How Pepin Distributing Transforms Their Beverage Deliveries
Key Takeaways
- Optimizing Delivery Operations: Smarter routing and real-time visibility cuts idle time, improves efficiency, and helps teams adapt quickly to daily challenges.
- Enhancing Driver Productivity & Wellbeing: Clear route planning and sequencing reduces stress, eases onboarding for new drivers, and creates more predictable workdays.
- Strengthening Cross-Team Collaboration: Connected systems align delivery, sales, and merchandising teams, improving coordination and reducing communication gaps.
- Improving Customer Experience: Better preparation at delivery sites enables faster, more reliable service and stronger customer satisfaction.
Like many beverage distributors, Pepin Distributing was facing tighter schedules, growing traffic, and rising customer expectations. Drivers reported higher stress levels, managers struggled to balance visibility and efficiency, and teams often relied on calls and workarounds to stay connected.
From Insight to Impact: How Pepin Distributing Streamlined Last-Mile Delivery
At Pepin Distributing, where 60 routes and more than 40,000 cases move daily, visibility is everything. Delivery managers need to know not just where trucks are, but also when drivers will arrive, how long they spend at each stop, and whether adjustments are needed in real time.
Modern beverage distribution software gives managers the ability to:
- Track routes and deliveries live throughout the day.
- Forecast start and finish times so drivers know exactly what to expect.
- Coordinate warehouse activity by anticipating when trucks will return for reloading.
- Reassign resources when one driver is delayed and another can help.
This real-time intelligence minimizes uncertainty, improves communication, and strengthens handoffs between warehouse staff, merchandisers, and sales teams. Instead of making dozens of status calls, managers have a single, real-time view of the entire operation.
Why Smarter Routing Matters
Nearly 90% of commercial drivers say that job stress directly impacts how they drive, and almost half have considered leaving the industry. By using beverage distribution software with smarter routing, real-time visibility, and seamless coordination, fleets reduce stress while boosting efficiency, safety, and retention.
“For us, visibility is everything. Routing is everything. Knowing where everyone is going, how their route is sequenced, and when they’ll finish makes the whole day smoother.” — John Barton, Delivery Manager, Pepin Distributing Company
With Descartes’ route execution and fleet performance management solution, Pepin can see where every driver is, proactively reassign resources when needed, and ensure seamless collaboration across field and back-office teams.
Watch: Transforming Last-Mile Delivery at Pepin Distributing
By transforming its last-mile delivery operations with modern beverage distribution software, Pepin has not only improved operational efficiency but also created a better experience for both drivers and customers. Smarter routing means less stress, smoother deliveries, and more reliable service.
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