The Challenge
One of the largest general discount stores in the U.S. offers a variety of household goods, including health and beauty aids, packaged food, home cleaning supplies, housewares, seasonal goods, and more. In a business model where every dollar counts, the company needed a shipping partner with the expertise to run a highly skilled and lean operation. Finding a reliable partner for complex deliveries like these is challenging as there are few shipping providers with the skilled staff, processes, and equipment to safely and expertly do the job.
We have complex unloads with lean staffing. We need partners willing to do this hard work at a competitive rate. CRST stepped up to the challenge and created a culture with their driving staff centered on safety and service.
-Director, Outbound Transportation
In addition, Each Delivery Required:
- Drivers able to safely navigate busy parking lots
- Hand unload freight using appropriate equipment
- Communication with each store’s staff to coordinate delivery times
A Successful Service Strategy
CRST understands that providing the best service to meet their clients’ needs starts with hiring and retaining industry experts and top professional drivers while investing in the proper equipment to ensure safe and efficient deliveries.
To meet this customer’s specific requirements, CRST provided a systematic approach which included:
- Elite Professional Drivers
CRST drivers are skilled at high-touch, complex unloads – eager to fingerprint every box of the trailer for efficient, safe, and customer-focused deliveries. - Equipment Investments
We don’t just bump docks. CRST invests in equipment like pallet jacks and conveyor systems to ensure we can effectively manage freight. - Load Optimization
Every cubic inch of the trailer counts, every mile driven carries costs. We are pros at optimizing trailer space and creating efficient routing. - Delivery Notifications
To ensure every receiving store is ready for our delivery, we use geofencing technology to provide regular notifications about the driver’s location and one-hour delivery windows. - On-Site Fleet Management
Drivers and fleet managers debrief daily on all deliveries to address potential improvement opportunities. This program has helped with driver retention so customers typically have a “regular”.
The Results
What started as a search for a provider willing to do the hard work our business requires quickly turned into a strategic partnership. Not only was CRST able to deliver products according to schedule safely and efficiently, but they also helped the client reduce costs.
Ready To Work With CRST?
For nearly 70 years, CRST has provided solutions to keep America’s supply chain moving. We plan to continue that trend for decades to come through our unmatched service and delivering on our promises.
Connect with us at: https://crst.com/transportation-solutions/dedicated-solutions/
