Client Overview:
A leading global health and beauty products retailer headquartered in Ohio, operates a highly dynamic logistics network to support its retail and e-commerce operations. One of its key logistics hubs, in the Midwest, plays a critical role in managing inventory flow and ensuring seamless operations across its supply chain.
Challenge:
The retailer faced challenges in optimizing its yard management, shuttling, and spotting operations, with goals that included:
- Reducing headcount while maintaining seamless operations.
- Implementing a scalable staffing model to accommodate peak and non-peak fluctuations.
- Leveraging data-driven insights to identify operational efficiencies.
- Exploring cost-saving measures, such as a bulk fuel program.
Solution:
Keller Trucking developed a customized strategy to enhance efficiency at the retailer’s logistics hub:
Strategic Workforce Management:
- Initial Optimization: Keller implemented staffing levels as requested by the retailer, representing a reduction from previous headcounts.
- Peak Season Execution: A structured staffing approach ensured operations ran efficiently at slightly lower levels than the previous year, optimizing costs while maintaining productivity.
- Non-Peak Adjustments: As operations transitioned to non-peak, Keller refined schedules to ensure coverage overlaps at key locations, enhancing efficiency without overstaffing.
Data-Driven Performance Monitoring:
- Keller introduced a comprehensive tracking system to monitor performance by driver and hour of the day. This data is being leveraged by both Keller and the retailer to identify further opportunities for headcount adjustments without disrupting service levels.
Cost-Saving Initiatives:
- Keller worked with the retailer to evaluate a bulk fuel program, which, once approved, is expected to drive significant cost reductions and improve driver efficiency through streamlined fueling processes.
Results:
Although still in the early phases, the partnership has already produced notable outcomes:
- Operational Efficiency: Keller’s adaptive staffing strategy has successfully aligned with the retailer’s fluctuating demand cycles, ensuring cost control without sacrificing service.
- Actionable Insights: The performance monitoring system has provided valuable data to fine-tune operations and explore further efficiencies.
- Cost Reduction Potential: The bulk fuel initiative is poised to deliver substantial financial and operational benefits once implemented.
Next Steps:
- Ongoing Performance Optimization: Keller will continue refining staffing models and yard management processes based on real-time data.
- Bulk Fuel Implementation: Finalizing and deploying the bulk fuel program to unlock cost and efficiency gains.
- Long-Term Partnership Development: Keller remains committed to collaborating with the retailer to drive continuous improvements in yard operations.
Client Feedback:
The retailer has recognized Keller’s proactive approach in adapting staffing and logistics strategies to their needs. The collaboration is proving to be a valuable step toward optimizing efficiency and cost savings.
Conclusion:
Keller Trucking’s expertise in yard management, shuttling, and spotting has provided a scalable, data-driven solution tailored to the retailer’s evolving requirements. By integrating real-time performance tracking and cost-saving strategies, Keller is helping the retailer achieve long-term success while maintaining superior service levels.
About Keller Trucking:
Keller Trucking specializes in dedicated logistics solutions, offering customized services to streamline operations for businesses of all sizes
