In the consumer packaged goods industry, brand reputation depends not only on product quality, but also on precise, dependable logistics execution. For manufacturers supporting trade shows, retail partnerships and seasonal demand spikes, transportation inefficiencies can quickly impact margins and customer relationships.
Maggie Lyon Chocolatiers, a premium gourmet confectionery manufacturer based outside Atlanta, Georgia, has built its brand on craftsmanship, quality ingredients and exceptional presentation. Founded in 1981, the company has grown from a regional chocolatier into a nationally recognized brand serving high-end retailers and specialty markets.
As production expanded and customer expectations increased, transportation complexity followed. Trade show shipments, time-sensitive deliveries and specialized freight requirements created mounting pressure on internal teams.
To maintain its high standards while supporting continued growth, Maggie Lyon required a more strategic and scalable freight solution.
As the company expanded its production capacity and retail footprint, freight execution was becoming increasingly difficult to manage, especially for trade shows and high-visibility shipments.
Unlike standard consumer packaged goods distribution, Maggie Lyon’s freight required tight coordination, precision timing and cost control, all while protecting premium product quality.
With the increase in volumes, the team faced growing operational challenges, including:
- High transportation costs caused by inefficient routing and specialized shipment needs;
- Limited shipment visibility, requiring manual follow-up to confirm status and delivery timing;
- Frequent expedited freight to meet fixed trade show and expo deadlines;
- Last-minute shipping adjustments that created internal strain and reactive decision-making, and
- Time-sensitive event deliveries where missed windows directly impacted sales and brand presence
These challenges directly affected cost control, internal efficiency and the ability to execute flawlessly at retail events and expos.
Maggie Lyon partnered with PLS Logistics Services, a provider of third-party logistics and freight-brokerage, to reduce transportation costs, improve visibility, and ensure flawless execution for time-sensitive shipments.
By optimizing shipping processes and drawing on PLS’s nationwide carrier network, the vendor was able to delivery measurable efficiency and cost control. while maintaining the premium service that Maggie Lyon required.
Maggie Lyon says it realized multiple operational advantages from its engagement with PLS, including the following:
Optimization of routing strategies. Maggie Lyon reduced transportation costs and minimized reliance on expensive specialized equipment.
Access to a 60,000+ carrier network. The company secured cost-effective capacity while maintaining service quality.
Implementation of a real-time shipment portal. PLS provided end-to-end visibility from pickup through delivery.
Proactive issue resolution. Maggie Lyon was able to realize early identification of delays before they impacted customers or event deadlines.
Use of appointment scheduling for trade shows and expos. PLS helped the company to coordinate strict pickup and delivery windows for high-visibility, time-sensitive freight.
Flexible last-minute accommodations, supporting urgent shipment changes without operational disruption.
In partnering with PLS, Maggie Lyon says, it achieved “clear dollar savings through optimized routing and strategic carrier selection, reducing unnecessary spend on specialized equipment and costly inefficiencies.”
With real-time shipment visibility and structured appointment scheduling, Maggie Lyon minimized expedited fees, avoided missed trade show deadlines, and prevented revenue risk. Key benefits included:
- Lower transportation spend through smarter routing and cost effective carrier utilization;
- Reduced expedited and emergency costs by proactively managing time sensitive shipments;
- Greater financial predictability with improved visibility and controlled freight execution;
- Improved on-time performance for trade shows, retail events, and high visibility shipments, and
- Reduced operational stress with proactive issue resolution and structured scheduling.
Resource Links:
Maggie Lyon Chocolatiers: https://www.maggielyon.com/
PLS Logistics Services: https://www.plslogistics.com/
