Automotive
We provide comprehensive logistics solutions for the automotive industry, supporting vehicle manufacturers (OEMs), their suppliers, and the aftermarket parts network. Automotive supply chains are highly synchronized and time-sensitive, and our services ensure parts and vehicles move efficiently from plants to dealerships, and components from suppliers to assembly lines.
For inbound logistics, we manage just-in-time delivery of components to assembly plants. We coordinate with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers to pick up parts ranging from engines and transmissions to fasteners and electronics, often using milk-run pickup routes or consolidated trucking to bring them to your plant exactly when needed. We also operate sequencing centers where parts are kitted or sequenced in the exact order of vehicle assembly, then delivered line-side in the precise build sequence.
We facilitate outbound finished vehicle distribution from assembly plants to dealerships. Our network includes car transporters, rail auto racks, and ocean RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) services for export. We plan optimized distribution to get new vehicles to regional distribution centers and dealers quickly and safely. We can manage pre-delivery inspection (PDI) center logistics as well, ensuring vehicles are cleaned, accessorized, or inspected before final delivery.
For aftermarket parts, we operate spare parts distribution centers that stock replacement parts for vehicles in service. We manage overnight shipments to dealerships and repair shops so that vehicles undergoing service have minimal wait time for parts. This involves handling a vast SKU range – from tiny bolts to large body panels – and utilizing parcel networks and LTL freight to balance speed and cost.
Quality and traceability are crucial in automotive. We maintain lot control and trace parts by VIN when necessary, which is critical during recalls or quality audits. We comply with industry standards like ISO/TS 16949 for quality management in automotive logistics. Additionally, we offer returnable packaging programs (managing the return and reuse of specialized containers and racks) which are common between OEMs and suppliers to reduce packaging waste and cost.
Benefits to Your Business:
- Maintained Production Flow: Our just-in-time logistics keeps your assembly lines fed with parts exactly when required, preventing line stoppages due to missing components. This supports high production efficiency and avoids the enormous costs associated with even a brief assembly line shutdown.
- Reduced Inventory Holding: By trusting our synchronized deliveries, you can keep minimal inventory on-site. This frees up capital and space, as you don’t need to stockpile large volumes of parts. You rely on our reliable logistics pipeline as a moving warehouse, knowing that each part will arrive shortly before it’s needed in production.
- Fast Dealer and Aftermarket Support: For the aftermarket, our rapid parts distribution means dealerships can complete customer repairs faster, improving satisfaction and brand loyalty among vehicle owners. Quick repair turnaround (thanks to readily available parts) also boosts dealer service department productivity and revenue.
- Optimized Logistics Costs: Through load consolidation, route optimization, and mode selection (using rail for long distances, for example), we trim the fat from automotive logistics. Efficient vehicle transportation and parts delivery lower per-unit logistics cost. For instance, consolidating multiple suppliers’ parts into one truck to your plant reduces inbound transport expenses.
- Agility in Supply Chain: The automotive market can be volatile with fluctuations in demand, recalls, or new model rollouts. We provide flexibility to respond – whether it’s expediting replacement parts for a recall campaign to all dealers, or quickly adjusting inbound schedules when a supplier has a disruption. This agility helps you maintain production schedules and customer service even when challenges arise, making your supply chain more resilient.