Powering Innovation and Efficiency in Energy Logistics

One of the world’s largest electric utilities holding companies is leading the way in clean energy thanks in part to their efficient supply chain operations. Serving an estimated 10 million people through its various subsidiaries, nearly half of the company’s generating capacity comes from renewable sources like wind, solar, and nuclear energy, positioning them as a key player in the global shift toward sustainable power.

Given the scale and diversity of its operations—from installing new solar fields and building wind farms to maintaining nuclear plants and responding swiftly to emergency power outages—managing logistics efficiently is essential. For over 12 years, C.H. Robinson has been a trusted provider to the company, enhancing visibility, reporting, and supply chain management across the holding company’s extensive network.

Here’s how the logistics leader supported the company to drive continuous improvement.

Challenge: Navigating supply chain complexity

With a decentralized structure and over 350 unique billing codes across multiple entities and operational locations—many of which are outside traditional warehouse and dock setups—the utility company’s logistics demands are as varied as its operations.

Whether it's deploying flatbeds and less than truckload (LTL) shipments for project moves, coordinating dry van freight for solar module deliveries, or arranging specialized transport for heavy equipment, the company’s logistics strategy must be flexible enough to meet the demands of each location and situation.

C.H. Robinson implemented several improvements to overcome the company’s complex logistics challenges.

Multifaceted, tailored solutions help ensure reliability

C.H. Robinson started the relationship by embedding an onsite logistics expert within the company. This resource offers unmatched expertise and valuable insights into how logistics can enhance utility operations, boost customer experiences, and help achieve the company’s goals.

C.H. Robinson also established a centralized team to ensure all stakeholders across the company’s operations were aligned and well-informed. The team’s proactive approach focuses on planning activities, supporting personnel, and staging capacity. Because these efforts are made in advance, response times in critical situations are shorter.

By integrating advanced technology solutions, including automation for order processing, EDI and API mapping, and real-time tracking alerts through Navisphere^®, C.H. Robinson provides proactive insights using the company’s actual shipping information, like on-time percentage, response time, and spend versus volume. Armed with these details, the company can make smarter decisions based on real data.

Emergency response execution

Shortly after the relationship began, an unplanned nuclear power plant outage put the C.H. Robinson team’s capabilities to the test. They responded quickly, which allowed the company to bring the plant back online in under 24 hours. This success solidified the relationship, positioning C.H. Robinson as the "easy button" for both future emergencies and planned outages.

Project logistics execution

C.H. Robinson designed custom logistics solutions for the company’s renewable energy battery storage project. The move included transporting over 400 battery energy storage system (BESS) units, each weighing 36 metric tons.

The project, which took place over eight months during their peak shipping season, involved a variety of services, including ocean, customs brokerage, overweight drayage, and offload handling. C.H. Robinson coordinated the transportation, storage, and delivery of units across multiple project locations, utilizing 50 specialized tractors and trailers to ensure timely execution.

Flatbed/LTL execution

To support the logistics needs for the company’s wind and solar fields, C.H. Robinson manages 8,500 LTL shipments and 14,000 truckload shipments annually, providing reliable execution, scalability, and capacity to meet the company’s inconsistent and highly variable demand patterns.

Results: An efficient supply chain built on trust

The collaboration between the electric utility holding company and C.H. Robinson has yielded significant results, underscoring the importance of continuous improvement initiatives.

By focusing on continuous improvement and aligning logistics strategies with the company’s operational needs, C.H. Robinson has helped streamline supply chain processes, achieve significant cost savings, and emphasize safety across projects. Performance is regularly assessed using scorecards that track key metrics, leading to ongoing enhancements in service delivery.

Key results

• Over $4 million in savings from supply chain optimization efforts over the last five years.
• 98% on-time delivery rate for expedited shipments ensuring timely and reliable delivery, even in high-pressure situations.
• Safe and efficient logistics operations through alignment of safety goals and culture.
• Reliable execution of 8,500 LTL shipments and 14,000 truckload shipments annually, meeting the company’s variable demand patterns.

With over a decade of successful collaboration, C.H. Robinson remains a trusted provider, poised to support the company’s continued growth and innovation in the clean energy sector. Together, they are driving the future of energy logistics forward, setting new standards for reliability, efficiency, and safety in the industry.