Introduction

Purpose of Report

         This report will analyze the operations and processes used by Fast Track Logistics in the processing of a customer’s order, tracing the order from the customer’s initial request for a rate estimate to the fulfillment of the shipment of the product. Our group will examine the industry structure, discuss the competitive priorities of the company, and examine how Fast Track Logistics has increased productivity.  Recommendations will also be provided on how Fast Track Logistics Standard Chartered can further improve their operations.

Industry and Company Overview

     With numerous logistics companies and third party transportation brokers operating throughout the United States, the logistics industry is both a large and competitive industry, with competitors such as Craters and Freighters. While there are numerous companies that operate internationally, including International Cargo, Fast Track's partner, although Fast Track Logistics does operate internationally, their operations are concentrated domestically in the United States.

     Established in 2003 as a Limited Liability Company accredited by the Better Business Bureau, Fast Track Logistics is a third party, non-asset based, broker of transportation program services that coordinates the packing and shipping of a customer's goods.  An individual can directly contact shipping companies without going through a company such as Fast Track; however, by using Fast Track, a customer does not need to worry about coordinating the logistics of the shipment, he or she needs to only call Fast Track and provide payment and the proper documentation; Fast Track will handle the rest of the process in shipping the good or goods. This service provided by Fast Track is especially effective when a customer is shipping an extremely large item that would require a great deal of time and tedious planning and coordination in shipping, such as a fire truck that is part of military surplus; this is the case with many of the items shipped from Government Liquidation, a source of business that will be discussed throughout this blog.  

M923A1 Five Ton Cargo Truck:

Example of a possible shipment Fast Track would coordinate 

     Fast Track Logistics offers domestic and international services. The services they offer are as follows, Expedited Surface, Less than truckload, Truckload, Home Delivery, Worldwide Courier Services,  Ocean Freight, Specialized Hauling / Heavy Hauling / Rigging, Warehousing, Packing / Crating, Import / Export Documentation, Customs Clearance, Pool Distribution, Local Cartage, and Pier Drayage.

     Fast Track Logistics relies on automation and approximately 80% of the paperwork is done via the internet. It uses UPS Freight as its carrier and since starting because of automation sales have increased about 700%. The company has between 300 and 400 contacts and 5 employees including the owner. Furthermore, 85% of the company's business stems from Government Liquidation, an online auction site of military surplus which is authorized by the United States Department of Defense.