The LTL market continues to grow, and capacity is tight across the industry. If any carrier can lead the charge in improving operations, it’s going to be the one that invented it – YRC Freight. Investments in areas that drive operations are necessary to grow with the needs of our customers and provide consistent, reliable service.
YRC Freight has been on a quest this past year to improve our operations. Here are the results so far.
Network enhancements
We kicked this freight delivery thing into a higher gear by adding eight new distribution centers on top of our 23 existing. This change opens 800 additional dock doors, letting us handle 7,000 more shipments every day.
- San Antonio, TX
- Columbus, OH
- Hagerstown, MD
- Omaha, NE
- Orlando, FL
- St. Louis, MO
- South Bend, IN
- Richmond, VA
Some centers increased employees. We reintroduced 84 utility drivers. They originate from 33 terminals and typically run between 60 and 175 miles a shift.
This network enhancement means increased capacity, reduced handling & increased reliability for all of your freight.
More direct loading is happening where possible to reduce handling and increase reliability. And more meet-and-turn operations were set up throughout the network improving the quality of life for our drivers.
That new equipment smell
New equipment means enhanced safety for drivers and greater efficiencies for YRC Freight customers. New equipment is more reliable, requires less maintenance and keeps our trucks on the road. With the addition of 1,200 new tractors and 2,000 trailers we’ll see improved freight handling and increased capacity. 68% of YRC Freight’s linehaul equipment is now 3 years old or newer.
New technology in our equipment
As part of our technology quest, we upgraded all of our routing software and invested heavily in advanced equipment technology.
Quintiq is our new pickup and delivery route optimization software designed to make local deliveries even faster. On the linehaul side, our Optym route optimization software brings a higher level of efficiency in getting freight from point A to B. Both systems keep our drivers on the most efficient route with fewer freight touchpoints and more on-time, damage-free deliveries.
And we didn’t stop there. The YRC Freight in-cab technology is now state-of-the-art. Cabs are now equipped with Mobileye systems and Lytx cameras. Mobileye uses sensors and radar to add three new features for drivers: front-end collision warning alarm, lane departure warning, and blind spot warning. Lytx camera technology records incidents and provides an early warning system to help keep everyone safe.
From Quintiq, Optym, Mobileye, Lytx to IVR we are investing heavily in technology to ensure safe, on-time delivery for all our customers.
Even our phone system received a technology upgrade. Our customer service department’s new interactive voice response (IVR) system has a Spanish language option, reduces hold times and provides increased self-service options for customers. Not only does it improve the customer experience, but the reporting, monitoring and measurement capabilities will reveal areas for continued improvement.
