Univar Solutions Emphasizes 'Shipper of Choice' Strategy in Chemical Logistics
In the competitive chemical logistics industry, Univar Solutions is prioritizing long-term carrier relationships to secure capacity and navigate market volatility. With a significant portion of its volume moving via liquid bulk hazmat trucks—expensive assets with limited availability—the company relies on strategic partnerships to maintain service reliability. Rob McCray, vice president of transportation at Univar, highlighted the importance of these 'shipper of choice' relationships during an annual carrier event in Chattanooga. The strategy involves investing heavily in face-to-face engagement and performance-based evaluations for carriers. As capacity tightens again after a few years of relative ease, rising tender rejection rates are becoming a concern. Univar has also adjusted its fuel surcharge policy based on feedback from these partnerships. McCray expects carrier-favorable conditions to continue through 2025 into early 2026 due to geopolitical uncertainty and high fuel prices.
Topics: carrier relationships hazmat transportation supply chain