Interstate Cold Storage is a leading provider of temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics services. One of the key aspects of their operation is their appointment scheduling system and lead times, which ensure that customers' needs are met efficiently and effectively.
Interstate Cold Storage has a sophisticated appointment scheduling system that allows customers to book a specific time for delivery or pickup of their goods. This system ensures that the warehouse is prepared for the arrival of the customer's goods and that the customer's time is not wasted waiting for dock space to become available.
The appointment scheduling system is administered by our customer service staff, who book loads 24 hours in advance, or further out. The goal being a full schedule each day for both inbound and outbound activity with labor scheduled accordingly.
Interstate Cold Storage also operates with a lead time system to ensure that customers' needs are met efficiently. Lead times refer to the time required between when an order is placed and when it can be fulfilled. Generally, the lead time is 24 hours of advance notice. In some cases, it may be longer based on customer demand and time of year.
The appointment scheduling and lead time systems employed by Interstate Cold Storage provide numerous benefits to customers. These include:
Improved Efficiency: The appointment scheduling system ensures that warehouse space is available when customers need it, which improves the efficiency of the operation. The lead time system ensures that customers receive their goods when they need them, reducing the risk of delays and disruptions in their supply chain.
Better Customer Service: The appointment scheduling and lead time systems help to improve customer service by allowing our operations team to pre-pull, check, and stage freight scheduled for outbound appointments- ensuring optimal driver turn time. The scheduling methodology also ensures inbound deliveries have unloaders available and drivers get unloaded at expected times. (changed)
Increased Flexibility: The appointment scheduling system allows customers to choose from a range of time slots, ranging from early morning to late afternoon Monday through Friday. By knowing what to expect, our team is better equipped to handle earlier drivers and flexible to assist with loads that arrive later than expected, rather than reject the loads.
Interstate Cold Storage's appointment scheduling and lead time systems are critical components of its best-in-class operation. By providing customers with precise appointment times for their logistics operations, these systems help to improve efficiency, customer service, and flexibility. As a result, customers can rely on Interstate Cold Storage to provide them with the highest level of service, ensuring that their goods are delivered on time and in excellent condition.
Established in 1973, Interstate Cold Storage is a leader in cold storage facilities, shipping, and distribution, with a network of facilities strategically located across the Midwest. Headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, ICS is a family-owned company with five locations and nearly 22 million cubic feet of refrigerated space. According to the International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses, ICS is a top 20 North American refrigerated warehousing company. The facility network currently supports temperature ranges from -15°F to 35°F with multi-room, multi-temp offerings. Interstate Cold Storage is a subsidiary of the Tippmann Affiliated Group and has two facilities in Columbus, OH; one in Napoleon, OH; and two in Fort Wayne, IN. For more information, call 260-428-2505 or visit https://interstatecoldstorage.com/.
