The GKM WI Platform

About The GKM WI Platform

When research began for the WI TEU Platform in 2014, Fred Monique from Advance in Green Bay, provided two documents. The Brown County White Paper and Research, authored by, CFIRE, University of Wisconsin Madison. GKM WI also gathered data and created a series of inter-woven Silos that if successful, could provide short and long-term solutions for TEU Intermodal services to and from Chicago. In 2015, the WI Platform was written and received copyrights from the US Trademark Office. On October 16, 2015, GKM WI conducted the first pilot in Illinois and as of August 2023, the following has occurred with the WI Circuitous Platform.

1. It should be noted that retention by users of the WI Platform is 100%. From 2013- 2023, GKM WI management analyzed 10 years of linear and non-linear data, to integrate the final piece of the Schematic Design’s Circuitous Flow Model. With results for Imports quantified, attention turned to using the same model for companies that export. Key outcomes include but aren’t limited to; elimination of Chassis Split, Pre-Pull, Drop, Overweight, Storage, Limited Access, Additional Drop, and TEU Termination (Demurrage) fees, and inventory management.
2. Importers receive product on pallets per their specifications and configurations. When Midwest trailers arrive, product is off-loaded and ready to be placed in inventory placement.
3. Exporters have the same advantage. Product is loaded on pallets and transported to the GKM WI International TEU Center in Joliet for processing, transfer to container and transported to the rail port.
4. Exporters can request Midwest Carriers to drop equipment for loading.
5. Intermode-Direct^© officially launched on January 1, 2024.
6. In addition to designated equipment for Intermode-Direct©, the model also has a new service process center in Fox Valley to integrate with the International TEU Process Center in Joliet, IL. In the Spring of 2023, Midwest Carriers, Kaukauna, broke ground on a multi-purpose warehouse campus a few miles south of Kaukauna. The facility will open in April 2024.
7. What does this mean? The GKM WI Circuitous TEU Platform, provides a sustainable solution for companies in Wisconsin that import and export products.

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Hear From Our Platform Users

“Vollrath was struggling to find the right dedicated fleet provider that fit our needs while providing enough flexibility and accountability to meet budget and performance metrics. GKM was able to assess our needs, identify a provider, and walk through contract negotiations to set us on the right course for a successful partnership. What stood out the most during our process was GKM’s commitment to meet our needs and protect Vollrath by recognizing and lowering our risks. With their help we were able to select our first dedicated partner and implement the solution without any interruption to our operations. GKM’s support with contract negotiations took a 40 plus page contract with plenty of fine print and turned it into just a few pages of simple language that brought transparency and gave everyone something to execute against.

Since implementation, we have experienced continued support from GKM to hold the dedicated provider accountable to the commitments made. We are three years into our contract and looking forward to an upcoming renewal supported by GKM. The dedicated service provider has far outperformed our previous in-house solution. What used to be a high workload with continual concerns is now a high performing part of our organization without issue. We have predictable costs and predictable service levels.”

Ben Andrews
Director Trade Compliance, Logistics, and Transportation
The Vollrath Company, LLC

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GKM WI Platform History

In 2015, the first Information Session was held in Green Bay, and On July 3, 2015, the first of 6 onboards to the WI Platform were completed. As of January 2024, the WI Platform has 100% user retention. Why? The WI Platform is sustainable and creates value for users by increasing visibility.

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GKM WI introduces and integrates a dedicated fleet for WI Platform Client, Vollrath, Sheboygan, WI

Measurables:

1. More efficient and cost-effective than a National Dedicated Service provider that submitted a contract over a year before GKM suggested reviewing options, designed specifically for Vollrath.
2. Keys included: Cancellation of all equipment leases. Most were assumed or terminated by the Carrier GKM assigned.
3. Number of pages in contract from National Company was significantly reduced and terms aren’t restrictive, numerous or challenging to interpret.
4. GKM WI used analytics and developed models to determine how to maximize flow-principles and eliminate barriers to success.
5. If you have a fleet and want to exit from trucking DOT regulations and terminate tractor and trailer leases, visit our contact page for more information.

After months of constructing a model that would meet execution and operation deliverables and allow Vollrath to eliminate their private fleet; on June 5, 2023, the program went live. GKM WI and Midwest Carriers (Chief Operations Control “COC” management team for the WI Platform) services GKM WI’s International TEU process facility at Touchpoint Warehouse.

Intermodal ramps may not be returning to Wisconsin in the near future, but GKM WI Intermode-Direct could be the solution exporters have sought for years (importers have used the WI Platform since 2015). Eliminate floor loading containers and draying them to rail centers in the Chicago Metro Area. How, Intemode-Direct. 53′ trailers are dropped at your dock. Products can be pulled from stock but remain on pallets. Trailers are transported to the International TEU Center located in Joliet, IL for processing. Platform users eliminate draying 20′ or 40′ containers to and from Wisconsin, traffic congestion around Railroads in the Chicago Metro area, and fees associated with processing delays. 

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