Supply Chain Solutions

Caruso can assist retailers/wholesalers, grower/shippers, consumer packaged/dry good manufacturers, marketing at-retail producer companies/advertising agencies as well as third party logistics providers with supply chain optimization. Our facility is perfectly suited to implement the following programs:

1. Refrigerated or dry, public warehousing or contracted/dedicated storage
   We have a 155,000 square foot facility including 30,000 square feet of refrigerated space as well as a climate controlled shipping/receiving dock. We adhere to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point programs (HACCP) as well as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) that are third party certified by the American Institute of Baking (AIB). Our facility is certified to handle organic products. We also utilize a closed circuit, digitally recorded, third party monitored security system.
2. (Multi) Vendor consolidation and re-distribution
   Caruso's company owned and operated delivery fleet ensure reliable deliveries of our customers' products. We have a 12 state, 500 mile distribution radius. Our new 2006 International air ride tractors haul 53' extra wide air ride trailers with Thermo King reefers. All of our drivers carry Nextel communication systems including GPS capabilities. Through strategic partnerships, we can also manage deliveries throughout the entire Midwest, Southeast and Northeast.
3. Pick, pack, kitting, assembly and fulfillment
   We run eight (re)packing/assembly lines that utilize shrink and stretch wrap machines as well as heat tunnels. We also employ robust information technologies including I Trade platform and VPNs to better optimize VMI performance metrics. We create a true virtual warehouse for our partners by offering a state of the art, real time inventory management system with ordering capabilities via a web secure, customized private network
4. Railcar transloading
   Caruso is serviced by the Norfolk Southern and is the Midwest transload center for Union Pacific Distribution Services (UPDS), a national rail based logistics provider and wholly owned subsidiary of the Union Pacific Railroad. We can transport product to and from grower/shippers or manufacturer to retailer or distributor in a seamless, economical, Just-In-Time manner utilizing rail, trucks and warehousing. This multimodel program combines the economies of long haul rail service with the flexibility of over the road movements and one single bill to equal a total transportation package customized to meet specific customer needs. We are the only UPDS transload partner in their system with produce experience. We have the ability to manage in excess of 50 railcars per week. Our produce transload program consists of full quality assurance and repacking capabilities.

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Contact Jim Caruso for further information about our supply chain solutions programs.