When Contract Carrier's Can't Cover Drop Demand

The terms “spot loads” and “custom logistics solutions” aren’t used together too often. But when the stakes are keeping production online at eight facilities, and the need for trucks is greater than contracted carriers can handle, it’s time to get creative and find the flexible capacity you need. The spot market is usually the only option, but what about reliability?

For one of the world’s largest auto manufacturers, keeping the necessary inbound flow of parts is a non-negotiable requirement of its supply chain. But when core carriers can’t move the loads, it makes the spot market a necessity. 

The Challenge

Surges in load volumes, unexpected spikes in rejection rates, and hot loads with little lead time are all reasons why going to the spot market may feel like the only option.

Although it’s a necessity sometimes, the spot market is less-than-ideal when it’s not well planned for. So, the manufacturer's challenge was finding a partner to navigate the spot market and provide capacity RELIABLY when needed. And to make it a little more complicated, their facilities relied heavily on drop trailers to provide extra storage.

The Solution

Not getting loads covered was never an option. So, Loadsmart created a custom solution that provided near-instant responses on spot loads. But, Loadsmart took it one step further. With its drop and hook solution and 24/7 responses to spot bids for added live loads, even the most unexpected shipments are moved no matter what.

To serve the customer, a dedicated Loadsmart account team built a strong network of carriers with large and flexible trailer pools – customized to match the delivery needs of the manufacturer and its suppliers. 

With Loadsmart as their partner, they were able to source reliable drop and hook coverage and achieved:

• 95% On-Time Pick Up
• 98% On-Time Delivery
• 92% Freight Covered by Top 20 Carriers

Loadsmart can ensure carriers consistently service the customer, achieving a high pickup and delivery performance standard on difficult-to-manage spot loads. Teaming up with the right partner can make all the difference, and can allow you to focus on what you do best.