Leilani Arendell

Chief Logistics Officer at TransPak. I specialize in global packaging and logistics solutions. I share insights on supply chain efficiency, custom crating, and how smart logistics drive business success worldwide.

[leilaniarendell]

A Day In The Life Of A Transpak Logistics Coordinator

By Leilani Arendell

There’s a rhythm to logistics that’s hard to explain. It doesn’t hum like a machine—it pulses. Quietly. With tension beneath the surface. And the person most attuned to that rhythm? It’s not always the director or the driver. It’s often the logistics coordinator—the one standing at the center, juggling moving parts, catching errors before they cascade, and somehow making sense of chaos that’s constantly in motion.

At TransPak—a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design based in the United States—our logistics coordinators don’t just “manage shipments.” They orchestrate outcomes. They’re the glue between engineering, warehouse teams, clients, and carriers. Without them, even the most beautiful crate wouldn’t make it out the door on time.

I spent a day shadowing one of our best. And let me tell you—it’s not a desk job. It’s a real-time problem-solving mission with coffee, calendars, and a dozen blinking notifications all competing for attention.

6:30 AM – Emails Before Sunrise

By the time most of us are starting our first cup of coffee, a logistics coordinator is already scanning inboxes for overnight updates.

“ETA update on the Houston freight forwarder.”

“Client wants to reschedule pickup.”

“Weather delay at port—what’s the backup?”

No drama. Just a quiet sort of urgency. These aren’t theoretical problems. They affect actual shipments, real deadlines, and people counting on something to arrive exactly when promised.

8:00 AM – Warehouse Walkthrough

Logistics isn’t abstract. It’s physical. Our coordinator walks through the warehouse, checking on that oversized transformer crate we’re prepping for rail shipment. It’s huge. And sensitive. Forklift paths are adjusted. Tie-downs double-checked.

“Did we get the custom bracing in for that one?” they ask.

It’s a small question, but the answer affects half a day’s planning. One delay now, and tomorrow’s loadout could slip, cascading across a half-dozen schedules.

10:00 AM – The First Fire

Something always goes sideways. Today it’s a labeling issue. A shipment bound for a client in Sweden was packed perfectly, but one digit in the export document was off. Customs red flag.

It would be easy to point fingers. But logistics doesn’t have time for that. Instead, the coordinator is already calling the freight agent, coordinating with the export compliance team, reissuing docs, and booking a second flight option just in case.

It’s not just about fixing problems. It’s about anticipating second-order impacts and solving before anyone else feels the ripple.

Noon – Client Call (with Curveballs)

A client wants to move up a shipment window—by two days. They’ve got a critical installation and they’re hoping we can “make it happen.”

And maybe we can. But not without recalculating timelines, rerouting a truck, and possibly overnighting some supplies. Our coordinator listens calmly, outlines what’s possible, and commits to confirming options by end of day.

Not a yes. Not a no. Just a maybe, let me check. That space—between kneejerk agreement and cautious delay—is where logistics coordinators live.

2:00 PM – Carrier Coordination

Phone. Laptop. Whiteboard. Air freight and ground carriers are synced up across three time zones. Packaging is being finalized for a massive semiconductor rig that can’t tilt more than 15 degrees during transit.

That sounds like a detail. It’s not. It changes everything—from crate design to how the unit is loaded onto the flatbed.

Our coordinator draws a crude sketch of the crate’s dimensions on a pad and walks it out to the floor team. Just to be sure everyone’s aligned.

Because misalignment doesn’t happen at the meeting table. It happens when someone assumes, instead of confirms.

4:30 PM – Final Checks

As the day wraps, the logistics coordinator returns to the same dashboard they started with—only now it’s updated, slightly less messy, but never quite “done.” One crate just cleared customs. Another is loaded for pickup. A new client inquiry waits in the inbox.

And tomorrow? It begins again. Same pulse. Same unpredictability. Same dance between control and surrender.

Bigger Picture

It’s easy to forget, amidst the spreadsheets and the urgent pings, that this work connects people. It moves critical parts to hospitals. It delivers infrastructure to remote projects. It brings art to galleries, tools to factories, equipment to the field.

That’s the heart of logistics. And it’s why TransPak is proud to be a nominee for the 2025 Go Global Awards, hosted by the International Trade Council this November in London. We don’t just build crates. We enable possibility. We make sure things happen—across continents, industries, and lives.

This award isn’t just a celebration. It’s a gathering of the world’s best business minds—an invitation to share stories, forge connections, and shape what comes next. And we’re honored to be part of that conversation.

Final Thoughts

You don’t often hear “thank you” shouted across a warehouse to the logistics coordinator. But maybe you should.

Because if everything went right today—if the crate made it, if the deadline held, if the product arrived exactly as expected—chances are, it’s because someone like them saw the trouble coming... and solved it before you ever noticed.

[leilaniarendell]

Custom Industrial Packaging: Meeting Unique Client Specs

By Leilani Arendell

There’s a quiet complexity in industrial packaging. It rarely makes headlines, and yet, without it—nothing moves. Or worse, things move wrong. Incorrect dimensions, insufficient support, poor weather protection... even a single oversight can lead to serious consequences. This is especially true when every client, every product, and every environment brings a new set of variables.

At TransPak, a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design based in the United States, we’ve come to understand that industrial packaging is never a copy-paste operation. Each client brings a different challenge—and frankly, we like it that way.

Because custom packaging isn’t just a service. It’s a mindset.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Let’s say you’re a manufacturer of industrial chillers, the kind used in massive data centers. You’re preparing to ship a few units overseas. Each unit is slightly different—one has a protruding control module, another uses heavier base plating.

What works for Unit A might fail spectacularly for Unit B.

We’ve seen it. Pallets buckling under misaligned weight distribution. Foam cushioning compressing unevenly. Tie-downs positioned too tight—or worse, too loose. It’s a domino effect. One miscalculation and suddenly, the product arrives damaged, claims are filed, projects are delayed.

That’s where customization comes in.

Starting With the Right Questions

Before we even cut wood or draft a design, we ask a lot of questions. Sometimes too many. What’s the part made of? How is it lifted? Does it need to be visible for inspection? Will it sit in a warehouse? For how long? Coastal humidity or desert sand?

That line of questioning might seem tedious. But buried inside those answers are the design specs that make all the difference.

For example, we once worked with a company shipping high-voltage switchgear to South America. The gear had to pass through several hands—first rail, then ocean freight, then local transport across rough roads. We designed a moisture-sealed crate with shock absorption, a corrosion-resistant lining, and modular access doors for inspection.

It wasn’t pretty. But it worked. Flawlessly.

The Marriage of Engineering and Experience

Custom industrial packaging lives at the intersection of math and instinct. You can run the stress tests, simulate the drop heights, analyze center of gravity—all essential. But sometimes, a seasoned packaging engineer will walk past a crate and just know something’s off.

Maybe the angle of the corner blocks feels wrong. Maybe the lifting zones are too close to the edge. These instincts aren’t random. They’re built from years of working with real-world variables—humidity, loading crews, unpredictable weather.

And honestly, that’s something AI hasn’t cracked. Not yet, anyway.

Industries We Serve (Without Shouting About It)

We’ve done custom industrial packaging for:

Energy infrastructure

Mining equipment

Aerospace tooling

Medical imaging devices

Semiconductor fabs

Automotive prototypes

Each sector comes with its own quirks. We’ve built crates taller than the loading dock. We’ve designed packages that had to float for water-based transit (yes, really). We’ve created packaging with embedded sensors to track jostling.

Every time, it comes down to listening well, designing smart, and building with care.

A Global Conversation

This November, we’re honored that TransPak has been nominated for the 2025 Go Global Awards, hosted by the International Trade Council in London. It’s not just an award ceremony—it’s a gathering of minds. A place to meet global peers, exchange insight, and build collaborations that last.

In our line of work, innovation doesn’t always scream. Sometimes, it hums quietly beneath the surface—like the way a crate absorbs shock in just the right way, or how a modular design cuts load time in half.

These are the stories we’re excited to share. And to hear others tell theirs.

Final Thoughts

Custom packaging doesn’t shout. It doesn’t trend. But it keeps the world running.

When you see an industrial crate, you’re not just looking at wood and nails. You’re looking at problem-solving. At foresight. At the quiet art of making sure nothing goes wrong in transit—even when everything else feels unpredictable.

That’s what we do at TransPak. And it’s what we’re proud to keep doing, one custom crate at a time.

[leilaniarendell]

Cal Athletics partnership & community engagement 

By Leilani Arendell

Partnerships in business often get reduced to logos on a flyer, or a handshake photo at a press event. But every now and then, a partnership feels like more. Like roots. Like a reflection of shared values. That’s what our relationship with Cal Athletics has become over the years.

At TransPak—a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design based in the United States—we don’t just talk about community; we actively find ways to participate in it. And for us, Cal isn’t just a neighbor. It’s part of our story. Our culture. Our growth.

Some things you do because they make good business sense. Others you do because they just feel right.

This is both.

More Than a Sponsorship

Let’s start with the obvious—yes, TransPak supports Cal Athletics. You’ll see our name in the right places. But what makes it special isn’t visibility. It’s alignment.

Cal student-athletes work hard. They play with intention. They train like their futures depend on it—because often, they do. And that spirit mirrors how we think about our own work.

At our core, logistics is about discipline. Precision. Consistency. And when you watch a runner lean into the last stretch of the 400m, or a rower push past exhaustion during training—it reminds you of that same energy. Quiet. Focused. Determined.

Shared Roots, Shared Purpose

We’re proud of our Bay Area heritage. We’re proud that our company’s roots are just down the road from one of the world’s leading public universities. And we’re especially proud that we’ve been able to give back—through internships, mentorships, and shared community efforts.

Over the years, we’ve welcomed Cal students into our design labs and logistics teams. Not just to observe, but to contribute. Some of our most innovative packaging tweaks came from interns with no industry background—just fresh eyes and smart questions.

They didn’t come in asking “How do we do it?” They asked “Why do we do it that way?” And sometimes, that’s where improvement begins.

Engagement Beyond the Game

Supporting Cal Athletics isn’t about the scoreboard. It’s about people. We attend games not just to cheer, but to connect. We invite team members into our spaces. We learn their stories. We ask them to teach us about resilience and teamwork, because those qualities matter on the field—and in our warehouses.

We’ve also collaborated on local service events—packaging donations, supporting food banks, volunteering at youth clinics. Because community isn’t a campaign. It’s a commitment.

A Story Worth Bringing to London

This November, TransPak is proud to be a nominee for the 2025 Go Global Awards, hosted by the International Trade Council in London. This isn’t just about global recognition. It’s about standing in a room with companies who believe, as we do, that logistics isn’t just about moving products—it’s about moving people forward.

Partnerships like ours with Cal Athletics aren’t just footnotes. They’re proof that business and community can grow together. That investment in young talent—whether through sports, academics, or opportunity—creates ripple effects far beyond the moment.

We’re not just attending the Go Global Awards. We’re showing up with stories like this. And we’re proud to tell them.

Final Thoughts

In a world of rapid change and high-stakes delivery, it’s easy to forget the simple things: cheering from the bleachers, mentoring a student, handing off a crate with care.

But those moments—that energy—that’s what makes business human. That’s what makes TransPak more than logistics.

And that’s why this partnership with Cal Athletics means so much to us.

Because success isn’t always measured in shipments. Sometimes, it’s measured in shared values.

[leilaniarendell]

Leadership Reflections: Working Alongside Family At Transpak

By Leilani Arendell

When people hear that TransPak is family-run, they often picture something quaint. Maybe a small office, a couple of siblings managing operations, handwritten invoices passed across a kitchen table. But TransPak—a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design based in the United States—isn’t a small business anymore. Not by a long shot.

And yet, at its core, it still feels like one. That’s the paradox of family leadership. You grow. You globalize. You digitize. But the roots—those personal, sometimes messy, always meaningful connections—stay intact.

I’ve had the privilege of watching this dynamic play out up close. And I’ve come to believe that family in leadership doesn’t just shape a company’s story. It shapes its soul.

Generations at the Helm

Bert Inch Sr. started TransPak in 1952 with little more than grit and vision. But what he really left behind wasn’t just a business model—it was a philosophy: solve real problems, treat people right, stay humble.

That philosophy didn’t fade when the next generation stepped in. It deepened.

Today, the Inch family still guides TransPak forward. But it’s not a dynasty for the sake of legacy. It’s continuity with purpose. A recognition that some of the most enduring values in business—like trust, accountability, and people-first thinking—often begin at home.

Real Conversations in Real Time

I remember a moment during a team offsite. A mid-level manager asked a tough question about resource allocation. The conversation could have easily been deflected or “taken offline.” Instead, a member of the family leadership team leaned forward and said, “Let’s talk about it now. Everyone deserves clarity.”

There was no fanfare. No hierarchy. Just eye contact, transparency, and a willingness to listen. That moment stuck with me.

Because in many family-led businesses, those kinds of conversations are normal. You don’t wait for quarterly reports or formal memos. You talk things through. Right there. Right then.

That approach—human, immediate, maybe even a little imperfect—is part of what makes TransPak feel different.

A Culture That Doesn’t Feel Manufactured

These days, “company culture” is a buzzword. But at TransPak, culture isn’t something you write in a handbook. It’s something you witness—when senior leaders remember warehouse birthdays, when project leads step onto the floor to help, when someone stays late because they want to get it right.

Those small gestures add up.

And while this culture didn’t start because of family leadership alone, it’s been nurtured by it. Protected, even. Especially during moments when outside pressures might have nudged the company toward colder, more corporate decisions.

The Messy Side (That’s Also the Real Side)

Of course, family leadership isn’t always smooth. Disagreements happen. Generational perspectives clash. Sometimes you’re navigating business growth and Thanksgiving dinners with the same people.

But those tensions can be productive, too. They bring perspective. History. A kind of emotional accountability that’s hard to manufacture any other way.

You’re not just answering to shareholders. You’re answering to people you’ve known since you were 12. People who remember when your first “business pitch” involved selling lemonade in the driveway.

That kind of accountability keeps you honest.

And Now—A Global Moment

In November 2025, TransPak will be in London as a nominee for the Go Global Awards, hosted by the International Trade Council. It’s a global gathering of business leaders, innovators, and changemakers from every continent.

For a company like ours—rooted in family, grown through grit, expanded with intention—it’s an opportunity to share not just what we do, but how we do it.

Because the awards aren’t just a celebration. They’re a crossroads. A chance to connect with peers, forge new collaborations, and imagine what’s next in a rapidly evolving world.

And I’d like to think that if Bert Inch Sr. could see it, he’d be proud. Not just of the company’s growth, but of how it’s stayed grounded in its values.

Final Thoughts

There’s a phrase we say around here: “Build it like it’s your own.” That could apply to crates. Or strategies. Or careers.

But when your company is led by family, that phrase takes on a deeper meaning. Because it is your own. And that spirit—of ownership, responsibility, and quiet pride—flows through every pallet, every shipment, every relationship.

It’s not flashy. But it’s real. And it lasts.

[leilaniarendell]

Celebrating TransPak Employees: Testimonials from Great Place to Work Uploads

By Leilani Arendell

When you think about crating, packaging, logistics, and design, the first things that come to mind are usually machinery, processes, and maybe a few buzzwords about supply chain optimization. What often gets left out? People. The human side of logistics—the ones building the crates, engineering the packaging, managing timelines, lifting, designing, solving, improving—every single day.

At TransPak, a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design based in the United States, we’ve always known that our people are the true differentiator. Sure, we’ve got the space, the systems, the tech—but without the hands, minds, and voices behind it all, those things don’t mean much.

That’s why being named a Great Place To Work isn’t just a badge. It’s a reflection of who we are and how we operate—on the floor, in the offices, on the docks, and out in the field. And when our employees speak, we listen.

What Our Team Members Are Saying

You’ll find their testimonials—real words, no fluff—shared through our Great Place To Work submissions and internal stories. And what they consistently highlight isn’t surprising: respect, belonging, pride, and shared purpose.

One team member from our packaging design unit said,

“I’ve worked in manufacturing for 20 years, and this is the first place where the leadership actually asks for our input—and does something with it.”

Another from the crating floor put it more simply:

“I know I matter here. That’s not something I’ve felt at every job.”

There’s honesty in that. And humility. And if we’re being real, not every day is perfect. Logistics can be intense. Crates don’t build themselves. Trucks don’t wait forever. But the culture we’ve built makes it easier to get through those tough days—and to celebrate the wins when they come.

Culture You Can Feel

What does a “great place to work” really mean in an industry like ours? It’s not bean bags and espresso machines. It’s practical. Real. Grounded.

Safety protocols that aren’t just posted—they’re practiced

Leadership that walks the floor

Celebrating milestones—birthdays, promotions, retirements

Mentorship between departments and across age groups

Language inclusivity and on-the-job learning support

Programs for skill development, not just efficiency metrics

That’s the heart of it. It’s not flashy. But it’s deeply felt.

A Quick Story That Stuck With Me

I remember chatting with a logistics coordinator during a team meeting. She started at TransPak as a temp eight years ago. Today, she’s managing key client accounts and mentoring new hires.

She told me, “It wasn’t just that I was given a chance—it was that people believed I’d figure it out, even when I didn’t believe it yet.”

That stayed with me. Because that kind of trust builds something stronger than a resume ever could. It builds ownership. Loyalty. Pride.

Why This Matters for Our Clients

You might ask—what does any of this have to do with the service our clients get?

Everything.

Clients feel it when employees care. When the crate is built with intention. When the packaging is double-checked. When the shipment is followed up—not because someone had to, but because someone wanted to.

It’s part of what makes our work resilient. Human. And accurate.

On a Global Stage

Perhaps this culture—this people-first approach—is also part of why TransPak has been nominated for the 2025 Go Global Awards, happening this November in London, hosted by the International Trade Council. The awards aren’t just about business metrics—they’re about ideas, values, and the people behind them.

Being part of that conversation, among peers from across the globe, is an honor. It’s a reminder that real innovation often comes from people working quietly, consistently, and with care.

Final Thoughts

There’s no packaging innovation without human creativity. No logistics execution without human precision. No progress without human voices.

At TransPak, we’ve built a company where those voices are heard. Where they lead. Where they teach the next generation how to do this work with pride.

And that, more than anything else, is what makes us a great place to work.

[leilaniarendell]

How Packaging Supports ESG Goals for Enterprise Clients

By Leilani Arendell

For years, packaging was treated as an afterthought—something necessary, but not strategic. Just a box. Just a crate. Just bubble wrap. But things have changed. Today, more and more enterprise clients are looking at packaging through a new lens: as a measurable part of their ESG strategy.

At TransPak—a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design based in the United States—we’ve seen that shift firsthand. ESG—Environmental, Social, and Governance—isn’t just a reporting framework anymore. It’s a business imperative. And smart companies are starting to realize that how they move their products says as much about their values as what they make.

So, how does packaging fit into the ESG conversation? Well, it’s more connected than most people think.

E is for Environmental (and Efficiency)

The “E” in ESG is where packaging gets the most attention. Materials, waste, emissions—these are tangible areas for improvement.

We work with clients who need to ship globally but want to minimize the environmental toll. That might mean switching from single-use crates to reusable designs. It could mean reducing the size of packaging to decrease carbon output from transportation. It might involve selecting materials from sustainable sources—like FSC-certified lumber or recycled content foams.

Sometimes, the solution is deceptively simple. One client was shipping high-value electronics in oversized foam-filled boxes. We re-engineered their packaging with custom-fit cushioning, cutting the volume by 30%. The result? Fewer shipments. Lower freight cost. Fewer emissions.

Small design decisions add up.

S is for Social (and Supply Chain Respect)

Packaging also has a social footprint. How materials are sourced, how labor is treated in the supply chain, how communities are impacted by industrial practices—these are all increasingly relevant.

At TransPak, we look at this through a few lenses. First, where are our raw materials coming from? Are we supporting responsible forestry? Are our vendors transparent?

Second, how do we treat people—internally and externally? Our teams across facilities are trained in safe handling, ergonomics, and efficiency best practices. No one's lifting 150-lb crates without support systems or thoughtful layout. And for our clients, the same principles extend: packaging designed to be easy to unpack, to handle, to reuse. That’s not just logistics. That’s respect for the people using it.

G is for Governance (and Accountability)

Governance is about process, transparency, and responsibility. Packaging might seem like a stretch here, but when you look closely, it’s all connected.

We provide full chain-of-custody tracking for clients who need to demonstrate responsible sourcing. Our systems document packaging design changes over time, allowing clients to show continuous improvement. For clients in regulated industries—like aerospace or pharma—we provide audit trails for packaging compliance, sustainability certifications, and testing protocols.

This is especially important for companies under pressure to prove ESG performance to boards, regulators, and customers. A sustainable packaging program, with real metrics, becomes a concrete part of that story.

Case in Point

One of our enterprise clients—a multinational electronics firm—was preparing their annual ESG report. They needed data not just on operations and products, but on their packaging footprint.

Because we had worked with them for years, we were able to quickly pull reports showing:

Total wood volume used and percentage FSC-certified

Average package size reduction over three years

Return rate of reusable crates

Transportation emissions reductions tied to packaging redesign

That data gave them more than just numbers. It gave them confidence.

And the Bigger Picture

TransPak’s own commitment to ESG is part of what led to our nomination for the 2025 Go Global Awards, to be held this November in London and hosted by the International Trade Council. This event brings together some of the most forward-thinking organizations across industries—not just to be recognized, but to exchange ideas on how business can shape the future.

It’s not just an awards ceremony. It’s a global stage for collaboration. For showing what packaging, logistics, and design can do when they’re aligned with something greater than bottom-line math.

We’re proud to be part of that conversation. And we think packaging—if done right—belongs there too.

Final Thoughts

Packaging might not be the first thing you think of when ESG comes up. But maybe it should be.

Because behind every box is a decision. Behind every crate, a footprint. And behind every package that arrives safely, sustainably, and responsibly—there’s a company that made it happen with intention.

At TransPak, we like being that company.

[leilaniarendell]

RFID Benefits in Customs Compliance and Traceability

By Leilani Arendell

When most people think of RFID, they imagine retail tags or anti-theft labels—something for tracking jeans or electronics in a store. But in the logistics and packaging world, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) plays a much bigger, often more invisible role. It’s become a quiet powerhouse in helping companies meet customs compliance standards, improve supply chain traceability, and ultimately, reduce costly delays.

At TransPak—a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design based in the United States—we’ve seen firsthand how integrating RFID into packaging operations can solve problems long before they arise. Especially in international shipping, where the smallest paperwork issue or tracking gap can bring a shipment grinding to a halt.

The technology itself isn’t new. But how—and where—it’s applied? That’s what makes the difference.

Customs Compliance: It’s Not Just About Labels

Every country has its own rules. What counts as “correctly declared” in one jurisdiction might be rejected in another. And while documentation is still king, customs agents increasingly want to see more than just invoices and barcodes. They want data—and RFID delivers.

For example, RFID tags can be embedded directly into crates or pallets, each carrying a unique ID linked to a database of contents, origin, certifications, and handling instructions. Customs scanners can pull this data without opening the packaging. It saves time, avoids unnecessary inspections, and builds trust in the integrity of the shipment.

We’ve had projects—particularly involving electronics or sensitive machinery—where RFID-tagged crates passed through multiple ports with minimal intervention. That’s not luck. That’s visibility.

Improving Traceability in a Crowded Chain

One of the biggest challenges in global shipping is knowing where things are—and proving where they’ve been. RFID brings that visibility. Unlike barcode systems, which require line-of-sight scanning, RFID works wirelessly, often at a distance and through materials. This means:

Faster, automated check-ins at every transit point

Reduced manual error from mislabeled or mis-scanned items

Real-time updates across connected logistics platforms

Improved recall accuracy if a component defect is discovered post-delivery

Imagine you’re moving 500 identical crates of semiconductors. Only 20 contain the latest generation chips. With RFID, you don’t need to open or scan each one. You just query the system—and locate them instantly.

It’s efficiency. But it’s also risk reduction.

An Example from the Field

A few years back, we worked with a client in the medical device sector shipping equipment to multiple hospitals across Southeast Asia. Each unit needed to arrive with exact calibration tools, documentation, and compliance tags—no mix-ups allowed.

We tagged every crate with RFID chips embedded in moisture-proof sleeves, encoded with serial numbers, lot codes, and device configurations. Customs officials at each stop were able to verify contents without unpacking.

More importantly, when one hospital later reported a firmware issue, we used the RFID logs to trace that specific device’s full shipping history—down to time and date stamps at each transfer point. That kind of traceability would’ve been impossible with paper logs alone.

RFID at TransPak: Not Just a Tech Add-On

At TransPak, RFID isn’t a one-size-fits-all tool. We use it strategically—where it makes sense, where it brings value, and where it helps our customers meet goals around speed, compliance, and insight.

That might mean embedding tags in crate panels, labeling pallets with RFID-enabled shipping forms, or integrating readers at outbound docks for instant verification.

We also work closely with our clients’ own systems to ensure compatibility. Because RFID is most powerful when it becomes part of a larger data ecosystem.

A Global Stage for Smart Logistics

It’s innovations like these—quiet, behind-the-scenes upgrades that change outcomes—that contribute to why TransPak is honored to be nominated for the 2025 Go Global Awards, hosted by the International Trade Council this November in London.

These awards are more than a spotlight. They’re a stage where global logistics leaders exchange ideas that push industries forward. Where a conversation about something as “invisible” as RFID can turn into a competitive edge.

We’re proud to be part of that conversation.

Final Thoughts

RFID doesn’t shout. It whispers.

But in the right hands—and the right supply chain—it tells the whole story. Of where something came from. Where it’s going. What it’s worth. And how to get it there without the usual noise and friction.

At TransPak, we believe in telling those stories clearly, consistently, and efficiently. Even when the reader can’t see the tag.

[leilaniarendell]

Why ISTA-Certified Packaging Helps Avoid Damage Claims

By Leilani Arendell

Let’s be honest—no one wakes up excited about packaging certifications. But if you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a damaged shipment, you quickly learn why those acronyms matter. One of the most important ones in our world? ISTA—the International Safe Transit Association.

At TransPak, a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design based in the United States, we deal with ISTA standards every day. We don’t treat them as a formality or a checkbox. We treat them as what they are: a system built to simulate the unpredictable, often unforgiving reality of global transit. A system that, when applied correctly, drastically reduces the risk of loss, delays, and damage claims.

And in an industry where speed and precision often matter more than second chances—there isn’t much room for error.

What is ISTA Certification?

ISTA-certified packaging has passed a series of rigorous, lab-based tests that simulate real-world shipping conditions. This includes:

Shock (like accidental drops)

Vibration (think long-haul trucking or rail movement)

Compression (stacked freight, tight containers)

Temperature and humidity fluctuations

Repetitive handling

There are different levels and test types depending on the product, weight, fragility, and transport mode. But at its core, ISTA testing answers a simple question: Will this packaging hold up in transit?

Because if it won’t—well, better to find out in a lab than in customs clearance 8,000 miles away.

Real-World Stakes

We once had a client shipping a batch of industrial control units overseas. The original packaging was “tough-looking”—lots of tape, heavy cardboard, and foam. But it wasn’t ISTA-tested.

On the first batch, 3 out of 20 units arrived with internal impact damage. Not catastrophic—but enough to delay the project. The client turned to us, and we re-engineered the packaging to pass ISTA-2A testing for their shipping class.

Since then? Zero failures. And more importantly, zero lost time.

It’s not magic. It’s process.

Why It Matters to Businesses

Every damage claim has ripple effects:

Wasted time on returns and replacements

Reputational damage with your end customer

Internal paperwork headaches and insurance negotiations

And often—tight margins getting tighter

ISTA certification helps avoid all that. It also helps prove due diligence—so if something does go wrong, you have a data-backed defense showing your packaging met best practices.

It’s not just about protection. It’s about trust.

TransPak’s ISTA Lab

What sets TransPak apart is that we don’t just use ISTA standards—we test for them in-house. Our dedicated ISTA-certified lab replicates transit conditions with specialized equipment, from vibration tables to drop testers.

This means we can rapidly prototype and validate packaging for even the most sensitive or high-value items. It also means our clients don’t have to ship samples out for third-party testing, wait weeks, and cross fingers.

We’ve helped aerospace firms, electronics manufacturers, and medical device companies lock in packaging that passed tests on the first try—because we ran those simulations side by side with design.

From Theory to Go Global

So yes, it’s just packaging. But behind every successful shipment is an unseen network of tests, protocols, and preventative thinking.

That kind of work is exactly why TransPak is a nominee for the 2025 Go Global Awards, happening in London this November and hosted by the International Trade Council. This event isn’t just about success stories—it’s about the systems that quietly power global trade.

ISTA certification might not grab headlines, but in our experience, it’s one of those rare details that separates good logistics from great logistics.

We’re proud to be part of that global conversation.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes the best outcome in packaging is nothing at all. No claims. No callbacks. No issues.

That’s the invisible power of ISTA-certified packaging. It’s not about what goes wrong. It’s about what doesn’t.

At TransPak, we believe in investing in those invisible wins. Because when cargo arrives exactly as it should—on time, intact, unquestioned—that’s where real logistics happens.

#TransPakUSA #ISTACertified #PackagingThatProtects #DamageFreeShipping #LogisticsExcellence #ProductIntegrity #TestedInTransit #GlobalTradeSupport #GoGlobalAwards2025 #InternationalTradeCouncil #ZeroClaimsLogistics

Warehouse tour: how 300k+ sq ft of efficiency looks in action

By Leilani Arendell

Warehouses. The term might conjure up images of towering racks, forklifts zipping around, and boxes—lots of boxes. But if you’ve ever worked in or even just visited a truly optimized warehouse, you’ll know it’s something more than just square footage and shelving. It’s movement. It’s systems working in sync. It’s where timing and precision quietly shape the success of everything that follows.

At TransPak, a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design based in the United States, our facilities span more than 300,000 square feet across key hubs. That sounds impressive—and sure, scale matters—but what really sets us apart is how we use the space. Because space without strategy is just...space.

If you walked through one of our warehouses, you might not notice every detail at first glance. That’s the point. True operational excellence often feels invisible when it’s working.

Step Inside the Flow

The first thing you’d probably notice is the sense of flow. Materials arrive. Products move through workstations. Custom crates get built. Packages are staged. Shipments go out.

But none of it feels rushed. Or messy. That’s not an accident.

We’ve spent years refining layout, tooling, and processes so every inch serves a purpose. Forklift routes are calculated to avoid congestion. Kitting areas are placed near dispatch. High-turnover items live closer to entry points. There’s even designated space for special projects that require isolation or extra handling protocols.

A warehouse isn’t just storage. It’s a living system.

Custom Zones, Real Work

You’ll see more than just pallet racks and plywood stacks. Our warehouses are designed to handle everything from high-volume packaging runs to delicate prototypes.

Here’s a glimpse:

Kitting Zones – Teams assemble client-specific kits with every tool and component needed, all in one go.

Crating Bays – Custom wood crates are built onsite, tailored to the dimensions and specs of the cargo.

Test Areas – For clients needing drop testing, vibration analysis, or environmental protection simulations.

Staging Lanes – Finalized shipments are queued here for fast dispatch, often with real-time scanning and GPS tracking.

Climate-Controlled Zones – Some components need more than just protection—they need exact temperatures.

Each of these areas operates semi-independently, but all under one roof. That’s where flexibility comes in. Some days we’re crating aircraft parts. Others, we’re staging entire data center deployments. The warehouse adapts to the work, not the other way around.

Example in Motion

A few months back, we handled a project involving dozens of medical-grade cooling units destined for overseas clinics. The equipment was sensitive—not just to impact, but to temperature and humidity. We used our climate-controlled bays to stabilize each unit before packaging. We then created moisture-protected crates with shock indicators and specific labels for customs clearance.

The entire process, from intake to outbound shipping, was managed inside one warehouse—without ever needing to shift locations. That kind of control is what allows us to guarantee timelines and reduce risk.

Space Enables Scale

Why does this matter? Because when supply chains are strained and customers want faster delivery with zero error, you can’t improvise your way through it. You need real capacity—physical and operational.

With more than 300,000 square feet at our disposal, we’re not just reacting to orders. We’re anticipating them. Storing materials for recurring clients. Pre-building crates in standard specs. Planning seasonal inventory movement before it spikes.

That’s the kind of readiness global clients expect—and it’s part of why TransPak is honored to be a nominee for the 2025 Go Global Awards. Hosted by the International Trade Council this November in London, it’s not just about prestige. It’s a moment to join peers around the world who understand that innovation sometimes looks like software—and sometimes looks like 300,000 square feet of clarity, discipline, and well-placed forklifts.

Final Thoughts

A warehouse, done right, isn’t chaotic. It’s almost quiet. Not because nothing’s happening—but because everything’s working.

At TransPak, our warehouses are more than storage—they’re where promise meets practice. Where what’s planned on paper becomes something solid, well-packed, and on the move.

We like that. And we like showing people what happens when space isn’t just managed—but mastered.

[leilaniarendell]

Loose Lumber Sales: Supporting Internal and External Customers

By Leilani Arendell

It’s easy to overlook the humble piece of lumber in the world of industrial logistics. Crates, pallets, braces—they’re usually made from it. But while most people focus on what’s in the crate, those of us behind the scenes know something: without the right lumber, nothing gets off the ground. Literally.

At TransPak, a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design based in the United States, we’ve always worked with wood. It’s the backbone of our custom crating solutions. But what many don’t realize is that we also supply loose lumber—not just for our own operations, but for customers and partners who rely on top-grade wood for their own industrial needs.

It’s not glamorous. It doesn’t flash on a brochure. But it’s essential. And, frankly, it’s one of the ways we quietly keep things moving.

What Is “Loose Lumber,” Exactly?

Put simply, it’s lumber sold as raw material—cut, graded, and treated—but not yet assembled into a finished product like a crate or pallet.

Loose lumber is used for:

Bracing heavy machinery during transport

Building custom shelving in warehouses

Emergency repairs on packaging

DIY crating for companies with their own packing operations

Structural support in custom-built loadouts

It’s not consumer-grade wood. This is industrial lumber, often heat-treated to meet international shipping standards (like ISPM-15), cut to precise specs, and delivered quickly when a job just can’t wait.

Why Sell It?

Good question. After all, TransPak builds packaging—we’re not a lumber yard.

But over the years, our own internal needs for high-quality wood created a well-oiled supply chain. And it turns out, a lot of companies—especially smaller operations—don’t have access to that kind of reliable, compliant material at short notice.

We figured: why not share what we already do well?

Today, we supply loose lumber to companies across sectors—manufacturing, aerospace, construction, and even other packaging providers—who need quick turnaround and a name they trust.

It’s a natural extension of what we already believe in: strong materials, ready when needed, tailored for real-world use.

An Example in Action

A mid-sized industrial equipment distributor in the Midwest ran into a snag. They were crating a large shipment in-house, but their lumber supplier missed a delivery window. The delay would’ve set back a customer installation by two weeks.

They reached out to us.

We pulled inventory from a nearby TransPak facility, cut it to order (based on the client’s crate drawings), and delivered within 48 hours. The job moved forward. No downtime. No lost trust.

Sometimes, it’s not about the big solutions. It’s about being ready with the small ones—fast.

Internal Customers, Too

Let’s not forget: our own packaging teams rely on the same lumber supply. And consistency is key.

Imagine building a thousand crates a month. If the wood quality fluctuates, if a few planks aren’t heat-treated right, or if moisture content isn’t controlled—suddenly you’ve got delays, rejected shipments, or even compromised cargo protection.

By managing our lumber sourcing closely—and selling the surplus—we maintain quality across the board. For our clients. And for ourselves.

The Global View

It may seem simple, but in international logistics, even a plank of wood can cause problems if it's not compliant. Countries enforce strict regulations around treated lumber due to pest risks and import standards.

We only sell lumber that meets these standards.

And with TransPak now a nominee for the 2025 Go Global Awards—taking place in London this November, hosted by the International Trade Council—we’re reminded how even the most unassuming parts of our operation contribute to a global supply chain. This award isn’t just about spotlighting the biggest innovations. It’s about honoring companies that quietly, reliably make the world work.

Loose lumber might not be glamorous. But it’s part of the story. And we’re proud of that.

Final Thoughts

In an industry obsessed with automation, data, and tech, there’s still a place for something as elemental as wood. Especially when that wood is the difference between a project moving or stalling.

At TransPak, we don’t just move things. We build the foundation they move on.

Sometimes, it starts with just a board.

[leilaniarendell]

Mining & Construction: Securing Rugged Shipments

By Leilani Arendell

You don’t ship a bulldozer the same way you ship a laptop. But funny enough, the damage risk? It can be just as high—sometimes higher.

In the world of mining and construction, logistics can feel deceptively straightforward. Big equipment, big trucks, big straps. Wrap it, strap it, move it. Right?

Not quite.

These shipments often travel the longest distances, through the harshest conditions, on the most unpredictable routes. From remote excavation sites to overseas construction zones, every shipment carries a unique set of challenges. And at TransPak—a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design, headquartered in the United States—we’ve seen just about every version of “rugged” there is.

When something goes wrong out there—miles from service hubs or spare parts—fixing it can take days or even weeks. That’s why packaging isn’t just a formality. It’s insurance. It's performance. It's a plan for what might happen, not just what’s expected.

Built to Withstand More Than Just the Trip

Most heavy-duty machinery looks indestructible. And yes, many components are tough. But in transit? That toughness gets tested in ways even the engineers didn’t plan for.

Custom attachments like blades, drills, or hydraulic arms may need to be removed, crated, and padded separately.

Hydraulic systems are particularly vulnerable to leaks or pressure shifts during altitude or temperature changes.

Electronics and control panels, often added post-manufacture, don’t respond well to shock, vibration, or water ingress.

We’ve worked with clients who assumed their excavator’s joystick controller didn’t need any special packaging—until it cracked en route to a high-altitude mining site in Chile. That one oversight delayed an entire project.

Packaging isn’t just about the outside. It’s about every part that matters when it matters most.

Logistics Meets Reality

Mining and construction sites rarely have loading bays or forklift-ready platforms. Often, our packaging has to anticipate how something will be unpacked as much as how it will be shipped.

We’ve built crates for drill rigs that had to be unloaded by crane, mid-rainstorm, in red clay terrain. If the packaging failed or let moisture in? Game over.

Our approach usually includes:

Reinforced skids for uneven ground

Weather-sealed wraps or tarps for off-grid staging

Load diagrams right on the crate to help local teams unpack safely

Rust inhibitors or desiccant packs where humidity is a threat

This isn’t overkill. It’s the difference between a smooth delivery and an onsite disaster.

Case Study Snapshot

A client in the Southeast Asian construction sector needed to ship several modular rock crushers to a remote project site. These weren’t fragile units, but they were precision-calibrated, multi-ton pieces. Any distortion in the framework—even a minor bend—would throw off the vibration patterns and efficiency.

TransPak designed braced steel-and-plywood enclosures with shock sensors and tilt indicators to ensure no “invisible” damage happened along the way. We added double-sealed panels and planned for crane rigging directly off the crate. Everything arrived intact.

It sounds simple in hindsight. But success in this field often hides its own complexity.

Why This Matters Globally

The energy transition, global infrastructure boom, and demand for rare earth minerals are pushing mining and construction into new geographies. Places where the supply chain isn’t exactly predictable.

That’s why logistics has to evolve—not just to protect goods, but to anticipate how they’ll be used, stored, and installed in the field.

It’s a philosophy that’s earned TransPak a nomination for the 2025 Go Global Awards, taking place this November in London, hosted by the International Trade Council. This isn’t just another corporate trophy ceremony. It’s a gathering of solution-driven companies building the future, one challenge at a time.

We’re proud to stand among peers who get that global progress depends on gritty, practical, everyday execution.

Final Thoughts

Mining and construction don’t wait for perfect conditions. These industries push forward in heat, rain, dust, and unpredictability.

So the packaging? It can’t just be strong. It has to be smart. Thoughtful. Grounded in how people really work.

At TransPak, we see rugged shipments not as problems, but as puzzles worth solving. Because in the world’s toughest industries, trust starts with the crate.

[leilaniarendell]

Key Trends in military & Aerospace Shipping

By Leilani Arendell

Some cargo can afford to arrive a day late. Not all shipments are mission critical. But in military and aerospace logistics, there’s no such luxury. When you're shipping a fighter jet component or secure communications gear or satellite modules—failure isn’t just inconvenient. It can jeopardize lives, budgets, or entire programs.

That’s the world TransPak operates in. As a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design based in the United States, we’ve supported military contractors, aerospace engineers, and defense programs for decades. And if there’s one constant in this field, it’s that the stakes are always high—and always changing.

The good news? We’ve seen the trends, we’ve tracked the shifts, and we’ve adapted. The world is evolving fast. So let’s talk about how military and aerospace shipping is evolving with it.

1. Rise of Modular Packaging Systems

Gone are the days of building entirely new crates for every mission or part. Modular systems now dominate—especially for field deployable systems and multi-destination supply chains. Custom foam inserts that can be swapped. Reusable shells. Hinged panels that allow quick inspection without risking integrity.

Why does this matter? Flexibility. Cost savings. Faster redeployment.

At TransPak, we’ve developed systems for aerospace firms that need to ship hundreds of variants of a component, each with slightly different form factors—but using only three crate types.

It sounds simple, but it saves weeks.

2. Increased Emphasis on Compliance and Documentation

It’s not enough to protect the cargo—you must also protect the paper trail. ITAR, EAR, FMS…the acronyms may vary, but the point remains: documentation matters more than ever.

Crating is now often tied directly to compliance. Labels, seals, inspection access. Even who loads or touches the shipment can trigger an audit.

That’s why logistics teams need to work hand-in-glove with legal and security departments. And that’s a level of integration many providers simply can’t offer.

But we’ve made it standard.

3. Custom Cushioning for High-G Tolerance

In aerospace logistics, it’s not always the crash that causes damage—it’s the sudden jolt, the microshock, or that unexpected forklift drop on the tarmac.

New cushioning technologies—vibration-absorbing gels, layered composite padding, and kinetic foams—are becoming essential. These aren’t visible, flashy innovations. But they mean the difference between a mission-ready part and an expensive paperweight.

We’ve designed crates for satellite components that had to pass multi-axis shock tests before they even got to final integration. That’s the level of scrutiny we’re talking about.

4. Tightened Global Security Protocols

In today’s geopolitical climate, shipments face more scrutiny. Especially those tagged for defense or dual-use applications. You need vetted carriers. Secure facilities. And logistics plans that can withstand surprise inspections, route changes, or embargo shifts.

We’ve seen crated military equipment get flagged at international customs—not because the contents were wrong, but because the packaging didn’t match the documented specs.

That’s why we treat every aerospace or defense shipment like it’s under a spotlight. Because it often is.

5. Need for Speed—Without Risk

Everything moves faster now. Development cycles. Deployment schedules. Urgent recalls. Rapid prototypes that need to be tested yesterday.

But speed cannot come at the cost of integrity.

This is where companies like TransPak make a difference. We combine same-day logistics capabilities (including next-flight-out and white-glove handling) with packaging that’s designed for absolute protection.

In this industry, moving fast is only impressive if everything arrives intact and accounted for.

On the Global Stage

The world may be shifting, but one thing hasn’t changed: the demand for reliability in military and aerospace shipping. Which is why TransPak’s nomination for the 2025 Go Global Awards—hosted by the International Trade Council in London this November—feels especially timely.

This event isn’t just about awards. It’s a gathering of minds, innovators, and operators who are pushing logistics into a smarter, safer, more connected future.

And for us, it’s a chance to show how strategic logistics—designed with intention and executed with precision—can shape outcomes at a global level.

Final Thoughts

Shipping in the military and aerospace world isn’t about moving parts—it’s about ensuring missions succeed. That might sound dramatic, but it’s true. The wrong crate, the wrong shift, the wrong label—it can all derail something vital.

So, we don’t take that responsibility lightly. We design. We test. We double-check. And then we move.

Because in this industry, there’s no margin for error—and no room for ego.

Just precision.

[leilaniarendell]

How TransPak Supports Data Center Asset Protection

By Leilani Arendell

Data centers don’t look fragile. They hum, they blink, they sit behind reinforced doors and temperature controls. But beneath that steel-and-silicon surface lies extraordinary vulnerability. The kind of vulnerability that doesn’t announce itself until something goes wrong during a move, an upgrade, or a site consolidation.

At TransPak, a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design based in the United States, we’ve spent decades helping clients in tech, telecom, and enterprise sectors protect their most valuable equipment—physically and operationally. And data centers? They require a very specific kind of care.

Because while a single server may not seem precious, the data it carries—and the downtime caused by even minor damage—can cost millions.

The Physical Risk Behind the Virtual World

It’s easy to forget, but every cloud has a box. Every SaaS tool, blockchain ledger, streaming video—it all runs through physical machines sitting somewhere in a server room.

These machines don’t just need to be secure when running. They need to be protected when moving. And that’s the tricky part.

Hard drives are vibration-sensitive. Racks can warp if not handled properly. Even slight tilts or static charges can cause silent failures that don’t show up until days later.

That’s why data center relocations, expansions, and hardware refreshes aren’t just IT tasks—they’re high-stakes logistics puzzles.

A Custom Approach for Every Move

We don’t believe in off-the-shelf solutions when it comes to data center assets. Each piece of equipment is evaluated for weight, sensitivity, size, and handling requirements.

We might use custom foam inserts, static shielding, tilt indicators, and shock sensors. In some cases, we’ll crate fully loaded server racks; in others, we’ll disassemble and individually package components to minimize strain.

We also plan for the full chain of custody: from disconnection, packing, and loading to transport, delivery, and reconnection. If even one handoff in that process goes wrong, the whole effort is compromised.

That’s why our teams work closely with IT managers and facility operators—because it’s not just logistics, it’s risk management.

A Real-World Scenario (Simplified, but True)

A major tech client—one whose name you’d definitely know—was relocating two dozen racks from a legacy site to a new West Coast facility.

Timing was tight. No room for error. The equipment had to arrive on a Friday, be racked by Saturday night, and fully operational by Monday morning.

We used vibration-dampening crates with integrated airflow design to maintain optimal interior conditions during transport. Everything was tracked in real time, temperature and impact monitored, and unpacked on-site with anti-static procedures in place.

The result? Zero losses. Zero delays. And a Monday morning go-live, just as planned.

It’s About More Than Just Gear

Let’s be honest—what’s inside the server matters, too.

We treat every shipment as if it contains irreplaceable IP, sensitive personal data, or mission-critical software environments. Often, it does.

Our security protocols are strict. Drivers are vetted. Hand-offs are documented. Chain of custody is preserved from origin to install. Not because it’s flashy—but because one breach or careless moment could cost a client more than the hardware ever did.

In this world, trust isn’t a nicety—it’s currency.

Why This Matters in a Global Context

As infrastructure becomes more digital, the logistics surrounding it become more important—and more invisible.

Which is why we’re especially proud that TransPak has been nominated for the 2025 Go Global Awards, taking place this November in London, hosted by the International Trade Council.

This isn’t just a celebration of business wins—it’s a global conversation about resilience, innovation, and connection. How do you support critical systems across borders, time zones, and industries? How do you protect what can’t afford to break?

These are the questions we’ve built our operations around. And it’s an honor to bring that perspective to a global stage.

Final Thoughts

Data centers may feel intangible. But the logistics behind them are very real. At TransPak, we take the invisible seriously. Because uptime depends on more than code—it depends on careful hands, smart planning, and obsessive attention to detail.

Whether it’s one rack or an entire facility, we don’t just move hardware. We protect everything that depends on it.

Because in the end, what we really deliver isn’t just equipment. It’s continuity.

[leilaniarendell]

Same-day & Next-flight-out Logistics: When Speed Matters

By Leilani Arendell

Most of the time, logistics is about planning. Forecasting. Scheduling things weeks—or months—ahead. It’s calm, coordinated, and (ideally) invisible when it works well.

But then there are the other times.

The call comes in at 3:42 p.m. A shipment has to get across the country—tonight. Not tomorrow. Not “we’ll try our best.” It must land, clear, and deliver by morning. Maybe a factory line depends on it. Maybe it’s replacement hardware for a stalled data center. Or maybe it’s something no one wants to name out loud because the stakes are too high.

That’s where same-day and next-flight-out (NFO) logistics step in. That’s where TransPak shines.

As a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design, based in the United States, we’ve built our reputation on precision. But also on urgency. When time is the problem, we become the solution.

What Is NFO, Exactly?

Next-flight-out logistics is exactly what it sounds like: we find the very next available flight—passenger or cargo—and get your shipment onboard. Sometimes it’s within hours. Sometimes less.

There’s no waiting for standard courier schedules. No negotiating with sluggish systems. It’s about immediate response. Real-time tracking. And problem-solving on the fly—pun very much intended.

Same-day services may stay local, or cross state lines with dedicated drivers or chartered aircraft. Either way, it’s logistics with the safety off.

When Does This Happen?

It happens more often than you’d think.

We’ve seen a biotech firm need to overnight a sensitive medical device from San Diego to Boston after hours.

We’ve had a client in the aerospace sector halt production because a specialized tool was damaged during testing—they needed a replacement flown in from another state before sunrise.

We’ve responded to clients with trade show emergencies: missing exhibit pieces, wrong crate contents, or damaged components needing overnight replacement in a different time zone.

These are the kinds of calls you don’t advertise for. They just come. And when they do, your logistics partner either steps up—or vanishes.

We step up.

A Real Example (Without Names)

One client—let’s just say they’re a household name in tech—called us at 5:13 p.m. on a Friday. A critical server component hadn’t made it to their integration facility, and without it, a major deployment was dead in the water.

Our team had the component picked up within 35 minutes. We coordinated the next available flight out of SFO. Packed and crated the unit on-site. Got TSA-certified screening done without delay. It arrived at the destination facility before 8:00 a.m. the next morning.

No drama. No panic. Just experienced professionals doing what they’re trained to do.

That’s not luck. That’s process.

Infrastructure + Instinct

This kind of logistics isn’t just about trucks and flights. It’s about knowing the right people. Having the right tools. And, maybe most importantly, being willing to answer the phone when it’s inconvenient.

At TransPak, we’ve built the infrastructure: nationwide facilities, TSA-certified cargo screening, and established airfreight partnerships.

But we’ve also built the culture: people who think quickly, act decisively, and stay calm when minutes matter.

Why It Matters in 2025

We live in a world of compressed timelines. Everything moves fast—product launches, medical research, repair schedules. Delay isn’t just annoying. It can be catastrophic.

Same-day and NFO services are no longer luxuries. For many industries, they’re non-negotiable. And as expectations rise, so does the pressure on logistics teams to be ready, always.

Our team doesn’t panic when the stakes are high. We prepare for it. We thrive in it. And we’re proud of that.

It’s part of why TransPak was nominated for the 2025 Go Global Awards, taking place in London this November, hosted by the International Trade Council. This isn’t just a recognition of performance—it’s a gathering of forward-thinking companies solving real problems in a world that rarely pauses. And we’re honored to be part of it.

Final Thoughts

Speed isn’t everything. But when it’s the only thing—it matters who you call.

Same-day and next-flight-out logistics aren't for every shipment. But when the pressure spikes, and the window shrinks, you need a partner that can think fast, act fast, and still get the details right.

That’s what we do. Not because it’s easy. But because someone has to.

[leilaniarendell]

Women in Packaging: Celebrating Arlene Inch’s Leadership

By Leilani Arendell

When people picture the packaging and logistics industry, they don’t always picture women. Especially not at the helm. It’s an industry often viewed as rugged, manual, technical—filled with forklifts and plywood, freight schedules and compliance paperwork. And yet, it’s also an industry where strategy, vision, and leadership matter just as much—maybe more.

At TransPak, a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design, based in the United States, we’re proud to break that mold. And part of that pride comes from Arlene Inch.

Arlene has been a guiding force in TransPak’s evolution. Not always in the spotlight, but always at the table. Asking the smart questions. Holding the company—and the people around her—to high standards, with equal parts grace and grit.

This is not a tribute. It’s a recognition.

Because leadership like hers deserves more than a passing mention.

A Leader Who Helped Shape the Culture

In a family business, influence doesn’t always come with a title. Sometimes it comes through presence—consistent, steady, and grounded in purpose.

Arlene’s leadership has always been exactly that. She helped shape TransPak’s culture long before culture was a buzzword. Fairness, accountability, listening carefully—those weren’t policies, they were how she operated.

And that clarity trickled down. Into how we treat customers. How we train new employees. How we balance growth with responsibility.

Leadership doesn’t always mean being the loudest in the room. Often, it means creating the room—and making space for people to speak, experiment, and occasionally fail without fear.

Breaking Stereotypes in a Traditionally Male Field

Let’s be honest: packaging hasn’t historically made space for women. That’s changing, slowly, but it’s still the exception rather than the rule to see women in executive or ownership roles in this space.

That’s why Arlene’s presence matters so much. She’s not just a leader. She’s a counter-narrative.

And while she never made her leadership about gender, the truth is, her success has made it easier for others to imagine themselves here too. Whether they’re in sales, engineering, operations, or finance—women seeing women lead makes a difference.

Not because we need to check a box. But because representation rewires what we believe is possible.

How It Shows Up Every Day

Culture isn’t static. It has to be lived. And at TransPak, you can see Arlene’s fingerprints everywhere.

It’s in the way teams collaborate instead of compete.

It’s in the care we take when onboarding clients—not just asking what they need, but what they’re worried about.

It’s in the long tenures of our staff—people who stay because they feel seen, trusted, and valued.

And perhaps most importantly, it’s in the humility that runs through the company. There’s a quiet confidence at TransPak. The kind that comes from knowing who we are, where we came from, and what we stand for.

Arlene had a lot to do with that.

Legacy, and What Comes Next

As we look toward the future—expanding our tech, scaling up operations, entering new markets—we’re not leaving our values behind. In fact, we’re doubling down on them.

Which is why being nominated for the 2025 Go Global Awards, hosted this November in London by the International Trade Council, feels especially meaningful. It’s more than an awards show. It’s a platform for global dialogue—a space where values, strategy, and leadership converge.

TransPak’s story belongs in that conversation. And Arlene’s leadership is a big reason why.

Final Thoughts

Leadership is often judged by results. But it should also be judged by the kind of culture it leaves behind. The kinds of people it lifts up. The standards it sets quietly, and the way it makes others better—without needing credit.

Arlene Inch embodies that kind of leadership.

So today, we pause to acknowledge it. To say: this mattered. It still matters.

And in an industry that continues to evolve, we’re proud to have women like Arlene showing what strength and strategy really look like.