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The Custom Companies Reports Shortened Delivery Time Among Multiplied Efficiency Gains With DDC FPO
Full-service transportation and logistics provider expedites delivery and enhances service for customers in collaboration with business process partner DDC
The Custom Companies, a leading asset-light domestic and international transportation firm headquartered in Metro Chicago, is reporting a multiplier effect in operational efficiency, stemming from its partnership with business process outsourcer DDC FPO of The DDC Group.
Known for its world-class service, The Custom Companies started in 1986 with a two-truck operation and now has a network of thousands of carriers of all modes for domestic and international shipments.
"We are customer-centric," said Joseph Klikas, Chief Experience Officer of The Custom Companies. "Our service to our customers defines everything we do as a company and how we organize ourselves. It's in our name."
The company was introduced to DDC by an industry peer who also partners with the BPO provider.
"We weren't in the market," explained Klikas, "but we always keep an open mind." The Custom Companies already had an impressive technology portfolio, but it struggled to maintain back office staff. BPO was a thought the company had entertained, but it wasn't until he met Chad Crotty, DDC's Vice President of Sales, when Klikas said he recognized that this was something they should pursue.
The partnership began with an LTL billing program in January 2020. Despite a production rollout amid the onset of COVID-19, Klikas reported that the onboarding was excellent, as well as the handling of pandemic-induced volume fluctuations.
"DDC was a huge relief for us right out of the gate," said Klikas. "The balance, the consistency, and the turn around time due to improved accuracy and speed of entry were all immediate benefits we could pass onto our customers."
According to Klikas, the new speed of entry enabled The Custom Companies to cut hours out of linehaul schedule. "We can now promise customers shorter delivery times," he said.
In addition, accuracy improvements directly impacted resource allocation. "We now average 99.81% accuracy," Klikas said. "This allows us to have greater confidence in our information, spend less money and less time on shipment correction, and dedicate more resources to serving our customers."
The efficiency gains set a new standard for The Custom Companies. "They made our company better and allowed us to rethink other pieces of what we do," Klikas explained.
As well as expanding its partnership with DDC to streamline other back office functions, The Custom Companies is going green and implementing electronic bills and digital signatures. This includes investing heavily in system connectivity for their carrier network and strategic EDI partnerships in order to improve visibility.
"I give kudos to our staff as we have adapted to the challenges of the industry," said Klikas. "2020 has empowered us to think creatively and make strategic adjustments to ensure we remain competitive, strengthening our product and withstanding challenges."
On behalf of DDC, Crotty explains that the positive experience is mutual: "Our goal is to always deliver for our partners and exceed their expectations, but working with Joe and the rest of The Custom Companies' team has been nothing short of first-class."
About The Custom Companies
The Custom Companies, Inc. is a "Full Service Transportation Company" committed to meeting shippers' needs by providing "World Class Service" with a hands-on personalized approach. Headquartered in Northlake, Illinois, The Custom Companies Inc. offers a complete range of Transportation Services including 50 State Less than Truckload (LTL), Domestic and International Air Freight, Dedicated Contract Cartage, Direct Mail Distribution Services, Expedited Ground Services, Hot Shot Services, Intermodal Services, Local Cartage, Logistics Management, Pick & Pack Services, and Full and Partial Truckload Services within North America. Our equipment offerings include Dry Vans, Temperature Controlled and Flat Bed Equipment. The Custom Companies Inc. has grown rapidly, thanks to our relationships with our Customers, who have afforded us the opportunity to become Partners in servicing their specific Transportation needs. To learn more, visit: https://www.customco.com
About DDC FPO
DDC FPO is a strategic business process outsourcing (BPO) partner for today's leading transportation and logistics providers, including 50% of the top less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers as ranked by revenue.
As the freight-focused member company of The DDC Group – a worldwide network of BPO experts and solutions – DDC FPO is able to serve clients in 40 languages across North America, UK, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Solutions include data-based, goal-driven back office programs such as Freight Billing, Rate Auditing, POD Processing, Customs Brokerage Processing, and IT Outsourcing, among others. To learn more, visit: ddcfpo.com.
Nulogy, a leading provider in supply chain collaboration solutions, and Kinaxis, a global leader in supply chain orchestration, have announced a partnership to develop cutting-edge solutions for brand manufacturing supply chain networks worldwide.
The new partnership aims to catalyze fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and life science brands and their supplier networks to work together more effectively through digital transformation solutions, thereby mutually improving costs, service and revenue. Combining the supply chain orchestration capabilities of Kinaxis with the collaborative external manufacturing specialization of Nulogy will enable customers to share forecasts and order information with suppliers and receive inventory capacity information faster.
Nulogy’s purpose-built multi-enterprise platform enables greater responsiveness in the supply networks of leading FMCG and life science brands, including L’Oréal, Colgate-Palmolive, and Church & Dwight, as well as their extended suppliers and hundreds of sites around the world.
“Given the speed and volatility of today’s global market, it is more important than ever for brand manufacturers to digitally synchronize with their supplier communities in order to respond with agility,” said Jason Tham, CEO at Nulogy. “Through our partnership with Kinaxis, we look forward to collaborations that will elevate the performance of supply chain networks around the world.”
Kinaxis Maestro is the AI-infused end-to-end supply chain orchestration platform for fast, intelligent decision-making. Trusted by renowned global brands to provide agility and predictability to help navigate volatility and disruptions, Kinaxis has been a leader in supply chain planning for over 40 years.
"Our partnership with Nulogy improves visibility, control and collaboration of the upstream network of critical suppliers, like contract manufacturers and co-packers, by integrating a variety of supplier data into Maestro,” said Bill Walker, Senior Director, Partner Solutions Extensions at Kinaxis. “Giving our customers the ability to better run simulations, digitize planning and connect in suppliers.”
Learn more about the partnership at ASCM Connect on September 9, 2024. Kevin Wong, Chief Operating Officer, Nulogy; Polly Mitchell-Guthrie, Supply Chain Thought Leader, Kinaxis; and German Vizcaya Leon, VP Global Planning, Colgate-Palmolive will discuss how Nulogy and Kinaxis’s solutions in Advanced Planning & Scheduling and Supplier Collaboration have played pivotal roles in interconnecting Colgate’s network.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sherri Bosslet
Title: Director of Customer Relations
Phone: 937.415.1715
Email: sbosslet@daytonfreight.com
Date: September 5, 2024
Web: daytonfreight.com
ULINE AWARDED DAYTON FREIGHT FOR EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE
DAYTON, Ohio – Dayton Freight Lines, Inc., a leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, was presented the 2023 Exceptional Performance Award and the Minnesota LTL Carrier of the Year award from Uline.
The 2023 Exceptional Performance Award and the Minnesota LTL Carrier of the Year award were presented to Dayton Freight’s Milwaukee and Hudson Service Centers, respectively. Both awards were given based on the following criteria: exemplary customer service, technological innovation and lastly, partnership and dedication.
Uline, a family-owned business, is the leading distributor of shipping, industrial and packaging materials to businesses throughout North America.
Dayton Freight’s Director of Customer Relations, Sherri Bosslet quoted, “We are incredibly proud of our Service Centers in Milwaukee and Hudson WI for receiving these awards. These accolades from Uline truly demonstrate the dedication and diligence of our Dayton Freight team. We look forward to a lasting partnership for years to come.”
Founded in 1981, Dayton Freight is a private, union-free, less-than truckload (LTL) freight carrier headquartered in Dayton, Ohio. Currently ranked as the country’s 12th largest LTL company, Dayton Freight has 70 Service Centers in 14 Midwest states, served by 6,000+ employees. Offering 1 or 2 day service to thousands of cities, Dayton Freight is known for its prudent growth, operational excellence, advanced technology and an unparalleled company culture known as The Dayton Difference.
Photo Caption: Jeremy Cutchens (Dayton Freight), Shelly Hofmeister (Dayton Freight), Ed VanGrouw (Dayton Freight), Eric Dreissig (Uline), LJ Groen (Uline)
Nulogy, a leading provider of supply chain collaboration solutions, is hosting a session during the Association of Supply Chain Management's ASCM Connect 2024. Nulogy, Kinaxis and Colgate-Palmolive executives will present “Orchestrating Digital Transformation: Nulogy & Kinaxis Empower Colgate-Palmolive’s External Network” on Monday, 9/9/2024, 3:45 - 4:45 p.m. CT in Ballroom E, Level 4.
In an era when digital transformation is paramount for sustainable growth, Colgate-Palmolive stands out as a leader in the consumer packaged goods space. With a strong digital transformation vision and strategic partners that tout the technical capabilities and expertise to bring it to life, Colgate and its extended supply network has been able to reap the benefits of digitally-infused agility, resilience and efficiency to outcompete in today’s marketplace.
The session will cover Colgate-Palmolive’s vision for transforming its supply chain planning and execution, highlighting the imperative to enhance supply chain synchronization and collaboration.
Nulogy and Kinaxis join Colgate-Palmolive in this talk to discuss how their best-of-breed solutions in advanced planning and scheduling and supplier collaboration have played pivotal roles in interconnecting Colgate’s network.
Speakers include:
Moderator: Christine Barnhart, CPIM Chief Marketing and Industry Officer, Nuology
Panelist: Kevin Wong Chief Operating Officer, Nulogy
Panelist: Polly Mitchell-Guthrie Supply Chain Thought Leader, Kinaxis
Panelist: German Vizcaya Leon VP Global Planning, Colgate-Palmolive
Check out the complete Colgate-Palmolive case study by visiting https://bit.ly/3z6xwPK.
Covington, KY — In a significant step toward redefining supply chain efficiency and boosting the local economy, Lakeshore Learning hired Zion Solutions Group, a trailblazer in advanced supply chain integration, to help implement a cutting-edge 1.2 million square foot distribution center in Garland, Utah. This collaboration is set to create over 500 jobs, showcasing an unparalleled commitment to innovation and community development.
“Our relationship with Lakeshore Learning, beginning in 2015, has been a testament to what visionary collaboration can achieve," stated Jim Shaw, President of Zion Solutions Group. “This is not just a collaboration; it’s a leap toward the future of supply chain management. By combining Lakeshore Learning’s vision with our technological expertise, we are set to introduce a distribution hub that exemplifies efficiency, sustainability, and economic growth for Garland."
Artin Ghazarian, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Lakeshore Learning, highlighted the project's ambition: "Our journey with Zion Solutions Group has been marked by a shared drive for excellence. This distribution center goes beyond expanding our logistical capabilities—it's a testament to our dedication to setting new industry standards for efficiency and environmental stewardship in supply chain management."
Jordan Frank, EVP & Co-Founder of Zion Solutions Group, emphasized the collaborative synergy: Our relationship with Lakeshore Learning is more than a partnership; it's a melding of minds aimed at redefining the future of our industry. We're not just optimizing logistics; we're crafting a model of innovation that leverages technology for smarter, more sustainable operations. Our goal is to inspire the sector by demonstrating how collaboration and technology together can create impactful solutions.”
The facility will harness the latest in automation and robotics to optimize both efficiency and scalability. Zion Solutions Group will play a crucial role in this evolution, meticulously shaping the project from its conceptual stages to its final form. This includes value-added engineering to support Lakeshore Learning’s specific needs, overseeing the procurement and engineering processes to ensure precision, and integrating advanced software solutions—including Zion Apex (WES)—for peak functionality. Beyond the project’s completion, Zion’s Customer Experience team will continue to support the operations team and provide optimization opportunities, ensuring the facility operates smoothly and evolves with technological advancements.
With an operational goal set for 2025, Lakeshore Learning’s Garland distribution center represents a major milestone in job creation and economic growth for the region. This initiative aligns with Zion's mission to drive sustainable innovation and cement its leadership in the market.
For more information about Zion Solutions Group and its groundbreaking projects, please visit https://thezsg.com/.
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About Zion Solutions Group
Zion Solutions Group, a leader in Supply Chain Integration, uses its 90+ years of knowledge to deliver memorable experiences and guide intelligent change. Specializing in material handling integration, Zion provides comprehensive services that include detailed data analytics, solution design, procurement, implementation, and post-implementation support. Our customer-centric approach and Project Lifecycle process ensure tailor-made solutions using cutting-edge technology, setting us apart in the industry. Zion, in support of its core purpose, “To Leave a Positive Impact on the Lives of Those We Touch,” is committed to driving success and sustainable growth for our partners and customers.
About Lakeshore—Products Designed with Learning in Mind®
Lakeshore Learning Materials is a leading developer and retailer of top-quality materials for early childhood education programs, elementary schools, and homes nationwide. Since 1954, Lakeshore Learning Materials has offered innovative learning materials distinguished by their quality, educational merit, and safety. To learn more, visit LakeshoreLearning.com.
Panel Built, Inc., a leading provider of modular offices, mezzanines, and custom-engineered structures, has announced plans to expand its primary facility, PB1. The expansion will include additional office and fabrication space, allowing the company to better accommodate its rapidly growing workforce and increasing demand for its innovative space solutions.
As Panel Built continues to experience significant growth in both personnel and market reach, this expansion marks a critical step in the company’s strategic development. The additional space will enable the company to enhance its operational efficiency and continue delivering high-quality products and services to its diverse client base. The expanded facility will also provide a more collaborative work environment for the Panel Built team, fostering innovation and reinforcing the company’s commitment to excellence.
"Panel Built has built a reputation for delivering modular solutions that meet the unique requirements of various industries, including commercial, military, government, and industrial sectors. The company's expertise in engineering, design, and installation has made it a trusted partner for organizations seeking efficient and customizable space solutions.
The Blairsville facility expansion is expected to be completed by early 2025. Panel Built is committed to maintaining uninterrupted service to its clients throughout the construction process, ensuring that all projects remain on schedule and meet the company’s high standards of quality."
- Mike Kiernan CEO
About Panel Built, Inc.
Founded with the mission "To Solve Our Customers' Space Needs With Excellence And Great Customer Service," Panel Built, Inc. specializes in modular construction, offering a range of solutions from modular offices and mezzanines to guardhouses and cleanrooms. With extensive experience in both public and private sectors, Panel Built is dedicated to delivering space solutions that meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.