YRC Freight has upgraded three of its terminals to full distribution center status in order to increase network capacity for its customers.

These newly designated distribution centers are located in Memphis, Tenn.; Seattle, Wash.; and Houston, Texas.

The less-than-truckload carrier says it "strategically placed these additions to its national network to create new efficiencies and deliver improved customer service."

Earlier this summer, the company asked the Teamsters union to approve turning the three existing terminals into distribution centers -- reopening distribution centers in Houston and Memphis and reclassifying a Seattle terminal as a DC. As the Journal of Commerce reported in June, the moves are expected to help relieve congestion at facilities in Nashville, Tenn.; Portland, Ore.; and Dallas.

In the case of the Memphis location, the local paper, the Commercial Appeal, pointed out that the company is restoring the distribution center only a year after downgrading it to local terminal status and shifting some of its work to Nashville.

“Bringing these distribution centers online will give us added capabilities to meet the continued confidence our customers are showing in YRC Freight,” said YRC president Darren Hawkins. “We are committed to growing our company for long-term success and we know that ultimately this comes from providing customers with reliable and continuously improving service.”