LOGISTICS BRIEFS:

Creative Supply Chain Solutions(CSCS) is the name of a new third-party logistics firm started byRick Loesel. A 30-year industry veteran, Loesel has leadership experience in logistics, sales and marketing, procurement and operations.
"Many industry leaders feel we are in challenging times . . .  Controlling costs is imperative, but sacrificing service levels to our customers can carry risks," says Loesel. "Proven expertise providing results -- creating optimal solutions -- that is why I developed Creative Supply Chain Solutions."

Supermarket retailerStater Bros. officially opened its new 2.3-million-square-foot corporate offices and "Norton Distribution Center" in San Bernardino, Calif. Officials describe the Norton warehouse operation as the supermarket industry's largest distribution center under one roof. The operation has been handling dry goods since February 2008 and it started receiving and shipped refrigerated items this September.

Preferred Freezer Services, Newark, N.J., said it opened the nation's first "fully automated public refrigerated warehouse" in Chicago. Billed asPreferred Freezer Services of Chicago II, the operation includes 8 million cubic feet of freezer capacity, 2.3 million cubic feet of cooler capacity, 1,200 blast freezer position, storage temperatures ranging down to -40F and a 25,200-square-foot loading/unloading dock.