If you think ice cream in August is challenging, try handling short-dated products with a 4°F temperature window. An example of TLC's expertise in distributing quick-turn, temperature- sensitive products, Yoplait yogurt now reaches the retail shelves in the eastern U.S. through the TLC supply chain.

Yoplait, USA, headquartered in Minneapolis, called on TLC several years ago to assist in post-production warehousing and consolidation of some 100 SKUs of the firm's growing line of fresh yogurt. Today, the Yoplait line has grown to more than 150 SKUs, while TLC performance has earned the company additional Yoplait business. TLC now provides truckload transportation of both Yoplait and Colombo products from production facilities in Michigan and Massachusetts to a central states TLC logistic center. TLC personnel on three shifts pick nearly 125,000 cases per day, seven days a week. TLC then provides consolidation and outbound transportation to many of the company's 200-plus customers east of the Mississippi.

The numbers are impressive: 40 or more loads every day, more than 100 inventory turns -- all with 99.992% unit selection accuracy. And all with the critical 34°F - 38°F temperature window, adhering to strict code date control.

So if you're up against critical distribution, chill out - and call TLC.