UNCOVERING EFFICIENCIES: One of the largest independently owned and operated meat and seafood companies in the western US, Sierra Meat & Seafood is reducing operating costs by growing a multi-disciplined workforce, bringing commonality to its all-refrigerated fleet, and altering business systems for changing business conditions.Return to article | Return to photo galleries
In addition to distributing a full line of fresh and frozen meat, seafood, game, and exotic foods, the company does custom and foodservice cuts and processing of meats.Return to article | Return to photo galleries
There is little turnover of truck drivers and warehouse workers because Sierra Meat & Seafood has an effective hiring process, pays well, and provides advancement opportunities, says general manager James Pryor.Return to article | Return to photo galleries
Truck drivers begin as warehouse workers in order to more quickly learn the company’s operation and the nearly 1,000 different types of products and packaging.Return to article | Return to photo galleries
The facility includes a 5,000-sq-ft freezer, a 5,000-sq-ft cooler, and an all-refrigerated dock area with five doors.Return to article | Return to photo galleries
To gain operating economies, the miscellany of vehicles is being standardized on International trucks, Great Dane and Utility trailers, Morgan truck bodies, and Thermo King refrigeration units, says fleet manager Ray Erta.Return to article | Return to photo galleries
The five refrigerated trailers each have either a Maxon or Waltco 4,000-pound capacity railgate with a 60-inch-by-80-inch platform.Return to article | Return to photo galleries
The company is transitioning away from 48-ft trailers to singleaxle 28-footers because the shorter trailers are more maneuverable, a plus when making deliveries in congested areas.
