Pep Boys Selects NRS for Transload Operation in Savannah

National Retail Systems, Inc. (NRS), a leading provider of logistics services to U.S. retailers, pharmaceutical companies and consumer goods manufacturers, today announced it has been selected by Pep Boys, the nation's leading automotive aftermarket service and retail chain, to provide an import container transload solution at the Port of Savannah.

NRS will dray Pep Boys container imports from the Port of Savannah to the company’s crossdock facility in Pooler four miles from the port. NRS’s facility is specifically designed for high-speed, high-volume transload, which reduces logistics costs by transferring freight from ocean-going containers to larger and safer over-the-road trailers. The 176-door crossdock and special project warehouse stretches almost a quarter of a mile long on 52 acres. Once Pep Boys shipments have been transloaded according to distribution center specifications, NRS will truck the cargo to a Pep Boys DC near Atlanta.

NRS is integrating the import transload operation into an existing U.S. East Coast logistics program that it operates for Pep Boys. Offering Pep Boys dedicated fleet and store delivery services, NRS has helped to increase network efficiency to a 96% backhaul utilization level, with significant mileage reductions and conversion of vendor freight from 40% to 70% of total cost of goods sold. The transload operation in Savannah will offer additional savings through reduction of origin to DC transit expense, lower drayage costs and improved fleet backhaul utilization.

“Partnership is a concept often touted in the logistics industry but more rarely executed in practice,” said Stuart Rosenfeld, Pep Boys Vice President of Distribution. “NRS has continually delivered on its promises to Pep Boys and we look forward to further success in creating logistics efficiency in Savannah.”

Pep Boys operates more than 750 stores and approximately 7,000 service bays in 35 states and Puerto Rico. Along with its full-service vehicle maintenance and repair capabilities, the company is one of the leading sellers of replacement tires in the United States.

"Having access to efficient transload facilities close to ports is a significant competitive advantage for retailers in this consumer environment of lower inventories and faster turn times,” said Michael Luffy, Director of Dedicated Fleets for NRS. “The Savannah transload solution for Pep Boys lowers cost and also reduces the supply chain’s carbon footprint."

NRS performs a full array of retail logistics services at the Pooler facility, including pier drayage, container transload, distribution center bypass, store delivery, nationwide truckload and special project retail services, such as ticketing, marking and labeling. The new facility has the same cutting-edge security features and information technology systems covering yard management and import visibility that are installed across the entire NRS network.

"With the most comprehensive list of global carriers on the East Coast, ample 'near port' distribution center space and close proximity to the fastest growing region in the nation, the Port of Savannah provides a clear win for this partnership between NRS and Pep Boys," said Curtis Foltz, Executive Director, Georgia Ports Authority.