Case Study
How Blue Bird Bus saved
more than $3 million with
Uber Freight’s expert supply chain insights
Solution
Opportunity
Customer
Since 1927, Blue Bird Body Company has manufactured school buses with a commitment to innovative design and passenger safety. The Georgia-based automotive manufacturer has an extensive network of dealers and parts and service facilities across North America, with a global presence in more than 60 countries and more than 1,500 employees.
Customer Profile
As one of the three major school bus providers that contracts with the federal government, Blue Bird manufactures more than 9,000 buses annually, and is increasing production year-over-year. With their just-in-time model, they needed better inbound shipment visibility and pricing transparency, especially for shuttle services between Blue Bird’s two main production and warehousing facilities in Georgia.
Prior to working with Uber Freight, Blue Bird too often felt in the dark about their operations. Consolidated invoices lacked load-level pricing, which left them feeling like they were being overcharged. Frustrated and looking for cost savings, Blue Bird also sought a logistics partner that could support their plans for growth, particularly as they explored new fulfillment opportunities in the public bus and electric vehicle sectors. “Being in the auto industry, we’re definitely just-in-time, and it’s critical that we get our loads in on time,” explains Todd Holland, Logistics Manager for Blue Bird Body Company.
Opportunity: Seeking visibility and cost savings
“It’s been a great partnership with Uber Freight. The [Uber Freight] operations team works as an extension of Blue Bird; we really value our relationship.”
—Todd Holland, Logistics Manager, Blue Bird Body Company
In 2024, Blue Bird achieved more than $3 million in total savings last year. By leveraging Uber Freight’s existing business relationships, they also optimized their shuttle services, securing a dedicated fleet to move materials efficiently between their Georgia locations. The collaboration is a high-touch partnership built on transparency, featuring detailed metrics reports, quarterly business reviews, and open, honest communication.
For Blue Bird, Uber Freight’s combination of powerful tools, expert resources, and a dedicated team delivered immediate savings while helping position the company for long-term success.
Results: Saving money while building for the future
Automotive suppliers can increase efficiency, end-to-end visibility, and cost savings with Uber Freight, a strategic partner with the industry-leading combination of technology, expertise, and capacity. We offer intelligent logistics solutions tailored to the complex Tier 1 , Tier 2, and aftermarket supplier needs, enabling scalable operations for diverse product requirements – from high-precision components to bulk shipments.
Connect with an expert
Blue Bird needed a logistics partner they could trust—one that would provide both enhanced insights and opportunities to reduce costs. They turned to Uber Freight for a smarter, more reliable solution.
With Uber Freight’s end-to-end Transportation Management System (TMS), Blue Bird gained the visibility they were missing across their entire supply chain. The all-in-one platform allows them to plan, execute, and manage shipments seamlessly across different modes and regions. Thanks to real-time tracking with MacroPoint, they always know exactly where their shipments are at the load level—no more guessing or hidden costs.
Sophisticated data analysis by Uber Freight’s transportation experts has enabled Blue Bird to access optimization insights that have transformed their operations. This dedicated team has helped Blue Bird centralize their procurement management, execution, business intelligence, and call-ahead standardization, driving continuous improvement and maximizing their supply chain performance.
“Before, I didn’t have access to my data and now I have access and visibility to the information I need,” Holland says. “Any reports I want to see, I’m able to get those quickly. If there’s anything I can’t find, my operations team jumps right in and gets those to me. They’re always in the weeds every day, getting our loads to execute.”
With this holistic approach, Blue Bird can ensure materials arrive on time, keeping production lines moving and avoiding delays — which can be particularly costly in the automotive sector. Uber Freight helped Blue Bird take control of their entire supply chain, including Ocean and Air freight.
Solution: End-to-end transportation management
Results
Industry
Automotive manufacturing
Headquarters
Fort Valley, Georgia
Size
1,830 Employees
Solution: End-to-end transportation management
Blue Bird needed a logistics partner they could trust—one that would provide both enhanced insights and opportunities to reduce costs. After frustration with their previous provider, they turned to Uber Freight for a smarter, more reliable solution.
With Uber Freight’s end-to-end Transportation Management System (TMS), Blue Bird gained the visibility they were missing across their entire supply chain. The all-in-one platform allows them to plan, execute, and manage shipments seamlessly across different modes and regions. Thanks to real-time tracking with MacroPoint, they always know exactly where their shipments are at the load level—no more guessing or hidden costs.
Sophisticated data analysis by Uber Freight’s transportation experts has enabled Blue Bird to access optimization insights that have transformed their operations. This dedicated team has helped Blue Bird centralize their procurement management, execution, business intelligence, and call-ahead standardization, driving continuous improvement and maximizing their supply chain performance.
“Before, I didn’t have access to my data and now I have access and visibility to the information I need,” Holland says. “Any reports I want to see, I’m able to get those quickly. If there’s anything I can’t find, my operations team jumps right in and gets those to me. They’re always in the weeds every day, getting our loads to execute.”
With this holistic approach, Blue Bird can ensure materials arrive on time, keeping production lines moving and avoiding delays — which can be particularly costly in the automotive sector. Uber Freight helped Blue Bird take control of their entire supply chain, including Ocean and Air freight.
Intelligent logistics for automotive supply chains
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