CASE STUDY
Case Study: How WWEX Group Powered a Large-Scale Energy Logistics Challenge
3PL provider WWEX Group powered Con Edison's large-scale smart meter rollout with tailored energy logistics solutions.
Summary
When they needed a partner to help manage a complex, time-sensitive operation deploying millions of smart meters to customers, New York energy giant Con Edison turned to WWEX Group. The leading 3PL provider orchestrated energy logistics and freight shipping solutions that included cross-border shipping, warehousing solutions and final-mile delivery, solving multiple challenges encountered during the rollout.
Keeping the lights on in the Big Apple is no small feat. As the primary energy provider for New York City and Westchester County, Con Edison powers millions of homes, businesses and critical services — every minute, every day. Their mission: to evolve and deliver reliable energy in a city that never slows down.
One of their boldest moves? Installing more than 5 million smart energy meters across one of the world's most demanding urban environments. But moving sensitive equipment from multiple vendors — including cross-border shipments — into the heart of the city is a complex task to say the least. Traffic. Tight deadlines. Sky-high expectations.
Enter: WWEX Group. With logistics expertise, flexible freight shipping and end-to-end visibility, they tackled the challenges head-on. The result? A successful large-scale rollout, delivered with precision, ready to power New York's future.
Challenge 1: Multi-Vendor Shipping
Shipper Challenge
Con Edison faced a massive logistics challenge coordinating shipments from multiple vendors across the U.S., Mexico and Canada — in some cases shipments went from vendor to vendor before arriving in New York. With tight deadlines and last-minute changes in origin points, they needed a reliable partner to manage complex, time-sensitive transportation demands.
WWEX Group Solution
WWEX Group took full ownership of the project's logistics — handling LTL, TL, air, cross-border shipping, warehousing and other solutions. They streamlined vendor coordination, managed costs, organized collaboration and quickly adapted to shifting requirements, ensuring 5 million+ meters were delivered safely, on time and within budget.
"WWEX Group handled the enormous task of moving all that equipment to support the project. We calculated that if you lined up all the 53-foot trailers GlobalTranz supplied for this project, they would have stretched out over 17 miles. It was a huge undertaking — truly a heavy lift, no pun intended."
— Richard Bryant, Con Edison Section Manager
Challenge 2: Mexico-U.S. Customs Compliance
Shipper Challenge
Con Edison's project faced major customs hurdles when a New Hampshire vendor unexpectedly shifted production to Mexico. Without a customs broker or cross-border process in place, delays at the Texas-Mexico border crossing caused clearance times of 30+ days — putting critical project deadlines at risk.
WWEX Group Solution
WWEX Group swiftly connected Con Edison with a trusted customs broker, coordinated with vendors and streamlined compliance processes. They reduced clearance times from 30+ days to just 12, managing tariffs, billing and the broker — ensuring seamless cross-border operations without disrupting project timelines.
"They didn't have the connections or resources to clear shipments on their own. We identified the right customs broker, helped them get established and then took care of processing all the customs fees and billing. Before we got involved, they had no way to manage any of that."
— Luke Schumacher, WWEX Group Account Manager
Challenge 3: Warehousing
Shipper Challenge
Con Edison ran out of warehouse space in New York and New Jersey during a critical phase of the project. They needed a fast solution to store over 20,000 meters for 4-5 months near their operations. But what started as a short-term need quickly became a long-term challenge.
WWEX Group Solution
WWEX Group secured warehouse space in Altoona, Pennsylvania, providing immediate overflow storage and long-term flexibility. Their quick response kept the project moving, giving Con Edison reliable access to inventory without disrupting schedules. In the end, the utility company utilized the space for two years.
"We ran out of warehouse space, so I reached out to Luke at WWEX Group for help. I told him, ‘Luke, I need you to move mountains for me.' And like always, they delivered."
— Richard Bryant, Section Manager at Con Edison
Challenge 4: Reverse Logistics
Shipper Challenge
During quality assurance testing, Con Edison identified faulty equipment that needed to be returned to its place of origin for repairs. Without a reverse logistics process in place, these issues risked project delays and added complexity — particularly when vendors were located throughout the U.S. and Mexico.
WWEX Group Solution
WWEX Group took ownership of the reverse logistics process — coordinating pickups, managing returns and ensuring defective equipment was swiftly sent back for repair. Their hands-on support streamlined operations, minimized disruptions and kept the project moving.
"I could pick up the phone and they'd get problems resolved. I can't say enough about what WWEX Group has done for us."
— Richard Bryant, Section Manager at Con Edison
Challenge 5: Final-Mile Delivery
Shipper Challenge
Final-mile delivery in a densely populated, high-traffic city like New York is notoriously complex. Con Edison needed precise coordination to move equipment across the city, stage materials and complete final-mile deliveries without disrupting tight installation schedules.
WWEX Group Solution
WWEX Group expertly managed final-mile logistics, ensuring products reached the right warehouses and other destinations on time. They navigated urban delivery challenges with precision — handling staging and route planning to streamline the last leg of delivery in one of the nation's toughest logistics environments.
Challenge 6: Hazmat Shipping
Shipper Challenge
Con Edison's smart meters contained batteries, classifying them as hazardous materials. Shipping hazmat freight involves strict regulations, specialized carriers and detailed documentation — adding complexity and risk to an already large-scale project.
WWEX Group Solution
WWEX Group secured hazmat-certified carriers from its trusted network and ensured all shipments met compliance requirements. They handled the shipping documents, coordinated transport and navigated regulatory hurdles — ensuring Con Edison's hazmat freight moved safely, efficiently and in full compliance with industry standards.
Key Results
- Streamlined multi-vendor cross-border shipping
- Cut customs clearance time by over half
- Secured flexible warehousing to prevent storage delays
- Simplified reverse logistics for faster equipment returns
- Improved final-mile delivery in complex urban areas
- Ensured compliant hazmat freight shipping
Harnessing the Power of a 3PL Provider for Energy Logistics
With WWEX Group's logistics expertise, Con Edison successfully deployed 5 million+ smart meters across New York, transforming how energy is monitored, managed and delivered.
3PL Provider FAQs
Is it time to level-up your freight shipping and logistics?
At WWEX Group, we bring together our innovative brands — Worldwide Express, Unishippers, GlobalTranz, JEAR Logistics and BLX Logistics. That means over 100 years of combined experience in providing top logistics solutions to hundreds of thousands of businesses. We create customer success through our innovative technology, access to top carrier rates and industry relationships only offered by the WWEX Group family of brands.
Maybe it's time to rethink your logistics — like Con Edison did — and turn shipping into a competitive edge.
Reach out for a free consultation!