Atlas Amplifier PDF - Atlas Van Lines

Specialized Transportation GroupLights.Camera.Atlas.Bringing Big Service to the “Greatest Shows on Earth”As public showcases for theworld’s biggest durablegoods industry, auto showsdiffer immensely from trade shows.Deadlines are unforgiving. The scale ofevents requires a total commitmentin people and resources. And a do-ordiefocus on phenomenal impressionsmeans finely detailed plans must beenacted with flawless precision.Over the recent years, Atlas STGhas charted extraordinary growth inservice to auto shows. From 2002through 2006, the number of annualshipments grew by nearly 16 percent.The average size of shipments grew aswell, with line haul increasing by 25percent during that same period.Why?Atlas STG and its agents bring apersonalized approach to servingcustomers. But they also possessfundamental advantages that enablethem to excel in this highlycompetitive arena.Atlas agent J. W. Cole & Sons (1772)has been serving the auto industryexclusively since the 1970s.According to Michael Escobar, VicePresident of Operations and Sales,price competition has created anenvironment where only the efficientand savvy can survive. That givesJ.W. Cole & Sons an advantage.“Our reputation for quality bringsus business as long as our bids arecompetitive,” says Michael."Customers know us for on-timedelivery, care in handling, around-theclockresponsiveness and living up tocommitments. . .We try never to say‘we can’t.’ At the same time, we arehonest about what it will take to getsomething done.”Dave Bjerk, COO of Imlach Movers,Inc. (1130) says that a dedicationto this business requires dedicatedpeople–at the agency and within thevan line–who understand the ins andouts and stay on top of everything.“The show in New York, forinstance, requires people on the jobwho understand the difficult logisticsin Manhattan due to the fact thatthere is no marshalling yard andvery limited parking,” says Dave.“We provide supervision at all themajor shows. Our service commitmentis 24-7.”Extensive resources are essential,especially when exhibits encompass100,000 sq. ft. or more. “Our work atthe Detroit show requires 60 trailerloads, in and out,” says Dave. “That’sjust for displays–not to mentionthe autos.”The Atlas system comprises nearly4500 pieces of equipment, includinga corporate fleet of 426 trailersequipped with tracking systems,an important benefit for auto showsolutions. “In some cases, exhibitmaterials will stay loaded betweenshows, and the trailer will be parkedfor an extended period,” says PhilWahl, Director, CTD Operations,Specialized Transportation Group.“Our tracking system lets us knowexactly where the trailer is, and helpsto make sure it moves only when itis supposed to.”“Atlas’ flat-floor trailers are a keystrength in this market,” says JoeSamperi, Account Executive withComtrans (644). “These are essentialfor handling large exhibits with bigcomponents, such as 30-foot crates.”Joe says that well-planned placementon the trailers ensures efficiencywhen unloading. “Clients count onus on-site to oversee the sequence ofevents, including how the trucks andcomponents come into the showroom. It’s critical.”Jim Chretien with Specialty MovingSystems (1814) knows that Atlas hasthe people, capacity, and tailoredservices needed for success. “Othercarriers may have strength in pricing,but not in service,” says Jim. “Atlashas both.”Ken Smith, Specialty MovingSystems, knows that service is anotherword for people. He says experiencedvan operators help create the trustthat builds relationships. “We usemany of the same van operatorsyear after year,” says Ken. “The exhibithouses get to know them and arecomfortable with them.”Although the October-to-Aprilshow season is the proving ground,the rest of the year provides anopportunity to find newefficiencies and hone theservice edge. “We use theoff season to review ourperformance and forecastwhat we might need in thecoming months,” says Phil.“We want to make surewe are ahead of anycapacity issues, thatevery market iscovered. With thearrival of Miami’sbig show in earlyOctober, we areready to roll.”Atlas STG Excelswith Gap Inc.It’s been said, “nobody is perfect.”But Atlas STG is as close to perfect asyou can get in its service to Gap Inc.Atlas STG earned a Gold ServiceExcellence Award from Gap in eachof 11 months during 2006 for a nearperfecton-time delivery rating of 99percent and above. A Silver Awardduring January recognizes a ratingof at least 98 percent.The retailer operates four distinctivestore brands–GAP, Old Navy, BananaRepublic, and Fourth & Towne–thatdepend on timely deliveries for storeopenings and product rollouts.“This award represents an efficientpartnership between Atlas STG andthe Atlas agency network,” says PhilWahl, Director, CTD Operations,Specialized Transportation Group.“Our Agency network helpstremendously with hauling, andtimely loading and unloading.”Typical truckload shipments requirea crew of six to eight people toload and unload, includinghandling pad wrapping andsetting fixtures in the store.However, rollouts mayinvolve 30 to 40 stops for one trailer.“Earning this award takes aunited effort,” says Phil. “It’s atribute to everyone involved.”24 Atlas Amplifier • Summer 2007 Atlas Amplifier • Summer 2007 25