At Coastal Logistics Group (CLG), our internship program is designed to provide meaningful, hands-on experience while encouraging students to make a real impact on our operations. This summer, University of Georgia student Ella Stone joined CLG as an Industrial Engineering Intern under the mentorship of Charles Levitt, where she applied analytical thinking and process improvement principles to several operational initiatives.
As a Business Management major with an emphasis in Supply Chain Operations, Ella embraced projects that aligned closely with CLG's core values of Safety, Integrity, Diligence, and Excellence. When reflecting on her internship, she identified diligence as the value that best represented her approach to every project.
Ella's primary project focused on improving warehouse signage throughout CLG's flagship facility in Savannah, GA.
After evaluating existing signage, she identified inconsistencies and damaged markers that contributed to occasional inventory being stored in incorrect locations. Her first phase centered on developing a standardized, cost-effective signage system using durable laminated signs installed consistently throughout the warehouse.
While the new signs improved uniformity, Ella identified another challenge: nearly 42% of the structural columns displaying location signs were located within active storage areas, where inventory frequently obstructed visibility.
REPLACED SIGNS WITH OBSTRUCTED VIEW
To solve this, she designed an overhead aisle identification system using repurposed materials, ensuring warehouse locations remain visible regardless of inventory placement. The updated signage system is expected to improve warehouse organization, reduce search time, and support more efficient daily operations.
ADDITIONAL HANGING SIGNS REPURPOSED FROM OLD SIGNAGE
With approximately 30 outbound shipments processed each day, the improved visibility is projected to reduce retrieval time by several seconds per load, resulting in an estimated hour of labor savings each day and meaningful annual operational savings.
Ella's second major project focused on evaluating CLG's jumbo roll handling process.
Through her analysis, she identified a relationship between product damage and the orientation of securement straps during loading. To improve consistency, she developed a visual workstation guide that standardized proper strap placement and reviewed existing inventory to establish a consistent baseline for implementation.
NEW SECUREMENT STRAP HANDLING GUIDE
The new process provides employees with clear loading expectations, helping reduce product damage while improving consistency and operational efficiency.
In addition to these larger initiatives, Ella contributed to several continuous improvement efforts across the operation, including redesigning company forms and enhancing driver check-in procedures.
Each project reflected her ability to evaluate existing processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement practical solutions that support both employees and customers.
At CLG, we believe investing in students is an investment in the future of our industry. Internship experiences like Ella's provide opportunities to solve real operational challenges while gaining valuable experience in warehousing and supply chain management.
We appreciate Ella's hard work, dedication, and positive contributions throughout the summer. Her projects will continue to benefit our operations long after her internship concludes, and we wish her continued success as she returns to the University of Georgia to complete her degree!
Coastal Logistics Group (CLG) is a leading provider of comprehensive supply chain solutions, specializing in warehousing, transportation, and niche logistics services. With strategic hubs in Savannah, Charleston, and Norfolk, CLG offers unparalleled access to America's largest and fastest-growing ports. Services include advanced drayage, efficient distribution, and nationwide transportation, tailored for complex freight and on-site logistics. We creatively engineer and deliver seamless, systematic, and speedy solutions that drive business forward. For more information, please explore our website or request a quote.