You share a beer, we share a truck: Stone Brewing’s blueprint for balanced cost, reliability and sustainability

Core Insights - The partnership between Stone Brewing and Flock Freight has led to a significant reduction in transportation costs and environmental impact while maintaining high service levels [1][2]. Group 1: Transportation Strategy - Stone Brewing has implemented a blended transportation strategy that includes Shared Truckload (STL), resulting in a 23% reduction in spending on underutilized truckloads [1]. - The company achieved a 99% on-time pickup rate and a 97% on-time delivery rate in the first year of this partnership [1]. - The initiative eliminated 195 metric tons of CO2e emissions in the first year [1]. Group 2: Service Improvement - The collaboration with Flock Freight has positively impacted service KPIs and customer experience, allowing for proactive planning and faster responses to changes [2]. - Enhanced flexibility and visibility in operations have strengthened customer relationships and supported long-term growth [2]. Group 3: Shipping Challenges - Beverage shipping often requires a unique approach due to fluctuating order volumes influenced by distributor demand, promotions, and seasonality [3]. - Traditional Less Than Truckload (LTL) methods can introduce delays, while full truckload options may lead to unused space and higher costs [3]. Group 4: Network Design - Stone Brewing has developed a flexible network design that adapts based on volume, lane density, and lead time, ensuring smooth operations while safeguarding service KPIs [4]. Group 5: Optimization Process - Flock Freight utilizes patented pooling technology to evaluate shipments in real-time, recommending the most efficient mode of transport [5]. - The system adjusts between STL, single-stop, and multi-stop truckload options based on volume and lane patterns to meet scheduling requirements [5]. Group 6: Proactive Planning - Flock Freight provides trend analysis and KPI tracking, enabling Stone Brewing to anticipate market shifts and plan confidently during seasonal demand spikes [6]. - Key initiatives include using STL for mid-sized shipments, multi-stop truckload for higher-volume deliveries, and single-stop truckload for direct moves [6]. Group 7: Appointment Management - The strategy includes planning around appointment constraints to avoid penalties and delays, blending STL, multi-stop, and truckload modes as market conditions change [7]. - Prioritizing service standards is essential to protect relationships with distributors and retailers [7].