Optimizing global food logistics: AIT designs comprehensive move for snack food manufacturing system

Published on: Oct 31, 2024

AIT designs move for snack food manufacturing system

Summary

When one of the world’s processed consumer food leaders needed to install a custom-built, two-story machine in its production facility in Minnesota, they were all ready to go—except the machine was in Switzerland. So, they called up their global transportation management partner of nearly 30 years: AIT Worldwide Logistics. 

AIT’s food logistics professionals quickly got to work, delivering an all-in-one, tailored solution for the critical, out-of-gauge machinery, featuring ocean, ground, commercial air and air charter services. 
 

CHALLENGE: Navigating complex logistics for critical machinery transport

The customer faced the daunting logistical obstacle of transporting the two-story food production machine, consisting of many components, from Switzerland to a facility on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Not only did the project have a strict budget, but any delays would also increase the risk of missed production deadlines and significant financial losses. Plus, several elements of the machinery were oversized, necessitating a multifaceted transportation strategy. 
 

SOLUTION: Strategic teamwork and innovative logistics 

For weeks, AIT teams from Chicago and Zürich worked closely with the customer’s engineers and project managers to orchestrate a seamless multimodal transportation strategy across ocean, air (including chartered aircraft), and ground, accounting for variable freight sizes, while also keeping the entire project within the customer’s budget. 

Collaboration with machine manufacturer
Proactive communication with the machine manufacturer and on-site presence of AIT food logistics experts during loading and unloading to maintain handling quality.

Strategic carrier and charter partnerships
Utilization of long-standing relationships with core carriers and charter partners to optimize transport schedules and prioritize essential component shipments via air cargo.

Specialized delivery for oversized machinery
Largest machinery parts flown on charter aircraft to Rockford, Illinois, within just two days, and delivered to Minnesota on specialized flatbed trucks, designed for out-of-gauge freight.

Budget-conscious ocean freight for non-critical extras
Following behind the production-critical air freight, an ocean container of crated extra parts, pieces and tools arrived at the Port of Norfolk and was delivered to Minnesota via linehaul trucking.
 

The AIT Difference Makers

  • Robust carrier and charter relationships
  • Out-of-gauge project cargo expertise
  • Global network of more than 150 locations
  • Proactive communication and 24/7 operational support 
  • Deep food logistics knowledge
 

RESULT: Expanding horizons across food logistics

In less than a week, AIT’s solution moved the most critical pieces of the machinery into place via commercial and chartered air freight, so the customer could get their new production line up and running – on time and on budget.

AIT's seamless transport process not only met the client's immediate needs but also demonstrated AIT's broad capabilities in food logistics, leading to ongoing partnerships for future projects, including additional machinery moves from Europe to support new manufacturing lines. 
 

Additional Resources