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how the shift to RPCs would affect their receiving and handling processes.
Davis has since become an advocate for RPCs not only
for his own company and its supply chain partners but also
for the industry as a whole. He believes that this is one of
those issues where it makes sense for industry players to
work together. In recognition of his efforts to boost RPC
adoption, the Reusable Packaging Association presented
him with its Leadership Award in 2008.
Q What benefits have you seen from using RPCs?
A RPCs have provided a sustainable solution that has ensured the highest quality of perishables (fruits,
vegetables, and most recently, eggs) for our customers.
At the same time, the use of RPCs has reduced waste and
improved the efficiency of our fresh supply chain.
Q What advice would you give other companies thinking of transitioning to reusable shipping containers?
A First, identify the reason for reusables. Then, identify all participants of the supply chain and “walk through”
the entire process, which will reveal details of how reusables
can be helpful in all areas of the supply chain.
Q What keeps you interested in the supply chain man- agement profession?
A Supply chain management is not boring! As a matter of fact, it’s very intriguing to me, and I compare it to
working a puzzle. It takes many pieces fitting together to
achieve a beautiful finished picture. When all pieces of the
supply chain work together, the end result is a beautiful,
efficient business model.
Q What advice would you give someone just starting his or her career in supply chain management?
A If you like solving puzzles, then use the same mindset for supply chain projects, as there are many parts that
need to be “pieced” together in order to achieve the desired
outcome of increased efficiency.
Michael DelBovo began his career in logistics in 1985 with Schneider National and
has since held a variety of positions for
companies such as Dart Transit and C.H.
Robinson. Since 1997, he has been a part
of the leadership team at the logistics and
supply chain service provider Saddle Creek
Transportation Inc. Today, he serves as president of Saddle Creek Transportation, with
responsibility for Saddle Creek’s trucking
operations, logistics and brokerage company, and cross-dock centers located in nine facilities nationwide. He has also devoted considerable time and energy to
industry organizations such as the Council of Supply Chain
Management Professionals (CSCMP) and the Warehousing
Education and Research Council (WERC).
DelBovo recently achieved considerable acclaim for
spearheading a $25 million compressed natural gas (CNG)
project, which resulted in Saddle Creek’s adding over 100
tractor-trailers powered by CNG to its fleet.
A regular speaker on logistics practices and supply chain
management, DelBovo earned his bachelor’s degree from
Carroll University in Waukesha, Wis., and received his
M.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh.
Q What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishments to date?
A First is guiding Saddle Creek’s investment in com- pressed natural gas (CNG). As part of a cost-control
initiative back in 2009, we began exploring opportunities
involving alternative-fuel vehicles that would
dramatically reduce Saddle Creek’s carbon
emissions, stabilize fuel costs, and reduce our
reliance on foreign oil.
Convinced that CNG could help Saddle
Creek mitigate rising fuel costs while supporting the sustainability goals of our company and our customers, I became a passionate advocate for this exciting new technology. Our innovative fleet and operation
give Saddle Creek customers an eco-friendly
transportation solution, supporting their regional delivery
needs while helping to reduce their carbon footprint. Our
fleet has grown to over 150 trucks and has already traveled
more than 21 million miles on CNG—saving nearly a
pound of carbon for every mile when compared with the
older diesel trucks they replaced.
Second, I am very proud of being able to serve and grow
my team along with coaching many young leaders who are
entering the logistics field. Saddle Creek has been blessed
with tremendous growth over the 17 years that I have been
here, and I have had the opportunity to work with some of
the finest people in the industry.
Q What do you consider to be the biggest obstacles to greater supply chain optimization?
A While I strongly support simple government regula- tion to make sure we operate safely and fairly, the cost
and complexity of regulation continues to make supply
chain optimization a challenge for the industry. In addi-
Michael DelBovo
