Viracon’s flawless conversion from private fleet to dedicated provider

Viracon, the nation's leading single-source architectural glass fabricator, realized that successfully executing both its fabrication business and private fleet wasn’t sustainable. The company prides itself on innovative products, reliable service and technical expertise, and managing its private fleet was threatening its ability to be successful in these areas. 

After using its private fleet to deliver product to customers for many years, the company made a strategic decision to focus on its core competency and get out of the transportation business. With aggressive schedules and high volumes of inventory to be shipped, Viracon needed a large carrier to service the network and satisfy shipping requirements.

Viracon’s aging fleet, rigorous permitting requirements and strict equipment standards from the U.S. Department of Transportation, in addition to the risk and liability associated with running a private fleet, proved to be the perfect storm of circumstances for Viracon to turn to a dedicated service provider. 

Viracon chose Schneider Dedicated based on its clear, straightforward implementation plan and proven change management expertise, addressing all the complexities associated with transitioning to a dedicated fleet. Additionally, Schneider ensured that Viracon's key tenets, desire for transparency and personal customer service were firmly supported.

Schneider took its proven project implementation plan and personalized it for Viracon’s 12-week transition from private fleet to dedicated. Key components included:

• Taking ownership of Viracon’s current equipment.
• Qualifying existing drivers and mechanics to meet Viracon’s strong business demands.
• Recruiting new drivers and mechanics to replace those who chose not to transition or did not qualify.
• Assuming responsibility for Viracon’s truck maintenance facility.

Since Viracon had always maintained its own equipment, the company was committed to the lease on a nearby maintenance facility and had five long-term mechanics employed. In undertaking the facility, Schneider created opportunities for those mechanics to remain employed, accepted the monthly fiscal responsibilities associated with leasing the facility and continued to service the fleet’s equipment at this location.

Consistent communication was critical in the private fleet conversion process. Weekly status calls maintained the project’s timeline, action items and details of the transition and implementation. Additionally, Schneider provided a business implementation manager, on-site resources and support personnel to oversee the process. This combination allowed Schneider to address issues immediately, minimizing project — and product shipping — delays.

As Viracon entered this new phase in its business, it was imperative that the process be completely transparent to existing customers. The company and its private fleet drivers had established a reputation for providing excellent customer service, so it was critical to minimize, if not eliminate, the potential for any service interruptions during the transition. Schneider delivered with flying colors.

Schneider delivered a seamless solution that transitioned Viracon from its private fleet structure to a dedicated configuration without sacrificing its reputation for safety, outstanding performance and high customer service standards. Results included:

• Maintained Viracon’s cost per mile (during the transition) before shifting the focus to cost improvement.
• Actively worked to find customers with flatbed freight to maintain the company’s backhaul fill rate and backhaul revenue — a KPI and source of pride for the once-private fleet.
• Sustained high levels of customer service.
• Preserved an on-time delivery performance of 98 percent throughout the transition.
• Efficiently filled 26 open driver spots and five maintenance personnel positions.
• Seamlessly managed the transition of Viracon’s nearby maintenance facility.

In only 12 weeks, Viracon seamlessly transitioned from its own private fleet to a dedicated service provider.