Suttons Rotterdam Team Delivers Innovative Solutions for New European Customer.

Our Rotterdam operations team has recently garnered praise and commendations from our valued customer, Cornerstone Chemical Company BV, for their exceptional service in establishing a dedicated fleet. When Cornerstone entrusted us with the mission of setting up a specialised transport service from Rotterdam to their new European customer, we recognised it as an opportunity not only to solve a logistics challenge but also to demonstrate our expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Two primary challenges emerged during this project. Firstly, there were discrepancies in the specifications of the tanks between the loader and receiver, complicating the process. Secondly, optimising the routing for cost efficiency while adhering to stringent ADR regulations posed another hurdle.

Addressing the challenges head-on, the team implemented two innovative solutions to streamline the transportation process:

1. The team conducted thorough dry run trials at both the loading plant and delivery site using modified tanks. Our sales and fleet manager actively participated in these trials, translating insights into actionable details for our planning and operations teams.
2. Given the limited rail routes for ADR/RID product and ongoing Rail strikes within Europe, to meet the customer’s strict delivery deadlines, the team proposed a primary direct trucking solution. Understanding the cost implications, they suggested a strategy wherein Suttons would transport tanks from Rotterdam to a local depot and establish a safety stock, reducing final mileage delivery times. Various strategies were reviewed, resulted in combining road and rail options, to optimise costs, reducing storage times and ensure service levels were our priority.  Cornerstone accepted alternating proposals and adjusted their loading and delivery schedules accordingly.

The team’s proactive approach, transparent cost management, and expertise in specialized transport garnered praise from Cornerstone. They commended our flexibility and dedication, ultimately expressing their intent to continue working exclusively with us. Their glowing recommendation affirmed our position as their preferred tank operator, solidifying a successful partnership built on trust and efficiency.