Utilize bulk intermodal tank containers to reduce freight costs and provide service improvements to a “key” customer currently being supplied by over-the-road bulk truck.

Flint Ink was able to reduce their transportation spend by 34% and increase their “on-time” performance of deliveries to 100%.

As the largest privately owned ink manufacturer in the world, Flint Ink is very focused on their ability to provide their customers with superior products that are both cost effective and delivered in a dependable manner.

Realizing the need to reduce transportation costs, Flint Ink sought the services of RSI Logistics, Inc. to identify bulk truckload shipment lanes that could be converted to bulk intermodal service. RSI identified several lanes in which significant savings could be realized. One lane in particular stood out from the rest in providing substantial savings that would help to reduce Flint 's overall delivered price. The movement involved the equivalent of 15,000,000 lbs of printing ink in disproportionate amounts of five different colors shipping westbound and 8,000,000 lbs of solvent reverse routing back eastbound.

RSI first set out to design the service standards based on Flint Ink's two production operations in Indiana , as well as those of the receiver located within the U.S. Mountain-West region. RSI secured the proper type and amount of equipment to be in dedicated service for Flint Ink, the customer, and the individual hue of ink. In total, RSI placed #32 IMO-1 isotank containers into this service.

Prior to the new service beginning, RSI performed several test shipments that included RSI personnel onsite at both origin and destination to view and instruct proper techniques for loading and unloading. Once the testing phase was completed, Flint Ink made the complete conversion from the 2,100 mile over-the-road movement to bulk intermodal service. The result from this change has allowed Flint Ink to realize a 34% decrease in their transportation costs for this lane. From a service standpoint, RSI has been able to perform an on-time delivery result of 100% over the two year period since this service commenced.

Vast improvements in costs and service…mission accomplished!

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