Refrigerated LTL Client Success Story

Client: A division of a billion-dollar food distributor navigating a complex acquisition and operational merger.

The Challenge

When our client acquired another company and merged operations, the transition was anything but smooth. The acquired company’s logistics team experienced 100% turnover, resulting in the loss of critical freight operation details, including consignee requirements, vendor contacts, and essential “tribal knowledge.”

This disruption led to skyrocketing freight costs, missed delivery windows, and increased rejection rates, leaving management deeply concerned about service levels and customer satisfaction. The client turned to SimPL Freight Solutions to implement a managed transportation solution and address these issues on an expedited basis.

Our Solution

At SimPL Freight Solutions, we specialize in solving complex logistics challenges with precision and speed. Here’s how we tackled the client’s issues:

1. On-Site Assessment and Rapid Implementation

• Dispatched a team to the client’s location to interview staff, observe operations, and work on-site for two weeks.
• Identified critical consignee requirements, transit temperature needs, delivery windows, and special instructions.
• Integrated this information into SimPL’s Transportation Management System (TMS), enabling seamless shipping arrangements from day one.

2. Warehouse Move Management

• Coordinated a warehouse move through our specialized warehouse relocation team.
• Conducted an RFP process to identify the best rigging company for handling food-grade equipment.
• Managed the entire move process over seven weeks, including on-site presence to ensure smooth execution.
• Secured a vendor whose bid was over $75,000 lower than the next lowest offer, with better insurance coverage, more labor, and greater flexibility for weather and production line demands.

3. Refrigerated LTL Optimization

• Conducted a refrigerated LTL RFP process to introduce competition among vendors.
• Consolidated shipments to secure volume discounts and improve service levels.
• Identified a truckload vendor to consolidate multiple shipments onto full truckloads, reducing costs and improving claims experiences by avoiding LTL network transfers.

4. Rejection Rate Reduction

• Implemented GPS and temperature tracking devices on loads with recent rejection issues.
• Monitored transit conditions in real-time, allowing us to intervene when trailer temperatures deviated from requirements.
• Arranged drop trailers with refrigerated LTL carriers to avoid loading delays and free up warehouse space.
• Conducted root cause analyses for rejections and worked with the client’s warehouse to implement best practices.

The Results

Managed Transportation Startup

SimPL Freight Solutions implemented managed transportation services on the first day of on-site operations. By integrating consignee requirements, temperature needs, and delivery instructions into our TMS, the client gained immediate control over their shipping processes, reducing confusion and delays.

Warehouse Move Savings

Our RFP process saved the client over $75,000 on their warehouse move while ensuring better insurance coverage, labor allocation, and flexibility. The move was completed on time and with minimal disruption to operations.

Refrigerated LTL Cost Reduction

Through our RFP process and shipment consolidation strategies, we reduced refrigerated LTL costs by double digits. The client also benefited from improved service levels and fewer claims, thanks to our truckload consolidation approach.

Rejection Rate Improvement

By leveraging GPS and temperature tracking, we proactively addressed temperature deviations during transit, significantly reducing rejection rates. Drop trailers and improved warehouse practices further streamlined operations, clearing up space and avoiding delays.

The Impact

SimPL Freight Solutions delivered a customized managed transportation solution that addressed the client’s immediate challenges while setting them up for long-term success. Our efforts saved the client hundreds of thousands of dollars in freight costs, reduced rejection rates, and ensured on-time deliveries—all while helping them navigate the complexities of a major acquisition.

Client Testimonial:
"SimPL Freight Solutions stepped in during one of the most challenging transitions in our company’s history. Their expertise, proactive approach, and ability to deliver results quickly saved us time, money, and customers. We couldn’t have done it without them."
— Supply Chain Director, Refrigerated LTL Client