Navigating the complexities of warehousing and distribution can be a daunting task. As you consider logistics outsourcing, it’s crucial to find a partner who not only understands your unique challenges but also offers holistic solutions tailored to your business. This case study focuses on how ODW Logistics applied its approach of being more than a third-party partner that simply provides warehousing and transportation services to being a third-party partner that also delivers comprehensive solutions to address escalating costs and enhance operational efficiency. The decade-long partnership between High Ridge Brands and ODW Logistics exemplifies the transformative power of strategic collaboration. Join us as we delve into this case study, exploring how a partnership rooted in expertise, holistic problem-solving, and a commitment to excellence can unlock unparalleled value for your business.
BACKGROUND
High Ridge Brands, is one of the largest independent branded personal care companies in the United States with a mission to craft extraordinary experiences for savvy consumers. The company has a portfolio of over thirteen trusted brands, such as Zest®, Alberto VO5®, Coast®, and White Rain®, serving primarily North American skin cleansing and hair care markets.
High Ridge Brands (HRB) has partnered with ODW Logistics since 2012 for warehousing and fulfillment services. Over the years, ODW Logistics has operated multiple DCs across the country for HRB and entered new markets to maximize distribution. Ultimately, the company was looking to leverage ODW Logistics to also manage their transportation and deliver a holistic supply chain solution that would drive cost and service advantages.
THE CHALLENGE
Escalating retail compliance charges, strained communications through multiple 3PL providers, and overall rising transportation costs were causing disruptions and inefficiencies in High Ridge Brand’s supply chain. The company was looking at ODW Logistics to manage their warehousing and distribution to help:
- Reduce vendor compliance charges for Walmart, Target and other major retailers
- Streamline communications and build better visibility into their overall supply chain
- Reduce overall supply chain costs
Through a deep-dive audit of High Ridge Brands supply chain challenges, ODW Logistics learned:
- LTL shipments were not being fully optimized to maximize savings.
- There was an opportunity to build strategic truckload schedules to meet vendor compliance measures.
- Streamline communication and have complete visibility into the company’s entire supply chain.
THE SOLUTION
ODW Logistics implemented the following actions to overcome these challenges:
- Compliance Audit: Establish a baseline for vendor compliance issues(i.e. OTIF, MABD).
- Root Cause Analysis: Identify the precise cause for flagged orders that led to retail compliance charges.
- Routine Continuous Improvement: Implement a process that builds systemic solutions to correct issues.
- Weekly Team Reviews: Team meetings with client, warehousing and transportation teams to communicate challenges and improve order execution.
THE RESULTS
Bundling warehousing and transportation with ODW Logistics delivered a 20% reduction in total supply chain costs.
- 40% reduction in Walmart retail fines
- Converted 25% of LTL orders to Truckload and consolidated 34.6% of all orders with other ODW client freight
- Collaborative communication under a single 3PL led to better outcomes and supply chain visibility
From reducing retail compliance charges to streamlining communication channels, HRB’s success story underscores the significance of selecting a third-party provider that prioritizes innovation and understands your industry’s intricacies.
If you’re intrigued by the possibilities of partnering with a third-party logistics partner that takes a holistic approach to warehousing and distribution to support their clients and you wish to explore how Associated Warehouses can help you find the perfect logistics services provider for your unique needs, we invite you to reach out to us. Contact us today to learn more about AWI and the myriad ways we can assist you in achieving your logistics goals.
