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Sub-Hauler Profile
Josè Castillo, Sunrise Logistics, Inc
 Josè Castillo, owner and operator of Sunrise Logistics, is a ten year veteran in the home delivery business. “I started as a driver, delivering for department stores,” he says, “then when the opportunity came along to buy my own truck, I took advantage of it.” Since he made that fateful decision in 2004, he has added eight more trucks to his fleet, and now employs eighteen people in his operation. Most of his expansion has occurred since he began contracting with DSI Delivery. Currently, his resources are primarily covering routes at both Ashley Furniture HomeStores in Colton and Living Spaces in La Mirada.
Castillo stresses that the key to success in his business is to have good relationships with all parties involved in the delivery process. “I make it a point to keep the lines of communication open between the client’s customers, my drivers and DSI management,” he says. “This keeps issues that might arise to a minimum. We can focus on our job, and the customers are happy.”
He handles the challenges of delivering bulky and often unwieldy items by using even more care than normal. “Hardwood floors can be a problem,” he notes, “because they scratch easily. When stairs are added to the mix, moving appliances such as refrigerators can be dangerous as well as very difficult.”
Technology, such as GPS and text messaging, maximizes delivery efficiency and reduces operational costs. However, Josè believes the best way to address the rising cost of fuel and maintenance is to take the best possible care of his equipment. He personally checks all of his trucks every two weeks, and makes certain that the vehicles are serviced every 4,000 miles to keep them in good running order. “If I hold up my end,” he says, “business is good for everyone - DSI, their clients, the customer, and me.”
Account Executive Karen Bustamante at Living Spaces calls Castillo a “great businessman.” “He is always prepared when volume increases, and we can count on him to be ready to add more trucks on demand. He works so well with our clients, they often ask for Josè by name. It’s a pleasure working with sub-hauler partners like him, who make my job much easier,” she adds.
Castillo is quick to return the compliment. “DSI works with the sub-haulers to solve problems. They listen to us and are open to ideas. It’s rewarding to do business with a company that respects the sub-haulers and gives them opportunities to grow.” Josè plans to continue expanding Sunrise Logistics as opportunities come his way.
His family, which includes his girls aged seven, six, and three, keep him busy when he’s not doing “Whatever It Takes,” to run his business. |
