Heineken USA Picks Coyote Logistics to Manage Freight From Six Locations

Heineken USA said it has chosen Coyote Logistics LLC to manage outbound shipments of three popular brands from the Dutch brewer’s distribution centers.

The contract covers shipments of Heineken, Heineken Light and Amstel Light shipped to retailers from six locations, Heineken said Feb. 3. The value and length of the agreement with Coyote, Lake Forest, Ill., were not disclosed.

In a statement from its U.S. office in White Plains, N.Y., Heineken said its selection of Coyote followed a strategic review of forwarding options.

“Our supply chain has been a competitive advantage for us,” said Dan Sullivan, chief financial and operating officer of Heineken USA. He praised Coyote’s leadership and executional excellence.

“We believe this decision further demonstrates our commitment to continued improvement,” Sullivan said. “By leveraging our scale and consolidating efforts, we will gain efficiencies while maintaining our superior service levels for our distributor partners.”

As a result of increased supply-chain efficiency improvements, Heineken has cut lead time from the brewery to store shelves to just seven days. The order fulfillment took 10 weeks in 1996, the company said.

“We are thrilled to have been awarded this opportunity and to work with an iconic portfolio of brands,” said Jeffrey Silver, chief executive officer of Coyote Logistics. “The cooperation and creativity of the Heineken USA team has inspired us to advance a solution that will help us to maintain and potentially increase service levels while driving efficiencies throughout their supply chain.”

Heineken USA said it would continue working with other transport and distribution companies, such as Satellite Logistics Group, ASA Apple and Maersk, to manage drayage and warehousing services at those distribution centers.