Safeway Trucking optimizes container workflow

Safeway Trucking Corporation, sister company to temperature-controlled logistics provider East Coast Warehouse & Distribution, is partnering with SaaS logistics platform Blue Cargo to optimize container workflow from port to warehouse.

The partnership will save time for Safeway customers by helping alleviate additional costs and fees resulting from port congestion, the company said. Safeway is one of the nation’s largest container drayage providers, offering drayage, full truckload, less-than-truckload, transportation management, and final-mile delivery services across the U.S.

“Over the last few years, we have seen record high volume in U.S. terminals, which has created port congestion, a backlog of empty return containers, and limited appointments for container pick-ups,” said Ed Cole, senior vice president of transportation at East Coast Warehouse, which oversees Safeway Trucking. “Our partnership with BlueCargo will allow us to provide customers with real-time container level detail to streamline their operations, make the drayage process more efficient, and accurately document these impacts so they can avoid unnecessary fees.”

BlueCargo connects any importer, logistics provider, or drayage carrier on its platform to move cargo on time at the ports and decrease accessorial and per diem fees. With the BlueCargo platform, Safeway dispatchers can secure first available appointments for pick-up/empty returns and can provide customers with the necessary proof to dispute unreasonable per diem charges. The platform will integrate with Safeway’s existing transportation management system (TMS) to avoid duplicate work in managing containers.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Safeway Trucking to help them provide drayage cost transparency to their customers,” said Alexandra Griffon, CEO of BlueCargo. “As companies are looking to streamline their operations, BlueCargo is the only platform that can help monitor, forecast and mitigate accessorial fees, including demurrage, detention, and per diem.”