Case Study

How a Windsor auto parts supplier cut freight costs 12% and hit 98% on-time - in 90 days.

Windsor, ON → Detroit, MI Automotive Parts Cross-Border FTL
12%
Freight Spend Reduction

Annual transportation cost savings through lane optimization and mode selection.

98%
On-Time Delivery

Up from 91% with their previous broker - achieved within 90 days.

0
Missed Production Windows

18 consecutive months with zero production delays from freight.

The Challenge

A mid-size automotive parts supplier in Windsor, Ontario was struggling with their cross-border freight. Their national broker couldn't handle the complexity of JIT delivery schedules, customs compliance, and the time-sensitivity of auto production lines.

Missed deliveries meant missed production windows at OEM assembly plants in Michigan. At 91% on-time delivery, they were bleeding money in expedited shipments and penalty fees. Their logistics manager spent more time chasing loads than managing strategy.

The Solution

Varstar's Detroit-based team took over their cross-border freight in stages - starting with the highest-priority lanes between Windsor and three Michigan assembly plants.

Assigned dedicated drivers from our own fleet for JIT routes - no more spot market gambles
Coordinated customs brokerage pre-clearance to eliminate border delays
Implemented real-time TMS tracking with automated alerts to the client's production team
Analyzed 6 months of lane data to consolidate shipments and eliminate deadhead miles
Set up backup carriers from our 40,000+ network for overflow and surge periods

The Result

Within 90 days, on-time delivery jumped from 91% to 98%. The client's logistics manager went from fighting fires to focusing on strategic initiatives. Annual freight spend dropped 12% through lane optimization - without changing service levels.

18 months in, they haven't missed a single production window.

"Cross-border shipping used to be our biggest headache. Varstar's Detroit team made it seamless. We haven't missed a production window in 18 months."

— VP Supply Chain, Automotive Parts Supplier, Windsor

Your freight deserves better
than 'good enough.'

Talk to a Varstar freight expert today. No pressure, no sales pitch - just honest answers.

(855) 226-7123