3PL-Rx Announces Merger with American Chain of Warehouses, Reinforcing Commitment to Innovation in the Logistics Industry
Clarks Summit, Pa. – 3PL-Rx, a modern logistics and marketing platform founded by Chris and Zach Kane, has announced today that it has merged with The American Chain of Warehouses (ACWI), the nation’s oldest sales and marketing organization for third-party logistics providers.
This merger unites ACWI’s 115-year legacy of industry leadership with 3PL-Rx’s modern digital strategy, creative content, and technology solutions, giving members a stronger voice and a more effective platform for business growth.
A Shared Mission for 3PL Growth
Chris Kane, newly appointed President of ACWI, emphasized the alignment of missions:
“When Zach and I started 3PL-Rx, we weren’t looking to get rich. Our goal was to help 3PLs grow. The American Chain shares that mission, and this merger allows us to combine a century of credibility with the cutting-edge tools and marketing that today’s 3PLs need.”
Leadership and Transition
As part of the transition:
- Chris Kane will serve as President.
- Zach Kane will serve as Vice President of Technology & Administration.
- Mariah McGregor will serve as Director of Member Services.
- Sofia Fernandez de la Reguera will serve as Director of Marketing and Digital Analytics.
Current ACWI members will retain their existing membership rates for the next year, with new members joining at $495/month — positioning the organization alongside other leading national logistics associations.
Expanding Reach and Member Value
The combined organization will immediately begin expanding into open markets across the U.S., while also strengthening its presence in fast-growing areas such as e-commerce fulfillment.
“Our members will benefit from more leads, stronger marketing, and the credibility that comes from being part of an organization that has stood for over a century,” said Kane. “We will be the only organization led by a former 3PL owner. This is just the beginning of a new chapter for the American Chain.”
| In this spotlight you can expect: |
Conagra Strengthens Supply Chain After Production Setbacks |
U.S. Warehouse Vacancies Hold Steady as Demand Climbs |
Governance Framework for Family Businesses |
AI Transforms Retail Supply Chains |
The State of Warehouse AI & Automation 2025 — Briefli Report |
Driving 3PL Efficiency: How Modern Optimization Tools Deliver Real Labor Savings and OTIF |
| VEYER Logistics: The Startup Mindset with Enterprise Backbone |
The Santo Tequila Heist — A Wake-Up Call for Supply Chain Security |
| Interviews |
| X-Change Board |
Official Announcement
The merger will be formally announced at the CSCMP EDGE Conference in Maryland, October 6, 2025.
For more information, please visit www.acwi.org
Conagra Strengthens Supply Chain After Production Setbacks
Conagra Brands is investing roughly $450 million in fiscal 2026 to strengthen its supply chain resilience and modernize production. The move follows a challenging year marked by a chicken facility shutdown, frozen vegetable shortages, and steel tariff pressures affecting packaging. A key focus is rebuilding chicken production capacity and bringing more operations in-house to stabilize output and reduce outsourcing. Overall, Conagra aims to balance cost control and growth across its frozen and snack lines while fortifying infrastructure to prevent future disruptions.
U.S. Warehouse Vacancies Hold Steady as Demand Climbs
Warehouse vacancies in the U.S. remained stable at 7.1% in Q3, signaling a pause after years of expansion. While demand for logistics space continues to grow, many companies are signing leases more cautiously amid trade and economic uncertainty. At the same time, new warehouse construction has slowed, reducing the amount of available space and keeping vacancy rates balanced. This shift suggests a more stable—but tighter—industrial real estate market heading into 2026.
Governance Framework for Family Businesses
The guide outlines how family enterprises can thrive through clear structure and accountability. It emphasizes separating ownership, management, and board roles, creating a family charter, and enforcing transparency and succession planning. These practices help prevent conflict, protect minority shareholders, and ensure long-term stability across generations.
AI Transforms Retail Supply Chains
Artificial intelligence is reshaping retail operations through autonomous systems, smart labeling, and decision-making agents that streamline planning and logistics. Companies like PepsiCo are using AI to improve forecasting, reduce theft, and boost efficiency. The shift marks a move from viewing supply chains as cost centers to treating them as strategic growth engines driven by data and automation.
The State of Warehouse AI & Automation 2025 — Briefli Industry Report
Written by Mike Adkins, this report examines which AI and automation tools are actually driving results in warehouses today. After reviewing real-world data, the study found that AI Data Entry Automationoffers the fastest ROI, saving 60–100 hours per month with 99% accuracy and minimal setup. Other key technologies like voice-picking systems, AMRs, AS/RS, inventory drones, and computer vision software are transforming productivity, accuracy, and labor efficiency across logistics operations. Overall, the report concludes that AI-driven automation allows warehouses to scale without adding headcount, cutting manual tasks, boosting safety, and turning data into operational intelligence.
Title: The Santo Tequila Heist – A Wake-Up Call for Supply Chain Security
Two semitrucks carrying over $1 million of Santo Tequila, founded by Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagar, vanished en route from Texas to Pennsylvania in a shocking high-tech cargo theft. Criminals used fake trucking companies, spoofed GPS signals, and digital deception to hijack the load without violence or trace—part of a global trend called double brokering, which has surged 1,200% in four years. The theft exposed how international cybercriminals infiltrate logistics systems, redirecting legitimate shipments into their control.
Investigators later found 11,000 bottles in a Los Angeles warehouse, but half the shipment was lost. Experts warn that these digital hijackings now cost U.S. businesses over $230 million annually, with California a top target due to its port density. The case underscores the urgent need for stronger authentication, visibility tech, and human oversight in the increasingly digital global supply chain.
VEYER Logistics: The Startup Mindset with Enterprise Backbone
In the fast-evolving world of logistics, few companies embody both agility and stability the way VEYER Logistics does. Recently, Co-founder of 3PL-Rx, Chris Kane, sat down with Marketing Manager, Ben Ocken from VEYER to learn more about the company’s growth, strategy, and how they are positioning themselves in the modern 3PL landscape.
Startup Speed, Enterprise Stability
VEYER is a unique player in the 3PL market. Although the VEYER name is relatively new, the operation stems from decades of logistics expertise under the Office Depot umbrella. As Office Depot has evolved beyond its retail roots, VEYER has emerged as a nimble, technology-forward logistics provider for brands and e-commerce businesses.
“We operate like a startup with the backing of a major enterprise,” Ben explained. “That means we can be flexible and responsive while leveraging the infrastructure and financial stability built over 40 years.”
This blend of entrepreneurial spirit and corporate resources allows VEYER to serve a wide range of industries, including furniture, cosmetics, beverages, outdoor goods, and more. VEYER currently supports over a dozen industry verticals, partnering with both fast-growing brands like Maven Lane and well-known household names.
Modern Tech Stack with Human Touch
VEYER has taken steps to modernize its technology stack, moving beyond legacy systems and implementing more flexible, brand-oriented technology solutions while working with top companies like Pipe17, Logiwa, and Shipium. While AI is playing an increasing role in operations, VEYER’s focus remains on making logistics seamless and scalable for its customers.
Equally impressive is VEYER’s people strategy. In an industry plagued by high turnover, VEYER boasts an average warehouse employee tenure approaching 10 and a half years. This translates into operational consistency, reduced errors, and a better overall experience for their customers.
“Technology is important, but people are still at the heart of great service,” Ben noted. “Our teams are experienced, engaged, and that creates real value for our customers.”
Strategic Growth & Thoughtful Expansion
VEYER continues to expand with a smart, strategic approach — investing in climate-controlled facilities, securing long-term leases to ensure pricing stability, and building a diversified customer base. Their facility network is optimized to serve customers efficiently, without the burden of short-term real estate risks.
When it comes to seasonality, VEYER benefits from a counter-cyclical approach. Traditional Office Depot peak seasons are complemented by alternative brand peaks, giving VEYER more balanced year-round capacity to onboard new brands and deliver consistent service levels.
Why This Matters for 3PL-Rx Members
At 3PL-Rx, we believe VEYER’s approach offers real value to the 3PL community. They combine the nimbleness and customer focus of a boutique provider with the resources and scalability of an enterprise-level operation.
For 3PL providers looking to refer opportunities outside their core business, VEYER represents a trustworthy partner who can deliver high-quality service across a variety of industries.
As 3PL-Rx continues to serve as a connector and resource for logistics providers, we look forward to sharing more about VEYER’s story — including upcoming spotlights and resource materials for our members.
Driving 3PL Efficiency: How Modern Optimization Tools Deliver Real Labor Savings and OTIF
In a recent conversation between 3PL-Rx’s co-founder, Chris Kane and AutoScheduler.AI CCO, Jeff Potts, the two industry veterans reflected on the evolution of logistics and how modern technology is reshaping operations for 3PL providers. Their discussion highlights the critical challenges facing 3PLs today–ranging from outdated warehouse management systems to labor inefficiencies–and how innovative software solutions are providing measurable improvements in cost savings, service levels, and operational agility.
From Warehousing to Technology Leadership
Jeff, a logistics technology leader, traced his roots back to the 3PL sector, working in family-owned warehousing and transportation businesses. From those early days, he witnessed the transformation of logistics from basic warehousing into an integrated, technology-enabled service offering.
Jeff’s career pivoted to technology in 1999 with the launch of LeanLogistics, one of the first cloud-based transportation management systems (TMS), connecting shippers and carriers through a single-instance, multi-tenant platform. The platform revolutionized freight management by automating optimization, execution, and payment processes. That pioneering spirit now continues at AutoScheduler, where Jeff focuses on optimizing warehouse and labor operations.
Breathing New Life into Legacy WMS Systems
A central theme of the conversation was the heavy investment many 3PLs have in warehouse management systems (WMS) that are often on-premise, customized, and expensive to upgrade. Jeff described how WMS upgrades have earned a reputation as “open-heart surgery”—risky, disruptive, and costly.
Rather than rip and replace, Jeff advocates for layering modern orchestration and optimization tools on top of existing systems. By integrating data from WMS, yard management, and transportation visibility platforms, companies can achieve significant gains without expensive WMS overhauls.
Labor Savings in Double Digits
Labor remains the largest controllable cost for 3PLs, and according to Jeff, the savings his team delivers go far beyond marginal gains.
“We typically deliver double-digit labor savings,” Jeff explained. “It’s about working smarter, not harder—maximizing cross-docking, reducing unnecessary touches, optimizing door assignments, and improving the flow of product through the facility.”
Their platform provides labor demand forecasts 24 to 48 hours out, giving operations leaders the tools to proactively adjust staffing—whether that means adding labor to prevent costly overtime or flexing down when demand softens. This kind of dynamic labor planning can dramatically cut costs while improving service levels.
Automation-Ready for AGVs and Robotics
As 3PLs invest in automation, AutoScheduler’s platform treats human labor and automation resources equally, intelligently assigning tasks to both based on capabilities.
A common warehouse issue—AGV congestion—is also addressed through the system’s continuous optimization. By smoothing workflow and reducing choke points, the solution helps maximize throughput without sacrificing efficiency.
Impacting the Yard: Reducing Detention, Improving Flow
Outside the four walls, the software optimizes yard operations as well. From tracking free time and preventing detention charges to selecting the most efficient doors for live loads and minimizing overall yard congestion, the system helps create a smoother, faster operation that benefits both the warehouse and transportation teams.
Jeff highlighted how these yard improvements also contribute to being recognized as a “shipper of choice”—a status that helps 3PLs and their clients secure better transportation rates and carrier loyalty.
Boosting OTIF with Real-Time Inventory Awareness
On-time, in-full (OTIF) performance is a critical metric for 3PLs and their clients. AutoScheduler enhances OTIF by bridging the gap between inventory visibility and outbound planning.
“Sometimes inventory isn’t physically in the building, but we know it’s sitting on a trailer in the yard or inbound within the hour,” Jeff said. “Our system reprioritizes unloading to ensure outbound orders ship 100% complete whenever possible.”
With configurable prioritization rules, operators can adjust the balance between in-flow fulfillment and on-time departures, tailoring the system to their unique customer requirements.
For more information, please visit acwi.org.
