The safety and well-being of our valued Ohio warehouse & logistics workers have always been an imperative at On Time Delivery & Warehouse.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Labor announced that given the heightened demands being placed on warehousing and logistics employees, it would be launching a new initiative to vigorously enforce these workers’ wage and hour rights and safety protections.

“The increased demand and constraints on the global supply chain have combined to place enormous strain on the nation’s warehouse and logistics industries,” the DOL said in a news release.

Regulators are ramping up federal enforcement to ensure employees are safe from harassment, paid their legally-owed wages, and are afforded proper family and medical leave in accordance with applicable employment laws. They’ll also be watching for potential misclassification of employees as independent contractors, a practice that tends to result in underpaid wages and benefits, as well as an unfair competitive advantage for companies in the free market.

Of course, the agency has had its eye on the industry for some time now. But the pandemic underscored the critical economic function of warehouse workers, truckers, delivery drivers, and other Ohio warehouse & logistics professionals. Ongoing supply chain exigencies have left more than few logistics firms scrambling to keep pace. Still, the DOL doesn’t see that as an excuse to make concessions on worker pay and safety measures. The recent announcement involves news that the agency is hiring more than 100 new wage and hour investigators – with more likely on the way.

Our Ohio Warehouse & Logistics Team is Committed to Worker Safety and Customer Satisfaction

We recognize that Northeast Ohio warehouse & logistics costs and challenges have risen in recent months, but investment in dedicated employees and their well-being is a core tenet on which our team has never compromised. We’ve had this commitment dialed in for decades, so the DOL’s announcement has no real impact on our day-to-day activities.

Meanwhile, companies that are just launching and/or struggling may want to reconsider any internal warehousing and logistics operations – especially knowing that there will be additional federal oversight and zero room to cut corners without significant penalties. Enterprising company owners recognize that labor is often one of the largest – if not the largest – costs of doing business. When you can entrust those duties to a highly capable third party – particularly in a tightly-regulated and challenging field like warehousing and logistics – it’s often a relief as well as a money-saver. When it’s done right, 3PL Ohio warehouse & logistics services improve your supply chain efficiency and boost customer satisfaction. A transparent monitoring system allows quick identification of potential weaknesses, potential bottlenecks, and opportunities for streamlined services. Skilled warehousing and logistics services helps ensure you have the products on hand that you need – when you need them – and that intact deliveries will be fulfilled in a timely manner.

Benefits of Working With a 3PL Warehouse Provider

Third-party logistics (3pl) is a type of service that enables companies to outsource warehousing (and sometimes delivery) functions in order to bring their supply chain full circle. Those working with our Northeast Ohio 3PL warehouse have the benefit of:

• A comprehensive, one-stop solution for packaging, warehousing, transportation, and order fulfillment.
• Identification of and solutions for supply chain gaps.
• A skilled, experienced, and insured workforce.
• The best practices and technologies to help integrate your business processes and solve complex logistical challenges, making your supply chain more nimble and responsive in today’s dynamic markets.

Companies of all sizes seek 3PL warehouse services for a number of reasons, including to broaden customer bases, venture into new markets, and create more positive customer experiences. Outsourcing your warehouse labor allows you to rely on a tried-and-tested team while focusing on the core competencies of your own company.

For information on 3PL Warehousing Services in Cleveland, Contact On Time Delivery & Warehouse by calling (440) 826-4630 or send us an email.

Additional Resources:

Labor Department to ramp up worker rights enforcement in warehousing, logistics, Feb. 22, 2022, By Emilie, Shumway, Supply Chain Dive

More Blog Entries:

Who Needs a Customs Bonded Warehouse? Dec. 20, 2021, On Time Delivery & Warehouse Blog