Shipper | Case study 4 min. read
Transforming produce logistics with smarter refrigerated transport
Executive summary
A nationwide indoor farming company specializing in fresh organic herbs and leafy greens was struggling to support continued growth as its produce logistics network became increasingly complex and dependent on brokerage capacity.
Schneider conducted a comprehensive network analysis and implemented a dedicated refrigerated transportation solution that improved efficiency, reduced costs and strengthened service consistency. The result was a more scalable operation, a 90% reduction in brokerage reliance and measurable gains in network performance.
Key takeaways
- Dedicated refrigerated transportation brings greater control, consistency and scalability to growing produce supply chains.
- Network optimization and reduced brokerage dependence help improve efficiency while strengthening transportation performance.
- Collaborative expertise uncovers opportunities to reduce costs, improve productivity and support long-term growth.
Background
A nationwide indoor farming company produces fresh organic herbs and leafy greens for major retailers across the United States. As consumer demand grew, the company expanded its footprint and distribution network to support customers across the country.
Like many produce shippers, the company faced the challenge of balancing growth with the need for consistent refrigerated transportation. Fresh products require dependable capacity, precise execution and timely deliveries to help maintain product quality and meet retail expectations.
As volumes increased, the company recognized the need for a more strategic transportation model that could support long-term growth while improving operational efficiency.
Challenge
Prior to partnering with Schneider, the grower relied on a mix of transportation providers, with approximately half of its freight moving through brokerage capacity.
The fragmented network created several challenges:
- Empty miles increased transportation costs
- Service consistency varied across providers
- Brokerage dependence limited operational efficiency
- Managing multiple carriers required additional internal resources
- Growth was becoming more difficult to support with the existing model
The company needed a refrigerated transportation solution that could improve network efficiency, reduce transportation costs and create a scalable foundation for future growth.
Solution
Starting with a comprehensive network analysis
Schneider began the engagement by conducting a detailed network analysis to better understand how produce moved through the company's transportation network and identify opportunities to improve efficiency.
Working collaboratively with the grower's team, Schneider evaluated transportation patterns, trailer utilization, delivery schedules and network opportunities. The analysis identified several ways to improve efficiency while supporting the company's long-term growth plans.
Key opportunities included:
- Optimizing trailer utilization
- Refining delivery schedules to support product freshness
- Identifying backhaul opportunities to reduce empty miles
- Leveraging Schneider's nationwide network to support scalability
- Incorporating refrigerated expertise and technology to meet temperature-sensitive requirements
- Applying retail delivery experience to improve execution
Building a dedicated produce transportation model
Based on the findings, Schneider implemented a dedicated refrigerated transportation solution designed specifically around the grower's operation.
The model launched with a core group of dedicated drivers and tractors while utilizing the grower's existing temperature-controlled trailers. This approach allowed the operation to scale while maintaining continuity and maximizing the value of existing assets.
The solution wasn't built on capacity alone – it was supported by refrigerated freight specialists who optimized the grower’s operation. To ensure alignment and long-term success, Schneider established:
- Weekly on-site meetings to support capacity planning and operational coordination
- Joint training between Schneider personnel and the grower's private fleet team
- Ongoing collaboration focused on efficiency, consistency and continuous improvement
The dedicated structure gave the grower access to reliable refrigerated capacity while reducing dependence on brokerage providers.
Refrigerated expertise beyond capacity
The solution was supported by Schneider's Refrigerated Center of Excellence, a team focused specifically on temperature-sensitive freight.
Integrated closely with the grower's operation, Schneider's refrigerated specialists maintained constant communication and provided 24/7/365 support to help address challenges and keep freight moving.
Beyond managing daily shipments, the team continuously identified opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
One example was at customer distribution centers, where Schneider drivers provided lumper services during unloading. Compared to the grower's previous process, this approach cut unload times in half, reduced unloading costs and helped avoid detention fees.
The improvement not only generated cost savings but also increased network productivity by reducing dwell time and helping drivers return to revenue-generating activities more quickly.
Key result: 90% reduction in brokerage reliance, helping free internal resources and create a more consistent transportation operation.
Results
Moving from a brokerage-heavy transportation model to Schneider's dedicated refrigerated operation delivered measurable improvements across the network.
- 90% reduction in brokerage reliance, helping free internal resources and create a more consistent transportation operation.
- 500–600 basis point improvement in backhaul efficiency, which reduces empty miles and makes better use of transportation assets.
- Faster unload times at customer distribution centers.
- Lower unloading costs.
- Reduced detention-related expenses.
- Improved productivity through reduced dwell time.
- More consistent service to support business growth.
A stronger foundation for continued growth
The grower gained more than transportation capacity. It gained a produce logistics strategy designed to support long-term growth, improve execution and support expansion into new markets.
By combining dedicated refrigerated transportation, network optimization, operational collaboration and specialized refrigerated expertise, Schneider helped transform a fragmented transportation network into a more efficient and reliable operation.
Today, the grower is better positioned to scale its business, maintain product freshness and consistently serve customers across its expanding network.
Explore a refrigerated transportation solution
If your refrigerated supply chain is becoming harder to control, Schneider Dedicated can help you build a solution aligned to your network and growth strategy. Get a quote or explore a refrigerated transportation solution designed for your business.
Related resources
Drive your business forward
Sign up to receive our industry leading newsletter with case studies and insights you can put to use for your business.
