How Blue Bird Bus saved more than $3 million with Uber Freight’s supply chain insights
Company snapshot
Profile
Industry: Automotive manufacturing
Size: 1,830 employees
Headquarters: Fort Valley, Georgia
Overview
Since 1927, Blue Bird Body Company has manufactured school buses with a commitment to innovative design and passenger safety. The Georgia-based automotive manufacturer has an extensive network of dealers and parts and service facilities across North America, with a global presence in more than 60 countries and more than 1,500 employees.
Opportunity
Seeking visibility and cost savings
As one of the three major school bus providers that contracts with the federal government, Blue Bird manufactures more than 9,000 buses annually, and is increasing production year-over-year. With their just-in-time model, they needed better inbound shipment visibility and pricing transparency, especially for shuttle services between Blue Bird’s two main production and warehousing facilities in Georgia.
Prior to working with Uber Freight, Blue Bird too often felt in the dark about their operations. Consolidated invoices lacked load-level pricing, which left them feeling like they were being overcharged.
Frustrated and looking for cost savings, Blue Bird also sought a logistics partner that could support their plans for growth, particularly as they explored new fulfillment opportunities in the public bus and electric vehicle sectors. “Being in the auto industry, we’re definitely just-in-time, and it’s critical that we get our loads in on time,” explains Todd Holland, Logistics Manager for Blue Bird Body Company.
Solution
End-to-end transportation management
“Before, I didn’t have access to my data and now I have access and visibility to the information I need,” Holland says. “Any reports I want to see, I’m able to get those quickly. If there’s anything I can’t find, my operations team jumps right in and gets those to me. They’re always in the weeds every day, getting our loads to execute.”
“Before, I didn’t have access to my data and now I have access and visibility to the information I need”
With this holistic approach, Blue Bird can ensure materials arrive on time, keeping production lines moving and avoiding delays — which can be particularly costly in the automotive sector. Uber Freight helped Blue Bird take control of their entire supply chain, including Ocean and Air freight.
Results
Saving money while building for the future
In 2024, Blue Bird surpassed their own savings goals by 110%—their goal was to save $2.88 million and they achieved more than $3 million in total savings last year. By leveraging Uber Freight’s existing business relationships, they also optimized their shuttle services, securing a dedicated fleet to move materials efficiently between their Georgia locations.
Seeing consistent value year after year, Blue Bird recently extended their partnership with Uber Freight, knowing they had found the expert logistics provider they needed. The collaboration is a high-touch partnership built on transparency, featuring detailed metrics reports, quarterly business reviews, and open, honest communication.
For Blue Bird, Uber Freight’s combination of powerful tools, expert resources, and a dedicated team delivered immediate savings while helping position the company for long-term success.