Priority Freight: The Unsung Heroes of Just-in-Time Car Manufacturing
In the fast-paced world of car manufacturing, time is of the essence. Any delays in the supply chain can have a significant impact on production schedules and ultimately, the bottom line. That’s where Priority Freight comes in. This Dover-based logistics firm has become the go-to solution for automotive manufacturers when issues arise, ensuring that parts and supplies are delivered quickly and efficiently to keep production running smoothly.
Speed is the name of the game for Priority Freight. With three UK and six mainland European bases, the company handles a vast number of enquiries every day, responding to each one within 15 minutes. Most of these enquiries come from tier one and two OEMs who require urgent assistance in transporting their goods across borders and time zones.
“We are all about speed and about winning time back for the customer,” says Andrew Austin, the commercial director of Priority Freight. “They come to us in the event of an issue, normally that their main transport contractors were unable to have the flexibility to cross borders, cross time zones with the speed that is required. We support clients in being able to get their production going.”
The level of speed that Priority Freight offers is truly remarkable. They can move products from Asia and have them back inbound within 24 hours. This kind of efficiency has earned them a strong reputation within the automotive sector as the reliable crisis savour when issues occur.
To achieve such rapid delivery times, Priority Freight utilizes various transportation methods. They employ air charters, passenger couriers, and land transportation with two drivers who take turns driving to minimize downtime. With a fleet of over 6000 vehicles at their disposal, they have the resources to handle any logistical challenge.
One example of their exceptional service is when they couriered 300 semiconductors worth £110,000 from Birmingham to Le Mans in just 20 hours. Within one hour of receiving the enquiry, they completed the necessary customs paperwork and had a driver ready to pick up the goods. This kind of efficiency is invaluable to manufacturers who cannot afford production downtime due to a lack of parts.
However, Priority Freight acknowledges that their services are not always wanted. They are often seen as an admission of supply chain failure and an unnecessary expenditure. But, in many cases, their high cost is justified by the money saved from avoiding production shutdowns. By having the necessary parts in place for the start of the second shift, manufacturers can avoid the economic losses associated with idle workers.
One European-based automotive manufacturer experienced firsthand the value of Priority Freight’s services. As issues like the Covid-19 pandemic slowed the supply of parts, the manufacturer faced the imminent shutdown of their plant. To keep production going, they relied on Priority Freight to collect parts from up to 30 UK and EU suppliers on a daily basis. Over two weeks, Priority Freight shipped in 50,000kg of air freight and 40 road shipments, effectively becoming the manufacturer’s dedicated supply chain courier.
The importance of Priority Freight to their clients’ supply chain has led some car makers to budget them into their annual costings. The relationships between Priority Freight and their clients have changed since the Covid-19 pandemic, with many clients now considering them as an essential part of their operations. However, discretion remains key, as Priority Freight understands that publicizing their clients’ reliance on emergency freight shipments can be embarrassing for them.
One criticism that Priority Freight faces is its environmental impact. As an emergency freight movement firm, they acknowledge that they are not environmentally friendly. However, they are actively working on sustainability initiatives and collaborating with clients to minimize their impact. They strive to use the most efficient aircraft and engines available and implement solutions that are least harmful to the environment.
In conclusion, Priority Freight plays a crucial role in the just-in-time car manufacturing process. Their ability to deliver parts and supplies quickly and efficiently has earned them a reputation as the reliable crisis savour for automotive manufacturers. While their services may be seen as an admission of supply chain failure, the cost savings from avoiding production shutdowns make them a worthwhile investment. As the world moves towards sustainability, Priority Freight is also taking steps to minimize its environmental impact. With their commitment to speed, efficiency, and sustainability, Priority Freight continues to be an unsung hero in the automotive industry.