3PL news: Con -way Multimodal opens up new office in Arkansas

Freight transportation services provider Con-way Inc. recently announced that Con-way Multimodal, a subsidiary of Con-way’s Menlo Worldwide Logistics group, opened a new branch in Bentonville, Ark.

This unit of Con-way focuses on arranging third-party services for over-the-road intermodal, flatbed, heavy-haul, and specialized transport for freight shipments, according to company officials. This new office is the unit’s fourth, with other offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Portland, Oregon; and Aurora, Illinois. There are currently three employees and one manager in the 1,600 square-foot Bentonville office, with plans to have between 12 and 15 employees by the end of 2012.

Con-way Multimodal President Tommy Barnes told LM that there were multiple reasons for opening this new office.

“Many of Con-way Multimodal’s customers and suppliers are located in Bentonville, Ark.,” he said. “Opening a new facility there makes good business sense because it provides an opportunity to build and expand relationships with customers, and enables us to enter the growing southern market. In addition, the new facility will complement Multimodal’s strategic recruitment efforts and allow access to the experienced freight brokerage community that resides in Bentonville.”

-How long had it been planned/in the works?
We’ve always known that Bentonville, Ark. would be a good fit for our business model, given its local economy, network of shippers and geographic location. However, we put a plan in place last year to open a Con-way Multimodal Bentonville office in 2011. We reached that goal before the end of the third quarter.

-What specific services will this office provide for shippers and what are the biggest benefits of this office for shippers?
Employees of Con-way Multimodal’s Bentonville, Ark. office will arrange third-party carrier services for less-than-truckload (LTL), refrigerated, over-the-road, intermodal, flatbed, heavy haul and specialized transportation for freight shipments.

Customers will benefit from access to a network of 15,000 carriers, affordable insurance on high-value goods and specialized resources to help customers meet capacity needs.

Being located near existing and potential customers is a big benefit because it helps us best understand their needs, challenges and successes. Because of this understanding, we can provide comprehensive solutions for their transportation needs.

The new location will also provide better access to graduates of the University of Arkansas, a college known for its prestigious logistics program, and to the large group of experienced freight brokers already in the Bentonville market. Hiring from the best programs and other seasoned professionals in the industry, enables Multimodal to deliver incomparable service to its customers.

-How did CNW previously serve this area?
While Multimodal successfully served the Bentonville market from its locations in Ann Arbor, Mich., Aurora, Ill. And Portland, Or., being right in the market will make it much easier to develop and expand relationships with customers and suppliers.