The coordination between our team of experts and the client was key in deciding the best way for us to get the auto parts delivered, which was ultimately going to be via helicopter.
Case Study
As an international leader in shipping and logistics, Vector is highly experienced in overcoming unique challenges in the automotive industry. And the combination of a global pandemic and congested shipping lanes across land, air, and sea has demanded more creative solutions than ever before.
This Unprecedented Situation Required a Unique Solution
The automotive industry is one everyone knows, but few understand the complexity of the supply chain and how to maximize efficiency and productivity in a timely manner.
In March 2022, we customized a solution to meet our individual client’s needs, helping international auto parts and car manufacturer brands in Mexico overcome a logistics nightmare brought on by the pandemic:
- The client was unable to transport their goods by truck due to a major highway closure.
- Their customers needed the auto parts urgently to fulfill order obligations.
- The global pandemic continued to make shipping extremely complicated.
Usually, our client would be able to use the highway between Queretaro and Aguascalientes in Mexico (El Bajio) to Puebla, where cars are assembled for distribution. Typically this is a 335-614km journey by truck that can be done in four to seven hours, depending on the route and city of origin. It should have been a simple logistic problem only requiring a truck or two.
Shipping Auto Parts in Mother Nature’s Timeline
What made this logistics challenge so unique was the series of events that led up to our involvement. Our client needed to move their automotive parts as quickly as possible to fulfill their own obligation to the manufacturers. However, two major roadblocks needed to be overcome:
- The main highway they would use for the normal distribution of parts was shut down, effectively cutting off their service.
- A 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit Veracruz, causing warning alarms all over Mexico City.
These two issues created quite a speed bump. The Vector team working on this project already had to request special expedited flight permits because helicopters are not supposed to fly during the night in the area. Additionally, the local government was handling the aftermath of an earthquake that knocked out communication with the major flight tower. And of course, the global pandemic was still causing health and safety issues.
With a series of helicopters, we were able to ship parts by air and keep production going at automotive companies in the area.
Vector’s operations team was able to secure permits to ship the goods via helicopter. We cleared safe areas to make air shipping routes possible for all pickup locations, ensuring that each aircraft met weight and safety regulations while still being load balanced so as not to put pilots at risk!
— Adriana Murillo, Operations Manager
The Power of Solid Logistics Partners
Once again, our operations team snapped into action and began to immediately coordinate with local providers that, to us, are heroes for their professionalism during a truly once-in-a-lifetime series of challenges.
Our goal was to complete this order within five days. On day one, we made five movements of shipped auto parts via helicopter. Ultimately, due to the incredible efforts of local partners, Vector logistics team, and excellent service and communication with our clients, we completed the expedited auto parts delivery in less than four days.
Besides handling all of the challenges from nature and physical locations of delivery, we managed the weight distribution and calculated what could be moved inside each helicopter. Load balancing is a serious concern with helicopters, even in larger models like we were able to secure.
All deliveries were made under the proposed time limit and because of the strong partnerships made in the local community. Our role in this expedited project was guiding the teams we worked with who put in a huge effort to succeed in delivery.
The positive outcome of this project has led not only to a great point of experience for our team but new partnerships within the automotive industry were achieved because of the high-quality customer service and ability to get the job done with innovative solutions.
Creative Logistics Provided by Seasoned Experts
At Vector, we always strive to be transparent, clear, and timely in all communication. And this helps us provide first-class customer service. While the automotive industry clients could have waited until the highway reopened, they chose to seek professional help and innovative shipping solutions. This enabled them to fulfill orders and meet their own KPIs.
By contacting our logistics and shipping experts, you will benefit from a dedicated, results-driven team ready to provide bespoke solutions that help your business succeed. We’ll make sure your products are transported from A to B in the most cost-effective way possible—especially when every hour counts.
