Let’s be honest, trucking is not a glamorous job. There are no award shows for route planning, and most dry vans won’t win any beauty contests. But behind the scenes, fleets are critical to running a lean, customer-focused business. At Greif, our private fleet is stepping into the spotlight for precisely that reason: it’s helping us deliver more value for our customers while unlocking significant cost savings.
Big Goals, Bold Actions
We’ve set ambitious targets: $1 billion in EBITDA, $500 million in Free Cash Flow, and 18% EBITDA margins. Ambitious? Absolutely. Achievable? Without question. But reaching them requires more than just talking about efficiency. It requires digging deep into every part of the business and making bold, data-driven changes.
That includes our private trucking fleet. By sharpening how we manage routes, schedules, and asset utilization, we’ve already captured $900,000 in savings—efficiencies that directly support our ability to serve customers with reliability and cost competitiveness.
Finding the Right Fit
Optimization isn’t about forcing one solution everywhere, but rather, it’s about listening to the data and tailoring an approach. In some locations, we’ve improved performance by better coordinating routes and schedules. In others, the logical move was shifting to dedicated third-party carriers.
That flexibility is key. By customizing solutions, we ensure customers get the best balance of service, speed, and cost, no matter the site or situation.
Listening to the Experts
Of course, optimization doesn’t happen in a spreadsheet; real optimization happens where the rubber meets the road. The people who know the roads, facilities, and day-to-day challenges best are the ones shaping real solutions.
Our project team, supported by site leaders across the network, has been hands-on, digging into data, asking the right questions, and making sure every mile driven is a mile earned. Their work is delivering tangible benefits for Greif and, most importantly, for the customers who count on us every day.
What’s Next
We’re only in first gear. More sites are being assessed. More tailored plans are being built. And more cost improvements are on the way. Each step takes us closer to our financial goals and strengthens our ability to serve customers with agility, reliability, and value.
At Greif, we’re not just moving freight, we’re moving toward a brighter, more customer-centric future. And with every mile, we’re proving that even the unglamorous parts of the business can make a class-8 size impact.