Formed in 1999, by Bekins Co., HomeDirectUSA (www.homedirectusa.com) specializes in nationwide home delivery of large-sized consumer products. It operates 61 distribution centers, four crossdocks, and has a fleet of 2,300 air-ride units.
HomeDirectUSA was created in response to changes perceived by Bekins in the retail industry. Factors playing a part in the decision to create the company included:
- more manufacturers selling directly to consumers;
- more use by consumers of the Internet for purchasing;
- retailers wanting to reach more of the country with product;
- the desire by retailers to cut out some supply chain links.
As Bekins explains, the new technology service, Directware, includes online inventory management; delivery tracking; daily reports; customer e-mail notification; and interactive shipment alerts of potential delays.
