Transportation-Related Food Safety Act Rule Expected Soon
March 29, 2016
The proposed rule dictates a number of specific requirements, ranging from materials used to hand washing. While the rules are not expected to specify use of particular technologies, they are likely to require more data recording and tracking throughout the food and beverage supply chain.
<p><strong>FDA has said the rule would establish requirements for:</strong></p><p><strong>Vehicles and transportation equipment:</strong> The <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/industries/food-and-beverage/maximize-supply-chain/">design and maintenance of vehicles and transportation equipment </a>to ensure that it does not cause the food that it transports to become contaminated.</p><p><strong>Transportation operations: </strong>The measures taken during transportation to ensure food is not contaminated, such as adequate <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/industries/food-and-beverage/maximize-supply-chain/">temperature controls </a>and separation of food from non-food items in the same load.</p><p><strong>Information exchange:</strong> Procedures for exchange of information about prior cargos, cleaning of transportation equipment, and temperature control between the shipper, carrier and receiver, as appropriate to the situation.</p><p>For example, a carrier transporting bulk liquid non-dairy foods would want to ensure that vehicles that have previously hauled milk will not introduce allergens into non-dairy foods through cross-contact.</p><p><strong>Training:</strong> Training of <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/industries/food-and-beverage/maximize-supply-chain/">carrier personnel in sanitary transportation practices </a>and documentation of the training.</p><p><strong>Records:</strong> Maintenance of written procedures and records by carriers and shippers related to transportation equipment cleaning, prior cargos and temperature control.</p><p><strong>Waivers:</strong> Procedures by which the FDA will waive any of these requirements if it determines that the waiver will not result in the transportation of food under conditions that would be unsafe for human or animal health and that it is in the public interest.</p><p>The requirements likely are in line with best business practices most facilities already adhere to, but to prepare for the rules, shippers and logistics providers can begin identifying potential risk areas within the supply chain and either creating or perfecting their record-keeping systems.</p><p><em>By "Move Ahead" Staff</em></p></div>
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Moses spoke during the Trading Partner Alliance Supply Chain Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, earlier this year and outlined opportunities that exist within the fresh supply chain.
<h3>Alternative Delivery Methods</h3><p>The grocery channel is competing with a growing number of retailers, including c-stores and pharmacies, that are offering the same types of fresh products. “They’re competing with other channels where people can get in or out quicker or can get in and spend on higher margin items,” Moses said.</p><p>In order to compete, alternative delivery methods are likely to increase. These can range from courier-type deliveries to those completed by professional drivers, he said.</p><p>No matter which method retailers turn to, they will want to maintain a focus on their brand. “If you’re a big grocer, you have to consider someone is going to be showing up at the door of your customers and how well vetted that person is,” Moses said.</p><h3>Warehousing Capabilities</h3><p><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c98d0f693788f620a0406fd216891fc1" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="443cb" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTEyNzg5NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MDUxNjQ3Mn0.Su085haaMeeww3iYAb6JUVLqIPHANdKNHtfBPP4_E68/img.jpg?width=980"/>Not only are grocers considering alternative delivery methods, they are also increasing their fresh and grab-and-go offerings within the store. Both scenarios are having a ripple effect throughout the fresh supply chain, particularly within the warehouse.</p><p>“In warehouse you have pallet, case or each picking. With fresh, you get into more each-type picking,” he explained. “Within the realm of omni-channel commerce, this has all kinds of implications.”</p><p>Smaller, more frequent deliveries can change the way the warehouse slots and replenishes items. In addition, Moses added that some retailers are using their stores as the warehouse, which adds complexity to the supply chain.</p><h3>Technology Applications</h3><p>Moses said technology remains a top concern among partners within the fresh supply chain. “That is what is keeping their executives up at night,” he remarked, adding that executives are concerned with the process, implementation and adoption challenges related to transportation and warehouse management systems.</p><p>Moses said while technology facilitates the seamless movement of goods, it isn’t a core competency of grocers. Leveraging automation and the efficiencies TMS and WMS can provide can increase efficiency and profitability, he said.</p><p><em>By "Move Ahead" Staff</em></p></div>
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The team at Penske's new El Paso location includes Branch Rental Manager Santiago Vasquez, left, and Branch Service Manager Monty Apodaca.
<p>Penske Truck Leasing has opened an additional facility in El Paso, Texas, to provide greater convenience for truck rental, leasing and maintenance customers on the west side of El Paso and in southern New Mexico.</p><p>The facility at 4051 Doniphan Park Circle will offer <a href="https://www.pensketruckleasing.com/">truck leasing</a>, <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/">consumer</a> and <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/commercial-truck-rental/">commercial</a> truck rental and <a href="https://www.pensketruckleasing.com/">contract truck fleet maintenance</a> services.</p><p>Penske recently acquired and remodeled the 3,200-square-foot building, which features two service bays and a wash bay. The site is conveniently located just off Interstate 10.</p><p>“This additional site will provide greater convenience for customers in the west side of El Paso,” said Penske District Manager Fred Haddad. The company’s existing center is about 20 miles away on the eastern side of the city."</p><p>“In addition, this location will enable us to offer late-model trucks and state-of-the-art maintenance services to businesses and consumers in Las Cruces and the surrounding area in southern New Mexico,” Haddad said. “We look forward to supporting the area’s growing transportation needs, which are fueled by cross-border traffic and facilities such as a railroad and intermodal hub in nearby Santa Teresa, New Mexico.”</p><p>Consumer and commercial truck rentals are available from the facility at 4051 Doniphan Park Circle Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon.</p><p>Maintenance services for vehicles under contract with Penske are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to midnight, and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.</p><p>The phone number is 915-261-1113.</p><p><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5eedb5b0f42cb5681e701ee3812998a6" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="d68f0" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTEyNzg5Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MTI0MDM0NH0.SKfNalSxpzWkx6Rle_wktiom3XjWuvunQvpnOevYTiE/img.jpg?width=980"/></p></div>
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Spring Cleaning: Penske Can Help You Get Rid of Bulky Items
March 21, 2016
With the arrival of spring comes the much-anticipated – yet often dreaded – task of spring cleaning. So after you spend hours cleaning out your closets, attic and basement, what do you do with all those big, bulky belongings you no longer want?Penske Truck Rental has some advice.
<p><strong>Donate them: </strong>Remember the saying, “Another man’s trash is another man’s treasure”? Someone else might appreciate the used furniture you’re longing to remove from your home. Check with different charitable organizations in your community for the best donation options. <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/">Renting a Penske truck</a> can be a great way to deliver these items to your charity of choice.</p><p><strong>Put them in storage:</strong> Are some of your belongings making your house too cluttered? If you find you simply don’t have the space to store some of your items within your home – and donating them or junking them aren’t options – consider renting a Penske truck to safely transport them to a storage facility – and help keep your house clutter-free.</p><p><strong>Throw them away:</strong> If your larger belongings are broken, tattered and beyond repair, you can take them to your local waste management facility. A <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/moving-trucks/">Penske rental truck</a> will help you complete this task in one easy trip.</p><p>No matter what you decide to do with those unwanted belongings, you will now have plenty of clutter-free living space – just in time to kick your home into summer shape.</p><p>You can rent Penske trucks on a per-day and per-mile basis, so this is an economical option for post- spring cleaning tasks. Call a moving advisor at 1-800-GO-PENSKE or visit <a href="http://www.PenskeTruckRental.com">PenskeTruckRental.com</a> today.</p><p><em>By "Move Ahead" staff</em></p></div>
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Penske Launches New Truck Rental Website
March 18, 2016
Penske's new truck rental website enables businesses to reserve trucks using a mobile device.
<p>Penske Truck Rental has launched a new website with expanded mobile capabilities, enabling businesses to reserve trucks and customers to purchase supplies using their smartphones.</p><p>The new <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/">www.pensketruckrental.com</a> offers:</p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>The ability to make commercial truck reservations from mobile devices</li> <li>The ability to purchase boxes, moving supplies and additional services from mobile devices</li> <li>Mobile-friendly features such as searches using the customer’s current location</li></ul><p>“We’re always working to enhance our online channels to make it more convenient for people to get the trucks and services they need – whether it’s to move their family or grow their business,” said Don Mikes, Penske’s senior vice president of rental. “In addition to providing more mobile capabilities, our new site presents a seamless experience and consistent content, whether customers are viewing it from a mobile device, tablet or desktop.”</p><p><em>By “Move Ahead” Staff</em></p> </div>
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In the food industry, freshness drives business, but achieving that freshness is a complex process. Retailers are looking for more frequent, smaller deliveries of a wider variety of products and seeking greater assurances that food is kept safe throughout the supply chain. At the same time, a growing number of retailers are offering fresh food and they have higher expectations of service.
<p>To address the increasingly complex supply chain, logistics providers are working to support the fresh channel in a number of ways, said Joe Carlier, senior vice president of sales at Penske Logistics. Carlier was among several logistics executives speaking <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/industries/food-and-beverage/transportation-industry-challenges/">during the Trading Partner Alliance Supply Chain Conference </a>in New Orleans, Louisiana.</p><p>Here are some of his take-aways from the conference:</p><h3><b>The Latest Equipment</b></h3><p>Ensuring cold-chain compliance starts with spec'ing newer, late-model equipment that fits customers’ needs. Carlier said some customers benefit from trailers with multiple temperature zones—frozen, refrigerated and ambient, which allows carriers to haul products that require different temperatures.</p><p>Utilizing different types of equipment, such as box trucks, can make rapid replenishment feasible, speed deliveries and improve utilization. While traditional grocery items, such as milk and frozen foods, can travel on 53-foot trailers, rapid replenishment items and prepared grab-and-go foods can go on smaller, more agile trucks.</p><p>To improve safety and meet upcoming requirements under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Penske Logistics is investing in<a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/industries/food-and-beverage/cold-chain-success/"> temperature tracking technology </a>that monitors temperature fluctuations throughout the length of the trailer. “The timing of the alerts is critical so we can address any temperature fluctuations before it becomes an issue,” Carlier said.</p><p>He added that it's vital that your logistics providers be proactive when it comes to complying with FSMA requirements. “If you aren’t proactive, you’ll be looking in the rear-view mirror and everyone will be way ahead of you,” Carlier said.</p><h3><b>Improved Driver Utilization</b></h3><p>Drivers have always been a critical link in the supply chain, and that role is increasing within the fresh channel, which can sometimes require more driver involvement than deliveries within other industries.</p><p>Not only do your logistics providers have to hire the right type of individuals, they have to maximize drivers’ time, which is becoming even more important as the driver shortage worsens.</p><p>“In theory you have 14 hours available of a driver’s day. Looking at how many hours are being utilized efficiently, is on the lower end—maybe six to seven hours,” Carlier said.</p><p>Carlier said participants at the TPA conference discussed bottlenecks that occur at distribution centers. “You pull in and see a line of trucks leading to the dock. The interesting thing is probably 90 percent of those trucks that are waiting in line for more than an hour have a scheduled window time,” Carlier said, adding that the backlog can occur if the warehouse isn’t able to support the scheduled delivery times or if drivers arrive early or late.</p><p>Proper routing and labor management can help minimize wait times. Carlier said 3PLs are investing in technology that can speed the flow of information between shippers, the warehouse and transportation providers, which can help each party in the supply chain make adjustments as needed.</p><h3><b>Advanced Data Collection</b></h3><p><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e14339c2014d71a8178ce104540df588" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="28148" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTEyNzg4NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMzY1ODUxNH0.-7FXYt1FP8o7K6XlVZljFvX1D6JmzlTdsBXkKOOVfpM/img.jpg?width=980"/>Retailers are continually working to meet consumers’ needs, which means they need to predict purchasing behavior. Predicting that behavior can be more and more difficult as <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/industries/food-and-beverage/omni-channel-fulfillment/">omni-channel retailing </a>increases. Carlier said this could create opportunities for logistics providers in the future as retailers look to capture and decipher point-of-sale data from multiple supply chains.</p><p>“There are point-of-sale challenges everybody will be faced with as the consumer changes the way they purchase things,” Carlier said. “We’re still learning what this omni-channel, home delivery of groceries really looks like and if we can get to the point of collecting point-of-sale data and analyzing it the right way to help create efficiencies throughout the supply chain.”</p><h3><b>Overall Opportunities</b></h3><p>Carlier said the challenges within the supply chain are leading more and more retailers and food manufacturers to outsource their logistics needs so they can focus on their core competencies.</p><p>“There are so many different types of regulations, why would you want to do it yourself? Most people are not set up to support these new requirements,” Carlier said. “We’re growing substantially because there is a need. Technologies, processes and the assets used as part of this dynamic supply chain are changing every single day.”</p><p><em>By "Move Ahead" Staff </em></p></div>
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The United Way of Berks County presents Penske Truck Leasing with its Presidential Award to honor the company for being the organization’s top fundraiser for the 2015 campaign.
<p>The <a href="http://www.uwberks.org/wwwpub/">United Way of Berks County</a> presented <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/find_a_truck/">Penske Truck Leasing</a> with its Presidential Award to honor the company for being the organization’s top fundraiser for the 2015 campaign.</p><p>United Way campaign co-chairs Brad and Barbara Hall presented the award to Penske’s President and CEO Brian Hard at the company’s headquarters in Reading, Pennsylvania. The United Way also honored Penske for reaching a unique milestone by becoming the first and only company to raise over $1 million.</p><p>In accepting the award, Hard shared his appreciation of the work the United Way does for the community.</p><p>Hard also gave thanks to the Penske associates who helped make the 2015 campaign such a resounding success.</p><p>“I’m humbled to hear about all the wonderful things our associates do in the community through the United Way,” said Hard. “Thank you to each of you for your leadership and volunteerism. You each play an important role in the success of the United Way in Berks County.”</p><p>The Halls echoed this appreciation and praised Penske and its associates for their effort and hard work each year.</p><p>“We’re really proud to work with Penske,” said Brad Hall. “The things that you do really and truly are appreciated by the community.”</p><p>Through the efforts of the United Way at Work Committee, Penske is able to support the United Way on a year-round basis. Their efforts helped contribute to the $9.81 million total raised by the United Way in 2015.</p><p>“Unless there is a combination of great leadership and great people, numbers like these are difficult to achieve,” said Barbara Hall. “I can’t thank Penske enough for funding the campaign in such an enjoyable and energetic way.”</p><p>As a company, Penske has been one of the United Way’s top ten supporters each year since the Presidential Award’s inception in 1991.</p><p><em>By Tony Kozuch</em></p></div>
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Penske Launches New Advertising Effort
March 12, 2016
This week,Penske Truck Leasing launched a new digital advertising campaign promoting its full-service truck leasing, truck rental and logistics businesses. Read more about the campaign in this story by Kate Maddox from Advertising Age. View the new Penske video ads below.
<p><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c5c8817ec8d6f51744da0a2452669f24" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" type="lazy-iframe" scrolling="no" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0BPitsv5dgE?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="447e2d1f8a0353101e754425bc8d54f3" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" type="lazy-iframe" scrolling="no" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mjwiTGf5Ky0?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a5047dda01b8527a63814256250442c9" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" type="lazy-iframe" scrolling="no" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZvnlKGWKVmk?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="52476f2dae09bbc4278729ba4ee45065" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" type="lazy-iframe" scrolling="no" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ew7F6F5EKqw?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Penske will roll out b-to-b video campaign during March Madness <a href="https://t.co/mQPdinR9s0">https://t.co/mQPdinR9s0</a> <a href="https://t.co/eOLVh74TH1">pic.twitter.com/eOLVh74TH1</a></p><p>— Ad Age (@adage) <a href="https://twitter.com/adage/status/708498286349586432">March 12, 2016</a></p></blockquote><p></p><p><em>By Randy Ryerson</em></p></div>
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Penske UTI Scholarship Application Deadline Approaching
March 10, 2016
Universal Technical Institute students (UTI) are invited to apply for the Penske Truck Leasing Diesel Excellence Scholarship, a $3,000 scholarship awarded each quarter to up to three students.
<p>The scholarship was established in 2013 through a $100,000 gift to the UTI Foundation and is intended for students attending any of the UTI’s eight campuses across the country that offer an auto diesel-training program.</p><p>Each scholarship will help to offset educational expenses for qualifying UTI students who apply and meet the scholarship’s requirements, which include a written application and 3.5 GPA or higher. Current <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/">Penske</a> associates who are enrolled or who will enroll at UTI are also eligible.</p><p>The deadline to apply for the scholarship is March 31.</p><p>For more information, please visit the <a href="http://utifoundation.net/">UTI Foundation website</a>.</p><p><em>By “Move Ahead” Staff</em></p></div>
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Penske Receives Above and Beyond Award for Military Support
March 08, 2016
Penske Truck Leasing received an Above and Beyond Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for its continued efforts to support associates serving in the Guard and Reserve.
<p>Rodger Diehl, ESGR’s east central area representative, presented the award to Jennifer Sockel, Penske’s senior vice president of human resources, and to the Veterans Day Planning Committee during a brief ceremony at Penske’s headquarters in Reading, Pennsylvania.</p><p>According to the ESGR, the Above and Beyond Award is bestowed to companies “who provide exceptional support to their Guard and Reserve employees.” ESGR considered Penske for this honor after the company recently received several Patriot Awards – which recognizes individual supervisors for their supportive efforts to offer flexible schedules, provide time off prior to and after deployment, care for families and grant leaves of absence, if needed.</p><p>“When Patriot Awards start to accumulate, the ESGR recognizes that it’s more than just the supervisor supporting their employees. It’s the policies and how the company treats their Reservists and Guardsmen. It’s an honor for companies to receive this award,” Diehl said.</p><p>Penske’s <a href="http://blog.gopenske.com/news/penske-receives-patriot-award/">latest Patriot Award</a> stemmed from a nomination from John Adams, an IT engineering supervisor in Reading. Adams has served 25 years in the military: nine in active duty and 16 in the Reserve. Penske supported Adams when he was activated in 2003 and 2008. Adams again is on military leave and will return later this month.</p><p>In his 2015 nomination, he shared, “When I have personally been deployed, I received care packages and regular communication from my manager about my well-being and that of my family. My manager has been fully supportive of my commitment, whether it was for a day or a year for the past 15 years since I have been employed at Penske.”</p><p>Diehl praised Penske for supporting associates in the Guard and Reserve during a stressful time when they are away from their jobs and families.</p><p>“It’s so great when corporations like Penske support these guys,” Diehl said. “How you treat them and support them really helps them. It takes off the pressure.”</p><p>As Sockel accepted the award, she emphasized Penske’s commitment to supporting both Guard and Reservists and veterans. Last year, 11 percent of Penske new-hires were veterans.</p><p>“We’re very focused on helping our veterans transition into the workforce,” Sockel said. “We appreciate their values, work ethic and skills and truly value them within our organization. We’re honored to be recognized by the ESGR and other military organizations for our efforts, as it is a fitting testament to how Penske prioritizes our commitment to veterans.”</p><p>Penske has received these other ESGR awards:</p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li><a href="http://blog.gopenske.com/news/penske-logistics-associate-receives-award-for-supporting-army-national-guard/">David Catalano, a lead logistics provider manager, received a Patriot Award</a> for supporting James Jarkewicz, an operations supervisor, while serving in the Army National Guard.</li> <li><a href="http://blog.gopenske.com/news/u-s-military-guard-and-reserve-recognizes-penske/">Penske received two ESGR awards</a> after Leon Troy, a maintenance manager trainee in Burlington, N.J., nominated Penske’s Metro New York area and his supervisors for their support of his commitment to the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves.</li></ul><p>For the sixth year, Penske is a top 100 Military-Friendly Employer on a list published by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs and Military Spouse magazines.</p><p><em>By Kandace Wertz</em></p></div>
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Penske Logistics is Sponsor for WERC Warehousing Conference
March 07, 2016
Penske Logistics is a Champion sponsor of the upcoming Warehousing Education and Research Council’s (WERC) 39th annual conference. It will be held at the Rhode Island Convention Center, in Providence, Rhode Island, from May 15 to May 18.
<p></p><p>“We are pleased to be a Champion level sponsor,” said <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/about/leadership-team/andy-moses/">Andy Moses</a>, Penske Logistics senior vice president of global products.</p><p>“Last year we were very happy with the turnout at our booth and we ‘Turned Your Warehouse on Its Head’ during our presentation,” he continued. “This year we’re excited to present ‘Accelerating Warehouse Innovation’ to provide a road map and examples of how Penske has delivered warehouse solutions.”</p><p>Penske’s exhibit in the solutions center will be featuring a full spectrum of solutions for the distribution industry, with special emphasis on the automotive, industrial and food and beverage verticals.</p><p><em>By “Move Ahead” Staff</em></p></div>
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