Imagine containers stranded at ports, warehouses bursting at capacity, and delayed transport vehicles—each link in the supply chain can become a bottleneck, driving up costs and frustrating customers. The solution lies in improving market response speed , eliminating unnecessary steps, and partnering with providers that ensure seamless cargo flow.
Multiple Links, Multiple Risks
Ed Smith, Vice President of Distribution and Logistics at Averitt, highlights a critical truth: "More links mean more risk. A patchwork of disjointed processes exposes vulnerabilities in the supply chain—communication gaps and opaque information slow everything down."
Traditional inbound logistics rely on fragmented vendors handling drayage, warehousing, and over-the-road transport separately. Every handoff introduces risk, cost, and delays. By collaborating with partners offering integrated port access, storage, and transportation networks, shippers bridge these gaps and accelerate freight movement.
A Case Study in Speed and Savings: DiversiTech
DiversiTech, a leading HVAC supplier, faced similar challenges at the Port of Savannah. Its former logistics provider outsourced drayage to multiple carriers, shipping floor-loaded containers directly to DiversiTech’s Atlanta-area distribution center. However, surging volumes overwhelmed the facility’s ability to unload, palletize, and store goods quickly. As containers piled up, the company incurred hundreds of thousands in detention and demurrage fees.
"High freight volumes made it impossible to control containers or avoid costly charges," said Matt Krause, DiversiTech’s COO. "We needed a partner to help us focus on serving customers—not chasing cargo at the port."
The turnaround came when DiversiTech partnered with Averitt. Instead of outsourcing drayage, Averitt routed containers to its Savannah distribution center for unloading and palletization, returning empty containers the same day— eliminating detention and demurrage fees . Palletized freight then moved via Averitt’s LTL and truckload network to DiversiTech’s facility.
Krause noted the new model removed uncertainty and " eradicated 100% of our delays and consolidation costs ." Today, DiversiTech reports zero detention or demurrage fees and gains flexibility to align inbound flows with warehouse capacity. "The Savannah site has become a true competitive advantage," he added.
From Port to Inventory—Without the Middlemen
This exemplifies the essence of supply chain velocity: fewer links, greater control. By consolidating drayage, cross-docking, warehousing, and final-mile delivery under one provider, shippers achieve fluid cargo movement—not fragmented transit.
Why Speed Matters
Supply chain velocity isn’t just about speed—it’s about resilience, agility, and competitiveness. Shippers that accelerate inbound processes gain measurable benefits:
- Lower costs – Avoid detention fees and redundant handling.
- Improved cash flow – Faster shelf-ready inventory boosts turnover.
- Scalability – Adjust inbound volumes to seasonal demand.
- Customer satisfaction – Reliable deliveries strengthen loyalty.
In an era still grappling with supply chain disruptions, these advantages separate market leaders from laggards.
The Path Forward
From HVAC components to consumer goods, the lesson is universal: fewer handoffs mean faster freight, clearer visibility, and reduced expenses. As Krause concluded, "Since partnering with Averitt, we’ve seen zero [driver or port-related fees]—a testament to their service." For modern shippers, this is the new benchmark. Market response speed isn’t optional—it’s a competitive necessity.