Business name: OnTrac.
Vancouver general manager: Tony Franz.
Address: 1800 W. Fourth Plain Road.
What the business does: OnTrac is the leader in regional time-critical shipping and delivery of packages in the seven largest Western states, said Tony Franz, Vancouver general manager. The regional hub-and-spoke model of delivery gives OnTrac the ability to deliver packages faster and at a lower cost to customers than national shippers, Franz said.
Steps to build your business: Franz said OnTrac’s ability to combine later pickup times, lower fees and fewer surcharges with a pricing structure of up to 40 percent less than national carriers is what grows his business. OnTrac gives shippers the ability to save a transit day, providing a competitive advantage to shippers. OnTrac has invested thousands of dollars in their material handling to keep up with their rapid growth.
Greatest challenge: Franz said trying to keep up with the growing e-commerce market is the greatest challenge. He said the retail industry is shifting and more and more people are looking to buy online and in an effort to remain competitive, a lot of e-retailers have started to offer “free” shipping. Every company needs a way to gain an advantage, and they’re finding solutions in the time and money they save by shipping with a regional carrier.
What’s ahead: Franz wants to continue maintaining a reputation as a premier regional carrier focused on growth and service. Last year, in an effort to better serve customers, the company made investments into new facilities, implemented equipment upgrades and improved communication technology. OnTrac wants to continue doing that, Franz said.
