Estes Logistics Drivers 15 Years of Growth with Descartes Technology
Estes Logistics manages complex delivery workflows for customers across the United States. With 1,600 drivers and service offerings that range from large retail distribution to final mile operations, the company needed a technology solution that could support long-term growth, operational consistency, and real-time visibility. Over a 15-year partnership, Descartes routing, mobile, and fleet execution technology has played a central role in helping the company scale and meet evolving customer needs.
Challenge: Navigating Operational Complexity
Estes Logistics handles everything from national retail store deliveries to state-controlled liquor distribution, each with its own set of operational rules and visibility expectations. They required a solution that could support efficient route planning, real-time visibility, and consistent service for weekly store deliveries, unattended overnight routes and specialized final-mile operations. Estes Logistics also needed a platform flexible enough to onboard new customers quickly and support varying operational models across its expansive network. At the same time, they had to maintain a high level of delivery performance while managing thousands of weekly final-mile deliveries across diverse commodities.
Solution: A More Flexible and Scalable Fleet Operation
For more than 15 years, Estes Logistics has relied on Descartes Global Logistics Network™ (Descartes GLN™) along with Descartes routing and mobile solutions to support planning and execution across its fleet. The technology has helped standardize operations by providing real-time tracking, performance monitoring, and automated driver workflows such as image and signature capture. Planners use the platform to model routes for new business, dynamically adjust plans based on business needs, and accelerate customer onboarding. The flexibility of the system enables Estes to support a wide range of workflows, including weekly deliveries to thousands of retail locations, daily route plans for state-controlled liquor delivery, and high-volume final-mile shipments for home improvement and automotive customers. The solution has also improved asset utilization by enabling them to combine freight for multiple customers onto fewer trucks for more efficient routes.
“This level of flexibility and innovation has been critical to our success and ability to compete."
Brian James, Senior Director, Pricing and Analysis, Estes Logistics
The Results
98% On-Time Delivery
With real-time tracking, structured driver workflows, and optimized routing, Estes maintained on-time delivery rates exceeding 98 percent across a wide range of delivery types and customer requirements.
Stronger Fleet and Driver Performance
More accurate and achievable route plans have resulted in consistent performance against fleet goals and high levels of driver compliance.
Increased Route Density
Improved planning and asset utilization enables Estes to combine freight for multiple customers onto fewer trucks, resulting in more efficient routes and better use of equipment.
Long-Term Partnership
The 15-year relationship between Estes Logistics and Descartes demonstrates how long-term collaboration and a reliable platform can support continued operational growth.
Transform your logistics—let’s get started today.
Fleet Resource Center
Expand Your Routing, Mobile & Telematics Knowledge
Recommended For You
