From bolstering essential manufacturing during World War II to servicing international freight and transit railways today, NSH USA is at the forefront of railway wheel set maintenance and machine tool manufacturing. At its facility in Albany, New York it supports major players in the railway, automotive, and aerospace industries.
The massive equipment pieces produced by NSH USA aren’t something that can arrive whenever – the rail economy has demanding timelines, and a train that’s put out of service due to missing maintenance equipment can snarl an entire region. NSH USA works with Shaker to manage their critical shipping needs, and we sat down with the team there to discuss what makes for smooth logistics in a fast-paced industry.
NSH USA
NSH USA manufactures automated machines that perform train wheel set maintenance, which is essential for equipment longevity and operational safety for rail companies across North America.
“If you are at a rail crossing watching the train go by anywhere in the US or Canada, there’s a 95% chance that those train wheels came into contact with our equipment, made right here in Upstate New York,” said Jason Murphy, Machine Sales & Marketing Specialist at NSH USA.
It takes high-quality logistics services and a dedicated team to keep NSH USA’s operations chugging along like a well-oiled machine.
Logistics Must-Haves for NSH USA
Full Steam Ahead with Rapid Logistics Solutions
NSH USA’s clients are pillars of the North American economy, and a downed machine can throw off rail maintenance schedules. Fast, on-demand freight shipping to support smooth rail operations is non-negotiable.
“If trains aren’t running, people and goods can’t get to where they need to be. This is an industry where everything we ship needs to be there by yesterday,” said Jason.
Line-down scenarios can happen at any time, so the NSH USA team doesn’t always have the luxury to build a predictable transportation plan. Kimberly Pufky, Logistics & Inventory Manager at NSH USA, emphasized that juggling various moving pieces is just part of the job:
“We’re constantly pushing to meet production deadlines, managing lead times for raw materials, and delivering just-in-time service for our clients. We need a logistics provider that can keep up.”
Shaker keeps pace with NSH USA’s needs by providing rapid solutions and problem-solving when external complications arise.
When a client’s machine goes down, repair parts need to arrive ASAP to avoid disrupting rail transit. These repair parts can range from a small component, easily shipped via LTL, to entire machine segments that need to move with “hotshot” setups.
Hotshot flatbeds are open-deck trailers pulled by medium-duty vehicles, usually a commercial pickup truck. Smaller than a full commercial tractor, hotshots can travel at a faster clip to make urgent deliveries.
That’s exactly what NSH USA asked Shaker for when they needed to move an industrial turntable from a Canadian client’s facility back to the NSH USA facility in New York. Shaker’s team immediately secured an option with one of our Canadian hotshot carrier partners, ready to pick up the next day.
When the driver got held up at the Canadian border overnight due to a customs broker error, we worked with the customs broker to push them for a fast resolution. The next day, the driver was able to cross the border and made the delivery to NSH USA before the end of the day.
“We only trust Shaker with these hotshot deliveries, because we know they do the job right when time is of the essence,” said Kimberly.
Several Freight Modes, One Dedicated Team
While some of NSH USA’s shipments are urgent repair parts, others are automated wheel shops shipped on multiple truckloads to be set up at client facilities. With a distinctive mix of freight and clients across North America, NSH USA’s transportation needs change every day.
“I’ve booked an LTL move, a full truckload, and a flatbed all in one morning,” said Kimberly. “We don’t have steady lanes because our customers need us everywhere. Some of our freight requires oversized permits or specialized trailers. It’s a lot to keep track of.”
When logistics needs are this varied, it’s essential to have a partner that can offer solutions for every need. NSH USA partners with Shaker for several kinds of moves, from regular LTL shipments, to urgent flatbed hotshot moves, to complex trade show booth deliveries that need hands-on attention from start to finish.
No matter the logistics need, the same dedicated team at Shaker is ready to assist, and after years of partnership, we’re familiar with the NSH USA team’s needs and preferences on every load.
Staying On Track with Communication
“My job requires me to be all over the place, all day long,” said Kimberly. “I don’t have time to call and ask for an ETA on a shipment; I expect that communication to come to me without asking for it.”
Communication reduces workloads for shipping teams, but it’s also essential for smooth transportation, reducing potential delays and detention charges if a driver must wait at a loading dock.
When NSH USA used Shaker for a roundtrip move of some oversized rail equipment, our team provided regular updates on the driver’s location, mileage from the pickup / delivery sites, and ETA to ensure that the NSH USA team and their clients were prepared to receive the driver for efficient turnaround. We also shared photos of the loaded cargo for proof that it was properly secured and ready to roll.
“We use Shaker because of their communication, and we’ve built a strong relationship over the years. They pay attention and provide us with what we need before we ask. It makes my day, and my life, a lot easier,” said Kimberly.
Partnership Boosts Forward Momentum
NSH USA continues to grow and has just put finishing touches on a brand new 18,000 square foot assembly space in Menands, NY.
“The demand is strong enough that we had to expand, and this will mean more machines going out the door, and a higher level of service that we can provide to our clients,” said Jason.
Shaker looks forward to supporting NSH USA’s growth as they continue to support North America’s vital transportation network. Reach out to Shaker today for dedicated logistics support that will move you ahead of the competition.