Case Study: Quickly Expanding A Client's Nationwide Logistics Network

Building A National Logistics Network For A Home Improvement Company While Cutting Costs 

Overview

A national company that sells custom-made windows and doors struggled to find a scalable and cost-conscious approach to product delivery. They partnered with Excel Courier for custom logistics solutions, initially in local markets and eventually nationwide. 

Challenge

Due to reduced real estate across the country, they experienced a fragmented logistics network for their warehousing and cross-docking needs and needed a single-source solution. 

• Reducing real estate footprint: Following bankruptcy, the client needed to consolidate their operations and optimize their warehousing and logistics infrastructure.
• Lack of visibility: Monitoring inventory and operations across different providers was challenging.
• Cost consciousness: Being sensitive to economic limitations while recognizing their need for a national presence to maintain client satisfaction. 
• Limited scalability: Expanding into new markets was hindered by a complex logistics setup.
  
• Quality Assurance: Finding a vendor to uphold the company's standards of excellence in product handling.

"...We needed a partner that understood our business and could provide efficiency.  In a post-bankruptcy and pandemic world, we also needed someone who was willing to take a risk while being cost-conscious and professional..."

- Laura

Solution

The company partnered with Excel Courier, seeking a single vendor to manage their nationwide warehousing and cross-docking operations. Excel offered:

• End-to-end logistics services: Providing storage, fulfillment, shipping, and inventory management under one name.
• Extensive network: Utilizing vetted warehouses strategically located across the US for efficient reach.
• Dedicated partnership: Assigning a single point of contact for clear communication and streamlined management.
• Scalability: Offering the flexibility to expand services and coverage as the company grows.
• Transparent communication: Sharing real-time data and reports for comprehensive visibility and control.
  
  

"Excel Group provided solutions tailored to our business needs. Because our end customer is a residential homeowner, the safety and quality of our products is essential. Excel Group ensures that each individual warehouse understands our quality expectations and takes the time to set the standard."

- Laura

Results

• Cost efficiency: They saw a $8M annual cost savings compared to managing internally.  
• National expansion: Successfully added 24 warehouse locations within two years, seeing a 50% growth rate each year.
• Reduced complexity: Managing one vendor simplified operations and saved time. Consolidated invoices and streamlined communication through a single vendor. 
• Enhanced control: Maintained the desired level of involvement through transparent communication.
  
  

"Reducing our real estate footprint also led to reductions in staff in our national footprint.  Excel Group ensures each warehouse has the staffing and capability to handle our products with care saving us over $8M annually from when we managed our warehouses internally."

- Laura

 

20+ locations nationwide since 2021

Additional Benefits

• Expertise: Leveraged Excel's 38 years of experience for creative solutions and complex needs.
• Quality service: Enjoyed reliable and professional service focused on building trust.

Customized solutions: Tailored services to meet the company's specific requirements, including white-glove handling for sensitive products.

Key Learnings

• Partnering with a single, experienced logistics solutions provider like Excel Courier can streamline logistics, enhance visibility, and reduce administrative burden.
• Nationwide reach and scalability ensure smooth expansion into new markets.
• Clear communication and transparency are crucial for building trust and maintaining control over operations.

By providing comprehensive logistics solutions and building a strong partnership, Excel Courier helped the home improvement company achieve nationwide success with a simplified and efficient logistics network.

"Having a partner in Excel Group means we can expand easily across the country.  We also have a business partner that is aligned with our goals and understands our history.  Our growth strategy for 2024 relies on this partnership to support our targeted growth." 

- Laura

Contact Excel Courier today to discover how we can support your company's growth and help you achieve similar successful outcomes in expanding your network.