YMX Logistics is a recipient of this year's Top Supply Chain Projects award for its efforts in optimizing operational efficiency, enhancing supply chain visibility, and creating a safer working environment for a Fortune 500 grocery retailer.
Customer client: Fortune 500 grocery retailer
About the project: One of the five largest grocery retailers in the United States was faced with critical inefficiencies in yard operations, leading to delays in shipments, unnecessary costs, workforce instability, and safety risks. The distribution center operates 24/7 and the yard operations was being managed by an outsourced provider, who failed to meet expectations, resulting in:
- Frequent spotter truck breakdowns, leading to significant operational disruptions and excessive assets on site.
- Safety and workforce retention issues due to non-functioning AC units in trucks, resulting in a high driver turnover rate and increased hiring and training expenses – with 12 drivers leaving within 90 days.
- Limited technology support, with only basic reporting without actionable insights for efficiency improvements.
- Paper-based yard management, causing inaccurate and unreliable trailer inventory tracking and a lack of real-time visibility.
The Fortune 500 grocery retailer approached YMX to optimize operational efficiency, enhance supply chain visibility, and create a safer working environment.
Solution: YMX provided a 360-degree perspective, taking a data-driven and operationally aligned approach to increase efficiency, cost savings, and overall performance improvement. After conducting an in-depth site assessment, YMX implemented a comprehensive and tailored solution:
Fleet and equipment enhancements:
- Deployed new, AC-equipped assets with preventive maintenance schedules to reduce downtime, minimize inoperable assets cluttering the yard, and improve driver health and safety.
- Identified and removed damaged or inoperable trailer inventory (20% of the retailer’s fleet).
Technology-powered yard operations:
- Implemented YMX OS proprietary technology solutions for effective execution management, real-time visibility, and labor and equipment optimization.
Workforce stability and training:
- Committed to direct-hire staffing with zero reliance on temporary labor.
- Provided a formal driver training program through YMX Spotting School to improve driver safety, service, and communication.
Process optimization:
- Improved yard check processes and provided real-time visibility into trailer inventory and yard activities to the customers' key stakeholders enhancing collaboration and effectiveness between groups within the facility.
Results: YMX became an extension to the retailer’s team. By acting as a true strategic partner, YMX drove measurable results. For instance, YMX reduced fleet size from 22 to 14 trucks, cutting unnecessary equipment and labor expenses. For the first time, the retailer transitioned from a manual yard management process to a tech-enabled, data-driven operation through YMX OS. Doing so also eliminated inventory discrepancies by identifying mismatches on operational data from the previous provider. Customer was being reported 11,000 moves per week by the incumbent, while actual movements were closer to 8,000. YMX also implemented extensive safety training, including safety days, online modules, and hands-on training sessions, and improved driver retention by enhancing working conditions and providing modern, well-maintained equipment. This also improved culture, achieving a 40% response rate on anonymous driver surveys, with 100% positive feedback on safety, productivity, and operational tools.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the 2025 Top Supply Chain Project winners.
