Over 6,000 units were shipped in the first month with an average nationwide transit time of 5 days from Los Angeles and Atlanta.
BACKGROUND
One of the top exercise equipment manufacturers in the world, known throughout the fitness industry, with many oversized and heavyweight products, contacted AGS to help them with a critical need to augment their current supply chain structure. The client had been experiencing peak like volumes all year long due to COVID-19 related consumer demands. They needed a carrier like AGS who could flex capacity in a hurry with high-performance standards and technology to provide customers with visibility to their orders.
SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS
The customer, headquartered in Utah, had previously used integrated LTL carriers to distribute their product in a pool distribution environment to final mile delivery hubs for residential delivery. Transit times were in excess of 12 business days and as much as 25 business days around the country. Orders were backing up on the manufacturer’s distribution facility and creating confusing messaging about order status to their clients.
The AGS management team consisting of sales, operations, account management and information technology responded quickly with solutions to meet the client’s supply chain requirements. The challenge presented itself during peak holidays and at a time when truckload and LTL capacity was at its tightest in years.
DEDICATED ACCOUNT TEAM
AGS maintains a dedicated account management team that is centralized and acts as the control tower for all services and communications. Added to this account team is a dedicated 24/7 call center to assist customers with inquiries and further coordination. Adding to the depth of the client’s support are the local terminals with district and regional management. These positions tightly coordinate equipment spotting and pickups seven days a week and at irregular hours. The result of this responsive support is the elimination of the bottlenecking at the client’s distribution facility.
Two weeks into the program, AGS demonstrated enough competence and the client expanded AGS’ role to support two more additional distribution facilities. In January, two months in the program, AGS continues to handle volumes in excess of 6,000 shipments per month.
AGS continues to develop technology and best practices to support a quick and seamless customer experience. AGS unveiled customer texting technology in January to further enhance the communication process for setting appointments. AGS has always been a leader in technology innovation that is meant to streamline the customer’s experience. A prime example of this technology was the AGS Appointment Scheduler created in 2010. Recently, AGS was one of the first providers to offer a No-Contact delivery option using its text POD feature so clients could send their own proof of delivery without exchanging handheld devices or paperwork with the drivers.
AGS is continuing its focus to support clients with their e-commerce needs for residential delivery of oversized, heavyweight products. Services range from Curbside to White Glove and Returns are all part of the package offerings.
CUSTOMER CENTRIC SOLUTIONS
With a network of logistics sites in the U.S., AGS can provide delivery to every zip code in the country. Founded in 1958, AGS provides complete supply chain solutions specializing in forwarding, transportation, logistics and warehousing, with white-glove delivery a specialty. Key to AGS’ customer centric-solutions are innovative and customizable technology tools that provide a seamless flow of information and give customers global supply chain visibility.