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SUCCESS STORY: MANUFACTURING

Delivering Under Pressure: How Badger Logistics Keeps Watertronics’ Complex Shipments Moving

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Key takeaways

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Fall River Express LLC, Badger Logistics’s Brokerage arm, provides reliable shipping of Watertronics’ high-value industrial equipment requiring specialized handling and $250,000+ cargo insurance coverage.
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We manage, on average, 3–5 shipments per week, coordinating deliveries with Watertronics’ sales and production teams, rental cranes, installation crews, and carriers across North America.
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We’ve built a dedicated network of trusted carriers specifically equipped for Watertronics’ unique needs.

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We consistently meet demanding same-day pickup and next-day delivery requirements, preventing potentially thousands of dollars in installation crew delays.
Watertronics Case Study Cover

Background

Watertronics manufactures custom water pump systems and related equipment for various customers, including golf courses, landscape, agricultural, and commercial properties. Its products are specialized industrial water equipment, often valued between $250,000 and $1,000,000 per system, and require careful handling during transport. Each unit is custom-manufactured to its customers’ specifications, creating unique shipping requirements with demanding timelines few carriers can or are willing to accommodate.

After reconnecting with an industry contact who had recently joined the Watertronics team, we saw an opportunity to provide better service at more competitive rates than they were getting from existing carriers. Since beginning a logistics engagement, we’ve become a go-to shipping partner for delivering Watertronics’ freight to customers nationwide.

The Challenge

Watertronics faces several complex shipping challenges that require specialized logistics solutions:
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Same-day shipping:
Watertronics often requires transport arranged within hours due to its tight production schedules. This leaves little lead time for logistics planning. Many logistics companies simply can’t or won’t work on these timelines.
Specialized transport requirements:
The company’s custom product requires protection from the weather during transport, requiring Conestoga trailers rather than standard flatbeds with tarps—and carriers with $250,000+ cargo insurance, which far exceeds industry norms. Many carriers simply won’t touch such high-value freight.
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Delivery coordination with cranes and crews:
Shipments must be precisely timed with crane services and installation crews at delivery sites like golf courses and hotels, many of which lack loading docks or material handling equipment. Delays can incur thousands of dollars in crane rental fees and idle labor costs.
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High-stakes freight:
As the sole manufacturer of their custom products, the company can’t simply source replacement parts from alternative suppliers if shipping damage occurs. This makes the safe, careful transport of their equipment even more critical from an insurance standpoint.
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Coordination with various points of contact:
Coordinating among nationwide sales teams, site-specific contacts, and receivers not used to handling industrial shipments adds layers of complexity to every delivery.

When you’re delivering to sites where install crews are waiting for the truck, even a short delay can lead to thousands in penalties. We need carriers who can perform reliably and communicate proactively to mitigate these risks. This isn’t just moving freight—it’s orchestrating a complex operation.

Drew-Kirkman
Drew Kirkman

Director of Brokerage Operations
Badger Logistics

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Badger Logistics’ Solution

We crafted a tailored approach to meet Watertronics’ unique logistics needs centering on three core components:

Here’s how Badger tackled each problem:

A specialized carrier network Coordination system Hands-on account management

A specialized carrier network

  • We curated a network of carriers specifically equipped to handle Watertronics’ high-value equipment, using Conestoga and other specialized trailers—and maintaining cargo insurance of at least $250,000 per full truckload shipment.
  • To guarantee reliable service, we implemented stringent vetting processes, including reviewing safety scores, operating histories, and experience levels with each carrier we source. By maintaining high standards, we developed a trusted network capable of meeting Watertronics’ specialized shipping requirements.
  • When traditional LTL carriers reject smaller shipments, we step in with flexible solutions using flatbed hotshots, Sprinter vans, or straight box trucks. This means faster transit times and minimal handling—and it ensures that even partial shipments arrive safely and efficiently.

Coordination system

  • We established a detailed communication framework to connect Watertronics’ sales teams, delivery site contacts, and crane services, ensuring every step of the delivery process is synchronized.
  • For deliveries to sites without proper receiving facilities, such as golf courses, hotels, and commercial developments, we coordinate with crane companies and provide detailed guidance to drivers about site requirements and special handling needs.
  • In one recent shipment, we successfully managed a complex 12-pump project requiring pickups and deliveries across multiple states. This effort involved meticulous coordination, tracking both delivered new equipment and returned old pumps at each stop.

Hands-on account management

  • Instead of relying on automated tracking systems, we provide dedicated, hands-on account management throughout the shipping process. Our account managers maintain direct communication with all stakeholders, from pickup through delivery.
  • When rush shipments come in—sometimes with same-day or next-day pickup needs—we can quickly mobilize appropriate carriers. We maintain regular morning check-in calls with Watertronics to stay on top of shipment status and upcoming needs.
  • This personal approach allows us to quickly address any potential delays or issues before they impact installation schedules or cause costly delays with crane services.

Results

Badger Logistics’ tailored approach significantly improved Watertronics’ logistics performance, delivering measurable results:

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Reliability across borders

We manage 3–5 weekly shipments across North America and into Canada, making sure each delivery is on time and free from damage. Our logistics management also extends to international shipments handled through freight forwarders.

Enhanced customer service

The sales team particularly values our proactive communication style. By keeping all parties informed about shipment status and potential issues, we help them maintain strong relationships with their customers. Watertronics has reported that this has contributed directly to their ability to grow sales.

Consistent success under pressure

We’ve maintained an excellent track record of on-time delivery despite the challenging nature of the shipments. A recent example: Despite having to wait for crane maintenance at pickup and only getting loaded at 11 AM, our carrier still made an 8 AM delivery in Virginia the next morning—meeting a critical installation timeline.

Since we’ve been with Badger, logistics is one less thing I have to worry about. The work they do behind the scenes, communicating with sites to ensure smooth delivery experiences, really is invaluable and unmatched. When they say they’ll have a truck there at 7 AM, you can count on it being there at 7 AM —and in this industry, that reliability is worth its weight in gold.

Paul Oberg
Paul Oberg

Production Manager
Watertronics

Future Outlook

Badger Logistics continues to strengthen its partnership with Watertronics by:

  • Refining its carrier network to meet the growing demand for high-value, complex shipments
  • Expanding its expertise in custom industrial equipment logistics, enabling faster, more reliable solutions for similar manufacturers
  • Maintaining its hands-on approach, reinforcing trust, and delivering exceptional service

The relationship exemplifies our approach to complex logistics challenges: combining deep industry experience with personal attention and proactive communication. While this high-touch approach requires more effort than automated systems, the results speak for themselves in customer satisfaction and reliable deliveries.

Get a logistics partner who understands specialized industrial equipment shipping

Access our integrated logistics network designed for high-value industrial machinery transport. Our combination of specialized carriers, coordinated delivery management, and dedicated support ensures your complex shipments arrive safely and on schedule. With Badger Logistics, you get more than a service provider—you get a partner who understands the critical nature of industrial equipment delivery and provides solutions tailored to your exact specifications.

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High-value shipment expertise

Specialized handling and enhanced cargo insurance coverage, with carriers experienced in industrial equipment transport

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Complex delivery coordination

Seamless coordination of points of contact for installation crews and specialized equipment at delivery sites, preventing costly delays and penalties

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Fast, responsive service

Proven ability to arrange specialized transport with minimal notice, maintaining your production and delivery schedules

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End-to-end freight protection

From Conestoga trailers for weather protection to experienced drivers who understand proper handling of sensitive equipment

Asset-Based Trucking Specialized Warehousing Freight Brokerage Value-Added Services

Asset-Based Trucking

  • Full truckload (FTL) and partial options
  • Fleet of 53’ dry van trailers for versatile shipping
  • Local, regional, and long-haul services to cover all your distribution needs
  • Flexibility to handle seasonal volume changes

Specialized Warehousing

  • Over 210,000 square feet of FDA-registered storage space
  • Food-grade certified for packaging materials
  • State-of-the-art inventory management system
  • 27 dock doors for efficient loading and unloading
  • Short-term and long-term storage options

Freight Brokerage

  • Access to 15,000+ vetted carriers for additional capacity when needed
  • Specialized equipment sourcing for unique shipments
  • Intermodal options for cost-effective long-distance transport

Value-Added Services

  • Consolidation services to optimize shipments
  • Distribution and order fulfillment capabilities
  • In-warehouse loading and unloading of flatbeds
  • Integration with your existing processes for seamless operations

About Badger Logistics

Badger Logistics is a full-service transportation logistics provider combining asset-based trucking, brokerage, warehousing, and vehicle maintenance services. Join hundreds of shippers solving their complex logistics challenges with one call. Since 1993, Badger Logistics has been delivering customer-focused trucking services to shippers large and small. Managed by a team of experienced transportation and safety professionals, our fleet and brokerage provides local, regional and long-haul full truckload (FTL) and partial shipment services. We’re strategically located between Madison and Milwaukee in southeastern Wisconsin and less than 200 miles north of Chicago.

Badger Express

Asset-Based Trucking

Our fleet provides local, regional, and long-haul services across the 48 contiguous states.

Fall River Express

Freight Brokerage

Access our network of 15,000+ vetted carriers for diverse shipping needs.

Badger Warehouse

Warehousing and Distribution

Over 210,000 square feet of food-grade storage in South Central Wisconsin.

Badger Truck Services

Fleet and Vehicle Maintenance

Comprehensive truck, trailer, and automotive repair services.

Contact us to get a competitive rate quote.

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