How Clearwater Paper Uses FourKites to Foster Collaboration and Efficiency Throughout Its Network
Customer Company Size
Large Corporate
Region
- America
Country
- United States
Product
- FourKites
Tech Stack
- Real-time supply chain visibility
- Predictive analytics
- Machine learning ETA predictions
Implementation Scale
- Enterprise-wide Deployment
Impact Metrics
- Customer Satisfaction
- Cost Savings
- Productivity Improvements
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
- Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS)
- Networks & Connectivity - Network Management & Analysis Software
Applicable Industries
- Paper & Pulp
- Retail
Applicable Functions
- Logistics & Transportation
- Warehouse & Inventory Management
Use Cases
- Fleet Management
- Predictive Maintenance
- Supply Chain Visibility
Services
- System Integration
- Training
About The Customer
Clearwater Paper, based in Spokane, Washington, is a premier private brand tissue manufacturer and producer of high-quality paper products. Founded in 1900 as the Clearwater Timber Company in Lewiston, Idaho, the company has evolved over its 120+ year history to become an industry leader. It operates 12 facilities across the U.S. and employs 3,000 people, generating $1.8 billion in annual revenue. Clearwater Paper supplies private brand tissue to major retailers, including grocery, club, mass merchants, and discount stores, and produces bleached paperboard for quality-conscious printers and packaging converters.
The Challenge
Clearwater Paper sought a supply chain visibility solution in 2016 to improve efficiencies, communication, and collaboration throughout its network. The company aimed to shift from a 'tender-a-load-and-forget-it' culture to one that provides higher customer service and proactive operations management. Prior to deploying FourKites, Clearwater Paper was bogged down by home-grown technology that lacked tracking tools and communication capabilities, leading to strained relationships with carriers.
The Solution
Clearwater Paper started its journey with FourKites in 2016, managing approximately 5,000 monthly loads on FourKites’ end-to-end supply chain visibility platform, including truckload, LTL, and parcel. The platform provides real-time visibility and predictive ETAs, allowing yard, dock, and warehouse personnel to reassign staff and minimize delays. FourKites’ technology has also improved relationships with carriers by reducing manual check calls and dwell times. The platform’s advanced machine learning ETA predictions enable proactive management of sales, customer, and carrier expectations, enhancing communication and collaboration across internal and external stakeholders.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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