To optimize the movement of freight through its 24 terminal networks in the U.S., Schneider is broadening its middle-mile configuration to include van truckload and intermodal owned assets.

The middle mile, which provides connectivity from and between local last-mile terminals, and the company decided to further use its broad portfolio of services to improve the strength and efficiency of the middle mile of its transportation network.

Full incorporation of Schneider’s assets into the middle-mile service offering will reduce the number of freight handlings through the terminal network, reducing product claims. This optimization will also improve driver efficiency and increase consistency in service standards and delivery times.

The company plans to capitalize on its broad network for the middle and final mile, with access to more than 10,700 trucks, 22,000 intermodal containers and a suite of technology tools for comprehensive freight management.

Schneider will apply its proprietary network optimization system to freight within the middle mile to improve the consistency of the engineered network. An engineered network determines required departure and processing times, expected delivery times and regulates workflow through the terminals. Schneider’s engineering management tools apply data-driven recommendations to optimize operations and manage the movement of freight through the middle mile. The overall engineered network will also contribute to standardizing pricing and transit.

Along with middle-mile optimization, Schneider is also implementing a standardized delivery day for ZIP codes, to create predictability. Customers will be provided with the exact transit flow of their shipment, as well as a projected day and time for delivery from ZIP code to ZIP code for an end-to-end scheduled solution.

“A seamless delivery experience – whether it’s the first mile, the last mile or the miles in between – means there’s a consistent, reliable network working hard for a customer’s business,” said Rob Bulick, Schneider’s senior vice president and general manager of First to Final Mile. “Expanding our middle-mile strength to include Schneider’s owned assets and data-driven network optimizations ensures we’re constantly meeting the high expectations for final-mile delivery that customers and consumers can depend on and trust.”