Case Study: Working in partnership with leading 3PL's and 4PL's supporting the automotive sector across the UK
The Challenge
A leading automotive client, who operate a large, time‑critical dealer support network, required a partner to deliver consistent and reliable direct to dealer deliveries on a daily basis.
Additionally, with 103 locations supported through daily routes, maintaining visibility, accountability, and consistency of service was essential to protect customer confidence and network performance.
Also, working alongside a 3PL partner, our leading automotive client needed a logistics partner that could provide greater transparency across direct‑to‑dealer movements, strengthen operational control, and deliver consistently high on‑time performance while supporting long‑term contract stability and future growth.
The Solution
Consequently, working together with our 3PL customer as partners, Crown SDS delivers a secure, transparent logistics solution tailored to the operational needs of the automotive client. Through the implementation of One View by Crown SDS, we deliver enhanced tracking and tracing, scanning technology, and photographic proof of delivery ensuring full visibility end-to end across the entire network.
Furthermore, continual system development and hands-on operational support enable quicker intervention when issues arise, helping maintain service excellence at scale.
The Results
- Over 99%+ on-time delivery performance
- Improved visibility and real-time delivery tracking
- No loss, damage or missing item claims
- Clearer accountability across the delivery network
- Time savings for local teams, reducing
administrative burden
Subsequently, reliable DOT performance has strengthened customer confidence and reinforced their position during contract renewal and new business discussions.
“Consistently high on-time delivery performance has been key in demonstrating reliability and service stability. It has helped build confidence with our customers and supports stronger contract renewal discussions and future opportunities.”
Logistics Manager at a Leading 3PL
Enhanced Control and Transparency
The introduction of live tracking, scanning, and photographic evidence has transformed how our automotive client manages their logistics operation.
Detailed delivery data provides clarity, reduces ambiguity in delivery queries, and supports faster, more effective issue resolution.
“The visibility we now have across deliveries has improved traceability and strengthened operational control. The ability to access scanning data and photographic evidence has made a real difference, in the event of any delivery queries.” Logistic Manager at a Leading 3PL
Additionally, these capabilities have also reduced the time spent managing reports and enquiries, allowing teams to focus on proactive operational management rather than reactive administration.
A Partnership Built on Continuous Improvement
Our automotive client values Crown SDS’s commitment to ongoing system development and service improvement with our in-house IT and customer service teams, alongside system driven exception management and close operational engagement.
“We really value the willingness to invest in ongoing system improvements. The team remains close to the detail of our operation and shows genuine care for our business.” Logistics Manager at a Leading 3PL
Nevertheless, the collaborative relationship between Crown SDS and the 3PL is a key strength of the solution with a shared focus on the end customer.
Our automotive client continues to work with Crown SDS to further enhance driver consistency, expand the core driver pool, and adopt an even more proactive exceptions management process. By focusing on forward planning and customer outcomes, the partnership aims to build on an already high-performing service. Here are the key outcomes at a glance:
Looking Ahead
- Over 99% on-time delivery
- Approximately 103 automotive dealership locations supported
- Over 100 direct to dealer deliveries daily
- Improved visibility, control, and accountability
- 100% transparency and enhanced communication