Direct, one-on-one communication between the VEKA and Sunset IT teams ensures that issues are resolved promptly. Moreover, the application programming
interface (API) integration between VEKA’s SAP system and Sunset’s
transportation management system (TMS) enables VEKA to access accurate, timely transportation data directly within its own system. Sunset also sends VEKA alerts when the information changes. Additionally, VEKA is able to leverage this information to construct reporting dashboards on demand. Sunset’s presence at industry conferences and in industry publications demonstrates its expertise and connections within the logistics sector. “If Sunset doesn’t have an answer, I know they will know someone who can get me an answer,” McCall says. Along with its focus on technology and customers, Sunset prioritizes its carrier relationships, Meetre says. Sunset applies a strategic account management approach to these relationships, dedicating resources to these partnerships and striving for continuous improvement. Sunset pays carriers quickly, so they’re able to meet their obligations and keep their equipment up to date. Sunset also relies on rigid carrier vetting tools. These help verify that a carrier’s operations are solid, that it maintains strong safety ratings, is insured to the appropriate level, and has a record of on-time deliveries. “We try to cultivate the carrier relationship the same way we do with our customers,” Meetre says. The goal is to help VEKA be the shipper of choice for many carriers, she adds. TAKING IT STEP BY STEP The two companies initially connected in 2022. In mid-2023, they began planning how best to implement their partnership. Working with their IT teams, they created a calendar of each step that would need to occur. The partnership launched early in 2024, in parallel with VEKA’s global implementation of SAP. The extensive planning and collaboration with IT paid off. Just several weeks after “go live” Sunset was fully operational, Meetre says.
When a previous 3PL partnership failed, VEKA, which oers premium solutions for windows and doors, searched for a reliable logistics partner with strong carrier relationships to improve warehouse deliveries and be proactive with inquiries and claims.
delivery had missed its deadline. Now, among other information, Sunset provides on-time delivery performance statistics. And because Sunset is responsible for managing trucks, VEKA no longer has to spend time searching for any that are missing. “All of the communication that my team had to deal with went away overnight,” McCall says. The need for the VEKA Customer Care Center to get involved in shipping tasks dropped by more than 20%. SALES SUPPORT VEKA’s partnership with Sunset also bene ts areas of the company outside of supply chain and logistics. Before customer visits, for example, a salesperson can pull a report that tells, among other information, the number of shipments delivered year to date, the on-time percentage, and any issues or claims. With this information at their ngertips, salespeople can prepare for most questions customers might ask. Sunset also helped VEKA reduce its 2024 year-to-date claims ratio to .000625%, while improving its on-time deliveries to 98.7%. Sunset’s approach with both carriers and customers is “white glove,” McCall says. “And the focus and dedication they bring is a game changer.” n
Prior to its partnership with Sunset, VEKA had experienced signi cant delays in resolving claims with its previous 3PL. Some required legal intervention. Nearly all of these issues have been eliminated. Given VEKA’s large shipment volumes and the range of modes it uses, a dedicated team that can manage complex transportation issues is critical. The 24/7 operational support team provided by Sunset ensures support is available when needed. Because the two companies are connected via APIs, VEKA doesn’t have to work with a transportation management tool supplied by its logistics partner to access information. Instead, transportation data resides in VEKA’s ERP system. McCall and her colleagues can pull this data as they need to. The electronic integration between VEKA and Sunset signi cantly increased the percentage of no-touch orders, or those that can ow through VEKA’s and Sunset’s system without manual intervention. This accelerates processing and reduces the potential for human error. Prior to working with Sunset, VEKA often would receive daily calls or emails from customers asking, for instance, where their truck was, McCall says. At times, VEKA hadn’t even been noti ed that a
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