As a freight procurement manager, you know that working with a dedicated transportation services provider can be a game-changer for your business. But how do you ensure that you’re getting the most out of your partnership? Here are some tips on how to work with a dedicated services provider:
1. Communication is key: Make sure that you have open lines of communication with your provider. This means setting clear expectations and goals, and regularly checking in to ensure that everything is on track. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or provide feedback – a good provider will welcome your input.
2. Understand their capabilities: Before you start working with a provider, make sure that you understand their capabilities and limitations. This includes their service offerings, their geographic reach, and their capacity. Knowing what they can and can’t do will help you make informed decisions about how to best utilize their services.
3. Build a relationship: A dedicated freight services provider should be more than just a vendor – they should be a partner. Take the time to build a relationship with your provider, getting to know their team and their business. This will help you work together more effectively and create a more collaborative partnership.
4. Be flexible: While it’s important to set clear expectations, it’s also important to be flexible. Dedicated transportation providers operate in a dynamic industry, and things can change quickly. Being willing to adapt to changing circumstances will help you get the most out of your partnership.
5. Measure performance: Finally, make sure that you’re measuring the performance of your provider. This means tracking metrics like on-time delivery, transit time, and cost. Use this data to identify areas for improvement and to ensure that you’re getting the best possible service.
Working with a dedicated freight services provider can be a great way to streamline your logistics operations and improve your bottom line. By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re getting the most out of your partnership and building a strong, collaborative relationship with your provider.
Q: How long have you been providing spotting services?
Of your overall operations, what percentage is yard spotting?
Keller has been providing yard spotting services for 24 years. It is 5% of our Trucking operation.
Q: What services in the scope of yard spotting and associated support do you provide?
Performance and metric reporting, driver responsibility is generally defined by customer need, but are typically responsible for trailer safety inspecting, red-tagging equipment, and staffing of guard shack if desired. We utilize a customer-built YMS at our own warehouse that we can implement, or we can operate your system if desired. In addition, we can provide standard transportation solutions.
Q: Are there any yard services you do not provide?
YMS has not been deployed at the customer level, however, we are looking at partners to vet out a possible investment in an industry-standard YMS.
Q: What does your yard driver vetting and background check process consist of?
YMS has not been deployed at the customer level, however, we are looking at partners to vet out a possible investment in an industry-standard YMS.
Q: What type of customer service do you provide to yard-spotting clients?
-Dedicated or general customer support?
-Designated after-hours support?
-24/7 Availability?
Each customer will receive a direct day-to-day operational contact for normal first-shift operations. We are staffed 24/5 with daytime staffing on the weekends. After-hours support and contacts are provided to our customers as well as escalation points. It is our expectation that our customers will always be able to contact Keller representatives 24/7.
Q: How does your company handle day of staffing level changes?
Generally, this is planned for ahead of time, however, we typically overstaff each location with a network of part-time drivers in addition to our full-time staffing. These drivers cover time off and weekends. Additionally, Keller will have drivers work late and early to cover for a driver calling off due to illness, etc.
Q: How do you prevent and manage absenteeism to ensure your client’s operations are not affected?
How do you backfill labor due to absenteeism?
The overstaffing of locations as described above makes sure that each location has a part-time workforce available for such circumstances. Additionally, we will utilize our normal fleet to fill in as needed. Typically, we plan our labor to allow enough time for the extension of shifts to cover an employee who calls off.
Q: What processes/products/personnel (expertise) within the scope of yard spotting services differentiate you from your competitors?
Performance and metric reporting, driver responsibility is generally defined by customer need, but are typically responsible for trailer safety inspecting, red-tagging equipment, and staffing of guard shack if desired. We utilize a customer-built YMS at our own warehouse that we can implement, or we can operate your system if desired. In addition, we can provide standard transportation solutions.
We are responsive, resourceful, and reliable people in logistics. It’s not just a tagline. We promise to do what it takes. We will even help you meet the business goal most important to you by crafting a customized guarantee unique to your business.
It all starts with a conversation. Contact our Operations Manager of Dedicated Services, Gabe Vittorio, at 419.783.1672 or gabe.vittorio@kellerlogistics.com
Learn more about what makes Keller Logistics Group and its affiliates the best choice for your company’s 3PL logistics needs. Contact us to learn more about our services and request a no-obligation quote. Call 419-780-3767 or return our online contact form today.