Penske Logistics Honored as FCA 2020 Supplier of the Year
Penske Logistics was named Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Supplier of the Year in the Logistics Services Suppliers category during the virtual 2020 North America Annual Supplier Conference and Awards program held on October 23.
Penske Logistics provides Lead Logistics Provider (LLP) services in support of FCA's inbound freight into manufacturing locations operations, services within their international network and support for the outbound finished vehicles network.
During the program, FCA recognized 31 supplier partners across a total of 19 categories. The FCA Supplier of the Year awards recognize companies that have shown exceptional commitment to FCA, providing innovative and quality products and services.
Award recipients were determined based on an evaluation of each company's 2019 supplier scorecard performance – a rating system that evaluates supplier performance in quality, delivery, cost and warranty – and input from FCA senior leadership.
Marc Althen, Penske Logistics president: "We are honored to receive the FCA Supplier of the Year Award for logistics services and we thank the FCA team for this recognition. We are proud to receive recognition for our industry-leading technology, tools and processes that benefit our customer. We also commend and thank our associates for their incredible work in supporting FCA, which makes an award like this possible."
"The transformational changes we made in 2019 built a strong foundation for the wave of product launches coming out of FCA, and today we spotlighted those suppliers who took their work to the next level," said Martin Horneck, head of purchasing and supply chain management, FCA - North America. "These are the 'best of the best' in our industry and they will continue playing a leading role in our collective success."
Posing with the Whirlpool Dedicated Fleet Carrier of the Year hardware are Penske associates, from left: Jason Fry, operations manager; and Tim Warner, senior operations manager. 
Alex Graniewicz is the new leader for Penske Logistics Mexico.
Shippers have always had to be concerned about potential supply chain disruptions. Now a drought is altering the size of ships that can pass through the Panama Canal, which could alter shipping patterns and transportation needs.
Panama Canal Authority originally said the change would take effect on September 8 with another adjustment possible on September 16, but subsequent rainfall has enabled the authority to suspend restrictions. The limit would have affected an estimated 18.5 percent of ships traveling through the canal, resulting in negative consequences for some companies, particularly those that rely on just-in-time inventory. While the rainfall provided current relief, the situation requires an urgent call for strong contingency planning.
Sales Director Fabricio Orrigo will host one of several think tanks to be held, on the lead logistics provider concept.