CASE STUDY
Case Study: Transforming Manufacturing Logistics With Multilayered Support
Learn how WWEX Group helped Douglas Dynamics upgrade manufacturing logistics with technology and a strong carrier network.
Summary
Douglas Dynamics partnered with 3PL provider WWEX Group and its family of brands to modernize and scale its manufacturing logistics processes while maintaining its reputation for reliability. The multilayered solution included better shipping data visibility, stronger technology and cost-effective carrier management to support its heavy duty shipping demands.
Douglas Dynamics is North America's premier manufacturer and upfitter of commercial work truck attachments and equipment. For more than 75 years, snow, ice and inclement weather have been no match for Douglas Dynamics' commitment to delivering superior quality products and services. The company's solutions support the economic and physical wellbeing of millions of North Americans every year.
They don't just take incredible care of their customers — their stellar service commitment extends to their workforce as well. The company has been named a Top Workplace in Southeast Wisconsin for 15 years running by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
They demand third-party logistics (3PL) support of the highest caliber. For more than five years, they've trusted the WWEX Group family of brands with their shipping logistics.
"We so appreciate the collaboration we've had with WWEX Group since day one. They have the same continuous improvement mindset that our business does," said Brian Walton, Douglas Dynamics Logistics Manager.
Douglas Dynamics recognized they needed greater visibility into their freight data to make smarter, more strategic decisions. They also required advanced shipping technology to efficiently organize and schedule their heavy daily shipment volume. At the same time, optimizing their carrier portfolio and securing the most competitive freight rates was critical to controlling costs. By partnering with WWEX Group, they gained the data insights, technology and carrier management expertise necessary to streamline operations and solve their most pressing shipping challenges.
Challenge 1: Insights Into Their Shipping Data
Shipper Challenge
Douglas Dynamics was making major business decisions without the benefit of detailed shipping data, costing them time and money.
WWEX Group Solution
WWEX Group analyzed Douglas Dynamics' data and integrated their systems with custom-built, interactive data visualization software and dashboards. This integration provided Douglas Dynamics with greater visibility into their shipping operational costs, trends, carrier performance, billing discrepancies and potential areas for improvement, allowing them to drill into their freight spend with unprecedented detail.
"Thanks to WWEX Group, we now have the ability to slice and dice our data. We understand what the costs are to us in specific scenarios and can plan accordingly, enabling us to make informed business shipping decisions for our customers."
— Brian Walton, Douglas Dynamics Logistics Manager
Challenge 2: Advanced Transportation Management Technology
Shipper Challenge
Douglas Dynamics was looking to add a transportation management system (TMS) to organize their shipping, track its progress and provide their customers with the single invoice they were requesting.
WWEX Group Solution
WWEX Group integrated their proprietary TMS into Douglas Dynamics' existing ERP processes, creating a unified platform that automated their outbound shipping. This allowed the operations team to consolidate hundreds of daily orders, generate quotes and produce all shipping documentation with just a few clicks. The sophisticated tracking and consolidated invoicing provided complete control and peace of mind over every aspect of their shipping operations.
"Just about every 3PL has a TMS. But WWEX Group's provides everything we need and is always improving. For the past five years, their technology and resources have helped drive our future logistics and supply chain operations in this challenging transportation market."
— Brian Walton, Douglas Dynamics Logistics Manager
Challenge 3: Optimizing Freight Carrier Management
Shipper Challenge
Douglas Dynamics needed assistance to optimize carrier selection, management and pricing, and help selecting the best freight shipping mode to use.
WWEX Group Solution
WWEX Group provided training, guidance and best practices for freight shipping, along with comprehensive carrier mix optimization (including LTL freight and truckload shipping) and custom-negotiated pricing. Leveraging our strong carrier relationships and buying power, Douglas Dynamics achieved significant cost reductions that they couldn't obtain by dealing with carriers directly.
"WWEX Group is truly a one-stop shipping shop. We know we can go to them for all our transportation solutions."
— Brian Walton, Douglas Dynamics Logistics Manager
Key Results
- Better performance thanks to data-informed decision-making
- Streamlined operations by automating outbound shipping
- Control over every aspect of shipping operations
- Significant shipping cost reductions
Working Together to Improve Shipping and Logistics
In WWEX Group, Douglas Dynamics finally found a 3PL provider with a congruent culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. As the company continues to grow and reach more customers across North America, WWEX Group will be right by its side providing creative and customized shipping solutions.
"WWEX Group and Douglas Dynamics share similar goals. It's literally like we're all part of the same company because we're always trying to make everything better for all parties involved."
— Brian Walton, Douglas Dynamics Logistics Manager
Manufacturing Logistics FAQs
Team Up with the Right Heavy Duty Shipping Partner
The WWEX Group family of brands is an industry-leading 3PL that helps shippers of every size find the most effective and efficient freight, parcel and specialty solutions for their unique shipping challenges. Our peerless combination of logistics expertise, carrier relationships, innovative technology , unbeatable rates and personalized service makes us the perfect shipping partner for your business. With our proven record of innovation and collaboration, WWEX Group is ready to supercharge your shipping operations.
Reach out for a complimentary, customized consultation today!