03/27/2025

Logistics Case Study: Electronics Distribution

GEODIS expanded a global appliance manufacturer's distribution network, driving 50% of global sales through optimized U.S.-Mexico-Canada logistics operations.

A leading global manufacturer of home appliances and consumer electronics needed to strengthen their North American distribution capabilities. The company was looking for a logistics provider to manage their distribution centers. They also needed to maintain control of their building leases, and to optimize transportation across borders. GEODIS delivered a comprehensive solution that transformed their logistics operations and significantly improved their market position.

Key takeaways

 

  • Strategic distribution center management allowed the manufacturer to outsource operations while maintaining building lease control
  • Expansion from West Coast to East Coast distribution centers optimized national coverage and drove sales growth
  • Integrated cross-border transportation simplified logistics between U.S., Mexico, and Canada
  • A network optimization study enhanced customer service efficiency and supported 50% of the client's global sales

Facts about our consumer electronics and home appliances client

 

  • Leading manufacturer specializing in home appliances and consumer electronics
  • Strong U.S. market presence with international origins
  • Complex freight operations across North America
  • Strategic focus on expanding market reach through optimized distribution
  • Need to balance operational outsourcing with maintaining control of key assets

 

Challenges for our client

Our client faced several logistics challenges that were limiting their growth potential:

 

  • Needed to outsource distribution center operations to a reliable 3PL while retaining control over building leases
  • Lacked cross-border capabilities and optimized transportation management, impacting efficiency
  • Required more effective management of domestic and international logistics
  • Needed a partner capable of handling complex freight operations across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada
  • Sought to expand market reach without increasing operational complexity
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Logistics solution and approach

We developed a comprehensive logistics and transportation solution for our client that addressed their immediate needs while creating a foundation for future growth. Our solution included:

 

  • Warehouse operations management: We initially managed the client's West Coast distribution center, demonstrating our capabilities and building trust
  • Data-driven expansion: Based on results from our network study, we later expanded operations to include an East Coast facility
  • Transportation management: We optimized outbound order planning, including truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), parcel services, and import drayage
  • Cross-border support: We managed seamless truckload shipments between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada
  • Integrated logistics services: We created a unified approach to domestic and international distribution

 

By maintaining our client's preferred approach to building leases while taking over operational management, we provided the flexibility they needed while delivering logistics expertise. Our transportation management solution streamlined their operations across all required modes and improved their cost efficiency.

 

Consumer electronics client results

Our partnership delivered significant improvements to our client's business operations and market position:

 

  • The addition of the East Coast distribution center expanded U.S. market reach, driving sales growth
  • Our optimized distribution network now supports 50% of the client's global sales
  • Enhanced customer service efficiency through network study implementation
  • Seamless cross-border operations between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada
  • Improved cost-efficiency through optimized domestic shipping and order planning

 

Our comprehensive approach addressed both the client's immediate operational challenges and their strategic growth objectives, creating a foundation for long-term success in the North American market.

How GEODIS can help

GEODIS is one of the biggest logistics and transportation providers in the U.S. and around the world. Here's what you can expect when you partner with us:

 

  • Complete end-to-end supply chain services across North America and globally
  • Strategic distribution center management with flexible operating models
  • Advanced transportation management across all modes (truckload, LTL, parcel)
  • Seamless cross-border operations between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada
  • Data-driven network optimization through comprehensive logistics studies
  • Scalable operations that adapt to your changing business needs
  • Expertise across diverse industries including consumer electronics and home appliances

 

Looking to optimize your North American distribution network? Get in touch with GEODIS to discover how we can transform your logistics operations.