Ace Hardware Awarded Private Fleet of the Year Award

Fleet Owner magazine has recognized Ace Hardware’s distribution team as its 2014 Private Fleet of the Year.

As part of the honor, the December 2014 issue of Fleet Owner features a cover story that recognizes Ace’s innovative fleet management.

“We’re proud that Ace Hardware’s transportation efforts have been recognized by Fleet Owner magazine,” says Rick Whitson, vice president of distribution with Ace Hardware Corp., in a press release. “Our shipments arrive quickly and efficiently thanks to our 500 experienced company drivers who drive a total of 43 million miles annually.”

“Our great employees are made even better by supplementing their skills and experience with some helpful, high-tech tools,” Whitson says. “Since we’ve invested in new technologies, we’ve increased our operational efficiency and reduced miles on the road.”

The press release says that by using route optimization technology in a year-long campaign, “Ace improved its Smartway Certified Fleet’s equipment efficiency by 10 percent.” In 2012, Ace made similar investments in technology with a rollout of a new version of onboard computers to further track driver metrics, according to the press release.

Ace has 14 retail support centers, six cross docks and two import redistribution centers that all work together. This infrastructure, including two new retail support centers in West Jefferson, Ohio, and Wilmer, Texas, support Ace drivers as they efficiently deliver retailers’ shipments in a timely manner, according to the press release.

For more about Fleet Owner magazine, visit fleetowner.com.

To read the press release, click here.