost to their journeys.
Porter’s clients have been adversely affected, with shipping times delayed significantly for 4+ clients. We had expected to receive 200 containers of Tea from Sri Lanka by February, the first are just now hitting our docks in the first week of April. We hope and pray for the safe and swift resolution of this conflict so business can resume as normal.
Photo by CHUTTERSNAP Unsplash
Porter Logistics is pleased to announce that we have successfully passed the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) verification. This achievement reiterates our company’s commitment to demonstrating expertise, stewardship, and professionalism in ensuring the highest quality, safety, sustainability, and performance through ACD Responsible Distribution.
Established in 1991, Responsible Distribution is a comprehensive set of environmental, health, safety, security, and sustainability standards that continuously improve every aspect of chemical storage, handling, transportation, and disposal.
The program verifies facilities against guiding principles, including strict adherence to laws and regulations. It also encourages participation in forming responsible laws, regulations, and practices to protect the community, workplace, and environment.
Participation in Responsible Distribution offers significant benefits such as fewer safety and environmental incidents, and improved business practices that are safer, socially responsible, and environmentally friendly. It also enhances communication with local communities and encourages continuous improvement in sustainability and innovation through recognized best practices and strict regulatory adherence.
In a recent CNBC report titled “Why U.S. Ports Are Getting a $21 Billion Upgrade”, the US is getting serious about port infrastructure.
This transformative investment holds profound implications for the logistics and warehousing industry, and it’s imperative for businesses involved in this sector to take note.
This substantial infusion of funds is geared towards enhancing the efficiency and capacity of key ports nationwide. It’s a development that couldn’t come at a more opportune time, given the surging demand for streamlined transportation and warehousing solutions. The upgrade aims to alleviate the longstanding congestion and bottlenecks that have hindered the seamless operation of U.S. ports, which is a welcome relief for companies dependent on their smooth functioning.
A pivotal aspect of this expansive upgrade is the expansion of Atlanta warehousing facilities. For businesses seeking to optimize their supply chains and distribution strategies, these improved facilities will be invaluable.
In summary, CNBC’s insightful report sheds light on the momentous $21 billion investment poised to transform U.S. ports and revolutionize logistics and supply chain operations. The spotlight on Atlanta warehousing underscores its critical role in this upgrade, offering businesses a golden opportunity to bolster their distribution networks.
ABOUT: In the fast-paced, sometimes wacky world of logistics we come across fun cross docking projects that are short-term in nature. Refused loads, last minute requests….in the Porter Logistics mantra of “always flexible,” we’re happy to answer the bell for our compatriots in the logistics industry. Cross docking in Atlanta is a critical component of JIT (Just in time) Logistics that creates efficiencies in the supply chain by avoiding storage costs. Loads come in by container, are put on the “Cross dock,” and then inventory is apportioned to outgoing deliveries for their final destination. Typical time on the dock is less than 48 hours (for more info on Cross Docking, go here.) Note that the Cross Dock Chronicles are written tongue-in-cheek, often poorly written, and commentary should rarely, if ever, be taken literally.
Project 1: The MONSTARS are COMING
For a lot of 90’s kids, including this writer, Michael Jordan and his transcendent work – Space Jam, was a childhood retreat into the world of sport and fantasy. If you’re unfamiliar with the plot, Space Jam is the tale of an epic struggle against inter-planetary aliens, The MONSTARS. The format? Basketball game. The stakes? The future of the human race. Michael Jordan, along with Bugs, Bunny, Daffy, Duck, and the incomparable Bill Murray save humanity from enslavement through their ability to persevere through struggle and wholesome mastery of the alley-oop.
Notwithstanding the transparent cash grab by Warner Brothers (in this writer’s opinion) to remake the timeless classic……wait a second, isn’t this column about Logistics & Cross-docking? Let’s back on track.
When Warner Brothers (not really), called Porter Logistics – they were in desperate need to house props (disclaimer, this is not true) for the assuredly inferior remake (almost assuredly true) for the new Space Jam. Some basketball goals had been tied up and needed a home so that the bean-counters could figure where to house these next. The team hopped on it, said a prayer to the unquestioned GOAT (MJ if anyone is wondering), and got to work. The hardware was off-loaded with tender care and then reloaded safely and securely.
Project 2: The Claw is Law
Can you say “perfect timing?” After a long, nasty 2020 beset by COVID-19, 2021 is sure to be a year of hope and is there anymore indication that a return to normalcy is coming than stores starting to ramp up their stock of White Claw?
Porter Logistics got the call from our exceptional freight brokerage friends, Total Quality Logistics. A driver had an alcoholic seltzer problem that needed fixing, namely some pallets has disintegrated and needed rebuilding and rewrapping. Our team didn’t hesitate to answer the bell, practically salivating at the opportunity to rebuild pallets full of that sweet sweet nectar of ATL pool party season.
We could hear phantom Lana del Ray pumping through the walls, the primal urge to turn Porter Logistics’ into a warehouse rave party tempered by the realization that this would violate the five “S’ of lean warehousing (Sort, Set, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) as enforced by our inimitable Director of Operations. Sigh. We’ll have to settle for enabling all of you degenerates to enjoy your BBQ’s and pool days.
Project 3: The Canadiens are Coming, The Canadiens are Coming
Paul Bunyan, famed 8 foot-tall, 300 pound French-Canadian lumberjack with a penchant for incredible feats of strength, would have been proud of the Porter-Logistics team for handling our client’s product with the deft hand of a full-time woodsman. No, we’re not talking about Maple Syrup – but that #1 export of our neighbors to the North, Grade-A Lumber.
Our client required a number of specialty services: non-standard pallets, fork-lifting simultaneously in tandem, and banding services to ensure their precious cargo didn’t get loose in transport. Paul undoubtedly would have been confused by the flat-bed trailer in lieu of his trusty sidekick “Babe,” the blue ox. A sign of the times Paul, a sign of these modern times.
Another day, another dollar (US Dollar, that is).
As Paul, would say “au revoir” – until next time kids.
The Porter Logistics Team
In the logistics industry, our vendors are everything. The difference in a happy or unhappy customer. A profitable engagement or a money loser. In the spirit of celebrating our local vendors, we celebrate them and the value they bring to our industry.
This month we’re excited to honor the Crushr team! The husband-wife team of Shannon & Brandon Reynolds are helping Porter Logistics with our green initiatives and also bringing awesome cost savings to our business. Most people don’t think of trash a large expense, but it really adds up when business is heavy.
When Alex (Crushr technician / sales savant) first visited our facility we were extremely skeptical. He promised us less down time, a better-looking facility, and that he’d save us money.
So obviously we told him to get lost and that we didn’t want any of the snake oil he was selling! He’s persistent though and finally we agreed to talk, “OK, what’s this all about?” It’s a deceptively simple idea, the dumpster company comes to pick up trash when the dumpster is full and you get charged. Every time there’s a pickup, a charge follows. But what if you could triple or even quadruple your existing dumpster capacity, and thus reduce your pickups? The answer is Crushr.
We reluctantly agreed to a free demo and were surprisingly impressed with the results!
1. Our dumpster that we thought was full was all of a sudden ¼ full
2. We immediately saved 50% on our hauling costs
3. The Crushr machine looks really cool so we took some pictures in front of the warehouse (see image)
In terms of cost savings, Crushr has reduced our refuse removal costs by 75% and as a bonus we’ve been able to promote them as one of our green initiatives to prospective clients. At a cost effective rate, the ROI has been stellar. They’re way more than just an Atlanta dumpster service.
They’ve also been great partners to work with and we’d recommend them to almost any business unless you just hate saving money in which case you definitely should keep paying all that money to your hauling company.
In the fast-paced, sometimes wacky world of logistics we come across fun cross docking projects that are very short-term in nature. Cross docking in Atlanta is a critical component of JIT (Just in time) Logistics that creates efficiencies in the supply chain by avoiding storage costs. Loads come in by container, are put on the “Cross dock,” and then inventory is apportioned to outgoing deliveries for their final destination. Typical time on the dock is less than 48 hours (for more info on Cross Docking, go here.)
Client 1: The United States MINT
In one of the wackier calls we’ve received, the US Mint reached out to Porter Logistics looking for a home for pallets containing 2000 LB bags of nickels. Yes, that nickel – the one with Thomas Jefferson’s mug all over it and comprised of 75{dcfbef177b452fa95c9a2a231a6698db2b4a56b7c9bd4d99399418f9838d54fe} copper and only 25{dcfbef177b452fa95c9a2a231a6698db2b4a56b7c9bd4d99399418f9838d54fe} nickel (coin needs renaming, anyone?)
Their contracted provider didn’t have the equipment to off-load and thus a steadier hand was needed and for a 36 hour period, Porter Logistics was the proud custodian of a small portion of Uncle Sam’s currency.
Client 2: The Fast and Furious
Vin Diesel called Porter Logistics looking for a brief home for the latest 2 Fast, 2 Furious props.
Just kidding that was a lie, client confidentiality. You understand.
Regardless, at Porter Logistics we like to live our lives a quarter mile at a time. When someone urgently needed a cross docking solution for their high-end motorcycles, Porter Logistics was there to answer the call. This one was problematic, the bikes we’re almost exactly the width of the container and our dock doors. Luckily our operators have the finesse and steady hands of elite-tier brain surgeons (seriously though) and we were able to get the bikes off with no damage.
*Note that Porter Logistics does not endorse street racing, only high-end, quality logistics services.
That concludes the inaugural edition of the Cross Dock Chronicles, look forward to next time.
Cheers,
The Porter Logistics Team
Every month, MyPorter honors one of our broker partners who exemplify excellence in client service and innovative problem-solving approaches within the industrial real estate market.
Porter Logistics works with industrial broker-partners to solve their clients’ pain points when they aren’t served best by traditional long-term leases or sub-leases. Brokers who are tasked with finding solutions under uncertain parameters and length of contract requirements can turn to MyPorter for a flexible suite of warehouse space and logistics services. We compensate industrial brokers for their referrals based on industry standard rates.
In our inaugural award, we would like to honor the broker team of David Dixon & William Monico at NAI Brannen Goddard in Atlanta, Georgia. Below you can find some fun facts and approach to business that makes them so successful as a team.
David is a Managing Director at NAIBG and is a long-time industry veteran across multiple commercial real estate verticals. He has received numerous honors from the Atlanta commercial real estate community for his outstanding work, including the 2019 ACBR Phoenix Award for ten consecutive years of membership in the Million Dollar Club. But for David, it’s not all about numbers:
“My greatest source of pride—besides my daughter and best snow-skiing buddy, Poppy—continues to be the loyalty and trust of my clients. More than 90{dcfbef177b452fa95c9a2a231a6698db2b4a56b7c9bd4d99399418f9838d54fe} of those who partner with me become repeat clients, and many become friends. A born-and-raised Atlantan, I’m continually grateful for the opportunity to help fellow entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders grow their companies and their impact in our community—and in every community they call home“
-David Dixon
Some Stats about David:
Age: 43
Hobbies: Snow skiing; hiking; rock climbing; golf; traveling abroad; spending time with my 8yr daughter
History: Has lived in Atlanta all his life; born in Atlanta and has lived on 3 continents and traveled to 60+ countries
School: Samford University
William is an associate with NAIBG and supports David in both landlord and tenant representation. A UGA graduate, William is dedicated to helping both his office and industrial clients find the right solution for their needs.
Some Stats about William:
Age: 24
Hobbies: Golf, Georgia Football, F1 Racing, Gym, Traveling, The Lake
History: Born in Philadelphia but long-time Atlanta resident
School: University of Georgia
Lets get to know David and William:
What does the Dixon-Monico Team do for NAI Brannen Goddard?
What is your Client-Service Philosophy?
Engagement Approach: When prospecting and winning new business the most important part is the relationship with the prospective client. After the relationship is built, William and I pride ourselves on being the best in Atlanta, with our knowledge of the market and owners within the market. We highly value the way we complete each deal.
Why Our Clients Value Us: Clients should and do work with us because of the engagement and personal attention to detail we provide each client, whether they are 200 square feet or 200k square feet. Clients choose to work with us repeatedly because of the professionalism and the way we manage the process after the deal is signed, unlike any other team in the Atlanta market. We will assist our clients with moving references, cabling references, IT providers and architects, etc. We help our clients every step of the way from finding a property until they move into the space.
What do you enjoy about your Industry and NAI Brannen Goddard?
Industry: Our industry provides the freedom to build a business to serve our clients across a wide variety of business fields from mortgage companies to supply chain companies to video/movie production studios. Our main goal is to help our clients save money on one of their biggest expenses on the balance sheet. It is rewarding for us to see the result of hard work and the success of our clients.
NAI Brannen Goddard: NAI Brannen Goddard is the best firm to be partnered with from any other firm because of the leadership and the people within. NAI Brannen Goddard is unique because we are locally owned but have the national reach to handle deals across the country. Every person at NAI is committed to integrity and to serving their clients, while helping them achieve maximum savings for their wide range of real estate needs. NAI is a fun place to work as we enjoy working with one another, and the camaraderie is unlike any other firm I have ever been apart. We are thankful to call NAI our work home.
How has working with MyPorter Commercial benefitted you and your clients?
MyPorter has been a very beneficial solution to our client’s warehousing needs. Our clients are typically growing at a very rapid rate and need to meet demand while they are finishing building a new warehouse or need a flexible solution. MyPorter was the perfect solution when other landlords were not willing to do a short-term lease. Our clients would not have been able to get up and running in the warehouse so quickly without MyPorter’s infrastructure. MyPorter has been a pleasure to work with and cannot recommend them enough for any stopgap or short-term warehousing needs.
