How Watco Saved the Fourth of July

Supply chain delays prompted a fireworks retailer and distributor to turn to Watco for a full-service transportation and logistics solution.

Challenge

Supply chain disruptions caused a near crisis for a fireworks retailer and distributor seeking to get product on shelves in advance of Fourth of July celebrations. This product is moved from a sole source – China – in container vessels, typically to West Coast ports in the United States. But a new logistics plan was needed to avert port congestion and delivery delays.

Solution

Together, Watco and MID-Ship Logistics, a Watco company that specializes in barge and vessel logistics, answered the customer’s call to reinvent the supply chain. Dedicated assets and Watco team members were assigned to this initiative to make the process seamless for the customer. The team created a logistics path that allowed product to flow several thousand miles from China to three U.S. ports: Galveston, Texas; Longview, Washington; and Portland, Oregon.

Our integrated, go-to-market strategy involved establishing and using the following services: x Ocean charters for multipurpose vessels, not typically used for containers x Stevedoring and port coordination services x Intermodal, truck, and temporary storage solutions, to support product movement

Reinventing the supply chain presents its own challenges. Because fireworks are considered hazardous material, our team worked with local municipalities and fire marshals to allow incoming deliveries ashore at each U.S. port. To keep freight moving on time to its next destination, Watco worked with Class I railroads to establish new rail service lanes.

Results

At the peak of fireworks shipping season in 2022, our team coordinated 14 ocean vessels and over 3,000 containers. Watco’s long-term integrated solution continues to be successful in getting product to the customer on time.