milestone equipment holdings

Logistics companies keep the nation’s supply chain running during unprecedented disruption

The nation’s supply chain is facing historic challenges as demand is soaring for medical equipment, household goods and other essential items. Logistics companies are working hard on the frontlines, offering creative, nimble solutions to keep shelves stocked and supply chains running smoothly.

In recent weeks, countless companies have relied on Milestone’s nationwide network of 70 locations and more than 90,000 trailers, chassis and containers to solve critical logistical issues that continually change. This requires businesses to pivot quickly, and Milestone’s location-based online reservation system makes it easy for customers to quickly reserve a trailer or chassis whenever and wherever it is needed to meet surging demand.

On-Demand Storage Options for Overflow

To store the inventory of non-essential products that are overflowing warehouses while making sure they can get these products to market when needed again, businesses are using Milestone’s Mobile Warehousing & Storage (MW&S) solution. These are portable flex-space trailers that can be delivered in as little as 24 to 48 hours to provide customers a flexible storage alternative that is up to 50 percent less expensive than traditional warehouse space.

“As one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing transportation equipment lessors, we are dedicated to helping our customers adapt by delivering flexible, comprehensive and cost-effective solutions so they can transport freight as quickly and cost-effectively as possible,” said Executive Vice President & General Manager Highway Division Chuck Cannata.

For more on how Milestone is keeping the nation’s supply chain moving during these tumultuous times, please visit www.milecorp.com.

in Companies / Mobile Warehousing & Storage / Trailer Leasing
Milestone Equipment Holdings - Intermodal Insights: Intermodal Driver Experience Focus Intensifies

Intermodal Insights: Intermodal Driver Experience Focus Intensifies

Throughout the intermodal industry, further enhancing the driver experience is an increasingly important focus.

Executive Vice President Doug Hoehn of Milestone Equipment Holdings stressed that the “most important thing to do for a motor carrier or drive is to provide a good piece of equipment,” and described technological and equipment advancements being made to accomplish that.

“We have taken several steps that help customers and drivers know what equipment is available,” Hoehn said. One of them is an emailed daily utilization report that provides real time information. Another is accessing equipment supply through chassisfinder.com. Fleets and drivers can select equipment on the web or by phone.

GPS Benefits

Another approach in use at some locations, Hoehn said, is equipping chassis with GPS to help managers better understand movement patterns so that utilization can be improved.

Eventually, Hoehn believes that “GPS won’t be something that is an option, but will become almost required equipment” for chassis.

Currently, Hoehn believes that upgrading to radial tires, disc wheels and LED lighting on all company chassis gives drivers the assurance that they won’t have a breakdown. Milestone chose that equipment to make its equipment more attractive to users, compared with the older chassis that might not have those features.

Hoehn said the market is embracing newer chassis as ownership of equipment shifts more toward motor carriers, 3PLs, cargo owners and forwarders who are willing to pay slightly more for equipment with the belief that lower total cost of ownership will be the result. He also favors the trucker choice model.

 

Read the full article 

in Chassis / Companies / Uncategorized
Milestone Trailer Leasing

Wall Street Journal: Swamped With Inventory, U.S. Companies Turn to ‘Mobile Storage’

U.S. companies are so inundated with inventory that some are renting truck trailers to use for storage space, parking them on warehouse lots or behind storefronts to hold goods until a surge in imports is cleared from crowded distribution hubs.

Transportation equipment lessor Milestone Equipment Holdings launched a “mobile warehousing and storage” business this year to accommodate more customers seeking trailers to hold goods, many of them pulled in from China during 2018 to get ahead of impending tariffs.

The company said Home Depot Inc. and several other major retailers and manufacturers are using the service.

“It’s like a warehouse on wheels,” said Sarah Johnson, who heads up the new mobile storage business at Milestone. “We now think about our trailers as more of a real-estate alternative than just a trailer.”

Read the full story on WSJ here.

Request a Quote here.

 

SOURCE: Wall Street Journal via Erica E. Phillips 

in Companies / Press Releases / Trailer Leasing / Uncategorized
Milestone Trailer Leasing

Milestone Launches National Mobile Warehousing & Storage Product Line

ST. CHARLES, MO (December 12, 2018) – Milestone Equipment Holdings, a national leader in trailer and chassis leasing, is expanding its offerings to include a line of mobile warehousing and storage products. As the only national lessor with dedicated trailers for mobile storage applications, Milestone is positioned to be the industry leader for this kind of offering, with a fleet of 59,000+ trailers of varying specifications, sizes and vintages. This launch is the latest in Milestone’s recent expansions, which have included rapid growth of fleet size and additional locations over the past several years.

In preparation for the launch, Milestone developed a robust infrastructure that included the development of a 15-point quality inspection for the storage assets as well as operational mechanisms that can often deliver assets on site in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Milestone can also provide inexpensive trailer parking at one of its 25 branch locations across the United States if on-site storage space is a challenge.

Forward-Thinking

“We saw an opportunity to use our high-quality fleet to solve space constraints directly related to warehousing shortages and supply chain disruptions; providing expanded access and new solutions for our customers,” said Sarah Johnson, Executive Vice President of Mobile Warehousing and Storage for Milestone. “These forward- and reverse-logistic storage solutions address many of the demands driven by e-commerce, freeing up customers’ equipment. It’s exciting to be the only national single-source provider of this kind of trailer and storage network.”

The product line is comprised of trailers available for cartage, portable or fixed storage; with options that include 53’ or 48’ dry van trailers with roll-up or swing doors and air or spring ride. The services are supported by 25 branches across the country, with a team of dedicated customer service specialists. Milestone can provide flexible terms to address customers’ various volume and commitment needs. The company will also soon offer an enhanced online reservation request system and customer portal, both of which will be available in early 2019.

Opportunity

“In recent years, many companies have struggled with rapidly escalating logistics and warehousing costs, in part driven by the massive growth of e-commerce,” said Milestone CEO Don Clayton. “We worked closely with our customers to develop a product offering that delivers substantial cost savings and flexibility relative to traditional warehousing. Along with the significant investments we continue to make in late model equipment and the expansion of our branch network, we’re positioned to deliver an unparalleled range of solutions to our customers.”

For additional information about Milestone’s Mobile Warehousing & Storage solutions, contact Sarah Johnson at sarah.johnson@milecorp.com or call 636.238.8732. Customers wishing to reserve equipment for mobile storage applications may call their customer service representative or 866.706.1144, email customer.service@milecorp.com.

Sign up for more information here.

 

About Milestone Equipment Holdings, LLC

With a combined fleet of more than 85,000 trailers, chassis and domestic containers, Milestone is one of the nation’s leading and most comprehensive transportation lessors. Founded in 1995 and Headquartered in St. Charles, MO, Milestone’s team of seasoned commercial, operational and customer support professionals provide a broad range of transportation solutions to customers, operating from 60+ locations nationwide.

For more information, please visit: https://www.milecorp.com/

in Companies / Press Releases / Trailer Leasing / Uncategorized

Milestone Appoints Chuck Cannata & Kathy Tierney to Leadership Team

SAINT CHARLES, MO (August 21, 2018) – Milestone is pleased to announce the recent addition of two key executives to its leadership team: Chuck Cannata and Kathy Tierney. Cannata and Tierney will report directly to Don Clayton, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Chuck Cannata

Chuck Cannata joins Milestone as Executive Vice President for the trailer leasing division, leading the nationwide branch network’s commercial activities, including sales, customer service and field operations. Chuck brings 18 years of commercial equipment finance experience to Milestone, including eight years of sales management and business development at GE Trailer Fleet Services. He is based in Kansas City, KS.

Kathy Tierney

Kathy Tierney joins Milestone as Vice President of Human Resources, leading all key HR functions, including recruiting & development, employee relations, payroll & benefits and compliance. Kathy brings 40 years of HR experience to Milestone, including 20 years at First Bank and 20 years at Venture Stores. Kathy is based in St. Charles, MO.

“I am very proud of the outstanding team that we have built by promoting from within and selectively adding outside talent.” says Milestone CEO Don Clayton. “The addition of Chuck, Mike and Kathy will help us continue to grow rapidly, while driving operational excellence in their areas of responsibility. Just as importantly, these additions provide some of our other very talented leaders the bandwidth they need to drive focused strategic initiatives that will contribute to Milestone’s future success.”

in Chassis / Companies / Intermodal / People / Press Releases / Trailer Leasing / Uncategorized
Volume of Milestone Chassis

Milestone Fuels Broader Push to Attract Truckers with New Chassis

As reported in JOC.com, Milestone continues to lead and invest in new chassis equipment. Milestone’s fleet expansion is the latest initiative by a chassis supplier looking to create a niche by offering new, or high-end, equipment.

 

Milestone Equipment Holdings plans to nearly double the size of its fleet of mainly new marine chassis to close to 20,000 pieces of equipment over the next 18 months, underscoring the broader effort by some providers to attract truckers and their shipping customers with better fuel mileage, less chances of shipment disruptions caused by breakdown, and reduced repairs.

The company’s fleet expansion is the latest initiative by a chassis supplier looking to create a niche by offering new, or high-end, equipment. The focus reflects, in part, a growing demand by chassis users for an alternative to what some shippers and truckers see as the failings of the nation’s aging chassis fleet, much of which is in the daily rental sector and remains from when ocean carriers began selling their fleets a decade ago.

To read the full story click here.

 

SOURCE: JOC.com

in Chassis / Companies / Press Releases

Milestone Trailer Leasing Continues to Invest in Modern Equipment, Adds 1,500 Trailers to Expansive National Fleet

St. Charles, MO (June 6, 2018) – In a continued effort to expand its offering of personalized solutions for customers, Milestone Trailer Leasing has acquired leases for 1,575 dry vans from Heartland Express of North Liberty, Iowa. This move will add additional trailers – manufactured between 2014 and 2017 – equipped with tracking, tire inflation systems and lift pads to Milestone’s already expansive fleet spanning 25 markets.

“Milestone’s depth of industry experience, flexible deal structuring, lender relationships and nationwide branch network uniquely positions the company to craft and execute on this type of transaction,” says Don Clayton, Milestone President and CEO.

New Equipment, More Opportunity

The Milestone – Heartland deal provides Heartland the opportunity to move out of the leased late model fleet that was part of its July 2017 purchase of Interstate Distributor Company (IDC) while providing for a quick and orderly return of all 1,575 trailers to locations throughout Milestone’s nationwide branch network.  Additionally, the structure of the transaction allows Heartland to focus on the replacement of the IDC fleet with trailers made more to its specifications.

“This transaction allows Heartland to execute our financial and fleet strategies effectively and efficiently,” says Michael Gerdin, Heartland President and CEO. “Milestone’s extensive experience in large multi-location trailer fleet programs gave us confidence in working with the Milestone team.”

This announcement comes on the heels of Milestone’s expansive growth in the last three years – including the addition of $400 million of equipment. Inventory comprises of approximately 85,000 trailers, chassis, and containers provided to customers under flexible operating lease and rental structures. “The company continues to respond to customer and market demand,” says Clayton. “We are dedicated to driving results for our partners.”

 

 

About Milestone Equipment Holdings, LLC

Milestone is one of the largest and fastest growing transportation equipment leasing companies in the US, operating a diversified fleet of over 84,000 pieces of equipment including Domestic Chassis, Domestic Containers, Marine Chassis, Highway Trailers, Intermodal Trailers, Storage and Convention Trailers, Flatbed Trailers, Refrigerated Containers and Trailers, and other specialty equipment.

Headquartered in St. Charles, MO with an operational center in Chicago and 60+ commercial locations across the country, Milestone has acquired intermodal and highway fleets for our operations since 1995, while managing and leasing equipment on behalf of institutional and private investors. Our customers include trucking companies (over-the-road and LTL), third-party logistics (3PL) companies, package carriers, private shippers, railroads, steamship operators, beneficial cargo owners (BCOs), retailers, manufacturers and other companies throughout the transportation sector. The Milestone fleet allows all of these industry segments to maximize equipment utilization and transportation efficiency without the burden of owning their own equipment.

Our management services include committed peak and surge capacity programs, complex consulting and structured deals (including sale-leaseback transactions and fleet refresh programs), maintenance and telematics consulting and services, comprehensive management of third party transportation equipment assets, and equipment acquisitions and remarketing.

For more information, please visit: https://www.milecorp.com/

 

 

in Companies / Press Releases / Trailer Leasing
Milestone at IANA EXPO 2017

A Look Back on IANA EXPO 2017!

Review

IANA EXPO is always a great time to connect & learn! This year presented new opportunities to share with customers

Milestone at IANA EXPO 2017

around how we continue to push intermodal forward through:

  • The growth of America’s newest chassis fleet, launched in the past year, now expanding nationwide!
  • The benefits of reduced M&R (as well as the bottom line) through the use of new equipment.
  • Flexible leasing options, expert service & more!

Thank you to our customers, vendors & friends that joined us at our reception on Sunday. It was wonderful to get together with you to kick off such an incredible few days at IANA EXPO 2017!

 

in Chassis / Companies / Conferences and Events / Intermodal / Trailer Leasing
Milestone Trailer Leasing - Jeff Alpert

Meet Jeff Alpert

 

Introduction

As President of Milestone Trailer Leasing, Jeff Alpert oversees the company’s highway trailer division which consists of 25+ locations across the US and 57,000+ units. The company veteran (he joined Milestone in 2000) recently shared what accomplishments he is most proud of and the biggest challenges facing the transportation industry.

Everyday Operations

Tell us about your role as President of Milestone Trailer Leasing. What are your day-to-day responsibilities?

I’m responsible for the oversight of Milestone’s highway trailer division which consists of 25+ locations and 57,000 units. My role is to help make everyone around me successful and get obstacles out of their way.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

I’m proud of the whole journey. I’m proud of the many years of organic growth to becoming one of the largest and fastest growing transportation equipment lessors in the United States.

Challenges

Biggest challenge facing your industry today?

One of the biggest challenges is around customer choice and customer expectations. Today, consumers want to have a product in their hand, yesterday, with a click of a button. That sense of urgency impacts everything we do. The challenge is keeping up with the velocity and pace of change. Our challenge is, “What can Milestone do to help our customers keep up with that velocity?”

What keeps you up at night?

How to tackle employee shortages and trying to get young people excited about the industry.

Hard to get a smart college grad to get excited about this space. We’re losing a lot of experience, knowledge-based in the business.

Outlook

What does the future hold for Milestone Trailer Leasing? What things are you excited about?

Back to these ideas of flexibility and being creative problem solvers – for me personally and for the company DNA, it’s about the love of solving pain points and solving problems for our customer. We are continually expanding our knowledge around finding solutions in trailer leasing, especially with how quickly things are changing in transportation.

Personal Story

What is a great story about Milestone Trailer Leasing that you love to share?

It’s related to how far we come. One story has to do with one of the first big acquisitions we worked on as a young company. They asked us about our net worth. It was $1 million. They asked, “$1 billion?” And we said, “No, $1 million.” It was kind of comical because it showed what a small potato we were at the time. And now here we are, close to a $1 billion company.

in Companies / People / Trailer Leasing

Milestone is There for the Long Haul & Last Mile

Personal Service

While the growing strength of e-commerce has been putting pressure on the transportation industry, Milestone Trailer Leasing is committed to keeping pace with the changing market. Milestone is there for the long haul and last mile.

We are committed to partnering with customers to search for more efficient ways of leasing dry van trailers. We can look at a dedicated trailer pool, a minimum quantity capacity guarantee, or any customized trailer solution that allows flexibility in day-to-day business. While the industry continues to shift toward major growth in e-commerce, Milestone is committed to supporting the companies operating in that space and building a rental or lease package to match.

Milestone Trailer Leasing Last Mile

“Milestone can provide new trailers that are reliable on the road in the long-haul application,” says Sarah Johnson, Executive Vice President of Branch Operations at Milestone Trailer Leasing. “Our network of dedicated trailer vendors and after hours service providers gives assurance that we can provide maintenance support 24/7. We are dedicated to keep you moving and on time.”

The Long Haul

The long-haul freight model has changed dramatically over the past several years. For example, the size of driver pools has not kept up with the rise in freight volume. Isolation and long periods away from home associated with long distance trucking is often a deterrent for a new generation of drivers. Experts watching these trends predict truck fleets will adopt short-haul, regional and “last mile” routes – taking advantage of port expansions on the Gulf Coast to get drivers home sooner while also effectively managing freight deliveries.

Milestone Trailer Leasing Last Mile

 

The Last Mile

Milestone recognizes this is where Last Mile deliveries, when a package makes the final leg of its journey to the customer’s requested location, make that critical difference. We understand and do everything we can to find ways to get our customer’s goods where they need to go in the shortest amount of time possible.

“Milestone is supporting the wider transportation network; from manufacturer, to warehouse, to fulfillment center, making sure the last mile delivery works more quickly,” says Johnson. “We understand the last mile and the technological enhancements that may be on the horizon. These enhancements can range from drones to ground-based delivery bots. We remain committed to supporting the process and making it more efficient.”

in Companies / Trailer Leasing