Merchants Distributors adopts Trimble’s final-mile solution

Wholesale grocery distributor Merchants Distributors (MDI) is deploying the Trimble SmartDelivery system, which combines electronic proof of delivery, routing and fleet mobility technology to improve delivery services.

The privately owned wholesaler based in Hickory NC serves more than 600 retail food stores across the east and southeast United States with a fleet of 400 refrigerated trailers, 200 dry-van trailers and 225 power units.

“We believe that technology allows us to improve efficiencies and lower costs, which helps us improve our service to our customers,” said Paul Miller, director of transportation for MDI. “With Trimble SmartDelivery, we get a solution backed by the power of the Trimble platform that ensures our deliveries get to the right location at the right time.”

MDI’s implementation of SmartDelivery is part of its investment in Trimble’s latest fleet mobility solutions, including adding in-cab, Android-powered devices that leverage 4G LTE networks to help maximize driver productivity and connectivity.

SmartDelivery is end-to-end solution that provides fleets with real-time activity data to reduce delivery costs and increase delivery accuracy, Trimble claimed. Available on Android-powered devices, the system’s intuitive workflow features single sign-on capabilities to take drivers from start to finish on their routes.

With SmartDelivery, fleets also can utilize daily route planning and tracking, Hours of Service (HOS) and Electronic Logging Device (ELD) compliance, out-of-cab workflows, loading/unloading and truck assignment, deviation reporting, automatic notifications such as estimated time of arrival, and ePOD capabilities, Trimble said.

“The final mile of the supply chain is complex and can be challenging in terms of both time and money,” said Eric Witty, vice president of product management for Trimble’s transportation division. “We look forward to helping MDI streamline the delivery process for the benefit of their fleet, drivers and customers.”

For more information on MDI, visit merchantsdistributors.com.

For more information on SmartDelivery, visit transportation.trimble.com/transportation-solutions/navigation-routing-and-final-mile-delivery.