PrivateFleets.com

As part of our ongoing effort to better understand the uniqueness and value of private fleets, we are gathering information from consultants. Obviously, the decision to operate a private fleet is one that requires a lot of analysis and experienced judgement. Often, companies feel they have the resources and expertise within their own walls. Other times they use consultants to provide another experienced set of eyes, or to offer important research to augment thier decision making capabilities. Following are the consultants we have spoken with so far and some areas they specialize in. We plan to update this list of consultants regularly, so make sure to check back.

Armstrong and Associates. Evan Armstrong, president, said that many shippers–especially the larger ones–are going to a “mixed combination” of private fleet and third-party contract carriage providers. Many private fleets are looking for information about how to work with 3PLs. Armstrong and Associates has a division that covers 3PLs in detail–such as statistics on growth, what type of operations are outsourced–a “Who’s Who in Logistics,” if you will. The company collects detailed information on over 200 3PLs. In many instances, the information is collected by on-site visits and interviews with key personnel.

“A lot of private fleets buy our guides,” Armstrong says.

The company sees its niche as providing information to both private fleets and 3PLs as to what fleets are still run privately and why. For example, what are the unique handling requirements of a certain type of freight that is better suited for a private fleet versus an outside provider? 

Private Fleet Consultants. President Ken Amato has over 20 years experience in helping shippers reduce costs and increase operational efficiency. Most of Amato’s clients have private fleets. In our conversation, he spoke about some sophisticated simulation tools he uses to evaulate their efficiency and look for improvement opportunities. On many occastions he has helped a shipper make a transition from a private fleet to a dedicated contract carrier, and vice versa. Amato also provides consulting services to some carriers to help them learn how to sell dedicated services to shippers. One of the key selling points, he says, is “we manage, but you control” to mitigate the shipper’s concerns of losing control when transitioning from private to dedicated transportation.