Penske Logistics

What Is a Gantry System?

A gantry system is a type of crane or overhead structure designed to lift, move and position heavy materials within a specific area. These systems are often used in warehouses, manufacturing facilities and shipping yards to handle large loads. Gantry systems can be portable or fixed and may include features such as adjustable heights or automated controls. For example, in a distribution center, a gantry system might be used to move large pallets of goods onto trucks for outbound shipping, ensuring safe and precise handling of heavy materials.

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What Is Particulate Matter?

Particulate matter refers to tiny particles of solid or liquid substances suspended in the air, often a byproduct of combustion from vehicles, industrial processes or power generation. In logistics, emissions from diesel-powered trucks and equipment can contribute to particulate matter, which affects air quality and health. For example, reducing particulate matter emissions may involve transitioning to electric vehicles or implementing stricter fleet protocols.

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What Is Upstream?

Upstream encompasses the processes and activities that occur before a product is created, focusing on sourcing raw materials, managing suppliers and procurement. For instance, a company purchasing steel to manufacture trucks is involved in upstream operations. Collaboration with suppliers in upstream logistics can improve efficiency and reduce costs while ensuring a reliable supply of materials.

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What Is Downstream?

Downstream refers to the flow of goods as they move from the producer to the end consumer. This includes activities such as distribution, retail and customer delivery. For example, a logistics company managing the delivery of goods to retailers or consumers is engaged in downstream operations. Effective downstream logistics ensure that products reach the right place, on time and in optimal condition.

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What Are Scope 3 Emissions?

Scope 3 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas emissions that occur throughout a company’s supply chain, both upstream and downstream. These include emissions from supplier activities, transportation, product use and end-of-life disposal. For example, the carbon footprint of manufacturing a truck used by a logistics company or the emissions generated by a customer using the delivered product contribute to Scope 3 emissions.

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What Are Scope 2 Emissions?

Scope 2 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas emissions associated with the energy a company purchases and consumes. For logistics operations, this includes emissions from electricity used to power warehouses, offices and other facilities. For instance, switching to renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, can help reduce Scope 2 emissions and enhance sustainability goals.

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What Are Scope 1 Emissions?

Scope 1 emissions are direct greenhouse gas emissions that result from activities performed or controlled by a company. These include emissions from company vehicles, on-site fuel combustion and industrial processes. For example, a logistics company’s fleet of trucks burning diesel fuel contributes to its Scope 1 emissions. Reducing these emissions may involve adopting electric or alternative-fuel vehicles.

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What Is a Circular Economy?

A circular economy emphasizes sustainability by designing products and processes to minimize waste, reuse resources and extend the lifecycle of goods. In logistics, this means managing the return and refurbishment of products, recycling materials and reducing resource consumption. For example, companies adopting a circular economy model may collect used products from consumers, refurbish them and reintroduce them into the market, creating a closed-loop system that reduces waste.

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What Is Material Handling Equipment?

Material handling equipment encompasses tools, machinery and systems designed to move, store and protect goods throughout the supply chain. Examples include forklifts, conveyors, pallet jacks and automated storage systems. These tools are critical for efficient warehouse operations, ensuring that goods are transported and stored safely and quickly. For instance, forklifts streamline the unloading of trucks, while conveyor systems can move packages through sorting centers at high speeds.

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What Is a Customs Broker?

A customs broker is a licensed professional who facilitates the import and export of goods by ensuring compliance with customs laws, regulations and procedures. These experts manage the documentation required for international shipments, calculate duties and taxes, and assist with resolving any customs-related issues. For example, a company shipping products internationally may hire a customs broker to handle customs declarations and ensure their goods clear borders efficiently and without delays, allowing for smoother global operations.

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What Is WAIRE?

Warehouse Actions and Investments to Reduce Emissions (WAIRE), sometimes called the Indirect Source Rule, is a truck traffic-based credit and deficit system impacting class 2B to class 8 trucks. Under the rule, some facility operators must monitor and submit accurate vehicle travel data, and they must earn a specified number of points through emissions-reducing activities or pay mitigation fees. The regulation also requires warehouses with ≥100,00 ft² of indoor space within a single building to complete emission mitigation actions and investments.

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What Is Transportation Mode?

Transportation mode refers to the way in which products are moved from one place to another. In logistics, transportation modes include land, air and sea. Each mode of transportation offers unique advantages to the business. Some freight uses a combination of different transportation modes to move goods, which is called intermodal transportation.

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What Is a Transport Refrigeration Unit?

Transport refrigeration units (TRUs) are climate-controlled devices that provide essential cooling or heating for consumer products being transported in various containers. They maintain a steady temperature for goods during transport or storage and allow the trailer to be cooled when the engine is shut off.

TRUs are also subject to state and federal regulations, most recently in the CARB TRU regulation mandating that owners and operators of truck TRU fleets in the state of California switch to zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) TRUs by a specified date.

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What Is Supply Chain Planning?

Supply chain planning involves making plans to ensure that the right things get to the right place at the right time, ensuring a successful and efficient supply chain that meets demand. It includes identifying suppliers, planning production, fulfillment and distribution and finding the optimal balance between supply and demand.

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