Estes set to convert Canadian service to a direct model

Full-service freight transportation services provider Estes Express announced earlier this week that it will convert its Canadian service to a direct model, which will allow it to pick up and deliver Canada shipments on its own freight bill.

Through this new model, Estes said it enables the company to streamline technology, which will result in a more efficient and cost-effective offering for shippers in the U.S. and Canada. Estes’ partner carriers for this service are Canada-based agents Speedy Transport and Pacific Coast Express, with the alliance set to go live on May 22.

Estes said that its Canadian customers will align with Estes Express Linesfrom pickup to delivery, and all freight will be delivered on an Estes delivery receipt, with Canada freight managed in the same way as Estes’ domestic freight.

When asked what drove the need for Estes to convert its Canadian service to a direct model, Ed Alderman, Vice President, International and Offshore Sales for Estes, said Estes wants customers to have the same quality Estes customer service experience from shipment to delivery as they have come to depend on domestically.

“The conversion to the direct model is the next step in our evolution as an international transportation company,” he said.

And Pat Martin, Corporate Vice President, Sales for Estes, said that Estes’ U.S. and Canada customers will enjoy a number of new benefits with Estes Canada.

“The secured portion of their website, My Estes, will have the same functionality for Canada freight as it does for domestic freight, so shipping to and from Canada will be as easy as shipping to and from points in the U.S. with all the documentation available in a single portal,” he explained. “Additionally, there will now be dedicated Estes account teams in Canada to provide the same high level of service U.S. customers have come to rely on. Most freight will ship across the border in Estes pup and van trailers equipped with captive beams and Estes’ proprietary Webb walls. This direct method of cross-border shipping will reduce handling of freight and decrease risk of damage.”

Citing another benefit, Alderman pointed out that through Estes Canada, shipping to and from Canada will be as easy as shipping to and from points in the U.S. with all the documentation available in a single portal.