Greatwide Logistics Services (Dallas) introduced the Greatwide Distribution Optimization Center (G-DOC), a routing system that supposedly enhances the way products are moved from DCs to retail stores, while reducing costs on inbound vendor shipments to distribution centers. Greatwide filed for a patent on G-DOC this past April.
The technology-enabled operating process centrally dispatches drivers and creates efficient routing of trucks between multiple distribution centers, customer deliveries and vendor pick- ups. The system directs empty inbound trucks toward logical stops to maximize backhaul opportunities.
The traditional store delivery model has been for truckload shipments to move from a given distribution center to a given store or set of stores and then return to that same distribution center. This approach effectively manages store deliveries, but does not address the issue of empty backhaul miles, especially when vendor pick-ups and changes in store level are considered.
G-DOC attempts to optimize efficiency and service to the store while minimizing empty miles. The new service balances outbound retail service, vendor deliveries and cost amongst distribution centers within a given geographic area. The initial roll-out with a major retailer reportedly resulted in double digit cost savings.
Founded in Dallas, Texas in 2000, Greatwide Logistics Services is a privately held $1 billion third-party logistics services company. Greatwide is one of the fastest growing companies in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The company has four primary lines of business: dedicated transport, truckload management, truckload brokerage and distribution logistics. It’s clients include Wal-Mart, Target, IBM, Sysco, UPS, Dow, Ford Motor, GM and General Tire.
