Increasing Hazmat Cargo and Staying Nimble in a Changing Geopolitical Environment

On this episode, J.C. chats with John Foshee, President and Co-Founder of Porter Logistics which operates 1M million square feet of Chemical 3PL warehouse space in Savannah and & Atlanta. John breaks down the geopolitical ramifications for the chemical industry in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, changing trends due to increased manufacturing in the US, and how 3PL's can best service the needs of the market.

About Porter Logistics

Porter Logistics is a leading 3pl headquartered in Atlanta offering comprehensive third-party logistics services to some of the leading brands, manufacturers, retailers, and direct sellers in the world. Specializing in regulated industries like Food & Beverage, HAZMAT Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Nutraceutical, and Cold Storage in Atlanta. Porter Logistics has a solution for products requiring extensive compliance and regulatory scrutiny, including Hazmat chemical warehousing in Port markets like Savannah GA.

With Porter Logistics, brands are able to achieve economies of scale, reduce spend, and bring omnichannel operations under one roof to drive revenue growth and reduce complexity in their supply chain.

About IWLA

The International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) is the only trade association that represents the interests of warehouse-based-third-party logistics (3PL) providers across North America through advocacy, business services, networking, and education.

Warehousing Unboxed: Inside the Port of Long Beach

On this episode of Warehousing Unboxed, we go behind the scenes at one of the most important trade gateways in North America—the Port of Long Beach.

We’re joined by Joel Perler, Manager of International Engagement & Strategic Advocacy in the Government Relations Division at the Port of Long Beach, for a concise and insightful 10–15 minute conversation. Joel breaks down how the port operates, the scale of cargo moving through its terminals, and the trends shaping port traffic in recent years.

Listeners will learn:

• How much cargo and vessel traffic the Port of Long Beach handles
• What types of goods move through the port
• What makes the Port of Long Beach unique compared to other ports
• Why shippers, logistics providers, and warehouse operators rely on it
• What to expect from the Port of Long Beach’s popular 90-minute boat tour
• Practical tips for anyone planning to take the tour

This episode ties directly into IWLA programming, as the Port of Long Beach tour is included with the IWLA Essentials of Warehousing event (January 27–30) and is also part of the IWLA California Chapter meeting on January 29.

January 29 Schedule Highlights:

• 11:00 a.m. – Noon: Legislative update from FJK and a California legislator (Hilton Long Beach)
• Noon – 12:30 p.m.: Lunch at Hilton Long Beach
• 12:30 – 1:00 p.m.: California Chapter members depart for the port
• 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.: Special speaker at the port
• 1:30 – 2:00 p.m.: Port of Long Beach preview with key port officials
• 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.: 90-minute Port of Long Beach boat tour

Whether you’re a warehouse operator, 3PL professional, or simply curious about how global trade flows through Southern California, this episode offers a clear, engaging look at the Port of Long Beach—and why it matters to the warehousing and logistics industry.

With Gen Z representing 35-40% of fulfillment workers and demanding modern technology experiences, industrial properties must evolve beyond traditional "four walls" thinking to accommodate new workforce expectations, or risk obsolescence in an increasingly competitive market.

Dan Salazar, Senior Vice President of Sales and Partnerships at Logiwa, joins J.C. to discuss how his organization is adapting to this changing landscape? Salazar explains why it is important that industrial properties recognize this demographic shift and provides a few tips to connect with Gen Z.

For more information about Logiwa, visit https://www.logiwa.com/.

In this episode of Warehousing Unboxed, we talk fire protection with Steve Kowkabany of The Vertex Companies, a leading expert in warehouse safety and compliance and Eric Byer, President & CEO of the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD).

Steve shares the most common challenges warehouses face—from sprinkler protection to PFAS foam replacement—and how operators can address them. Learn practical steps to safeguard your facility, meet code requirements, and prepare for emerging risks in modern warehousing.

Eric discusses partnerships with Vertex Companies and IWLA.

For more information, visit: https://www.auditsafetyknow.com/

Welcome to Warehousing Unboxed, an IWLA podcast.

Today we are unboxing another hot topic that affects many warehouse owners across North America, and around the world – industry changes and technology affecting the world of fulfillment. We are also going to showcase the Fulfillment Forum that takes place August 7-8 in Toronto, Ontario.

Today’s episode is entitled, “Logistics Unpacked: Tech, Trends, and the Fulfillment Forum”.

Today we are joined by Steve Congro, Vice President at Saddle Creek Logistics Services.

Today we are unboxing a hot topic that affects many warehouse owners across America and around the world – the trials and tribulations of running a family-owned business.

Today’s episode is entitled, “Family, Freight & Friction: Life Inside a Family-Owned 3PL”.

At IWLA, a large portion of our membership is represented by family-owned businesses, and they take great pride in their work.

Jay C. is joined by Jordi Wills, President of Wills Transfer Limited, Jere Van Puffelen, Chairman and founder of Prism Logistics, and Jeremy Van Puffelen, President of Prism Logistics and our guests provide personal accounts of the challenges and joys of running a family-owned company.

Enjoy the podcast!

P.S. - We are less than two weeks out from the IWLA Annual Convention & Expo in Tucson, Arizona and as u can imagine, thing are chaotic here at our headquarters. There is a lot of hard work that goes into this premiere industry event, and our staff is buzzing.

We are very excited to Power Up Your Warehouse at the JW Marriott in Tucson, and we have some great speakers, sessions, and surprises planned for you.

The 2025 IWLA Legislative Fly-In is just around the corner! Join fellow members and the IWLA Government Affairs team April 1-2 in Washington, DC. In this episode of Warehousing Unboxed, IWLA Director of Strategic Initiatives Jay Capron (JC) and IWLA Government Affairs Coordinator Bruce Linderman speak with Ryder Senior Director Corporate Affairs Sara Wellman and Belts Logistics Vice President Chris Brown.

Both Sarah and Chris joined the IWLA team for the 2024 Legislative Fly-In and they share their experiences.

Register for the 2025 IWLA Legislative Fly-In today! https://cvent.me/ykG9Dq

The holiday season is upon us, and we are feeling festive for our final episode of 2024!

Join Bob Moran, CEO and Principal at First Logistics and Troy Cochran, Pricing Manager at ODW Logistics as they share 'Warehouse Horror Stories of the Past, Present, and Future'.

Tiny Tim and Scrooge do not make an appearance, however you will hear stories ranging from major hazmat spills to automation nightmares, plus a real-life horror story featuring the Ghost of Christmas...TAX?

Angela Moore Education Specialist and IWLA Canada leads this fascinating discussion featuring two guests with decades of experience in the 3PL and Logistics Industry.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from all of us at IWLA!

Dive into the critical impact of the upcoming election on the 3PL industry. Joined by returning guests Doug Sibila (Peoples Services) and Mark DeFabis (IDS Fulfillment), IWLA President & CEO Jay Strother leads a discussion on how legislative changes could shape the future of warehousing and logistics.

From labor laws to safety regulations, this episode explores the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for 3PL companies as they navigate the complexities of an evolving regulatory landscape.

In this episode of Warehousing Unboxed: An IWLA Podcast, we're diving deep into the critical role of parcel shipping in modern 3PL operations. With the rise of e-commerce and shifting consumer expectations, mastering parcel logistics has become essential. Join us as we discuss the biggest challenges, strategies, and customer expectations in the parcel landscape with experts Mike DeFabis, CRO of IDS Fulfillment, and Coby Nilsson, CEO & Co-Founder of Enveyo. Don't miss this insightful conversation, sponsored by Enveyo.