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