PTI Optimizes Delivery Operations and Lowers Costs in a Tight-Margin Business
Driven to maximize efficiency and reliability
In the competitive world of uniform and linen rental, maintaining tight margins is paramount for Gunderson. To stay ahead, the company relentlessly pursues cost-saving measures and operational efficiency. Gunderson's commitment to delivering exceptional service at competitive prices drives its ongoing search for improvement.
Partnering with reliable service providers is crucial for Gunderson to meet its objectives. Thus, when their current carrier began faltering in efficiency and escalating costs, Gunderson turned to PTI for transformative solutions.
"PTI has been flexible, communicative, and an absolute pleasure to work with. They are head and shoulders above the rest of the trucking companies I have worked with, and I would highly recommend them."
Colin Fitzgerald Executive Leader
Solving the communication and service failures of the incumbent carrier
When PTI contacted Gunderson Uniform and Linen Rental, they were already looking for a new solution. They used a smaller carrier to make two short, but critical overnight delivery runs. One truck delivered to three hospitals in Milwaukee. The other moved clean linens from the Menasha facility to a distribution center in Southern Wisconsin, then brought the dirty laundry back to Menasha.
Since Gunderson works with tight inventory levels, carrier consistency and reliability every night was crucial to keeping customers happy. There were many occasions when the incumbent's drivers didn't show up, and the facility's general manager had to jump in a straight truck and make the time-sensitive deliveries.
The consequences of unreliable drivers were exasperated due to poor communication. There were several mornings in which the general manager would come into the shop to find out the truck never left, and the team didn't have the linens they needed to wash and return to their customers.
PTI used its solid network of drivers and capacity to deliver the perfect solution
The experts at PTI had immediately begun investigating the cause for delays and working to find the appropriate solution. The root of the issue was the incumbent’s size; it was a smaller carrier with limited capacity and drivers. Since the nightly runs did not fulfill a driver's hours of service, the drivers weren't making as much money as they needed. Therefore, driver acquisition became difficult for the carrier, negatively impacting efficiency and cost.
PTI had an extensive network of both freight and drivers. By tapping into their network, PTI found freight that could fill the driver's service hours after they had completed the Gunderson runs. This approach kept Gunderson running at peak efficiency and their drivers happy.
In addition, PTI optimized the runs, ensured crystal- clear communication, and built three layers of contingency planning into the process. If the original plan was at risk, PTI had a second solution that could be deployed. If that solution didn't work, they had a third plan — complete with driver contact information — ready to go.
This kept the entire process moving smoothly, and Gunderson's customers loved the improved reliability. Beyond delivering the laundry, PTI set out to protect the Gunderson brand with impeccable service.
PTI Delivers an Unbeatable Performance
100% on-time pick up
100% on-time delivery
14% reduction in cost
8% decrease in billable hours
The result: reduced costs, improved service, and satisfied customers
Since taking over the business, PTI has not missed a single pick up or delivery for Gunderson. They have also reduced the overall cost of the operation and increased efficiency. Above all, PTI has become an indispensable partner to Gunderson Uniform and Linen Rental, working together to ensure customer satisfaction.