Penn Tank Lines strengthens safety with smarter procurement

Penn Tank Lines is a family-owned transportation company that has been providing medium and short-haul deliveries of hazardous materials for more than 50 years. With safety at the core of its mission, Penn Tank Lines is committed to delivering high-quality service while continuously improving its operations and maintaining strict cost controls.

As the company expanded its network of terminals and relied on decentralized purchasing across multiple locations, maintaining consistency became increasingly difficult. Individual locations purchased parts and services independently, resulting in inconsistent pricing, maverick buying, and limited visibility into procurement activity. Managing invoices from numerous vendors also created administrative complexity for the accounting team.

To support its long-term growth while maintaining its commitment to safety and operational excellence, Penn Tank Lines needed a procurement partner that could centralize purchasing, deliver consistent national account pricing, simplify invoice management, and continue introducing innovative programs that support its evolving business.

Penn Tank Lines partnered with Corcentric more than two decades ago to leverage the buying power and operational efficiencies available through the Fleet GPO program. By consolidating purchasing through Corcentric’s network of national account suppliers, Penn Tank Lines gained consistent pricing across its entire operation while reducing off-contract spending. Standardized purchasing guidelines ensure employees buy approved, high-quality products rather than lower-cost alternatives that may increase long-term operating expenses.

“We had a lot of maverick buying in the past that Corcentric has enabled us to centralize and keep in one spot, so we have consistency in the products and the pricing that we’re getting.“

– Steve McSherry, President and CEO, Penn Tank Lines

Corcentric also simplified Penn Tank Lines’ accounts payable process through its centralized invoicing platform. Procurement teams can review and approve invoices online while the accounting department accesses all purchasing activity through a single portal, improving visibility, and significantly reducing administrative effort.

The partnership extends beyond pricing and invoice management. Corcentric continues to introduce new supplier programs and technologies that align with Penn Tank Lines’ commitment to innovation and safety.

Penn Tank Lines also benefits from Corcentric’s collaborative approach to supplier management. In addition to dedicated Corcentric account support, the company has direct access to national account representatives, ensuring issues are resolved quickly and opportunities for continuous improvement are always available.

For more than 20 years, Corcentric has helped Penn Tank Lines improve procurement consistency, control costs, and streamline back-office operations while supporting the company’s mission to deliver hazardous materials safely and efficiently.

Today, Penn Tank Lines benefits from consistent national account pricing, centralized procurement, simplified invoice processing, and access to an expanding portfolio of supplier programs and technologies. The buying power available through Corcentric also extends to the company’s independent contractors, allowing them to take advantage of the same competitive pricing and nationwide supplier network.

As new technologies emerge, Penn Tank Lines continues to work with Corcentric to identify solutions that improve fleet safety, operational efficiency, and long-term profitability. The partnership has become a strategic component of the company’s commitment to pioneering safer transportation practices.

“The relationship with Corcentric and their vendors is a strategic one. Not only do we get a Corcentric advocate for us, but we can also work directly with the national account vendors. If we ever need help, Corcentric makes the relationship smooth.“

– Steve McSherry, President and CEO, Penn Tank Lines

Looking ahead, Penn Tank Lines plans to continue expanding its use of Corcentric’s programs and technologies as both organizations remain focused on driving safer operations, smarter purchasing decisions, and continuous innovation throughout the transportation industry.