Company growth has required recent changes to the AMSOIL packing and shipping distribution process to ensure timely and acceptable delivery to end users. Getting products into the hands of customers without shipping damage remains a top priority, and process improvements continue to help meet this goal.
Over the past several months, the AMSOIL Operations team has implemented a series of packaging improvements, including increasing the strength rating of our corrugate shipping boxes, improving the tensile strength of our water-activated tape and increasing the density of our void fill. We’ve also completed extensive testing through a partnership with UW Stout and adjusted performance thresholds to meet or exceed UPS packaging standards.
While these efforts have been meaningful, they have not yet produced the level of damage reduction we’re targeting. As a result, we’re moving into the next phase where we will test alternative packaging approaches, including a new void fill solution. Shipments will soon include a material known as ExpandOS,™ a replacement for traditional kraft paper. ExpandOS provides improved blocking and bracing, more consistent protection against vibration and impact and simpler packing execution with recyclable, sustainably sourced materials.
The best part? It holds products securely in place during the entire shipping process, resulting in fewer damaged shipments and delivering an elevated customer experience. Initial test results are promising – AMSOIL was sent a sample shipment containing a brick, two ceramic coffee mugs and two lightbulbs packed with ExpandOS. The box traveled via UPS from Colorado to Wisconsin and everything arrived perfectly intact.
The next testing phase will include this material in all shipments coming out of the Superior, Wis. Distribution Center. Upon its anticipated success, all other distribution centers will follow in the coming months. Dealers can expect to start seeing this exciting transition in their Superior-based shipments over the next several weeks.
