About this episode
Grafton Elliott and Joe Lynch discuss big, bulky, and rural shipping. Grafton is the Founder and CEO of Onward, a big and bulky shipping network that helps retailers offer local like delivery service, to their customers located in suburban and rural zip codes. About Grafton Elliott Grafton Elliott is the Founder and CEO of Onward, a big and bulky shipping network that helps retailers offer local like delivery service, to their customers located in suburban and rural zip codes.Prior to starting Onward, Grafton ran the asset light network for CDS Logistics. A nationwide big and bulky brokerage based in Maryland. During his time at CDS, Grafton had the opportunity to open and run several final mile warehousing + delivery operations, where he learned from a grassroots level how tough it is to run a big + bulky final mile operation. During his time running the Detroit, MI facility he learned first-hand how deliveries to the hard to reach zip codes break the efficiencies of local delivery operations, leading to 35% box trucks driving empty or parked in yards during business hours. A massive underutilization of capacity that lead him to start Onward! About Onward Onward helps big and bulky retailers and 3PL's offer their rural customers the same delivery speed, quality and service capabilities as their local counterparts. Founded in 2020 by Grafton Elliott and Kevin Walsh, Onward gives their shippers a competitive advantage when serving the 20% of the US population that doesn't live near an urban city center. Offering full service white glove, a 99% claims free delivery standard (lowest in the industry) and as fast as next-day delivery to these underserved customers. But HOW Onward does this is the interesting part. Described as the OpenTable of the box truck industry, Onward leverages a series of final mile TMS integrations to understand the real-time driving direction, capacity and performance of the big and bulky providers in their network. Allowing them to identify when and where there is underutilized space on box trucks, so Onward can dispatch their providers towards opportunities that fit them perfectly. A true win-win technology that helps shippers expand their total addressable market and helps box truck companies increase their bottom line profits by an average of 15%. Key Takeaways: Big, Bulky, & Rural Matchmaker for Big and Bulky: Onward Delivery takes the hassle out of shipping large items like furniture and appliances. They act as a matchmaking service, connecting retailers and brokers with the best carriers in their area based on real-time capacity on box trucks. This means faster deliveries, lower costs, and less wasted space for everyone involved. Eliminating Inefficiencies: Onward's data-driven platform tackles the inefficiencies of traditional big and bulky delivery. Their technology optimizes routes, eliminates fragmented systems, and streamlines the entire process, from order placement to final delivery. This translates to quicker deliveries, happier customers, and more efficient operations for retailers. White Glove Service, Everywhere: Onward doesn't just deliver your bulky items; they also offer white glove service, including assembly, setup, and even debris removal. This premium service is available not just in major cities but also in underserved areas, thanks to Onward's expanding network of qualified professionals. Solving Seasonality Challenges: Furniture stores often face unpredictable spikes in demand during peak seasons. Onward helps them navigate these fluctuations by providing access to a flexible network of carriers that can scale up or down as needed. This eliminates the need for maintaining their own delivery fleet, reducing costs and improving overall agility. Revolutionizing Rural Delivery: Onward is committed to bringing the convenience of efficient big and bulky delivery to rural areas. Their network extends beyond major metropolitan centers, ensuring that everyone, regardless of location, can enjoy the benefits of fast, reliable, and white-glove service for their large purchases. Sustainability in the Supply Chain: Onward is also mindful of the environmental impact of deliveries. Their platform optimizes routes and matches loads efficiently, reducing empty miles and fuel consumption. This commitment to sustainability makes Onward a responsible choice for both businesses and consumers. The Future of Big and Bulky Delivery: With its innovative approach, data-driven technology, and commitment to excellent service, Onward is at the forefront of transforming the big and bulky delivery industry. They are making it faster, more efficient, and more accessible for everyone, paving the way for a smoother and more sustainable future for large item deliveries. Learn More About Onward Grafton on LinkedIn Onward on LinkedIn Onwards website Blog highlights: Case Study – how Onward helps shippers get through peak seasons The OpenTable of the box truck industry A Box Truck Love Story The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google , Apple , Castbox , Spotify , Stitcher , PlayerFM , Tunein , Podbean , Owltail , Libsyn , Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube