Photo Credit: Lange Companies

Food shippers continue to rely on scorecards as a foundational tool to benchmark and evaluate the performance of their logistics providers. Here is a case study of how one shipper uses scorecards to foster high performance across its supply chain and distribution network from providers such as Lange Companies.

A major foodservice distributor operates hundreds of DCs in over 10 countries, and helps customers grow through a portfolio that includes proteins, specialty products, equipment, supplies — and fresh produce.

Enter Lange Companies, which is one of several strategic logistics partners supporting this sophisticated supply chain.

Because the foodservice distributor acts as a trusted business partner to its customers, which includes restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, it places a heavy importance on its partners having the same “customer first” business approach and corporate culture.

“For more than 60 years, Lange Companies has been built on integrity, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to our customers,” says Jeremy Sander, Vice President of Sales with Lange’s Logistics division. “Our journey began with a simple idea: do right by people, and success will follow.”

Providing Award-Winning Service

Consistent execution and the ability to handle high-volume, time- and temperature-sensitive freight (especially produce) is at the core of Lange’s Logistics division, according to Sander. The division delivers over-the-road trucking, intermodal, and bulk transportation with end-to-end service, reliable tracking, and a focus on customer satisfaction.

Each year, many shippers like this foodservice distributor use awards programs to recognize select groups of logistics partners that demonstrate exceptional performance across its supply chains and distribution networks. Oftentimes, food shippers recognize their provider partners based upon consistently outperforming on key scorecard KPIs such as on-time pick-up and delivery, reliability and consistency, communication and responsiveness, safety and compliance, and accountability and partnership mindset. It’s no wonder Lange has received shipper awards based on a combination of measurable performance factors used such scorecards.

Leading food brands often value “high-touch service” and strong collaboration when recognizing partners, says Sander. Lange’s operating model — often described as acting like an extension of the customers team — aligns directly with this. In practice this means proactive problem-solving, real-time communication on shipments, and flexibility during disruptions such as unexpected weather and capacity swings.

One of the primary reasons for exceptional service is Lange’s “POD structure,” and how the company builds teams around its customers, rather than individual account managers, notes Sander. “This creates a working environment where everyone in the POD is invested in all the accounts we handle, and it allows us to elevate our customer services level with multiple team members being knowledgeable of each customer's needs.”

Sander points out that Lange’s logistics capabilities consistently exceed expectations of food shippers’ typical score card measurements in such areas as on-time pick-up and delivery, reliability and consistency, communication and responsiveness, safety and compliance, and accountability and partnership mindset

“We’re so much more than trucks and loads,” emphasizes Sander. He explains Lange’s Logistics division excels in three areas:

1. Reliable base of 17,000+ approved carriers. Lange services strong nationwide lanes, supported by its produce-driven network. “We also are dedicated to preventing cargo theft and fraud, a significant challenge for many food shippers today, through our long-standing carrier relationships to deliver dependable service,” says Sander.
2. 24/7/365 account management. “Our dedicated team is available around the clock to provide up-to-date information about your loads,” continues Sander. “We offer excellent customer service and fast, efficient, and safe delivery of time- and temperature-sensitive food shipments.”
3. Real-time tracking. We use secure, reliable technology partners to track loads in real-time, getting instant alerts of deliveries made or any issues that arise.

Lange Beyond Logistics: From Farm to Fork

Through its long history, Lange Companies has evolved into a vertically integrated food supply chain organization with several divisions that span from sourcing to delivery. Along with its Logistics division, Lange Companies is a multi-division food supply chain company that combines sourcing, logistics, storage and distribution:

• Produce (Sourcing and Sales), which is the company’s foundation business
• Warehousing and Distribution, with food-grade storage and handling through cold storage, cross-docking, inventory management and order fulfillment
• Value-added and Processing, through which Lange supports repacking, light processing, custom packaging and quality control services.
• International and Imports, with specialized capabilities in global sourcing of produce, import logistics, and supply relationships overseas.

“What makes Lange Companies unique is that its divisions and these capabilities are interconnected,” explains Sander. “Our Produce division generates supply. Logistics moves it. Warehousing stores and stages it. Processing adds value. And International sourcing enhances procurement options and fills gaps. This integration is a big reason why food companies value what we do: They can simplify their complex supply chains through a single partner.”

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