Purolator USA Helps Businesses Manage Escalating Logistics Costs

JERICHO, NY – August 26, 2008 – A “perfect storm” of higher fuel costs, uncertainty in the U.S. economy and higher inventory carrying costs has resulted in sharp increases in logistics fees for most U.S. businesses. Purolator USA, an expert in cross border transportation logistics for shipments between the U.S. and Canada is working to help customers develop solutions to address these current adverse conditions.

“Purolator USA is very sensitive to the negative impact that higher transportation costs are having on our customers,” says John Costanzo, president of Purolator USA. “Most of our customers understand the nature of the beast — that the cost of fuel is beyond our control — but still appreciate our efforts to help them plan better and gain maximum efficiencies.”

Purolator USA is unique in the logistics industry because it offers individual attention and personalized planning to each customer. Purolator’s Trade Solutions team works with each customer to map out a logistics plan that is cost effective, and best meets the needs of each particular account.

“Our teams are taking a close look at each account, and trying to find efficiencies wherever possible,” Costanzo explains. “We’re evaluating how we can consolidate shipments, so trucks are as full as possible. We’re taking a harder look at service levels – does a particular shipment really need to travel at the “overnight air” level, or can it take a big longer to reach its destination, and travel instead through a less expensive alternative?

Costanzo notes that Purolator USA has access to extensive distribution networks throughout both the U.S. and Canada. “Our distribution network offers a high degree of flexibility in working with our customers,” he explains. “Because we have such extensive distribution channels, we can tailor a logistics plan that can avoid costly delays, stopovers and non-direct routes.”

This increased attention to customers’ bottom line comes at a time when transportation logistics are at an all-time high. A recent study by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals found that inventory carrying costs rose nine percent last year, and transportation costs were up almost six percent. Overall, the study found that American businesses spent $1.4 trillion on logistics last year.

“While there is no magic solution, we can make sure customers are operating as wisely and as efficiently as possible,” Costanzo said.

Purolator USA is the small-package and freight forwarding subsidiary of Canada’s largest integrated distribution services company. In the United States, Purolator USA has doubled the size of its office network during the past 12 months, with branches or gateways now operating in Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Detroit, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Philadelphia, Raleigh/Durham, Buffalo and Newburgh, NY.

For more information about Purolator USA, please visit www.purolatorusa.com.