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According to Google, “National Boss’s Day in the United States has been celebrated annually on or around October 16th since 1962. If October 16 falls on a weekend, it is observed on the following working day. This day was created to show your appreciation to a great boss who inspires and supports you.”

Well we do have some great Bosses here at AMS, so this message comes with heartfelt appreciation for every one of them starting with our CEO and Executive Team – Thumb’s UP to our top “Boss” Bosses!

In the dictionary there’s Boss and “Boss,” and sometimes a Boss is also “Boss!”

A Boss would be the person in charge. A “Boss” is excellent at what they do, even if what they do is a mop up a spill. If you do your chore like a “Boss”… well that’s the meaning of the word!

So at AMS we’re celebrating our “Boss” Bosses!

We asked a few co-workers some questions: #1 What makes a good boss? #2 What would you like to tell your boss? # 3 Describe your boss in three words.

Ten inspiring responses came back!! Here they are!!

Ida L. #1 A good boss respects you as a person. #2 Thanks, Boss – you’re good. #3 Sharp, skilled, kind.

Gawain W. #1 A good boss is someone who teaches, supports, listens, and helps you grow. #2 Thanks for the support and opportunities! #3 Supportive, funny, firecracker.

Stacy C: #1 A good boss presents a hard-working mindset, determination as a unit, and remaining neutral. #2 Thank you for pushing me as hard as you do. #3 Intelligent, hardworking, and analytical. 

Marelyn M: #1 She’s understanding when it comes to work and outside of work situations. #2 That you have grown to be an amazing person. #3 She’s funny outgoing has a lot of patience. (to Vanessa H)

Rich G: #1 Her integrity makes her a good boss. #2 After leaving an employer I worked for 32 years, I have not regretted one day since coming to AMS. The major reason I can say that is because of the support I receive from my boss Kim. #3 Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-control, Indomitable Spirit. (to Kim P)

Cassandra C: #1 A good boss is someone that shows appreciation, kindness and great leadership skills. A good boss will always be willing to listen. #2 I would like to tell my boss thank you for always wearing their heart on their sleeve, for encouraging me to grow and to always reach for the stars. #3 understanding, motivated and a leader. 

Alma D: #1 A boss will lead by example and always have a positive mood which encourages his Team to have a positive attitude. #2 After so many years working side by side I learn new things daily from you overall. #3 Great Dad, ambitious, accommodating, empathetic. (to Michael G)

Pearl R: #1 A good boss is someone who will not get upset when you lose your temper. #2 That he or she is doing an awesome job and thank you for being there when I need to talk. #3 Great teacher thanks!

Veronica L: #1 A good boss listens, supports and encourages his/her employees personally and professionally. #2 Thank you for your guidance and support. #3 I admire my boss for her tenacity and perseverance, always setting the example of working hard and meeting goals. She is smart, empathetic and amazing in every way!

Melissa L: #1 A good boss is transparent, inclusive, compassionate, and caring. #2 You are genuine, a great leader and a role model. I truly appreciate you and I’m thankful to have you as my boss. #3 Leader, Dedicated, Committed. (to Bobbi)

Thank you ALL for appreciating your Boss!

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For the past few months we’ve been celebrating the women in leadership here at AMS with a series of blogs in which we interview each individual Boss to find out about their journey and shine a spotlight on them. AMS has a very good balance of men and women bosses and we’re not just proud of that, we’re enjoying the benefits of it. We invite you to visit our NEWS page and enjoy the “Women in Leadership” series!

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And there we go!! Happy Boss Day to every “Boss” Boss here at AMS. We truly do appreciate you – a good boss means a LOT!

Amazon is a giant – there’s no doubt about that. According to a recent AP News article, “Amazon controls roughly 38% of online sales in the U.S., more than Walmart, eBay, Apple, Best Buy and Target combined, according to the research firm Insider Intelligence. About 2 million sellers list their products on Amazon’s third-party marketplace, accounting for 58% of the company’s retail sales.”

Amazon continues to face scrutiny and numerous lawsuits. In a recent article, we pointed out that the company was investigated in both the US and EU for giving an advantage in search engine results to their own private-label products. Now in California, Amazon is again facing a lawsuit brought by the State of California that accuses the company of preventing competition by penalizing sellers and suppliers offering cheaper prices elsewhere.

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California sues Amazon, alleging its policies cause higher prices everywhere

By Alina Selyukh and Raquel Maria Dillon

California sued Amazon on Wednesday, accusing the company of pushing sellers and suppliers into anticompetitive deals that lead to higher prices, including at rival online stores.

The lawsuit, filed by state Attorney General Rob Bonta, focuses on the way Amazon — the largest online retailer — deals with third-party merchants, who account for most of the sales on the platform.

California alleges that Amazon penalizes sellers and suppliers that offer cheaper prices elsewhere on the internet, including Walmart and Target, for example by displaying their items lower or less prominently or outright blocking their new postings.

“Amazon makes consumers think they are getting the lowest prices possible,” the lawsuit alleges, “when in fact, they cannot get the low prices that would prevail in a freely competitive market because Amazon has coerced and induced its third-party sellers and wholesale suppliers to enter into anticompetitive agreements on price.”

California’s antitrust lawsuit is among the biggest legal challenges to Amazon in recent years, as lawmakers and regulators in the U.S. and abroad have investigated the retail giant for potential anticompetitive practices.

Read the full article HERE.

Photo Credit: Marques Thomas

This week the AMS spotlight shines on Sarah Madison, Inventory and Inbound Manager for AMS New Castle, DE Division. Sarah joined EchoData in 2017 as DFC Operator/Assembly. She comes from the Philadelphia area and studied Social Work at Temple University.  Sarah says, “A huge part of my background and who I am today comes from joining Alcoholics Anonymous. Those that know me, know that recovery is a passion of mine. It brought me to Delaware back in April 2017 and I’ve been here ever since.”

Prior to joining EchoData Sarah lived in Wilmington, DE and helped run Burgess Beginnings, a Women’s Recovery Home. At Burgess Sarah was linked with a local organization called Attack Addiction, that assists with funding in the community for recovery efforts, addiction education and legislation. 

In 2017 Sarah was given the opportunity to work for EchoData by Maryanne Amalfitano, Director of Client Services, Delaware Division. Sarah says, “I have learned and grown so much during my time here and it has been very exciting to be a part of the transition from Echo to AMS. I love that AMS is a B-Corp because giving back to the community we live in and working from a people-first perspective are ideals I live by in my own personal life.” 

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Thank you for being in the AMS Women in Leadership spotlight, Sarah. You have a strong background in assisting women in their recovery from addiction, for which we sincerely thank you. What would you say are the greatest challenges for you in changing from a focus on community service to working in fulfillment services?

I would say the biggest challenge over the years has been changing my thought process from serving others selflessly to a more business-minded process. I struggled with this balance my first couple years working here and I cannot say the job came first. Through some incredible mentorship and people like Maryanne who saw something in me I did not see or value at the time, I was given a chance to learn and grow and ultimately thrive here. I still like to think my recovery and my family come first and foremost in everything I do, but I have also been able to learn to prioritize and show up responsibly for my job. 

You came to EchoData under the guidance of your mentor, Maryanne. Since social work and service to others has been such a big part of your life, have you been able to mentor others at AMS who come on board and need guidance?

I like to think I have been able to pass on knowledge and help guide associates along their journey here – it excites me to see other people learn new things and begin operating independently. To see the confidence grow in them is a gift. I always let people know they can have as much or as little to do with their growth in the company as their mind will allow them – I started out in assembly/pick and pack and once I realized I had potential in another department I kept that drive going. I try to keep a positive spin on everything and share that over and over with employees because positivity naturally produces productivity.

What was the transition from EchoData to AMS like for you? Were there any difficulties or did you find the companies very similar in their culture?

I have enjoyed the transition to AMS! It has brought about so many new opportunities for growth, new technology, new process, new people! I love the education classes that associates have access to, the leadership courses – being a part of a much larger organization than EchoData has brought about benefits that were not as accessible for a smaller company. There are always complexities to this type of a transition but the challenge helps me grow. I can’t say the cultures were very different but there is much more to offer all employees through AMS and for that I am grateful!

Have you found ways in which to participate in the B Corporation culture at AMS?

We have hosted a few events here in New Castle for the employees which have doubled as fund-raisers or food drives and that has been a positive way to participate in the community. I have also attended quite a few of the online courses and they have been wonderful. I look forward to getting more involved in the community. I love to hear about how much the West coast facilities have been able to reach out into their local organizations and I see that for the East coast division in the near future so it’s something to look forward to as we grow more solid in our AMS foundation. 

Thank you Sarah for a very inspiring and enjoyable interview!

Thank you for your exemplary performance during the month of August: ANGIE G, KARLA E., YESENIA P., NORBERTO E., SYLVESTER J., KRISTINA S., BRITTANY C. and NICK L.

In the fulfillment industry, employees directly serve the company’s clients, making their efforts vital to the growth and success of the business. At AMS Fulfillment we appreciate and value our employees, and we respect and invest in them.

The following nominations demonstrate that the individual being recognized has gone above and beyond and deserves Special Thanks! All winners will receive an Employee of the Month Certificate & T-Shirt!

ANGIE G., Account Manager I (01/25/2021)
HQ Admin, CA

I would like to nominate Angie for Employee of the Month because she always works hard. She has a good attitude and has been a great addition to the Client Service team. Angie always has a calm demeanor and thinks situations through for the best result.

KARLA E., Operations Associate III (01/04/2021)
HQ Warehouse, CA

I would like to nominate Karla for Employee of the Month because she continues to learn the business by “getting our of her comfort zone” and learning new things. She motivates all to work efficiently and helps others in working together to solve the problem. When she helps, she makes sure she does the job correctly and makes sure not only that she does it right but helps others understand as well. Little by little she gains more business knowledge and does not mind the extra work. She is a team player and a motivator and willing to help when the business needs the help.

YESENIA P., Operations Manager I (03/01/2005)
WIT, CA

I would like to nominate Yesi for Employee of the Month because she has done an amazing job with the clients she manages. She is constantly looking for improvements in her department, does an amazing job helping fellow team members and consistently wows me with the ownership of her department.

NORBERTO E., Operations Associate II (11/12/2021)
LIV, CA

I would like to nominate Norberto for Employee of the Month because he works at the Wall here at LIV and his work ethic is outstanding. He gets his job done and constantly is helping others to complete a task. He is requested when other departments need help and has no problem working at other AMS locations. He has great attendance and his co-workers see him as “TEAM PLAYER.” Thank you for all your hard work!

SYLVESTER J., Operations Supervisor I (11/12/2021)
WIL, CA

I would like to nominate Sylvester for Employee of the Month because he is our Operations Supervisor for a difficult and busy client. He has done an extraordinary job managing over twenty employees, inbound custom receipts and manages all workload accordingly. He is key to our team. He has a great personality and is always willing to help in other areas. He is always smiling and making jokes to everyone.  He is an example of a great leader!

KRISTINA S., Operations Supervisor I (09/07/2022)
New Castle, DE

I would like to nominate Kristina for Employee of the Month because she is an Operations Supervisor and has been with the company for countless years. She shows an extreme dedication to the job, in before the sun rises and stays until the job is finished. She works tirelessly without a complaint and with a genuinely happy disposition. This last month I have seen her take on the onboarding of a new challenging client and she has done so with passion to get it done right. Krissy is a team-player and a pleasure to work with!

BRITTANY C., Operations Lead I (11/01/2021)
Newark, DE

I would like to nominate Brittany for Employee of the Month because she has been with us for a few months now and came here to help with catching up on orders and that she did. She came in and ran the show bringing others up to speed, and helping motivate others, including myself. Since she has been promoted to a lead she guides her team very well, teaching them anything to be successful. She goes even above her job duties and is always eager to learn more. She is certainly a “go getter” and when she puts her mind to it, she WILL get it done. Her work ethic is incomparable. Thanks for all you do Brittany!

NICK L., Operations Associate II (12/07/2020)
New Holland, PA

I would like to nominate Nick for Employee of the Month because he is a strong member of our team. He has operational prowess and the ability to problem solve challenges on the fly. This year he led the reset of the pick area which resulted in a much more efficient pick that led to a higher output, improved RPH and improved turnaround.

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To all of our Honorees, please know that whatever role you play, you are the reason for our success. Congratulations and Thank You!

This week our spotlight shines on Maryanne Amalfitano, Director of Client Services, Delaware Division. Maryanne is a uniquely trained individual with over 28 years of 3PL experience. In 1994 she joined the Sheeran Direct Marketing team as an Account Executive. While there she was promoted in 2005 to Assistant Vice President of Sales, and in March of 2008 she was promoted again to Director of Client Services.

In April of 2012 Echodata purchased Sheeran Direct Marketing. Maryanne kept her position as the Director of Client Services where she had first-hand involvement in the training and daily coordination of Account Manager, Customer Service and Telemarketing Representative activities.

In January of 2020, Echodata and AMS merged as one company. Maryanne is currently Director of Client Services for the Delaware Division. She has also served as Ops Director in the absence of hiring a new director for this division several times over the years. 

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Thank you for being in the AMS Women in Leadership spotlight, Maryanne. In reading your bio we see an incredibly broad base of experience in 3^rd Party Fulfillment. Could you give us a brief glimpse into how it was to handle so many roles in companies that are changing and in transition? Did it come easily or was it as challenging as we imagine?

The most challenging aspect was keeping up with my Department and providing better training. The benefit of wearing multiple hats at times is that it gives you a better appreciation for what the other members of the team deal with and it helps you to understand Operations processes on the floor.

What was it like for you when AMS and Echodata merged? Did you know much about AMS? Was there any knowledge of the B Corporation commitment?

I had some experience with merges since I originally came from Sheeran Direct. Echodata and AMS had similar work ethics and culture, so it made the transition easier.  I had some knowledge of B Corporation and did additional research.

Considering all of the roles you played you must have mentored quite a few people. Is there anyone who stands out as having been a mentor to you?

My first mentor was Lori Homsher who was the VP of IT at Sheeran Direct. She explained how EDI, XML, etc. integrations worked with clients and how it affected our day-to-day processes. She also inspired me to set goals and achieve them.

My second mentor is Kim Peszek who expanded my capabilities to lead my team and set expectations with clients and employees. 

These mentors have had a great impact in my personal values and position within the company.

As you know, AMS is unique in that it has so many women in leadership positions, and that’s why we’re shining the spotlight! Over your 28 years did you feel being a woman kept you from progressing within any one of the companies?

I have been very fortunate to have great bosses that valued my leadership and hard work through the years.

It seems that in client services you get to know the clients well. Would you say the clients are appreciative of the B Corp culture – is it a plus for them?

The B Corp culture was new to some of our legacy clients and our newer clients are very excited that AMS is a B Corp company and have even promoted in their marketing ads.

Thank you Maryanne for this excellent, informative interview!

The term ‘Greenwashing’ was coined in 1986 as various companies began to convey the false impression in their advertising of being ‘green’ when in fact they were not. Environmentalists took note and coined the term ‘Greenwashing’. In the years that followed, as consumers became more conscious of environmental damage and chose to support companies that care about the environment, the B Corporation came into existence. Since 2007 B Corps have made a legal commitment to develop a green culture and make efforts to measure and reduce their impact on the environment.

What is Greenwashing and how can companies avoid it?

‘Companies really need to be held accountable when they greenwash,’ expert says

by Alyssa Sporrer        FreightWaves.com

When a company makes a claim about its environmental or social practices that is not true, that’s called greenwashing. Companies that do this are often seeking customer or investor support or approval, especially if they are under pressure to reduce emissions.

One example of greenwashing in the transportation industry is Volkswagen. The company advertised its vehicles as low-emission, eco-friendly vehicles when they were in fact violating Clean Air Act levels of nitrogen oxides, which are air pollutants that harm human health.  

The company sold approximately 590,000 model 2009 to 2016 vehicles equipped with devices designed to help the vehicles’ software “cheat on federal emissions tests,” according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Some trucking companies may be using electric truck pilots as a way to “display some sort of green credential but not really to lay the foundation for broader scale implementation,” Tharsis Teoh, technical manager at the Smart Freight Centre, told FreightWaves. 

This could be considered greenwashing if the company is drawing a lot of attention to an EV pilot for five-plus years and isn’t doing much to reduce emissions companywide.

“Companies really need to be held accountable when they greenwash,” Maya van Rossum, founder of the Green Amendment For The Generations Movement, told FreightWaves. She said there are sometimes legal ramifications for misleading customers about sustainability claims, but it’s difficult when companies make general claims that are hard to prove false.

Teoh said his opinion is that greenwashing in trucking “isn’t really severe,” but he prefaced the statement by saying it was just based on observations and not on industrywide data.

He said it’s typical that a vehicle may have “zero-emissions vehicle” or “100% electric refrigeration” displayed on the side of a battery electric truck or a truck using a battery instead of a generator tied to a diesel engine for refrigeration. Teoh said, “I doubt they get very far in misleading claims.” 

However, he said using the term “zero-emissions vehicle” for electric or fuel cell vehicles is inaccurate, “unless the upstream emissions to produce the electricity or hydrogen also do not produce emissions.”

Until the electricity grid runs on 100% renewable energy, more correct terms may be “zero tailpipe emissions vehicle” or “almost zero-emissions vehicle.”

Another area that needs greater clarification is biofuels. Teoh said companies need to be transparent about what kind of biofuels they use and what level of biofuel blend it is. The more biofuel there is mixed in with conventional fuel, the greater the emissions benefits. 

The greenhouse gas emissions of biofuel also vary greatly depending on the feedstocks used and where they were sourced from. Teoh said it’s important that trucking companies find out and disclose that specific information to their customers or the public.

Read the full article HERE.

Photo Credit: Brian Yurasits

“Earth is now our only shareholder.” – Yvon Chouinard

All B Corporations are aware of Patagonia – one of the earliest and most admired B Corps. Patagonia is an international company that creates a line of equipment and clothing targeted to serve customers who love the outdoors and participate in outdoor sports. The company has an extensive product line that even includes food and drink as well as used gear for resale.

Over the years Patagonia consistently set a high standard as a ‘green’ corporation – they are true environmentalists. This plus a culture of integrity about the workforce and creators of their products have made it a much-admired example of what can be done to ‘Be the Change’ we would like to see in the world.

The founder and owner of Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard, has recently set an example that is truly inspiring.

He announced that he has given away his company to do even more for the planet.

Patagonia, valued at $3 billion, according to The New York Times could have been sold or taken public. Neither of these options fit with Chouinard’s founding principles. So, once again, he created his own path.

Chouinard transferred 100% of Patagonia’s voting stocks to a trust in charge of ensuring the brand’s environmental values are respected and 100% of the nonvoting stock had been given to the Holdfast Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting the environmental crisis and defending nature. Funding will come from Patagonia.

His decision is a wonderful gift to B Corporations, reminding us that we don’t have to lose our footing in changing times. He wrote a letter and posted it at the Patagonia website in which he explained that he never wanted to be a businessman – he was more of a craftsman. He liked to make climbing gear, so he started his business with gear and apparel. His intention was to do the right thing while making enough to pay the bills. He thought that maybe, by respecting the Earth, Patagonia could be an influence on others and help in changing the system.

Chouinard said, “Despite its immensity, the Earth’s resources are not infinite, and it’s clear we’ve exceeded its limits. But it’s also resilient. We can save our planet if we commit to it.”

Readers can find the full letter HERE.

This week our Women in Leadership spotlight shines on Shannon Crader, AMS’ Software Development Manager. Shannon began working with AMS back in 2000, when she worked at Morse Data Corporation writing the InOrder software. Through the years, she supported AMS as a vendor and as a consultant. She became an employee of AMS in the fall of 2017 working in IT as a software developer. In the summer of 2020 Shannon accepted the position of Software Development Manager.

Shannon spoke about her new position as follows: “I have enjoyed the challenge and personal growth that has come about as a result of my position here at AMS. I am eager to work with the team; developing new tools for AMS and promoting efficiencies to help make everyone’s lives easier.”

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Thank you for being in the AMS Women in Leadership spotlight, Shannon. Your job with AMS is unique. You work remotely, and always have, first as a vendor then as an employee. Your view would be of the people you have dealt with in your specialized work. Is there any way that you, working remotely, can experience any benefit from AMS being a B Corporation?

Yes, I have always worked remotely. It’s an interesting challenge at times. You can learn so much from being out on the floor and seeing processes and applications actively in use. Before the pandemic, I was out once a year just to get that exposure.

I participate when I can in programs, but it can be tough. I focus on the ones that I can do. I recycle at home; I sponsor friends doing walks for great causes; I participate in the adopt a family programs at the holidays.

What I think I like most about AMS though, is the feeling that we are more than just co-workers. People reach out and care how you are; how your day is going. The sense that you are seen as an actual person outside of your role and abilities is the best part of AMS. And I get to experience that every day, even when working remotely.

When we think of the IT field and developing software we usually imagine men in those positions. Did you ever experience any negatives to being a woman in that field?

I know that many women have experienced gate-checking, prejudice and discrimination while working in IT. I have been quite fortunate in my career to have run into very little of it. Most people that I have worked with have considered my ability to solve their issue far more important than my gender. In fact, when I was working at a private university, it was 90% female in my department!

In your years of work and your varied experiences did you have a mentor, or have you been a mentor? Have you had the opportunity to mentor another woman?

I have had a couple of mentors through the years. Both were compassionate leaders that taught me a lot about myself, as well as the job. I am lucky to still be working with one of them today.

Yes, I have been a mentor in a couple of different ways. I have mentored new employees (male and female) throughout my career; helping them learn the ropes and become a successful member of the team.

Also, while I was working at the university, I was asked to mentor a young woman going through her final semester of her graduate degree. I like to think that was a wonderful time for both of us. I think I may have learned just as much as she did!

The field you work in, developing software, is so unfamiliar to most of us that maybe you could answer one more question. What does a typical day look like for you? How do you develop software or manage a team developing software for Fulfillment?

A typical day involves

*identifying the priority items for the day & then ensuring my team and I are doing all we can to complete them

*touching base with the members of my team to ensure they have all the information they need for their tasks

*attending meetings on: new projects, the current week’s deployment, strategy/planning meetings

*working on open issues/quotes/requests for help

When we develop software, we are looking to solve a problem. That doesn’t mean that is has to be a bug or something that isn’t working correctly. The problem could be as simple as: “The current returns process is too cumbersome. We need something better.”

To start working on a solution, we first need to understand the issue. That often involves asking for the existing steps that are being used, or a sample order, so that we can see what the issue is.

Once we can see the issue, we sit down and review the logic and software processes involved. In some cases, there is a lot to go through!

Then, we propose a solution. The solution could have side effects that may would impact the existing processes in use, so we work to minimize those and adjust the solution accordingly.

At that time, the best solution has been identified and a member of the team is assigned the work. They begin making the required changes. Also, they identify the scenarios that a user may be trying to complete and test those. They then go back and test the original scenario to ensure that the solution is doing what was requested/needed.

Once a week, the entire dev team gets together, and we review the solutions that are ready to be released. We share best practices and our insights and experiences with each other. Finally, if everyone agrees, then the solution is rolled out for AMS to use.

When written out, it sounds so complicated!

What an excellent interview!! Thank you Shannon – we’re so glad you’re on our team!

Thank you to Eric Wiseman, Safety and Security Director and Matthew Warholy, Safety and Security Manager, for agreeing to be interviewed for this 30th Safety Report.

Our Safety Series was created by Ken Wiseman. Knowing that AMS is an industry leader with regard to our record, Ken wanted to offer an example of how we accomplish it, and make recommendations for others to benefit from.   

AMS Fulfillment puts a very high value on employee safety! As you will see, Eric and Matt have it down to a science and it shows in the fact that lost-time injuries are a rarity at AMS.

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Since you became Director of Safety and Security in January 2022, what improvements has the company seen as it relates to Safety?

Since January, Matthew and I have brainstormed every morning, first thing, so we can continue to lead with one of the best safety records in the industry. We also added a Spanish version of our Safety Walk to include our employees who do not speak English or have limited English speaking capabilities. In turn, we have added a whole new set of Safety Advocates to our company with the help of our translator, Tanya Crespo.

Matthew and I have brainstormed and have come up with a Safety Dashboard. This lets us track injury trends by different metrics such as time, age, warehouse activity and most common injuries. This way, we know what injuries to try and prevent, before they happen.

What is the purpose and goal of the OSHA Safety Walks? 

When we start our OSHA walks, the first thing that we say is, “If you see something, say something.” The common goal of the OSHA Safety Walks is to make AMS Fulfillment the safest company to work for. As a matter of fact, we already are in the top-tier. We empower employees to speak up when they see something dangerous or harmful. We also encourage them to speak up when they see a theft occurring. Like we say, “At AMS, Our Safety Record is No Accident.”

How do Monthly safety meetings with the warehouse managers improve their teams’ performance?

The reason behind the monthly safety meetings is to make the managers aware of the latest safety and injury trends so they can convey the message to their employee teams. This way, they get the message clearly and so do the employees. The employees then are asked to sign off, stating that they received the message. This way we all understand the safety topic, as a team.

Thank you Eric and Matt for your leadership! As a B Corporation, AMS is committed to the well-being of our employees.

We’ve almost entered the Jetsons world, or at least it looks like we’re heading there. There are two companies working with American Airlines and United Airlines creating short city hops, and their ‘flying machines’ are truly unique. They are small airplanes, electrical, capable of hovering and vertical takeoff and landing. Archer is the maker of one, and Vertical Aerospace has their version.

There is quite a bit of excitement about the possible uses for these vehicles. The Archer website states their mission: as advancing the benefits of sustainable air mobility. “Archer’s goal is to move people throughout the world’s cities in a quick, safe, sustainable, and cost-effective manner. Archer is designing and developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for use in urban air mobility networks.”

The Vertical Aerospace website makes a similar statement: “In heavily populated regions, neither cars nor public transport can cope with demand. The VX4 will transform the way people travel.”

Both companies speak of using the vehicles to move people. Our question is, would these vehicles be of use in the logistics industry? The answer is yes, no and maybe.

For companies in a time crunch this is a great solution so they do not get PO’s or order cancellations when running into an inventory shortage or emergency replenishment situation. But it would be a margin killer to have to use this method, due to expense of CPU for vertical air lift versus the traditional over the road. Also, it’s very limited payload for someone that brings in ocean containers.

As it gets normalized it could get more competitive and become more useful within the supply chain. It’s a sexy looking service, and we predict it will gain traction for some, especially those using JIC (just in case) inventory management. It could add a safety net from time to time, or be used by those who have had delays in getting product on time.

So, at this point in time the new, exciting, quick, safe, sustainable means of transportation within cities is looked upon as a last resort, for emergency use, by most in the Fulfillment industry. But things change quickly in a world where sustainability is becoming more vital. It is a sustainable means of moving product more quickly in urban areas and there will likely be some appropriate uses coming soon.

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About the Freight Freak: John Bevacqua is the author of the “Freight Freak” monthly blog, and former VP of Logistics at AMS Fulfillment. He currently serves, in semi-retirement, as Logistics Advisor.

The problem of plastic waste has been with us since the creation of plastic, and even more so since the creation of single-use plastics. Many consumers consider plastic waste a crisis. We see images of such waste in the oceans, on the beaches, harming wildlife, and we see huge mounds of waste on land that we know will not degrade over time.

Consumers are desperate to find product alternatives that will be better for the environment, and manufacturers are searching for answers as to their best alternatives to plastic. One plant that is standing out as an alternative is hemp.

What are the pros and cons of hemp?

We can start with hemp bio-plastics. According to cannabistech.com “…hemp bio-plastics are made from non-toxic, biodegradable hemp fibers. Commercially produced as composite plastics or pure-hemp fiber plastics, they generally have a tensile strength higher than polypropylene.”

Here is their list of the benefits of using hemp:

• Mass: Hemp is lightweight. The relatively favorable density to weight ratio has gotten several industries, especially the automobile corporations taking advantage of its capacities.
• Recyclable and Biodegradable: Hemp’s potential to grow prolifically, with a short decomposition period, and easy recyclability, makes it an excellent raw industrial material.
• Durability: Despite its fast decomposition, hemp plastics are five times stiffer and 3.5 times more durable than the traditional plastics. They are also stronger than the regular steel, resistant to wear-and-tear, and highly flexible.
• Eco-friendly: Hemp absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, converts it to oxygen, and releases it, thereby reducing greenhouse gases and minimizing global warming. When used in bio-materials manufacture, this CO2 remains in the products and is not expelled, if utilized, and appropriately discarded.

In addition to bio-plastics, hemp is suitable for, clothing, shoes, biofuel, building materials. So, what are the challenges?

• Economic: Concerning the market price, there is a vast difference between hemp plastics and traditional plastics because of the unavailability of bio-plastic processing machinery.
• Agricultural imbalance: Development of the hemp plastic industry might cause a resultant shift in the purpose of agricultural cultivation from food crops production to raw material provision for these bioplastics.
• Recycling facilities: These bioplastics still require facilities and infrastructures to enable their recycling when necessary.
• Legislation against cultivation: Although hemp plastics are beginning to make waves, the legislation against cannabis cultivation in most parts of the world remains a hindrance to its progress.

It appears that hemp could be an excellent alternative to the use of plastics, but there needs to be investment in bio-plastic processing, recycling facilities, changes in law regarding cultivation, and assurances that the production of hemp would not negatively affect food production.

If hemp needs help, what about bamboo?

In addition to hemp, bamboo is another sustainable resource that can grow quickly and has a low carbon footprint. Bamboo can and is being used for food containers, plates, stir sticks, cutting boards, and a number of other products. According to boonboo.com bamboo is considered “…durable, environmentally friendly, biodegradable, naturally anti-bacterial, and highly renewable. It has been shown that it can reduce water use by up to 96%.”

Like hemp, bamboo has many positives. What are the negatives?

While the growing of bamboo is eco-conscious, transformation of the raw material into a functional product creates environmental concerns. Bamboo has to be harvested, manufactured, and transported across the globe to its final destination, and it has to be chemically processed.

Are there other options?

According to sustainablereview.com, stainless steel, platinum silicone, hemp, cork and wheat straw are viable plastic alternatives to consider along with bamboo. Quoting from the article:

“We hope this article shines a light on the ‘best’ plastic alternative. Unfortunately, there’s not one renewable savior that we can turn to fix our problems. We have a few brilliant materials, each with its advantages and uses. Once you know the products you’re looking for, you can use this guide to see which material is best for that particular item.

“While it’s true that there’s no one perfect material, having multiple options allows our workplaces and homes to incorporate plastic-free alternatives that look great and reduce harmful consumption.”

To conclude, we do not have to create and throw away miles of plastic trash, into the oceans and elsewhere. We have other options and the negatives can be overcome with wise action and investment.

AMS Fulfillment is a B Corporation, committed to consider our impact on the environment in all of our decisions. Click HERE for the AMS Green Team blog!

Photo Credit: Ajin K S

This week the Women in Leadership spotlight shines on Evelyn Ruiz, Director of Client Services, Valencia, CA. Evelyn started her AMS journey in 2002 in the Operations department, where she learned returns, shipping, inventory and receiving procedures. In 2004, she had the opportunity to work in client services, in a temporary position. That same year she was able to stay in the department as an assistant account manager.

In 2007 Evelyn was promoted to Account Manager. She said, “This was a challenging but also a rewarding position. With my Operations background I was able to perform and keep up with the new challenges.” Another promotion came in 2014, when Evelyn became a Senior Account Manager, where she worked with full-service model clients, learning the client’s side of the business.

In 2020 she was promoted to Director of Client Services. Due to the pandemic, she began to work remotely. She said, “This change was totally out of my comfort zone, however, this has been one of my most successful changes.” Evelyn not only had a higher responsibility as Director, but also a higher responsibility in handling the many adjustments that came with the pandemic. “Our main goal was to keep providing a great service to clients and keep the team members operating as smoothly as possible.”

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Thank you for being in the AMS Women in Leadership spotlight Evelyn. We are curious as to was AMS like when the company began. Today we see AMS as an employer that knows the value of women leaders. We also see our other B Corp values, i.e. serving the community, environmental impact, and dedication to the clients. Were you surprised as AMS changed and grew over the years or was the company culture always well suited to be a B Corp?

In my personal relationship with AMS, becoming a B Corp was the last step we needed to close the circle of a great culture we as a company established since day one.

That is great to hear! Your job is to be of service to AMS’ clients and that is such a vital role. How do you look at ‘being the change’ when serving the clients?

With AMS having client services department established since day one and being part of it, it makes it a lot easier to be the change clients are looking for. I like to identify ourselves as partners instead of 3PL or just another vendor. Maintaining a proactive and respectful relationship with our partners and making them feel that we are an extension to their business is what I look as “being the change”.

As a Client Services Director, you mentor others who are learning and growing in their positions. What are your most effective ways of helping others to achieve?

I was lucky enough to have the best mentor ever, and when you have a great person behind you all you can do is replicate the same with the people ahead of you. Provide a healthy personal and work balance, make people feel important, trust them, dedicate time to teach them and show them that you want them to eventually have your position are some of the methods I like to use as those are the ones my mentor Betty-Lou Wisemen (BL) used with me.

In your experience at AMS, have you enjoyed any particular aspects of the B Corp culture? What are your favorite ways to contribute? 

Participating on the Adopt a Family during the holidays was an amazing experience for me, as a mom, teaching my daughter the great culture of the company I work for is priceless.

Thank you for this excellent interview Evelyn!! Stay tuned for #8 next week!!