The Challenge:
Specialized Retail Rollouts, Limited by LTL Freight
The client was originally shipping all its retail rollout orders to large retailers via LTL (less-than-truckload) freight, but quickly discovered that most LTL carriers simply couldn’t provide the specialized services they required, including:
- White glove delivery
- Inside delivery
- Setup and coordination with installation teams
- Debris removal
- Deliveries at off hours
As a result, the client struggled to meet tight deadlines and maintain a seamless customer experience when delivering their products. Many of their large-scale projects required a logistics partner with the ability to launch quickly, adapt on the fly, and provide high-touch services.
Inefficiencies at Every Step
Relying heavily on LTL shipments also led to frequent issues, including:
- Missed delivery deadlines
- Damaged shipments
- Limited visibility into freight movement
Without services like debris removal or off-hour deliveries, their rollout process became unpredictable and cumbersome. The burden of managing these challenges also pulled the team away from their core duties of project management and providing exceptional service to their retail clients. Instead of focusing on delivering quality rollout experiences, they were bogged down with managing shipping and carrier challenges.
Their team was pulled in too many directions, their customers were complaining about missed deadlines, and frustration was mounting.
The King Solution:
Custom Logistics Designed Around the Customer Experience
The company came to King Solutions looking for a logistics partner who could align with their project-driven business model and deliver the high-touch services their retail clients expected. King approached the challenge with a project management mindset, stepping in as an extension of the team to take the pressure off their internal staff and create a seamless, end-to-end delivery experience.
We created a comprehensive strategy that included:
Strategic Programs, Tailored to Each Rollout
A custom logistics program was developed for each retail rollout to address the complex delivery needs. This included building solutions around installation timelines, site-specific delivery requirements, and real-time project milestones. All the client had to do was provide a site list with installation schedules, and our team would coordinate every step of the process from shipment origin to final-mile delivery.
PTL, Final Mile, and Flexibility by Design
Leveraging our reliable dock operations, partial truckload (PTL) network, and final mile delivery partners, we created a more reliable and predictable distribution model than a traditional LTL only model could offer. For remote locations, we facilitated transfers of inventory to our Minneapolis-based distribution center, where we can more efficiently route freight nationwide.
From there, final mile delivery is carefully timed to meet on-site install teams, ensuring that products arrive when and where they’re needed. This often includes white glove handling, debris removal, or off-hour scheduling.
Coast-to-Coast Coordination and Overseas Shipments
We also coordinated overseas shipments and inventory staging at offsite facilities, allowing the company to hold products closer to the point of installation. This adds much-needed flexibility to projects with staggered rollouts or multi-phase delivery requirements and ensures that the install teams are never left waiting for critical materials.
Simplifying the Process
Each rollout begins with a clearly defined Statement of Work (SOW) that outlines the delivery scope, timelines, and responsibilities. By owning the logistics process from end to end, we ensure smoother handoffs, fewer delays, and complete alignment between freight movement and project execution.
The Results
King’s approach removes the guesswork, delays, and inefficiencies that were common in the LTL only model. The new strategy is built around install schedules and customer expectations, helping the client:
- Deliver a more seamless experience and accurate delivery dates
- Reduce pressure on their internal project management teams
- Avoid missed deliveries and service disruptions
- Position themselves to win more business through reliable execution
- Have a single point of contact for all their transportation needs
Instead of worrying about how products will arrive at retail sites, they can now focus entirely on managing their clients and growing their business, all with fewer delivery headaches.
About King Solutions
Established in 1989, King Solutions is an asset-based logistics service provider headquartered in Dayton, MN. As a leader in the logistics industry, King provides freight transportation services, fulfillment, warehousing, and e-commerce services to its customers. King is committed to a customer-focused approach, creating tailored solutions through a robust network of shipping resources, information services, and dedicated employees.
