When you’re a leading operator in the tank container industry with a global presence and multiple specializations to boot, no day is the same. For NewPort Tank Containers, their workdays span time zones, and cultures, so even the concept of a “day” loses meaning. Even so, their commitment to innovation, safety, and customer satisfaction has positioned them as a trusted partner in the global logistics network.
NewPort Tank has recently partnered with Shaker Logistics to meet their depot-to-depot transportation needs in the continental United States. As another actor on the logistics stage, Shaker has an acute understanding of the industry pressures logistics partners often face. We connected with the NewPort Tank team to talk about what makes their company stand out in the global market and the value of a trusted logistics partner.
A Top Tank Partner
A successful ISO tank operation since its inception in 1995, NewPort Tank has a diverse portfolio of customers in a variety of industries including chemical, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals. Their unparalleled commitment to exceptional customer service and safety helps them rise above the competition and stay at the top.
For NewPort, customer satisfaction is a key focus. Their unique software allows customers to easily access their team and services, allowing clients to streamline their operations and become more efficient. NewPort also boasts an extensive global network, enabling them to provide seamless transportation solutions across multiple continents.
A logistics partner who can move everything from hazardous liquids to food goods is backed by a creative team. To stay on top of their game (and the competition), NewPort fosters a culture of curiosity and exploration. Their team is constantly doing research into new markets and innovative technology, allowing them to remain at the forefront of their specialized industry.
In character with their exploratory spirit, NewPort is currently updating its customer portal to a more modern interface complete with advanced tracking systems and automation for increased customer satisfaction. NewPort’s team said, “Our ongoing evolution towards a more digital company and our commitment to enhancing efficiency through automation while maintaining meaningful human interaction, is at the heart of our future plans. As we say at NewPort – growth is in our DNA!”
Global Network Management Brings Global Challenges
Serving clients in diverse industries while keeping pace with the latest industry and technological advancements is already a lot to manage. Now imagine doing all of this across a global logistics network. NewPort Tank’s team said that one of their greatest challenges is maintaining clear and effective communication across different time zones and cultural contexts. Ensuring that all associates and customers have access to real-time information is critical for smooth operations. Additionally, navigating varying regulatory environments and logistical complexities in different regions requires a high level of coordination and flexibility.
These challenges, inherent to managing a global network, require a lot of bandwidth to navigate. With so much to keep tabs on, it can be difficult to manage smaller details for movements between customer-facing shipments. Global logistics partners need partners of their own, which is where Shaker comes in.
Identifying Challenges and Delivering Solutions
While NewPort is diligently sending tanks across oceans and borders, the team at Shaker Logistics is helping them set up for their next move. When NewPort’s customers are done with an ISO tank, it gets transported back to a port depot in the US to be prepared for the next customer. Shaker’s team of logistics specialists works closely with our network of carriers to organize and manage tank transportation to and from depots, cleaning stations, and storage areas. For our high-profile customers like NewPort, every second counts, so we ensure that they won’t waste any time waiting for an available tank.
Joe Ferraro, one of Shaker’s sales professionals, spoke about our approach to supporting customers with large operations: “Their job is to look at the big picture, so it’s our responsibility to dig into the details and take some items off their plate. We need to identify potential pain points and provide remedies before the customer even asks, and make sure everything is done professionally so the customer continues to look great to their clients.”
One challenge Shaker identified is that NewPort’s carrier needs are highly specific. Their tanks move on flatbeds, and some tanks contain hazardous material residue that requires special certification to move. In a good freight market flatbed carriers are hard to find, while in a tight freight market, they’re nearly impossible to pin down. One of Shaker’s logistics specialists, Austin Celii, addressed this by building a network of qualified carriers stationed along NewPort’s regular routes so service would always be available, even at the last minute. As NewPort’s service evolved, Austin updated our carrier network to suit their needs.
Shaker identified another challenge that sometimes occurred at depots. Joe said, “Sometimes a third-party like the depot doesn’t do exactly what’s on the paperwork, like loading the wrong tank. We started proactively calling the depots to make sure everyone knows which tank is supposed to go where, and it’s made a difference. We took care of it so NewPort didn’t have to add it to their to-do list.”
To address any challenge, the team at Shaker firmly believes in the power of photography. Whenever possible, Shaker’s logistics specialists ask drivers to send pictures of the freight for visual confirmation that the item was picked up and is being secured with the right equipment. “With these tanks, it’s especially important,” Joe said. “The number on the tank in the picture has to match the number on our paperwork, and it’s always helpful to have a visual capture of the tank’s conditions for the customer’s records.”
The Value of a Partnership with Shaker
Though NewPort and Shaker both speak the language of logistics, it’s truly the team behind the loads that makes a partnership worthwhile. Joe described the value of Shaker’s partnership with NewPort, saying, “They’re great communicators. We never have to guess where they need us to be, which allows us to dedicate time to really dig into challenges and deliver custom solutions.”
NewPort’s team said about Shaker Logistics, “They set themselves apart as a transportation partner through their commitment to personalized service, reliability, and a deep understanding of their clients’ specific needs. Their ability to tailor logistics solutions, backed by a flexible and responsive team, ensures that even the most complex supply chain challenges are handled efficiently. Additionally, Shaker’s investment in technology and transparent communication enables real-time tracking and data-driven insights, fostering trust and collaboration. Their customer-centric approach, combined with a strong focus on operational excellence, makes Shaker a standout partner in the transportation industry.”