531: Innovating Refrigerated Fleet Management, with PLM Fleet

Don Durm of PLM Fleet talks about what they do; maximizing fleet flexibility; cold supply chain challenges; & leveraging trailer telematics for success. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.30] An overview of PLM Fleet and how they help their customers, and an introduction to Don and his 30+ year career, from law enforcement to supply chain. "We breathe cold chain!.. We help people manage risk, save time and money, and make big decisions." [08.58] PLM's 'personalized lifecycle management approach,' and what their consultative problem identification, solution development, onboarding and integration process typically looks like. "We work backwards to your service promises and cost targets. The challenge in the leasing world is that companies out there ask customers to live in their world, the financial world… We have a more holistic approach." [14.25] From regulatory pressures to tariffs, the biggest challenges for PLM and their customers in the cold supply chain. "We're in the midst of a great freight recession." [18.55] Why OEM lead times for trailers and TRUs are increasingly stretched, the factors driving the delays, and how they impact refrigerated fleets and their strategies to scale and replace assets. "Trailers have never been older than they are today. And, when a trailer gets that old, things start to break – expensive things." "My message to the industry: put your orders in now!" [24.21] How PLM's flexible rental and leasing solutions help customers right-size or stabilize their fleets, particularly in an environment where OEM availability is tight and demand cycles are fluctuating. [28.07] The regulatory changes reducing the number of drivers on the road, the impacts PLM anticipate in the cold chain, and how they can help. "Once the impact fully hits, capacity will tighten up. Fleets that were working on tighter margins, and utilizing these drivers, will start to go out of business." [32.32] PLM's ColdLink and TrustLink technology-enabled solutions, and how they're leveraging trailer telematics to deliver results for customers. "Don't manage the 150 trailers you've got out by looking at 150. Manage the one you've got a problem with – set your exceptions… People do what you inspect, not what you expect." [38.13] How PLM use telematics to track emissions. [39.25] A selection of case studies exploring how PLM help clients reduce carbon, save fuel, and reduce costs with their solutions, from a shift to electric vehicles to old-to-new replacement. "Nobody goes green until it pays green." [43.53] Don's final words of advice. "This period of time is all about managing risk. Do you really want to put your money into an asset that's going to depreciate immediately?" RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to PLM Fleet's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with PLM Fleet and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube or Facebook, or you can connect with Don on LinkedIn. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Get: 10% off a rental order with PLM Fleet until March 31. Quote *PLM Rental LTSC.* Check out our other podcasts HERE.