CASE STUDY
A Fresh Approach to Refrigerated Freight for Produce
Discover how Worldwide Express helped Melon 1 streamline produce shipping with reliable carriers and effective refrigerated freight solutions.
Summary
Melon 1 turned to Worldwide Express to improve reliability, communication and capacity in its produce shipping operations, which can require up to 200 loads per day during the summer months. Worldwide Express helps them satisfy massive customer demand, delivering personalized temperature-controlled shipping solutions, dedicated support and ample carrier capacity with vetted truckload providers.
Melon 1 is the largest grower, shipper and provider of watermelons in the nation and was founded when two third-generation watermelon growers merged to better serve customers.
Today, their watermelons are grown at multiple farms east of the Mississippi River and up and down the Atlantic coast, as well as in Central America. These high-producing farms serve a variety of customers including big-box chain stores like Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Kroger and Costco.
"It's a constant and steady flow of business year-round. But there are days in June and July when we're up to 150-200 loads and that's all packed and shipped pretty much the same day."
— Quashae "Q" Hendryx, Transportation Director at Melon 1
The company has used a variety of freight brokers, third-party logistics (3PL) providers and freight carriers to handle the shipping of their watermelons. But as some of those resources proved to be unreliable, inefficiencies began to impact their shipping operations. It became apparent that Melon 1 needed proven solutions to keep up with the demand for their products while maintaining efficiency in their shipping. Melon 1 staff members met a Worldwide Express logistics team during a pit lane tour. The two companies were off to the races and have been successfully working together since January 2023, shipping a high volume of vented and refrigerated full truckload freight.
Challenge 1: Missed Pickups
Shipper Challenge
During peak season in June and July, Melon 1 ships 150-200 loads per day. The sheer volume of watermelons shipped became overwhelming, particularly when drivers showed up late or did not show at all. This created a compound effect that led to missed deadlines and operational inefficiency.
Worldwide Express Solution
Melon 1 was assigned a dedicated account team, managed by Rachel Naylor, to coordinate, troubleshoot and monitor shipping services. This team operates on a "must go" and "no fail" mentality. In the event of missed or late pickups, Worldwide Express jumps in and provides alternative solutions to ensure shipments are picked up and delivered on time.
"It's no coincidence that Worldwide Express is handling a large percentage of our shipping right now. Working with them is like night and day compared to working with some of the brokers out there."
— Quashae "Q" Hendryx, Transportation Director at Melon 1
Challenge 2: Communication
Shipper Challenge
In the past, Melon 1 experienced difficulty when freight brokers didn't provide adequate communication about shipments or other customer service requests. This made shipping unpredictable and difficult to manage, particularly in the event of missed shipments and late-arriving drivers.
Worldwide Express Solution
Worldwide Express effectively communicates shipment ETAs so Melon 1 can plan accordingly. They also monitor drivers and trucks in real time and alert Melon 1 to any issues regarding late deliveries that may impact deadlines.
And aside from messages sent back and forth regarding shipping updates, the Worldwide Express account team speaks directly to Hendryx at Melon 1 every day.
"I don't have to worry about anything because I know Worldwide Express is handling it. It's just very worry-free shipping when I know that you guys are working a load, and that's the honest truth."
— Quashae "Q" Hendryx, Transportation Director at Melon 1
Challenge 3: Lack of Carrier Capacity
Shipper Challenge
During summer peak season, Melon 1 is particularly taxed around Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day when there is an increased demand for their watermelons. In the past, they would sometimes find it difficult to secure enough trucks to adequately move their product.
Worldwide Express Solution
Worldwide Express utilizes its carrier network of more than 45,000 full truckload carriers to get Melon 1 shipments on trucks when capacity is tight. These carriers are vetted and selected based upon performance, reliability and history of shipping success. Additionally, Worldwide Express finds carriers to dedicate specifically to Melon 1 lanes.
"The biggest difference I can see with Worldwide Express is that there are a lot of repeat drivers and companies picking up from us. Building relationships with these carriers has been big in terms of keeping capacity available for us."
— Quashae "Q" Hendryx, Transportation Director at Melon 1
Key Results
- Ensured reliable refrigerated freight during summer peak season
- Maintained high carrier capacity for 150-200 loads daily
- Improved communication to eliminate missed pickups
- Secured dedicated truckload freight carriers for produce shipping
Growing Together as Produce Shipping Partners
Melon 1 and Worldwide Express have been shipping partners since early 2023 and the success the two companies have enjoyed shows no sign of slowing down. As Melon 1 continues to face massive customer demand during peak season and throughout the year, Worldwide Express will continue to provide personalized solutions and dedicated support to ensure shipping contributes to the company's success.
"We just went through Memorial Day, and Mother's Day right before that, and Worldwide Express crushed it. I don't think we missed a single pickup."
— Quashae "Q" Hendryx, Transportation Director at Melon 1
Produce Shipping FAQs
A Partner You Can Count On To Streamline Your Produce Shipping
At Worldwide Express, we've spent more than 30 years handling logistics for tens of thousands of businesses all over the country. We've built a carefully vetted network of 75+ LTL and 45,000+ FTL freight carrier partners, and leverage these relationships to secure top rates, capacity and services for customers.
We specialize in helping companies get the most out of their shipping experience, and we do that through our unmatched combination of carrier relationships, industry expertise, sophisticated technology, unbeatable rates and personalized service.
Got produce or other temperature-controlled shipping needs? Reach out for a free consultation today!