Wawa Expands Logistics Options with Descartes

WAWA, Pa. -- Wawa Inc., operator of more than 540 convenience stores and long-time user of on-demand, software-as-a-service logistics solution provider Descartes Systems Group, has improved delivery operations with the deployment of Descartes Automated Vehicle Locator (AVL) Service for its direct distribution operations.

"As a high-end convenience store and producer with a distribution network that spans five states, having up-to-the-minute information on driver and fleet activities is critical to maintaining high levels of customer service," Don Kane, distribution manager at Wawa, said in a statement. "We've had so many years of success with Descartes Routing and Scheduling solution that when we wanted to integrate AVL functions into our operations, Descartes was the natural choice."

Prior to this, Wawa employed the company's Routing and Scheduling solution. Through the new service, the chain can efficiently reallocate drivers to other parts of its operations, and as a result reduce operating costs and increase capacity utilization to more than 90 percent, Descartes stated.

Through Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) location, the AVL system provides a Web-based, real-time view of delivery arrivals at distribution centers, allowing to chain's dispatchers to adapt to new situations quickly, and enabling the chain to see drivers' progress on routes, according to the company.

"With a fleet of more than 225 trucks and trailers, it is a constant challenge for Wawa to have its time-sensitive deliveries make it to their destination on time," Joanne Cochrane, implementation consultant for Descartes, said in a statement.

"AVL and MobileLink Tracker enable Wawa to gain even greater insight into whether hourly-paid drivers are following planned routes and making the scheduled stops. Having this level of visibility empowers them to save significant costs relating to added miles and overtime hours, among other areas," his statement continued.
X
This ad will auto-close in 10 seconds