Truckload Scheduling Procedures

Goal

To establish a policy and standard procedure governing the scheduling and processing of truckload shipments for the receiving departments at Ace Hardware Retail Support Centers.

General Observations

In order to present a consistent procedure to all Ace Hardware suppliers, the following policies and procedures were developed. With the cooperation of the Ace merchandising department, Ace suppliers, Ace traffic and the Ace Retail Support Centers, our intent is to manage our inbound traffic to satisfy our dealers’ demands for our products and services.

It is the responsibility of every Retail Support Center manager to make certain that these procedures are implemented on a timely basis, so that Ace Hardware can realize the following benefits:

1. Reduced Inventory
2. Reduced cube
3. Shorter lead times
4. Management of labor hours
5. Increased service to dealer
6. Increased operating efficiencies

Procedures

Responsibility of Ace Truckload Suppliers
Definition of Truckload Supplier - One supplier making one shipment to the RSC of a complete load by cube or weight, which may include one or more purchase orders.

Prepaid Shipments

1. Upon the receipt of the RSC purchase order, the supplier will contact the Ace RSC receiving department for a receiving appointment.
2. The supplier will provide the RSC with the following:
   1. Shipment Weight
   2. Number of pieces
   3. Number of pallets
   4. Purchase Order number
   5. First available delivery date
      (Production lead time + Delivery to RSC = First Available)
3. The Ace RSC will provide a set appointment (date and hour) for the receipt of the merchandise.
4. Prior to loading the freight, the supplier will fax the RSC a copy of the shipping manifest with the appointment time and date identified.

Collect Shipments

1. Upon receipt of the RSC purchase order, the supplier will contact the Ace Corporate Traffic department
   630-472-4040 fax 630-990-9198 for routing instructions.
2. The supplier will provide the following:
   1. Shipment weight
   2. Number of pieces
   3. Number of lines (SKUs)
   4. Purchase order number(s)
   5. Number of pallets
   6. First available pick up date
3. The Ace Corporate Traffic department will provide a set appointment to pick up the product from your facility.
4. The supplier will fax the RSC a copy of the shipping manifest at time of shipment.
5. For routing instructions on International Drop-shipment purchase orders, please contact the Ace International Logistics department at 630-472-4612.