Beverage Delivery Transformed Andrews Partners with Big Joe Forklifts to Revolutionize Efficiency
Big Joe Forklifts, a recognized leader in innovative material handling solutions, has teamed up with mega-distributor Andrews Distributing to introduce a groundbreaking pallet jack designed to streamline direct store deliveries. The collaboration has resulted in the development of the Big Joe LPT40 DSD (Direct Store Delivery) pallet truck, a machine engineered to drastically reduce delivery times while improving accuracy by checking in products by weight with an integrated scale. This new approach leverages cutting-edge technology to redefine how beverage companies execute deliveries during their busiest and most demanding periods.
The LPT40 DSD pallet truck integrates the expertise and operational know-how of leading distributors to ensure that orders are validated at the point of delivery. This shift from traditional manual counting to automated weight-based verification allows delivery teams to move faster, more efficiently, and with greater confidence in the accuracy of each order.
Transforming Delivery Operations
“We are thrilled to see this game-changing technology hitting the market,” said Dan Betz, Executive Vice President of Operations at Andrews Distributing. “Over the past year, we’ve tested the LPT40 DSD extensively, and the response from our customers has been overwhelmingly positive. They appreciate the streamlined check-in-by-weight process, which simplifies their receiving operations. Meanwhile, our delivery team enjoys faster stop times, reduced physical strain, and, frankly, they’re more than happy to let Big Joe do the heavy lifting.”
Beyond the obvious time savings, the LPT40 DSD addresses a long-standing challenge in the distribution industry: worker fatigue. By reducing the number of touchpoints required from delivery personnel, the new pallet truck minimizes repetitive strain and allows drivers to operate more efficiently over the course of a demanding delivery route. The compact design does not compromise power or runtime, ensuring that teams can rely on the LPT40 DSD for full-day operations without sacrificing performance.
“The LPT40 DSD is more than just a pallet truck—it’s a complete reimagining of beverage delivery,” said Martin Boyd, Chief Marketing Officer at Big Joe. “Historically, delivery teams have manually counted palletized products, a process prone to error and inefficiency. Our new model flips that script. By enabling deliveries by weight, we’ve achieved measurable gains in speed, accuracy, and overall operational efficiency. Coupled with its intuitive operation, compact footprint, and powerful lithium battery technology, the LPT40 DSD provides our customers with a smarter, more productive alternative to traditional pallet jacks.”
Innovative Integration with SlimSavr Pallets
The LPT40 DSD’s capabilities are further enhanced when paired with the specially designed SlimSavr pallet system, creating a seamless solution for both delivery drivers and receiving personnel. This integrated approach allows orders to be confirmed by weight rather than by hand, reducing the potential for human error and significantly cutting down the number of touchpoints required to complete a delivery. According to early trials, the combination of the LPT40 DSD and SlimSavr pallets has reduced delivery times by up to 43 percent, enabling drivers to complete more stops per route while ensuring retailers receive accurate shipments every time.
This speed and accuracy are especially valuable in high-volume convenience stores, where narrow aisles and limited space often complicate the delivery process. The LPT40 DSD’s compact size, combined with the SlimSavr pallets, allows delivery teams to maneuver efficiently from lift gate to store interior without disrupting business operations. Even while navigating tight spaces, the lift truck maintains a full 4,000 lb. lift capacity, demonstrating that efficiency does not come at the expense of power or performance.
A Commitment to Safer, Smarter Delivery
Big Joe’s Powering Progress™ philosophy drives the design of the LPT40 DSD. The company is committed to delivering electrification solutions that not only increase productivity but also prioritize worker safety and operational simplicity. The new pallet truck is equipped with features designed to minimize strain, prevent accidents, and optimize workflow, reflecting a holistic approach to modernizing delivery operations.
“Our mission with the LPT40 DSD was to create a solution that transforms the delivery experience from end to end,” Boyd added. “By focusing on speed, accuracy, and ease of use, we’ve developed a tool that empowers both the delivery team and the retailer, ensuring that everyone involved in the process benefits from smarter technology.”
Industry Reception and Future Outlook
The LPT40 DSD has already generated excitement in the distribution and beverage industries. In addition to Andrews Distributing’s internal testing, industry professionals are taking notice of the significant improvements in operational efficiency and worker well-being. Delivery teams report less physical fatigue, faster stop times, and a simplified workflow that allows them to focus on customer service rather than the mechanics of counting and verifying orders.
Retail partners also see benefits from the new system. With deliveries verified by weight, receiving areas can prepare for subsequent shipments sooner, reducing downtime and helping stores maintain continuous operations. This contributes to an overall improvement in the supply chain, benefiting the broader ecosystem of beverage distributors and retailers.
The LPT40 DSD is being showcased this week at the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) conference, where attendees can experience firsthand the capabilities of the new pallet truck. Big Joe representatives will demonstrate the seamless integration of the truck with SlimSavr pallets and highlight the benefits of weight-based verification for modern distribution networks.
