American Port Services (APS) announced the opening of a new 180,000 square foot (16,723 square meters) cross-dock operation in the Port of Savannah. Having become fully operational on August 1, 2004, APS’ newest addition to its North American warehousing division complements the 3PL’s existing 3 million square feet (278,709 square meters) located in close proximity to the Port of Savannah’s Garden City Terminal container operations. “As our industry becomes even more competitive and service conscious throughout every step in the logistics pipeline, customers are looking to flexible, forward thinking companies such as APS that can provide the ‘total package’ of value-added services and expertise. From warehousing, to over-the-road, to IT research and development we’re implementing a solution provider approach to doing business in every aspect of our business,” stated George Powers, President, American Port Services. “Our newest cross-dock facility in Savannah is an excellent example of projects outlined under our long-term strategic plan to expand our operations and service portfolio in a responsible manner that is conducive to addressing customer challenges, both now and in the future.” Located in the Crossroads Business Center and stretching a half a mile in length, the new state-of-the-art APS cross-dock facility is equipped with 142 opposing doors, and is supported by a concrete paved yard providing a thousand parking slots for convenient access to adjacent cross-dock operations. For faster turns, Crossroads Business Center is conveniently located within 5 miles (8 km) of the Garden City Terminal via US Highway 21 and the Jimmy DeLoach Parkway. Added Powers, “Beyond the obvious benefits of facility location and design, technology continues to play a critical role in the supply chain. Today’s customers require total cargo visibility and in response APS has invested significant resources in introducing customer-driven technologies to support not only our operations, but also our sales and marketing efforts. Our Warehouse Management System provides RF driven accuracy and quality, while our fully integrated Yard Management System utilizes advanced RFID and RTLS (Real-Time Location System) technologies to locate yard assets precisely, driving significant quality and yard turn capability. In addition to the operational advances offered by these technologies APS extends these capabilities to our customers through “TotalView”©, a sophisticated visibility and supply chain management application that provides our customers highly flexible access and control of their supply chain information through a secure internet connection.” From technology R&D to fostering open lines of communication between ourselves and our customers, it’s the little things we do in everything we do that continues to separate us from our competition.” With heightened security at the forefront, both the facility and its dedicated paved storage are under 24 / 7 security via guardhouse entry and exit, as well as electronic surveillance. Adding to security, the facility’s perimeter is completely fenced and well lighted for around the clock operation and protection. “Favorable to our continued success as a seasoned 3PL is our ability to expand Savannah operations in close proximity to the port’s container terminal. We’ve identified a number of additional port-convenient parcels that can easily duplicate this facility’s footprint for additional cross-dock capabilities as market needs warrant. Savannah, more than any other US port over the last decade, has grabbed the attention of a number of high-volume retailers. We’re proud to have played a part in Savannah’s success and we look forward to playing an even larger role in the port’s future growth, ” stated Powers.