EVANS TRANSPORTATION CASE STUDY
THE CHALLENGE
Evans, a third-party logistics services provider, wanted to
modernize its transportation technology so that it could
continue to provide the top-tier customer service that
has allowed the business to grow while maintaining an
average customer retention of 9+ years.
THE SOLUTION
After evaluating more than 40 Transportation
Management Systems (TMS), Evans chose the
MercuryGate TMS for its ability to support the varying
needs of Evans and its many customers.
THE RESULTS
By leveraging the MercuryGate TMS and Mojo
transportation optimization, Evans is helping its client,
Placon Corporation, to track shipments down to the order
level. That level of visibility is driving more than 30% in
savings.
“MercuryGate is the only TMS capable of
supporting our business and our customers’
businesses.”
— Ryan Keepman, President
EVANS TRANSPORTATION BOOSTS CUSTOMER SERVICE
LEVELS THROUGH A PROGRESSIVE TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY
If there is one guiding principle that drives third- few years ago. Evans recognized the need to “MercuryGate was, and still is, the only
party logistics (3PL) services provider Evans upgrade or replace an in-house system that had TMS that could support all of the different
Transportation Services, it is the company’s served the firm well for nearly two decades, configurations we required,” said Keepman.
unwavering commitment to providing superior but Evans’ leadership saw an opportunity to “MercuryGate was the only TMS we found
customer service. That customer-first philosophy prepare for the future. Technology is one of capable of supporting our business and our
has propelled Evans’ growth since its founding the key cornerstones of Evans’ approach to customers’ businesses.”
in 1985. Today, the Wisconsin-based company supporting its customers.
manages more than 200,000 shipments for With the addition of the MercuryGate TMS to its
its clients across all modes to every corner of “We started out about 20 years ago developing business, Evans is now able to take advantage
North America. our own TMS and did what I thought was a of the many configurations and capabilities that
pretty good job of developing that TMS and are already built and ready to use in the system.
“We are very interested in growing together servicing our clients,” said Johnson. “When Previously, Evans had to figure out how to build
with our customers and our potential clients,” we started looking at the speed at which out new capabilities to meet customer needs.
said Marty Johnson, Evans Board Member technology was growing, we started to vet The MercuryGate TMS has allowed Evans to
and former President. “In that respect, we are other TMSes. MercuryGate gave us the comfort maintain a strong technological edge in a way
putting a lot of emphasis on technology and to know that we could do more, offer more, and that is cost effective while allowing the business
making every transaction transparent.” enable us to respond faster to our client needs, to focus on its core competency – freight
our carrier needs, and our own needs.” transportation management.
LEAPING INTO A NEW ERA OF Ryan Keepman, President of Evans, explains “One of the great benefits that MercuryGate
TECHNOLOGY that the business evaluated more than 40 TMS has brought us, of the many, is that is has
Its emphasis on technology as a competitive providers over the course of two years. The given us the ability to share new ideas with
advantage led Evans to look for a new decision really came down to MercuryGate or MercuryGate and they tell us if the capabilities
Transportation Management System (TMS) a keeping the in-house system. exist in the system, or whether we can work
together to build them out,” said Keepman.
CALL +1 919.469.8057 / VISIT mercurygate.com
CASE STUDY
“To be able to retain clients and continually do the right
thing is something very unique and can only be done
with the right technology support, and that’s what
MercuryGate gives us day in and day out.”
— Ryan Keepman, President
TURNING TECHNOLOGY INTO A typically low-density products, our freight as
CUSTOMER ADVANTAGE a percent of sales or freight cost per pound
is higher than many other industries. That is
One of the primary goals of implementing a challenge that makes controlling cost even
a new TMS was to maintain, or elevate, the more critical to ensure we remain competitive
level of customer service that the Evans name while still providing exceptional service to our
is known for. With the MercuryGate TMS, customers.”
Evans is better positioned to react quickly to
customer needs, and provide the business
with an advantage for reporting, tracking and REACHING DOUBLE-DIGIT FREIGHT
tracing, pricing, optimizing, and consolidating. SAVINGS
Keepman noted that one of its customers, During his 10 years with Placon, Petersen has
Placon Corporation, is a perfect example of seen challenges in transportation increase
how Evans service and MercuryGate technology due to reduced truck capacity. His team must
form a winning combination for shippers. anticipate such issues and ensure there aren’t
“We have seen real, tangible results through any gaps in their supply chain. Among the
using MercuryGate technology,” said Keepman. tools that help them is the Mojo transportation
“Placon is using the MercuryGate TMS and optimization, which helps them build realistic
Mojo to go down to the order level, not just plans that drive cost out their network and meet
the bill-of-lading level. That level of visibility customer commitments.
is driving 30-plus percent savings that both “We worked with Evans to model our shipments
companies are able to share and help their and how much potential savings could be
respective bottom lines.” realized through Mojo optimization,” said
Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, Petersen. “That was a compelling reason
Placon designs and manufactures unique to move forward with Evans. The modeling
thermoformed and injection-molded plastic showed that Mojo could help us realize double-
packaging products. Founded in 1966, Placon digit freight savings through optimization which
today is a top manufacturer and recycler of would be above and beyond shipping at the
plastic packaging serving the food, medical and best rates.”
retail markets. Placon is among the many customer success
Placon’s logistics team of three manages over stories that Evans can tell, and each story has
10,000 truckload, intermodal, LTL, expedited a common theme – amazing customer service
and international shipments annually. Evans backed by the best transportation technology
provides Placon with the MercuryGate platform, available.
as well as the support system and power users, “As simple as it sounds, doing the ‘right
to help Placon unlock the value of the TMS. thing’ in this industry and retaining clients is
“Without systems such as MercuryGate very unique. This can only be done with the
TMS, we would not be able to manage as right technology support, and that’s what
efficiently and cost-effectively as we do,” said MercuryGate gives Evans day in and day out,”
Tom Petersen, Logistics Manager at Placon. said Keepman.
“Because we are shipping lower-cost and
ABOUT MERCURYGATE MercuryGate provides powerful transportation
management solutions proven to be a competitive advantage for today’s most
To learn more, email successful shippers, 3PLs, freight forwarders, brokers, and carriers. Through the
[email protected] continued release of innovative, results-driven technology and a commitment to
making customers successful, MercuryGate delivers exceptional value for TMS
users through improved productivity and operational efficiency.
CALL +1 919.469.8057 / VISIT mercurygate.com
MercuryGate International, Inc.
200 Regency Forest Dr, Suite 400 / Cary, NC 27518 USA
