When it comes to navigating today’s complex supply chain landscape, few voices are as grounded in both day-to-day operations and long-term strategy as Jeremy Van Puffelen, President of Prism Logistics. We met with Jeremy recently to discuss his perspective on current challenges facing warehouse logistics, the opportunities he sees ahead, and why Prism’s SQF Certification is such a big deal for customers.
The state of warehouse logistics today
Jeremy acknowledged that the past few years have tested every link in the supply chain. Labor shortages, transportation disruptions, and shifting customer expectations have all created pressures that warehouses must absorb.
“It’s not just about storing and shipping anymore,” Jeremy explained. “It’s about adapting in real time. Customers expect visibility, compliance, and the ability to handle specialized requirements, whether that’s food safety, e-commerce fulfillment, or value-added services.”
For Prism Logistics, this means continuously investing in people, systems, and certifications that set them apart in a competitive market.
Why SQF Certification matters
One of Prism’s standout commitments is its Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification, a globally recognized standard for food safety and quality management. This certification is administered by the Safe Quality Food Institute and is benchmarked to the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), making it one of the most respected certifications in the industry.
SQF-certified warehouses must pass rigorous annual audits that cover everything from sanitation and pest control to product traceability and recall procedures. These audits typically score facilities on a scale up to 100, with Prism consistently earning scores above 95 percent.
“SQF Certification is about trust,” says Jeremy. “Our customers in the food and beverage industry cannot afford mistakes when it comes to safety and compliance. By meeting SQF standards, we are not just checking a box. We are demonstrating that we can be counted on to protect their brand and their consumers.”
Industry context: Many major retailers and food brands, including Walmart, Costco, and Kroger, require suppliers to use SQF-certified facilities. SQF certification is often the deciding factor that allows a warehouse to handle certain high-profile accounts or sensitive food categories.
For shippers, SQF certification can mean faster onboarding with new retail customers, smoother compliance with global food safety regulations, and reduced risk of costly recalls or product holds. For Prism, it is a clear signal of operational excellence and a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Opportunities ahead for ACWI members
Prism Logistics has long been an actively participating member of the American Chain of Warehouses. As a regional third party logistics service provider (3PL), headquartered in Northern California, Prism sees all our member companies see ACWI’s nationwide network of independent warehouses as uniquely positioned to meet the growing demand for regionalized distribution.
“Shippers are looking to get closer to their customers to shorten lead times and cut transportation costs,” Jeremy noted. “ACWI members, with their local expertise and flexibility, are perfect partners for building those networks without the overhead of a national footprint.”
He also emphasized the importance of advocacy and staying connected with organizations like NITL. Policy changes around trucking, rail access, and port operations can ripple through warehouse operations. Being informed and involved helps operators prepare and adapt.
Leadership through collaboration
Prism’s success is rooted in partnerships, whether that is with customers, carriers, or other ACWI members. Jeremy pointed out that the same collaborative spirit that drives Prism internally is what strengthens ACWI as a network.
“We learn from each other,” he said. “When one member figures out a better way to manage inventory turns, implement automation, or meet a compliance requirement, that knowledge can be shared across the network. Everyone benefits, and that is good for our customers too.”
The takeaway
From SQF Certification to industry advocacy, Jeremy Van Puffelen’s perspective makes one thing clear: leadership in warehouse logistics is not just about capacity. It is about capability. For shippers, working with an SQF-certified, ACWI-connected partner like Prism means more than just securing space. It means having a logistics ally who can navigate complexity with confidence.
Quick SQF Facts:
- Global Recognition: Accepted by major U.S. and international retailers.
- Audit Rigor: Facilities must maintain passing scores above 70 percent, but top performers like Prism score above 95 percent.
- Recall Preparedness: Certified facilities must demonstrate the ability to conduct full product recalls within 4 hours.
- Customer Advantage: SQF-certified partners help shippers meet retailer requirements faster and avoid compliance delays.
“In the end,” Jeremy concluded, “it’s about delivering on our promises. SQF certification, ACWI membership, and our commitment to continuous improvement are all ways we make sure we can keep doing that, day after day, year after year.”
ABOUT PRISM LOGISTICS: As a warehouse services and warehouse distribution management company, PRISM Logistics provides value added fulfillment and pick & pack services for B2B and B2C operations in California. As an SQF-certified food-grade warehousing they ensure the highest standards in product safety and compliance for our food and beverage clients. With facilities strategically located to serve the West Coast and beyond, PRISM combines industry leadership with a commitment to operational excellence. For more information request a quote and follow on Facebook and LinkedIn.
ABOUT ACWI: The American Chain of Warehouses, Inc. (ACWI) is a nationwide network of third-party logistics providers offering warehousing services, distribution management, and fulfillment solutions across the United States. For shippers, ACWI makes it simple to find trusted third-party logistics providers with strategic warehouse locations to handle value added logistics, pick and pack services, food-grade warehousing, and rail-served distribution facilities.
For independent warehouse operators, ACWI membership connects you with a nationwide network of peers and potential customers. Members benefit from business referrals, shared resources, marketing support, and a collective industry voice on transportation policy issues. By joining ACWI, you gain visibility, credibility, and opportunities to grow your customer base.For more information about ACWI warehousing and logistics services or how to join the network, get in touch and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.