U.S. Xpress Enterprises, a provider of transportation services throughout North America, recently expanded its coast-to-coast temperature-controlled expedited team service. This expansion brings the total of U.S. Xpress reefer trucks in service to 100, and the Chattanooga, Tenn.-based company expects to expand the fleet to 250 by the end of 2012.
U.S Xpress entered the reefer market about six months ago based on customer requests and market demand for expedited coast-to-coast service. “At U.S. Xpress, we pride ourselves on understanding our customers’ supply chain needs and challenges,” says John White, president U.S. Xpress Inc. “Through our reefer service, we are bringing to market and expanding a unique and distinct offering designed to meet those specific needs.”
The primary lanes of service are from California to the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast and back to California. The company also is expanding volumes in a lane of service from California to the upper Midwest. U.S. Xpress can provide transcontinental delivery of perishable goods for the produce, pharmaceutical, chemical, chilled and frozen food industries in three days – roughly 60-70 hours depending on the origin and destination.
The company says it has been successful in securing stable year-round business for this service, but given its size and infrastructure, also is able to scale capacity based on peak seasons or individual needs. “Shippers are looking for financially-stable technology-driven reefer carriers who can meet stringent CSA standards and are positioned for growth,” White says. “U.S. Xpress has established early-mover advantage in coast-to-coast team reefer service and is well-positioned to address increasing market demand.”