Van der Ende case

Customer challenge

At the start of the cooperation with UC Group, Van der Ende Transport Westland BV faced a complex challenge. This medium-sized transport company, with a fleet of 25 towing units and a strong focus on domestic distribution, had built a solid reputation for years. In addition, it had its own warehouses for storage and cross-docking, which increased logistical flexibility.

Despite a loyal customer base and the use of Mendrix's Transport Management System (TMS), business results have declined sharply in recent years. The downward trend reached a low point in 2017 and continued in the first half of 2018, creating a growing need to intervene and make strategic choices.

The management of Van der Ende Transport Westland BV realized that a structural approach was needed to get the company back on track. That's why UC Group was called in to conduct a thorough analysis and implement clear, thoughtful choices. The focus was on improving operational profitability, optimizing billing processes and gaining better insight into daily operations.

Results

Thanks to the collaboration with UC Group, the following improvements were achieved:

• Operational profitability: The company returned to positive results as of January 2019;
• More efficient billing: Invoices were processed faster, more correctly and more fully, which improved cash flow;
• Better recording of crucial data: There was a more accurate recording of hours worked, purchasing costs and pallet management;
• More insight for management: There was improved management information about operational execution, allowing better informed decisions to be made.

With these measures, Van der Ende Transport Westland BV was able to position itself again as a financially healthy and future-proof transport company.

Our solution

In the first few days, interviews were held with management, planners and a few drivers. In addition, a lot has gone along and looked into the existing way of working. Based on this, a problem analysis was made, then an action plan and a schedule.

UC Group has chosen to fully roll out Mendrix's TMS in the short term. With this step, Verbrugge wanted to collect operational data, accelerate billing, improve and provide the planning structure. In addition, the schedule has changed. By establishing a clearer division of roles in monitoring/supervising the implementation on the one hand and organizing on the other. This has made longer occupancy possible, in the trip administration of hours, deposits and details have been made more accurate for organizing trips and routes.

To do this, the trips were analyzed and the rates for 2019 were determined. The clients have been informed about the changes and, of course, about the rate increases. In addition, the administrative processing of purchasing and hours, like a few work agreements, has been tightened. A permanent team has been put together for cross-docking. As a result, fewer overtime hours are worked and quality and speed have been increased. In addition, the employees are involved in the changes. After all, understanding and trusting each other are very important in times of change!

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