News

In this offering we’re going to answer three “What Is” questions. Our answers will explain some of the terms that we use in the Fulfillment business: 1) What is the supply chain? 2) What is a 3PL? and 3) What is kitting?

What is the ‘Supply Chain’?

When we ask the Internet “what is the supply chain”, the answer that comes back is not very precise, but it is true: “A supply chain is the entire network of organizations, people, activities, information, and resources involved in creating and delivering a product or service. It spans from the initial sourcing of raw materials to the final delivery to the end consumer.”

We could speculate on the question of how the carrots in the farmer’s field end up in a jar of baby food on the table. That must be something of a complex supply chain. Chances are there will be a fulfillment service in that chain.

Fulfillment services play a vital role in the supply chain. They serve clients that have a product or products to sell. When the fulfillment service receives the products into their warehouse they scan every item. After the product is recorded into the system by the SKU (stock-keeping unit) which is specific to that one item, they warehouse the item. When orders come in, they pick, pack and ship the item to the buyer.

Our answer to “What Is” the supply chain: The supply chain connects all parties between the creator of a product to the buyer. It can be a long chain or a short few links.

What is a ‘3PL?

What the acronym stands for is “Third-Party Logistics”. That means there are three parties in the movement (logistics) of the goods. Those parties would be the 1) seller, the 2) fulfillment service and the 3) the buyer. AMS Fulfillment is a full-service 3PL, offering logistics plus a number of VAS (Value Added) services to the client including product assembly and ‘kitting’.

We promised to answer ‘what is’ kitting. We will answer the kitting question but prior to that, let’s see how AI answers the question of ‘what is a 3PL’.

Okay, it looks like the answer is pretty simple: “3PL stands for third-party logistics. It refers to the practice of outsourcing a business’s supply chain and logistics operations—such as warehousing, inventory management, order fulfillment (picking and packing), and shipping—to an external provider.” Outsourcing a business’s supply chain – in other words partnering with a fulfillment service. The message goes on and it sounds fairly accurate:

“Inbound: You ship your inventory in bulk to the 3PL’s warehouse. Storage: The 3PL stores your products on their racks or shelves. Fulfillment: When a customer buys an item online, the order details are sent to the 3PL’s software. Outbound: 3PL staff pick the item, pack it in a box or mailer, and ship it directly to the customer.”

Yes, that is what your ordinary 3PL will offer. What we don’t see is the ‘full service’ offerings that AMS provides, which includes Kitting among other VAS (Value Added Services).

What is ‘Kitting’?

This is an easy question as the answer is in the name. The 3PL will package several related items into a kit. Let’s say the client is selling shampoo and also selling crème rinse and other hair-care products. AMS will kit the products for the buyer as the client wishes. It looks like AI has a pretty good explanation of kitting:

“In business and logistics, kitting is the process of grouping multiple distinct items into a single, ready-to-ship package under one SKU. Instead of picking and packing items individually, they are pre-assembled into a bundle. This speeds up fulfillment and reduces shipping costs.”

What is Fulfillment?

We’ll conclude with the key player in the supply chain… the fulfillment service. When a fulfillment company is full-service, the seller has a true partner watching over every detail of their product and delivering it to the buyer on time and packaged as the brand requires. AMS will also keep an eye out for expiration of products by utilizing FIFO (first in first out) storage.

We’re more than a little proud of AMS Fulfillment in its expert servicing of client partners, its dedication to protecting the environment and its respect for the Associates whose labor makes it one of the best among fulfillment services.

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Please feel free to visit amsfulfillment.com and learn more about us. We’ve been doing eCommerce fulfillment for more than twenty years and we are a highly respected third-party fulfillment service (3PL) with many satisfied and successful clients.

For quite a few years AMS Fulfillment has been a very engaged ‘Green’ corporation, helping our clients reduce their logistics-related carbon footprint. It was nine years ago when we became a B Corporation, and we have lived up to the concept of ‘Benefit’ in many different ways.

It’s ‘Plastics Free July’, and we’re definitely into promoting the recycling and reusing of plastics. There are very legitimate concerns about plastics in the environment and even greater concerns about the detrimental effects of micro-plastics in the human body.

AMS’ Efforts

The following information is taken from an article written by Samantha Hicks, AMS’ ESG Program Manager. In the first paragraph Samantha mentions one of our Green Team’s major successes regarding plastics.

“WASTE REDUCTION: In 2018, the AMS Green Team partnered with Republic Services to improve waste sorting and invested in 92 collection bins to recycle plastic stretch film. Once facilities collect 10,000 pounds of plastic, it is recycled into products such as composite lumber, containers, crates, and pallets.

“REDUCED WAREHOUSE ENERGY CONSUMPTION: AMS operates a bi-coastal network of eight fulfillment warehouses across California, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, positioning inventory closer to customers and improving distribution efficiency. To reduce the environmental impact of energy-intensive warehouse operations, AMS has implemented energy management systems across its facilities through the efforts of its Green Team. These initiatives improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support more sustainable operations while maintaining reliable fulfillment services.”

The Focus on Reuse

The following is from a website called “Heal the Bay”. What they say truly makes it clear the positive effect of recycling and reusing plastic.

“Everyone deserves access to safe, healthy, reusable options that create less waste and protect the places we love. Choosing reuse shouldn’t be difficult; it should be the norm.

“This Plastic Free July, we’re asking you to start where you are and join the movement to create a future where reuse is accessible for everyone. Most plastic pollution begins far from the ocean. A takeout container gets tossed away. A plastic bag blows down the street. A plastic bottle cap washes into a storm drain.

“From there, trash travels through our neighborhoods, rivers, and watersheds until it reaches the ocean, where it can harm marine life, break down into microplastics, and even make its way back to us through the food chain.”

The Green Team

We have so much appreciation for AMS’ Green Team, in the efforts they put forth to make it possible to reuse the stretch plastic we encounter every day. There is a reason for recycle/reuse, and that is human health. It is vitally important to keep microplastics out of our bodies. AI gives us a little information about microplastics:

“Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters that originate from the breakdown of larger plastics (secondary) or are manufactured for consumer products (primary). They are ubiquitous, found from the deep ocean to the highest mountain peaks, and have been detected in human blood, breast milk, and vital organs.”

Yes, there is a reason to take “Green” seriously. At AMS we are well aware of the importance of keeping that stretch plastic out of the landfill, collecting it and sending it to a company that will not only recycle but reuse it as composite lumber, containers, crates, and pallets.

‘Green’ Matters

We know that the fact that AMS is environmentally aware makes a difference to our clients and our associates. It’s a matter of integrity. We are what we say we are… a corporation committed to being a B Corporation – Benefit to the health and well-being of our Earth and of life.

We encourage our readers to recycle plastics at home, at work, and at play. It’s Plastics Free July so let’s re-dedicate ourselves to keeping plastic out of the landfill and the ocean.

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Please feel free to visit amsfulfillment.com and learn more about us. We’ve been doing eCommerce fulfillment for more than twenty years and we are a highly respected third-party fulfillment service (3PL) with many satisfied and successful clients.

The month of July brings our thoughts to the history, achievements, and experiences of individuals with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed on July 26, 1990. This commemoration is dedicated to pushing for full accessibility and recognizing that individuals with disabilities are a natural part of human diversity.

AMS Fulfillment has long focused on creating a positive and uplifting company culture. We are a Benefit Corporation (B Corp). We put people before profit, and we always have done so. We highly value our associates, and it goes without saying that we employ individuals with disabilities. In our 20+ years of existence, AMS has always highly valued integrity, fairness and equity. A positive company culture translates into the success of our clients, and the success of our clients is our success.

Disability Pride

Wikipedia gives us the inspiring concept behind Disability Pride Month:

“Disability Pride Month celebrates people with disabilities, their identities, their culture, and their contributions to society. It also seeks to change the way people think about and define disability, to end the stigma of disability, and to promote the belief that disability is a natural part of human diversity in which people living with disabilities can celebrate and take pride. It is a chance for people with disabilities to come together and celebrate being themselves, no matter their differences. It is also a chance to raise awareness of the challenges they still face every day to be treated equally.”

We know that individuals with disabilities have long endured exclusion and marginalization. They have been segregated from public life, denied education, and stripped of decision-making rights. Many individuals with disabilities were institutionalized, and independent living support systems were limited or nonexistent. Eventually the desire for justice and fairness brought about a disability rights movement. The progress we see today is due to years of courageous advocacy.

The ADA is Passed

Some of our readers may remember the efforts that went into the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A very impactful demonstration took place in 1990, when dozens of disabled demonstrators abandoned their mobility aids at the bottom of the Capitol steps, and they proceeded to crawl up the steps.

This demonstration brought to the forefront the need for disability access. There were more than 1,000 activists at the demonstration, bringing the issue to the forefront. The demonstration led to the passage of the ADA, and we thank them for their courage and wisdom. News reports referred to the demonstration as the ‘Capitol Crawl’. Sadly, but truthfully, police arrested 104 activists, many of whom were in their wheelchairs, for unlawful demonstration. Today we see a changed world, and we salute these brave individuals for helping to bring it about.

At the passage of the ADA, the first Disability Pride Day took place in Boston. It wasn’t until 2015, at the 25^th anniversary of the ADA, that the entire month of July was officially recognized as Disability Pride Month. The core theme of the commemoration is inspiring: “The World Works Better With Us.”

Pride Matters to AMS

Yes indeed. We all have friends with disabilities, and we might be dealing with a disability ourselves. The fact of a disability should never ever be grounds for shame or embarrassment. There are a whole lot of heroes in wheelchairs, and they can take Pride in themselves. Living, working, growing, thriving with a disability takes a true Hero, and we know our share of Heroes.

A quick Internet search brings us some very clear thoughts as to what “Disability Pride” means: “The first official Disability Pride Month was celebrated in July 2015, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the ADA. Disability Pride affirms the right of every person to be seen, valued, and included exactly as they are. It is a rejection of narratives that treat disability as something shameful or tragic, but instead celebrate disability as a natural, meaningful part of the human experience.

“Pride, in this context, is not about ignoring the barriers that still exist. It’s about facing them head-on, without apology and without internalizing the idea that people with disabilities must change to belong. We with disabilities don’t need to be cured. We don’t need to be pitied. We need to be respected, included, and heard.”

In Today’s World

AI gives us some statistics and a look at the current situation: “61 million adults in the U.S.— 1 in 4 Americans—identify as having a disability. People with disabilities are underemployed and underrepresented. Only 22.5% of working-age adults with disabilities are employed, compared to 65% of their non-disabled peers. Economic barriers persist: people with disabilities are twice as likely to live below the poverty line.”

We hope you will join us in appreciation of our associates with disabilities. While there is still a great deal of work to be done in bringing about justice and equity, we can appreciate the heroes, past and present, who have upheld the rights of individuals with disabilities.

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Please feel free to visit amsfulfillment.com and learn more about us. We’ve been doing eCommerce fulfillment for more than twenty years and we are a highly respected third-party fulfillment service (3PL) with many satisfied and successful clients.

Last week, in Part One of our commemoration of the founding of America, we spoke about the aspirations of the founders. Their language called for one nation under God – a home for the brave and a land for the free, with liberty and justice for all. Their desire was for freedom from the dictates of the British crown, and a democratic government of, for and by the citizens of the USA.

Their vision of the democratic government, with three branches, was established as follows: the Executive, which is the US President and Vice President enforcing and carrying out the laws; the Legislative branch which is the Senate and House of Representatives, elected by the voters to make the laws; and the Judicial branch, which is the Supreme Court and other federal courts whose task it is to interpret the laws.

Steps on the Journey

As we journey through the 250 years, we will focus on two amendments to the US Constitution, which upheld the founders’ desire for freedom, justice and equality… the 15^th Amendment and the 19^th Amendment. The 15^th Amendment was passed by Congress in 1869, and ratified in 1870, granting African American men the right to vote. The 19^th Amendment, certified into law in 1920, granted women the right to vote. Of course, these Amendments faced many challenges, but we can say without doubt, they were steps taken on the journey to freedom, justice and equality.

The History of our USA

From its founding the US Government aimed to empower the people. The 50 U.S. states achieved statehood on widely varying dates. The original 13 colonies became states upon ratifying the U.S. Constitution between 1787 and 1790. The remaining 37 states were admitted by Congress between 1791 and 1959, beginning with Vermont in 1791 and ending with Hawaii in 1959.

As we look into the 250 years, we see wars, including the two most impactful in keeping the founders’ desire for freedom, justice and equality alive… the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. While Congress has only formally declared war 11 times, U.S. forces have participated in major recognized conflicts across different eras. The Revolutionary War for independence against Great Britain was fought from 1775 to 1783. Following that was another war against Great Britain over maritime rights called the War of 1812.

The most profound and impactive war when it comes to freedom, justice and equality was the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865. This was an internal conflict between the Union and the secessionist Confederate States, with an outcome that led to the end of slavery in the US. This war, with many lives sadly lost, led the US further on the journey of integrity – yes, we did fight for freedom, justice and equality. The enslavement of captive African men, women and children came to an end, and this is a profound victory of humanity. The USA evolved, and we are grateful and proud.

Equal Rights

It’s somewhat shocking to think back to the time when women could not vote and could not own property. Ratified in August of 1920, the ERA (Equal Rights Amendment) prohibits the federal and state governments from denying any citizen the right to vote based on their sex. It took some intense activism, lobbying and civil disobedience by women who were, at the time, referred to as suffragists. The amendment states: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” August 26, 1920, is commemorated nowadays as Women’s Equality Day.

Aspirations and Integrity

We spoke about the aspirations of the founders, who wanted a better world. They sought to create a country where people are empowered with the vote, and free to strive for fairness and equality through democracy. Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching; it’s choosing honesty over convenience, and values over personal gain.

At AMS Fulfillment we choose “doing the right thing” for our clients, our associates, our communities and ourselves. We’re thankful to live in the USA – very thankful. Happy 250^th to our United States of America this July 4^th, 2026. We’re proud to be American.

Happy Birthday USA!!!!

 

We’re nearing the end of June, and our thoughts go to perhaps the most important commemoration of the year – the 250th anniversary of the founding of America. In this Part One we will talk about the foundation of the nation and the ideals that America was established to uphold. The American government was established for a reason, and we will look into that reason.

Following our look into the foundation, we will present a second, upcoming blog where we will look into the achievements of the U.S.A. over 250 years. Have we upheld our founding ideals through the generations? To our eyes, the answer is yes – the land of the free and the home of the brave has kept the ideals in the forefront.

The Foundation of the USA

Let’s begin with a document most people are familiar with, called the Declaration of Independence. This Declaration is considered the founding document of the United States. It asserts and explains that the thirteen colonies are not subject to British colonial rule. On June 11^th, 1776 five founders were asked to draft and present the Declaration. Those five were John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert R. Livingston and Roger Sherman. The Declaration justified the independence of the colonies and cited the grievances against the king. They asserted the right of revolution.

From the History website [LINK] we read the following: “The Declaration was unanimously ratified on July 4 by the Second Continental Congress, whose delegates represented each of the Thirteen Colonies. In ratifying and signing it, the delegates knew they were committing an act of high treason against The Crown, which was punishable by torture and death.”

The Courageous Founding Fathers

The men who are today recognized as the Founders are as follows:

1. James Madison who was pivotal in writing the Bill of Rights.
2. George Washington who became the first President of the U.S.
3. Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence.
4. Alexander Hamilton who co-authored the Federalist Papers.
5. Benjamin Franklin who was a diplomat resolving conflicts.

These men and other delegates designed a government with three branches – the Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary. These three branches form a foundation for wise and just laws and decision making, and the process of democratic voting gives the people a voice in their governance.

Our July 4^th Celebration

If we subtract 1776 from our current year, 2026, we get 250 years. The Declaration of Independence brought an end to the subservience of the Colonies in America to the British crown. There is a lot to this story, including the Revolutionary War, which lasted from 1775 to 1783. The Colonies declared independence in 1776, and this brought on conflict which ended with the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781.

What are we celebrating on this upcoming July 4^th? We’re celebrating the establishment of a government of the people, by the people and for the people. These are the pillars of a true democracy. Here below is what these statements mean:

Of the people: The government derives its legitimacy and power from the citizens rather than an elite class, monarchy, or outside force.

By the people: Citizens actively participate in the political process, primarily by voting in elections to choose representatives who create and enforce laws.

For the people: The ultimate purpose of the government is to serve the public good, protect fundamental rights, and respond to the needs of the citizens.

Democracy and Freedom

We encourage all of our AMS Associates, clients and friends to celebrate this profound anniversary, and to take the time to look into political issues that affect your life. When we understand the issues, we can vote for the men and women who are speaking to our concerns. We thank the Founders for fighting the first Revolutionary War for our democracy. A government for the people and by the people was established 250 years ago. Today it remains strong, and it remains in the hands of the People.

The Declaration We Stand Upon

Before we close, we would like to offer just a few words from the Declaration of Independence, and a [LINK] to the full document.

“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

“We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved.”

Land of the Free

AMS Fulfillment is proud to be an American corporation, and we deeply appreciate the integrity and the history of our country. In Part 2 of this offering we will look into the history, the battles, and the victories in upholding the ideals of America’s Founders.

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Please feel free to visit amsfulfillment.com and learn more about us. We’ve been doing eCommerce fulfillment for more than twenty years and we are a highly respected third-party fulfillment service (3PL) with many satisfied and successful clients.

Father’s Day is a commemoration we have been waiting for at AMS… a moment in time when we put our minds on the honorable and heroic men in our lives – our Fathers. Let’s begin our salute with a poem:

My Dad, My Hero

You are my hero, my shining star,
Guiding me through life, no matter how far.
With your love and wisdom, you light the way,
Dad, I’m grateful for you, each and every day.

You inspire me to be strong and true,
Dad, I love you, Happy Father’s Day to you!

Let’s begin with our thoughts on what ‘Father’ means: Father is he who furthers you into more knowledge, wisdom and understanding – he sets a standard for his sons and daughters – someone to live up to!

We give a salute to our clients who are Dads, our associates who are Dads, and our readers who are Dads. In all truth, our Fathers light the way, they uphold the standards, and we honor them every day including on Father’s Day.

The History of Father’s Day

We went to the Farmer’s Almanac [LINK] for some of the history and details on this commemoration:

“Father’s Day is celebrated annually on the third Sunday in June in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, India, and a number of other countries around the world.

“Father’s Day celebrates and honors the men who have embraced the essential role of fatherhood. On this day, we also thank fathers and father figures (uncles, grandfathers) for the sacrifices they make, for embracing the responsibility of nurturing and raising children, and for their devotion to their families.”

There is a very painful story behind the first Father’s Day. Back in 1908, in West Virginia, there was a mining accident that killed more than 360 men and boys, and it left nearly 1,000 children fatherless. A woman named Grace Clayton wanted to honor the fathers who died in this accident, so she organized a Sunday service, calling it Father’s Day. Although the service she organized was the first known to honor fathers, it did not turn into an annual event.

Shortly thereafter, a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd, did her best to help Father’s Day become a U.S. national holiday. Mrs. Dodd’s father had raised his six children alone on his farm in Washington after his wife died giving birth. Sonora Dodd proposed to the Spokane Ministerial Association and the YMCA that they celebrate a Father’s Day. With help from local churches, community groups, and the Spokane Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), the first Father’s Day celebration was held on June 19, 1910.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson visited Spokane and spoke at a Father’s Day service, showing early presidential support. The idea gained momentum over time.

The article goes on to explain how the national recognition evolved:

“Despite widespread support, Father’s Day was not a permanent national holiday for many years. It wasn’t until 1972 that President Richard Nixon signed a law declaring that Father’s Day be celebrated annually on the third Sunday in June. It has been an official, permanent national holiday ever since.”

A Day to Say We Love You

Father’s Day is equally as meaningful as Mother’s Day. It is a time to thank fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, guardians, and other male role models for their love, guidance, and support.

This commemorative day is also an opportunity to acknowledge the vital role fathers play in our lives. Father is a model for leadership and self-esteem.

Father’s active involvement fosters strong connections with children at any age. Boys very much need their dads’ example during their formative years, and it’s not only the boys who need Dad. Father is a role-model for girls as well. Dad’s role is critical at every major developmental milestone.

For the baby, Dad provides unconditional love and security. As children approach their teen years, Dad is a role model of maleness and the masculine identity. He is also protector as the children navigate their teens, helping them avoid destructive peer groups.

A Day to Thank a Hero

Despite widespread support, Father’s Day was not a permanent national holiday for many years. Today the holiday is a time to salute and honor our Dads, and at AMS Fulfillment we have a whole lot of Dads very worthy of honor. This year the third Sunday in June is also the Solstice, so we not only honor our Fathers, we do so the longest day of the year.

Father’s Day is a meaningful day for us at AMS. We take this opportunity to thank all of our fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, guardians, and other male role models for their love, guidance, and support. We appreciate you and we see and honor your example… your hard work, your dedication to a high standard, and your love of family.

Whether it’s a quiet meal or a big celebration, this day is all about showing appreciation for the important role fathers play in our lives. We salute you, Dads… Happy Father’s Day. You’re our Heroes.

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Please feel free to visit amsfulfillment.com and learn more about us. We’ve been doing eCommerce fulfillment for more than twenty years and we are a highly respected third-party fulfillment service (3PL) with many satisfied and successful clients.

We have two meaningful commemorations remaining in June. Soon we’ll celebrate the fathers among us — the men who deserve our love, gratitude, and respect. But first, we pause for a holiday that speaks to something profound in the American story.

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom — hard-won, long-delayed, and paid for dearly. At AMS Fulfillment, it matters to every one of us.

What and Why

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring enslaved people in Confederate states to be free. But the road to freedom was neither swift nor simple. More than two years passed before Union troops reached Galveston, Texas, on June 19th, 1865, where Major General Gordon Granger finally delivered the news to 250,000 enslaved men, women, and children: you are free.

That moment — June 19th, Juneteenth — is what we commemorate today.

The reasons for the delay remain debated: a messenger killed en route, plantation owners withholding the news to preserve their labor force, or a deliberate wait to allow one final harvest. Whatever the cause, the injustice was real. And so was the moment it ended.

The Price of Freedom

Freedom didn’t arrive on its own. It came through enormous sacrifice. The Civil War claimed an estimated 620,000 to 750,000 American lives — a staggering toll that reflects how fiercely this nation struggled with itself over the question of human freedom. President Lincoln, who gave his life to preserving the Union and ending slavery, stands among the greatest champions of that cause. So do the countless Union soldiers — Black and white — who fought and died so that others could live free.

The abolitionists who came before them are among the truest American heroes. Frederick Douglass, who escaped slavery to become the movement’s most powerful voice and a trusted advisor to Lincoln himself. Harriet Tubman, who not only freed herself but returned again and again to lead others to freedom through the Underground Railroad — and later served as a Union spy. Sojourner Truth, who walked away from bondage and stood before crowds across the country demanding that America live up to its own promises. Alongside them, countless others — Black and white, named and unnamed — risked their reputations, their safety, and their lives to make emancipation possible. They are among the truest American heroes.

How It Is Celebrated

Juneteenth is the longest-running African American holiday, and its spirit is joyful. Much like the Fourth of July, it is marked with community gatherings, parades, barbecues, music, and historical readings. Celebrations often feature red-colored foods and drinks — strawberry soda, hibiscus tea — honoring resilience and the West African cultural traditions carried forward by those who survived slavery. It is a day of liberation, education, and reflection on how far this country has come — and a recommitment to how far we still aspire to go.

Texas made Juneteenth an official state holiday in 1979. On June 17, 2021, it became a federal holiday — a recognition long overdue.

Gratitude and Celebration

At AMS Fulfillment, we celebrate Juneteenth with full hearts. We honor the enslaved men and women who endured, resisted, and persevered. We honor Lincoln, the abolitionists, and the soldiers — Black and white — who gave everything for freedom. And we celebrate the American promise that, however imperfectly and however slowly, this nation has fought to keep.

Happy Juneteenth to all!

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Please feel free to visit amsfulfillment.com and learn more about us. We’ve been doing eCommerce fulfillment for more than twenty years and we are a highly respected third-party fulfillment service (3PL) with many satisfied and successful clients.

 

We talked about the holidays this month, with Juneteenth and Father’s Day coming up. But before we go to them, let’s get to the holiday Nature gives us – the Summer Solstice. We’re quickly approaching the longest day of the year, and chances are every one of us has noticed… yes, the days are getting longer!

First, let’s look into the differences between the equinox and the solstice. Our AI search tells us that the equinox is the time of the year when the sun is nearest to the equatorial plane, giving us days and nights of equal length. The Solstice, on the other hand, is the time of the year when the sun is farthest from the equatorial plane. The Summer solstice gives us long days, and the Winter solstice long nights.

Unique Celebrations

Since we’re looking into long days and many hours of sunlight, let’s take a look at what happens in the far North regions of the Earth. Believe it or not… there are places where the sun is still lighting up the world at midnight! We found some information in the Smithsonian magazine [LINK] about longstanding celebrations of the sun taking place around the solstice. The events include a baseball game, a festival and concert, an ocean plunge, a huge bonfire, and a golf game where the players tee up at midnight! We’ll begin with Alaska… the land of the midnight sun!

Alaska

“The Fairbanks Midnight Sun Baseball Game is a 118-year-old tradition that began in 1906 as a bar bet. Teams play on June 21 each year, with the first pitch thrown around 10 p.m. No artificial lighting is used—that far north, the sunlight lingers past midnight on the solstice. While different teams have participated over the years, today the Alaska Goldpanners, a collegiate summer baseball team founded in 1960, carry on the tradition. This year, the Goldpanners will take on the Michigan Monarchs.

“Fairbanks also hosts the Midnight Sun Festival (this year on June 24), with 12 hours of celebration, featuring live music on three stages, vendors and an assortment of activities.”

Puerto Rico

“At the stroke of midnight on June 23, some people in Puerto Rico plunge backward into the ocean to stave off negativity and bring luck. This leap of faith is part of Noche de San Juan celebrations, which mark the eve of Saint John the Baptist’s Nativity. Puerto Ricans disagree on how many times you should submerge yourself in the water, with some arguing three times is sufficient, and others preferring 7 or 12 backward plunges for the desired results. Before the midnight dip, the holiday features a busy beach day with cookouts, music, games, swimming and dancing.”

Norway

“Bonfires are a common way to celebrate Midsummer, but Ålesund, Norway, takes them to the next level. Slinningsbalet, scheduled for June 24 this year, is one of the world’s tallest bonfires. (It held the world record at over 155 feet tall in 2016 before a taller Austrian bonfire took the record a few years later.) Generally, teens and young adults build a massive structure out of stacked wooden pallets a few miles from town. The conflagration can be seen from Ålesund, from the nearby Mount Aksla viewpoint and from the harbor, where Queen Sonja and King Harald sometimes watch from the royal yacht.”

Iceland

“Iceland’s midsummer celebration, Jónsmessa, is a time of positivity and goodness. Folklore says cows can talk and elves can interact with people during this time, and some Icelanders roll around naked in the morning dew to supposedly promote good health.

“Others prefer playing golf into the night. The annual Arctic Open tournament, held at Akureyri Golf Club in northern Iceland, began in 1986. Steindór Ragnarsson, the club’s general manager, says the sold-out event sees 260 participants play 36 holes each (18 per night). “It’s a unique experience teeing up at midnight with sunlight,” Ragnarsson says. “And since the sun never disappears, we play all night with daylight.”

United States

We wondered if there are solstice or midsummer celebrations in the U.S., and surprisingly… there are. Apparently, most of them are rooted in Scandinavian traditions and they feature maypole dancing, flowers in the hair, and folk music. In New York City there is an event in Battery Park featuring music and Swedish food. There is also an event with maypole dancing on the National Mall in D.C. Other locations doing midsummer festivals include Estes Park, Colorado; Lindsborg, Kansas; and Indiana Dunes National Park where people gather at the historic Chellberg Farm to learn about Swedish midsummer traditions and enjoy food and dance.

It’s June 21^st

The summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere will take place on Sunday, June 21^st at 1:24 a.m. The 21^st is also Father’s Day, so we get to celebrate two beautiful things… the longest day of sunshine and the beautiful sunshine of the fathers among us. Happy Solstice to our Clients, our Associates, our Friends and all readers. Have fun!!

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Please feel free to visit amsfulfillment.com and learn more about us. We’ve been doing eCommerce fulfillment for more than twenty years and we are a highly respected third-party fulfillment service (3PL) with many satisfied and successful clients.

This Friday, the 5^th of June, has been declared by the United Nations to be World Environment Day. The UN campaign points to evidence that our Earth is experiencing rising temperatures, extreme weather and wildfires. The UN, in its declaration, highlights nature-based solutions, and points to issues with plastics pollution. According to the United Nations [LINK] millions of people, communities and schools will be participating in clean-up activities.

These environmental concerns are very much shared by AMS Fulfillment. As our readers know, we have been committed to environmentalism for some years now, and we have taken responsibility in a number of ways, including how we handle plastics.

Climate Action

Let’s focus upon the UN website for more information on the changes that are taking place:

“The Earth is already speaking to us—through record-breaking temperatures, more intense wildfires, extreme storms and glaciers disappearing before our eyes. For years, we have said that limiting global warming to 1.5°C is essential to avoiding the worst impacts of climate change. Today, that threshold is dangerously close to being exceeded—and every fraction of a degree matters.

“Climate change is no longer a future threat: it is reshaping life across the planet.

“Plastic pollution has been increasingly highlighted as a major environmental concern during World Environment Day observances. The issue involves the accumulation of plastic waste in terrestrial and marine ecosystems, where it can persist for decades and pose risks to wildlife, biodiversity, and human health.

“Environmental research indicates that reducing plastic pollution requires coordinated efforts involving policy measures, corporate responsibility, and behavioral change. As a result, plastic pollution has become a recurring theme in environmental awareness initiatives associated with World Environment Day.”

AMS Is Committed

It has been some months since we spoke about what a fulfillment service can do to protect the environment. Certainly, among the commitments AMS has made, there is a commitment to recycling plastics. Single-use plastics have been identified as a significant contributor to waste generation worldwide.

AMS has been recycling and encouraging our associates to utilize the recycling bins for years. We provided the proper containers for all associates in the various facilities, so that they could take the first step in recycling their own cans, bottles, food and so forth. This has been a very successful effort, as our associates are very much aware of and in support of sustainability. [LINK]

Even though we have been recycling for years, we were challenged to find the means of recycling stretch plastics. The AMS Green Team was determined to keep the stretch plastic we dispose of out of the landfill, and in the hands of a company that recycles plastic. After a great deal of searching, they found a recycling company that was willing to recycle stretch plastics if we accumulated large enough amounts. AMS purchased containers and our associates were more than happy to accumulate the plastic on site at every warehouse. After the stretch plastic was accumulated, it was properly bound and stacked until it reached the amount required. At that point, it was turned over to the recycling company, and we breathed a sigh of relief.

The Responsibility

For some years, AMS has made sustainable packaging available to our clients. Traditional packaging materials, including plastic or Styrofoam, are not encouraged by AMS. We are happy to replace plastics with recycled paper, biodegradable peanuts, recycled cardboard and even recycled air pillows. Of course, our clients make the decisions on the packaging they want their products shipped within, and we are proud to make sustainable packaging available to them, offering a variety of options.

Rather than ‘just talk’ about protecting the environment, at AMS we make every effort to respect our Earth, and we encourage others to do so as well. World Environment Day reminds us that the Earth is sending us signals. This is a responsibility, and we accept it with gratitude.

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Please feel free to visit amsfulfillment.com and learn more about us. We’ve been doing eCommerce fulfillment for more than twenty years and we are a highly respected third-party fulfillment service (3PL) with many satisfied and successful clients.

There are some special commemorations coming in June. We’re looking forward to Father’s Day on the 21^st and giving some very much deserved recognition to the fathers among us. That will be fun. We’re also going to be able to celebrate Juneteenth on the 19^th, taking our minds to thoughts of atonement, liberation and justice. And… here comes the Summer Solstice in June as well! On June 21^st it will officially be Summer!

This week we’re going to celebrate a very special June commemoration – Pride Month. Along with all of the other celebrations, June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month! It’s time for us to remember the painful past and appreciate the evolution and growth of our human family. At AMS, every person belongs, and every associate, regardless of how they identify, is appreciated and valued. We enjoy a culture where no one is excluded or shamed because of who they wish to love and partner with.

What the Law Said

Looking into the painful history, we know that LGBTQ+ individuals were severely treated within the American culture, but we didn’t know if their lives were made illegal in the U.S., so we asked AI. Here is what we found:

“Yes, consensual same-sex sexual acts were crimes in the United States until the U.S. Supreme Court struck down all remaining state sodomy laws on June 26, 2003, in the landmark case Lawrence v. Texas. Prior to this ruling, the criminalization of homosexuality had a long history in the country:”

Apparently, the earliest laws, brought from Europe in the Colonial era, were so severe as to call for the death penalty. Over the years the laws against the LGBTQ+ community were mostly enforced at the state level. We’re told that Illinois was the first state to decriminalize and that took place in 1962. Finally, in 2003 the US Supreme Court made it clear that States could no longer criminalize LGBTQ+ relationships. Here is their decision:

“The 2003 Supreme Court Ruling: In Lawrence v. Texas, the Supreme Court ruled that state laws criminalizing consensual sexual activity between adults violate the liberty protected by the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This decision immediately invalidated the remaining sodomy laws in 13 states and established that homosexual acts could no longer be classified as criminal offenses nationwide.”

Pride Month

As our readers likely know, Gay Pride as a movement was brought into being by a violent police raid at a gay bar in New York’s Greenwich Village called the Stonewall Inn. We went to Wikipedia [LINK] for some information on this momentous time:

“Pride Month is observed in June in the United States, coinciding with the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots, a series of gay liberation protests. The first pride marches were held in four US cities in June 1970, one year after the riots at the Stonewall Inn. The New York City march, promoted as “Christopher Street Liberation Day”, alongside the parallel marches in Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, marked a watershed moment for LGBTQ rights.

“An organizer of some of the first marches named Fred Sargeant stated the goal was to commemorate the Stonewall riots and further push for liberation. He noted that while the first marches were more akin to a protest than a celebration, they helped to remind people of LGBTQ communities and how they may include one’s family and friends.”

We Celebrate Our Humanity

At AMS Fulfillment we see equal beauty and value in every human being – yes, the entire rainbow of humanity is beautiful. We are proud of all of our associates and of our culture as well. AMS is a B Corporation, and we made the commitment some years ago to “B The Change”. We have been, and we continue to be committed to inclusion with zero tolerance for discrimination. As a result, we thrive and we retain exceptional talent. We are grateful for the remarkable people who bring their whole selves to work at AMS.

For AMS, Pride isn’t just a month, it’s a reason for gratitude. Pride Month is very much worthy of celebration, and we wish for all readers a very happy and successful LGBTQ+ Pride Month.

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Please feel free to visit amsfulfillment.com and learn more about us. We’ve been doing eCommerce fulfillment for more than twenty years and we are a highly respected third-party fulfillment service (3PL) with many satisfied and successful clients.

There is a federal holiday coming up on Monday the 25^th of May. The purpose of this upcoming holiday is to give honor and gratitude to all of the men and women who have served in the U.S. military and have given their lives in service. Surely there is no greater offering.

In reading how this holiday came to exist, we were touched by the fact that it was a group of formerly enslaved people who organized one of the earliest Memorial Day commemorations less than a month after the Confederacy surrendered in 1865. As horrible as war is, we must conclude that there is such a thing as a righteous war. The Civil War brought an end to slavery in the U.S. and we are grateful.

The Civil War claimed the lives of some 620,000 soldiers. Communities were devastated by the loss of their loved ones and there were commemorations across the nation. In the years that followed the commemorations expanded, and as we know, there have been more wars and loss of life.

Decoration Day / Memorial Day

It was 1971 when Memorial Day became a federal holiday. Prior to that date the men and women who died in war were honored across the nation by communities that came together to put flowers and other decorations on the graves of their loved ones. The term “Decoration Day” was used to describe the holiday. We visited the History [LINK] website for more clarity on how this holiday came to be.

“The Civil War, which ended in the spring of 1865, claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history and required the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries. By the late 1860s, Americans in various towns and cities had begun holding springtime tributes to these countless fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers. It is unclear exactly where this tradition originated; numerous different communities might have independently initiated the memorial gatherings.”

The man whose activism led to a recognized day of remembrance was Major General John A. Logan. He led an organization for veterans that called for a designated day. He suggested that the 30th of May, 1868, be designated for the purpose of putting flowers on the graves of veterans across the U.S. He called the occasion Decoration Day in a nod to the tradition of decorating soldiers’ graves.

The article concludes: “Nevertheless, in 1966, the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of Memorial Day. Waterloo—which first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—was chosen because it hosted an annual, community-wide event, during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.”

The Wars

We mourn every life lost in every war, including wars that are fought for a righteous cause. The following is a list of wars in which the U.S. has engaged since the Civil War:

American Civil War: 1861–1865; Spanish–American War: 1898; World War I: 1917–1918; World War II: 1941–1945; Korean War: 1950–1953 Vietnam War: 1961–1975; Gulf War (Desert Shield/Storm): 1990–1991; War in Afghanistan: 2001–2021; Operation Iraqi Freedom: 2003–2011.

Traditions and Rituals

On Monday the 25^th there will be Memorial Day parades in cities and towns across the U.S. Veteran organizations often join in these parades. There will also be visits to cemeteries and memorials, and most likely there will be people wearing a red poppy in remembrance of those fallen in war.

Finally, we sincerely thank our AMS Associates and members of their families who have served, and we offer condolences to those who have lost a loved one in service to our country. Some of our AMS Associates are currently serving in the reserves and we salute them and thank them as well. Please enjoy the weekend and join us in a heartfelt prayer for a world at peace.

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Please feel free to visit amsfulfillment.com and learn more about us. We’ve been doing eCommerce fulfillment for more than twenty years and we are a highly respected third-party fulfillment service (3PL) with many satisfied and successful clients.

Our readers know that for AMS, the safety and well-being of our Associates is a top priority. We focus on training and on other safety measures, and as a result we have one of the best safety records in the fulfillment industry.

This week, from May 17-23 is the 52^nd annual recognition of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel. Paramedics and EMTs are a special group of heroes who are dedicated to community health and safety. None of us wants to face a crisis wherein we have to dial 911 and depend on these heroes to save our friend or family or ourselves. But oh how grateful we are to have such highly trained and dedicated individuals who respond to our call for help. This week we put our attention on them and we thank them sincerely and deeply.

EMS Week

Our initial search gets us the following information: “EMS Week 2026 runs from May 17–23, celebrating the 52nd annual recognition of emergency medical services (EMS) personnel with the theme “Improving Outcomes, Together”. Sponsored by the American College of Emergency Physicians [LINK] and the National EMT organization, this week honors paramedics and EMTs for their dedication to community health and safety.”

The 2026 theme is “Improving Outcomes, Together” and the path to improvement is presented as follows: “Focus: Highlights collaboration between 911, public health, fire, law enforcement, and EMS, with a special emphasis on advanced care initiatives like prehospital blood transfusion.”

Safety at AMS

We offered a blog about safety a few months ago [LINK] and in that writing we pointed to the various ways that injuries happen in a warehouse. We cover AMS’s focus and training in order to avoid work injuries, and basically eliminate the need to call the EMS Professionals:

“As readers can see, working in a fulfillment warehouse has its dangers built in. AMS is well aware of the importance of safety training and we strongly encourage employees to bring any safety concerns to the attention of their supervisor – don’t wait – see something, say something immediately.

“We want to have the best safety record in the industry among fulfillment warehouses, and we are definitely doing our best to achieve it. AMS has few lost-time injuries and when we do experience an accident resulting in injury, we learn from it.”

Improving Outcomes

At the EMS Week website [LINK] we find there is a focus for each day in the week. Sunday the 17^th is “Health, Wellness and Resilience Day”, Monday is “EMS Education Day”, Tuesday is “Safety Tuesday”, Wednesday is “EMS for Children Day”, Thursday the 21^st is “Save-A-Life Day”(CPR & Stop the Bleed), Friday and Saturday encourage recognition and remembrance.

Some of us have experience with EMS professionals. We have memories of having to dial 911 and we have deep gratitude for the help that came to us. We are more than happy to honor Emergency Medical Technicians, and if possible, find a way to thank them for the incredible service they provide. The following quote pretty much says it all.

“Every EMS clinician carries one call with them forever, not for its heroism but for its humanity. A child whose breathing finally stabilized, a grandmother whose hand was held until her family reached her side, or a stranger who, despite fear and pain in their eyes, chose to trust them.

“These moments seldom make headlines, yet they influence outcomes and change lives. These outcomes go beyond just vital signs. They include people returning home, families remaining united and communities feeling safer because someone was there when it mattered most.

“Today’s EMS clinicians bring advanced skills and innovative tools to these moments: evolving models of care that serve patients in big cities, tribal lands, rural plains and everywhere in between: prehospital ultrasound, early stroke recognition, and whole blood transfusion. These advancements are creating a measurable difference well before the patient reaches the hospital.”

Thank You EMS

First of all, to every AMS Associate who has undertaken CPR training, we say Thank You. The knowledge you have gained is a treasure, and it is appreciated. And we conclude with a heartfelt Thank You to every Emergency Medical Technician for choosing to save lives and serve the public in such a profound way. It’s difficult to express how much you are Appreciated – we thank you for choosing a life of service to others. It matters.

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Please feel free to visit amsfulfillment.com and learn more about us. We’ve been doing eCommerce fulfillment for more than twenty years and we are a highly respected third-party fulfillment service (3PL) with many satisfied and successful clients.