Forging a stronger supply chain with customized logistics solutions that enhance efficiency, accelerate transit times and ensure long-term resilience.

THE SOLUTION

SEKO had been proactively exploring solutions for smaller shipments near Kaiser Aluminum in the Seattle area, as ocean route restrictions to Europe and South America were causing several of their customers to lose business.

SEKO leveraged this momentum to support Kaiser Aluminum, recommending trucking shipments from Washington to Vancouver, Canada, and utilizing Canada Rail for nationwide distribution. With careful planning and advanced global tracking systems like MySEKO, SEKO implemented a cost-effective strategy despite limited shipping options, enabling Kaiser Aluminum to resume its supply chain and maintain timely deliveries.

Beyond resolving the immediate disruption, SEKO tackled several additional logistics challenges:

• Moisture Damage Prevention: Handling heavy cargo in ocean containers, especially in humid climates, presented a risk of moisture damage. SEKO implemented a proactive system with desiccant testing, driver and warehouse staff training and pre-loading inspections to ensure any potential issues were identified and reported before cargo left the U.S. Additionally, SEKO pinpointed a problem with deliveries in the UK using curtainside trailers that exposed cargo to rain. By advising agents and truckers to reschedule deliveries when necessary, SEKO significantly reduced moisture-related cargo damage.
• Enhanced Cargo Loading Efficiency: SEKO worked with Kaiser Aluminum to optimize container usage by replacing traditional lumber blocking and bracing methods with air bags and straps. This led to an increase in the average container load weight from 33,000 to 46,969 pounds, helping Kaiser Aluminum meet cost and sustainability targets while reducing emissions associated with excess container shipments.
• Sustainability and Cost Savings through Reusable Materials: SEKO introduced a program to reuse air bags and straps, allowing Kaiser Aluminum to lower waste and costs without compromising cargo integrity. In 2024 alone, 1,444 straps and 446 bags have been successfully returned and reused. This initiative not only reduced environmental impact but also provided long-term cost efficiency.

The Role of Specialized Technology
Kaiser Aluminum has extended access to SEKO’s MySEKO platform to its customers, allowing them to track shipments, access customs documents and real-time issue management. The platform notifies both SEKO and Kaiser Aluminum of any shipment issues and sends daily reminders until resolution, ensuring smooth communication and reducing email traffic. By maintaining a shared record of events, SEKO has enhanced transparency and operational efficiency for Kaiser Aluminum and its customers.