transformational initiative Do It Best had on its radar. “Many of these types of conversations begin when we’re working with a customer in one aspect or service line and then different needs arise or they have other challenges and we’re able to respond accordingly,” Cavanaugh says. In contrast to a 3PL that focuses on order ful llment including warehousing, picking and packing orders, and shipping packages, a 4PL takes it one step further by managing the entire supply chain, including ful llment, transportation, and technology. As a modern 4PL, Redwood Logistics orchestrates customized end-to-end supply chain solutions. Its open platform allows customers to mix and match partners, technologies, and solutions to create a unique footprint—a plus in the hyper- fragmented logistics sector. THE NITTY GRITTY Redwood is proud of its ability to adapt to a customer’s day-to-day business realities. “A lot of our solution comes into play on the inbound side of Do It Best’s network,” says Cavanaugh. “The biggest challenge heading into the project was the fact they work with thousands of suppliers. That’s the nature of the hardware business.”
option of displaying or not displaying the Do It Best brand name in their businesses. While some stores bedeck both their interiors and exteriors with Do It Best’s brightly colored signage, others opt for a discreetly labeled oor mat or perhaps no branding at all. A COMPLETE TOOL KIT Wanting to maintain its position as the leading cooperative in the home improvement industry, Do It Best recognized it needed to become more ef cient. In fall 2015, they determined fourth-party logistics (4PL) provider Redwood Logistics would be their preferred partner to implement a new TMS that would optimize daily operations. Throughout, the cooperative and the 4PL have maintained a truly collaborative approach. Do It Best involves Redwood Logistics in every aspect of their supply chain process to ensure they make informed decisions. “We worked with Do It Best in a slightly more tactical way for about one year, helping them move some truckload freight within their network,” says Brent Cavanaugh, Redwood’s executive vice president of sales. It was a good way to start the ball rolling on the strategic technology and
Upon merging with another regional co-op in 1998, HWI changed its name to Do It Best Corporation to better tie together all members, the private brand program, its truck eet, store designs, and advertising. Do It Best retailers maintain a large measure of independence as the cooperative does not mandate store identities. Retail settings range in size from quintessential mom-and-pop shops to locations that mimic the scale of big- box operations. Member-owners have the
CASEBOOK STUDY Level Best THE CHALLENGE
Do It Best, a member-owned hardware, lumber, and building materials buying cooperative, sought to replace its outdated manual processes with a streamlined, automated system in order to keep pace with the rapidly expanding home improvement market. THE SOLUTION Partner with platform-based 4PL provider Redwood Logistics to enhance its transportation management system (TMS). The 4PL utilizes an open platform for digital logistics that allows shippers to mix-and-match any service, partner, or technology for maximum flexibility. THE RESULTS By implementing a new TMS, Redwood enables Do It Best to automate critical processes, drastically reduce time-consuming manual eorts and associated costs while simultaneously boosting eciency and accuracy. NEXT STEPS The 80-year-old cooperative and the 4PL are currently discussing potential enhancements to further optimize the TMS as Do It Best continuously works on its goal of helping its members grow and achieve their dreams.
Do it Best, the only U.S.-based, member-owned hardware, lumber, and building materials buying cooperative in the home improvement industry, partnered with a 4PL to implement a new transportation management system that optimizes daily operations.
196 Inbound Logistics • January 2025
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