Universal Supply Expands Use Of Demountable Truck Body System To Service Entire Delivery Area Out Of One Warehouse - August 2006

For over ten years, Universal Supply of Hammonton, NJ has realized the benefits of using the Demountable Truck Body System. Initially, having demountable van bodies to pre-load during the day while trucks made deliveries, the system allowed Universal to eliminate their second shift. This shift was primarily in place to load late-returning millwork trucks.

With dramatic growth throughout its seven South Jersey branches and the acquisition of an ideal distribution center in town, Universal looked to enhance their millwork delivery system even further. They investigated the Demountable Concepts “Warehouse on Wheels” system. This system allows multiple bodies to be line-hauled to outlying markets on special trailers. Once the trailer is at the drop lot, the driver demounts two loaded bodies and mounts two empty bodies from the previous day. Locally domiciled delivery drivers mount the loaded bodies at the beginning of their shift and begin delivering product immediately.

By going to this system, Universal has eliminated the long drives required by its millwork delivery teams. They have also been able to concentrate capital, inventory, supervision and labor under one roof. Universal is now effectively servicing all of South Jersey out of one distribution center with the “Warehouse on Wheels” system.

According to Frank Ransome, Warehouse Manager, “We’re running the system to two key markets every night and a smaller one 2-3 times per week. With delivery drivers getting an earlier start and being closer to the customer base, service to our contractors has improved dramatically.”

Duke Bates, Universal’s Fleet Manager, has been doing business with Demountable Concepts for ten years. He adds, “The demountable system is easy-to-use, trouble-free, and dependable. It’s just a quality product, and the service has been outstanding. We now serve our customers better by delivering quicker and on time, and that is what is important.”