Diversified Transfer and Storage: Services, Locations, and Alternatives

Explore comprehensive logistics solutions from Diversified Transfer & Storage Inc., including warehousing, transportation services, and strategic alternatives for supply chain optimization.

By UNITECARGO Team • August 18, 2025 • 8 min read

How do regional logistics providers maintain competitive advantages in an industry dominated by national giants? Diversified Transfer and Storage Inc. (DTS) exemplifies the strategic positioning that enables mid-sized logistics companies to thrive through specialized services and regional expertise. Operating from strategic locations including their flagship facility in Billings, Montana, DTS has carved out a significant niche in the Northwestern United States logistics market.^[1] As the logistics industry experiences unprecedented growth with the U.S. third-party logistics market projected to reach $451.3 billion by 2030 at a 9.2% CAGR, understanding how companies like DTS differentiate themselves becomes crucial for shippers seeking reliable regional partners.^[2] This comprehensive analysis examines DTS's service portfolio, geographic footprint, pricing strategies, and positions them against both regional competitors and national alternatives, providing essential insights for businesses evaluating logistics partnerships in 2025.

Company Overview and Market Position

Diversified Transfer and Storage Inc. has established itself as a prominent regional logistics provider in the Northwestern United States, with particular strength in Montana, Wyoming, and surrounding states. Founded with a focus on bridging the gap between local expertise and comprehensive logistics capabilities, DTS operates from multiple strategic locations with their primary hub in Billings, Montana—a critical distribution point connecting major Western markets.^[3] The company's evolution reflects broader industry trends, as regional logistics providers increasingly adopt technology and expand service offerings to compete with national carriers while maintaining the personalized service that defines their value proposition.

The company's market positioning leverages Montana's strategic location as a transportation crossroads, with Billings serving as a vital link between Pacific Northwest ports, Rocky Mountain markets, and Midwest distribution centers. This geographic advantage enables DTS to offer competitive transit times and costs for both regional and cross-country shipments. Industry analysis shows that the U.S. 3PL market generated net revenues of $129 billion in 2023, with regional providers capturing significant market share through specialized services and last-mile delivery where local knowledge provides competitive advantages.^[4]

DTS's business model emphasizes flexibility and customization, allowing them to serve diverse industries including energy, agriculture, retail, and manufacturing. This diversification strategy has proven particularly valuable during economic fluctuations, as demonstrated by the logistics industry's resilience during recent supply chain disruptions. The company maintains certifications including DOT compliance, hazmat handling capabilities, and temperature-controlled transportation authorizations, positioning them to handle specialized cargo that larger carriers might find unprofitable on regional routes.^[5]

Comprehensive Service Portfolio

Diversified Transfer and Storage offers an integrated suite of logistics services designed to provide end-to-end supply chain solutions. Their warehousing and distribution services form the backbone of their operations, with facilities offering over 500,000 square feet of combined storage space across multiple locations. These facilities feature modern warehouse management systems (WMS) enabling real-time inventory tracking, cross-docking capabilities, and value-added services including pick-and-pack, kitting, and light assembly operations.^[6] The warehousing division maintains both ambient and temperature-controlled environments, accommodating everything from raw materials to finished goods requiring specific storage conditions.

Transportation services represent another core competency, with DTS operating a mixed fleet strategy combining owned assets and strategic carrier partnerships. Their transportation offerings include:

• Full Truckload (FTL) Services: Dedicated trucks for large shipments with expedited and standard delivery options across their service territory
• Less Than Truckload (LTL) Consolidation: Cost-effective solutions for smaller shipments through consolidated routing and partnerships with national LTL carriers
• Intermodal Transportation: Rail and truck combinations leveraging BNSF and Union Pacific connections through Montana's rail infrastructure
• Specialized Equipment: Flatbed, refrigerated, and oversized load capabilities for diverse cargo requirements
• Last-Mile Delivery: White-glove delivery services for residential and commercial destinations with appointment scheduling and inside delivery options

The company's freight management services utilize advanced Transportation Management System (TMS) technology to optimize routing, provide shipment visibility, and manage carrier relationships. This technology integration enables DTS to offer competitive rates through load consolidation and backhaul optimization, with the global transportation and logistics industry projected to reach $18.69 billion by 2026.^[7] Their customer portal provides 24/7 access to shipment tracking, documentation, and reporting tools, matching capabilities typically associated with larger logistics providers.

Value-added services distinguish DTS from basic transportation providers, including customs brokerage for Canadian cross-border shipments, freight bill auditing and payment services, supply chain consulting, and emergency logistics support for time-critical shipments. These services particularly benefit small to medium-sized businesses lacking internal logistics expertise, with DTS essentially functioning as an outsourced logistics department for many regional companies.^[8]

Geographic Coverage and Strategic Locations

Diversified Transfer and Storage's geographic footprint centers on the Northwestern United States, with primary operations spanning Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The company's headquarters in Billings, Montana, serves as the operational nerve center, strategically positioned at the intersection of Interstate 90 and Interstate 94—two major East-West corridors facilitating efficient distribution throughout the region.^[9] This location provides optimal access to major markets including Denver (637 miles), Seattle (825 miles), and Minneapolis (875 miles), enabling next-day or two-day delivery to most Western and Upper Midwest destinations.

Secondary facilities extend DTS's reach into key regional markets. Their network includes strategically located cross-dock facilities and partner warehouses that enable efficient freight consolidation and distribution. The company maintains particularly strong coverage along the I-90 corridor, with service points in Bozeman, Missoula, and Spokane providing comprehensive Montana and Eastern Washington coverage. Wyoming operations center on Casper and Cheyenne, capitalizing on these cities' roles as distribution hubs for the energy sector and Rocky Mountain region respectively.^[10]

DTS's service area effectively covers a population of over 15 million people across six states, with the ability to reach major metropolitan areas within standard transit times. Their regional focus allows for superior service density compared to national carriers in these markets, often providing more frequent pickup and delivery options. The company also maintains strategic partnerships with national carriers to provide seamless service beyond their primary coverage area, ensuring customers can access nationwide and international shipping through a single point of contact.

Recent expansion initiatives have focused on strengthening last-mile delivery capabilities in secondary markets often underserved by national carriers. Cities like Great Falls, Rapid City, and Pocatello receive enhanced service levels through DTS's regional network, addressing the e-commerce-driven demand for reliable final-mile delivery in less densely populated areas. The last-mile delivery market is experiencing explosive growth, projected to reach $373.92 billion by 2033 with a 9.8% CAGR.^[11]

Pricing Models and Cost Considerations

Understanding DTS's pricing structure requires examining multiple factors that influence logistics costs in regional markets. The company employs a hybrid pricing model combining contract rates for regular customers with spot market pricing for transactional business. According to recent freight market analysis, rates are expected to increase 4-6% in 2025, with contract customers typically receiving 10-25% discounts from standard rates based on volume commitments.^[12] This pricing flexibility allows DTS to compete effectively with both regional competitors and national carriers while maintaining profitable operations.

Warehousing pricing follows industry-standard models with charges based on square footage, pallet positions, or cubic footage depending on client preferences and product characteristics. Current market analysis shows warehouse automation investments continuing despite a 3% decline in project orders, indicating ongoing efficiency improvements in the sector.^[13] Additional charges apply for value-added services, with pick-and-pack operations typically adding $0.35 to $1.00 per unit depending on complexity. Climate-controlled storage commands premium rates, generally 20-30% above ambient storage costs.

Transportation pricing reflects multiple variables including distance, weight, freight class, and service requirements. DTS's regional focus often enables more competitive pricing than national carriers on lanes within their core service area. Key pricing factors include:

• Base Transportation Rates: Current container rates average $2,350 per 40ft container as of August 2025^[14]
• Fuel Surcharges: Adjusted weekly based on DOE fuel price indices, currently averaging 25-30% of base rates
• Accessorial Charges: Detention, layover, and special handling fees aligned with industry standards
• Volume Discounts: Tiered pricing offering 5-15% reductions based on monthly shipping volumes
• Seasonal Adjustments: Peak season surcharges during high-demand periods, particularly affecting retail and agricultural shipments

Cost optimization opportunities through DTS include consolidated shipping programs that aggregate multiple shippers' freight for better rates, backhaul matching that reduces empty miles and associated costs, and integrated warehousing and transportation solutions that eliminate handling charges between service providers. The U.S. business logistics costs reached $2.3 trillion, representing 8.7% of GDP, making cost optimization strategies crucial for competitive advantage.^[15]

Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation

Diversified Transfer and Storage maintains a solid reputation within the regional logistics community, with customer feedback highlighting strengths in reliability, communication, and problem-solving capabilities. Industry analysis of the top 100 logistics companies shows Amazon leading with $140 billion in revenue, while regional providers like DTS differentiate through personalized service and local expertise.^[16] Customers particularly value DTS's ability to handle complex or unusual shipments that larger carriers might decline, demonstrating the flexibility that defines successful regional logistics providers.

Common positive feedback themes include personal relationships with dedicated account representatives who understand specific business needs, proactive communication regarding shipment status and potential delays, and willingness to accommodate special requests and rush shipments. The company's regional focus enables faster issue resolution compared to national carriers, with most service complaints addressed within 24 hours according to customer testimonials. Small and medium-sized businesses particularly appreciate DTS's consultative approach, with logistics experts helping optimize shipping strategies rather than simply processing transactions.

Areas for improvement identified in customer feedback include limited technology capabilities compared to major national providers, particularly in API integrations and advanced analytics. Some customers report challenges with shipment visibility outside DTS's primary service area when freight transfers to partner carriers. New FMCSA regulations taking effect in 2025, including the transition from MC to USDOT numbers and enhanced safety requirements, demonstrate the importance of compliance in maintaining industry reputation.^[17]

Industry recognition includes safety awards from state trucking associations and participation in sustainability initiatives. The company maintains satisfactory safety ratings with scores below industry averages in all measured categories, indicating strong compliance with federal safety regulations.

Competitive Alternatives and Market Comparison

The logistics market offers numerous alternatives to Diversified Transfer and Storage, ranging from regional specialists to global logistics giants. Understanding these options helps shippers make informed decisions based on specific service requirements, geographic needs, and budget constraints. National carriers like XPO Logistics, J.B. Hunt, and C.H. Robinson provide extensive networks and advanced technology platforms, offering advantages in multi-region shipping and international freight forwarding. However, these larger providers often lack the regional expertise and personalized service that characterizes companies like DTS.^[18]

Regional competitors in the Northwestern market include companies operating throughout Montana and the Rocky Mountain region. Montana's freight infrastructure includes over 3,300 miles of rail operated by 12 companies, with BNSF handling 59% and Montana Rail Link managing 25% of the state's rail freight.^[19] These regional players compete directly with DTS on service, price, and local market knowledge, each maintaining specific strengths in household goods, temperature-controlled logistics, or energy sector transportation.

Technology-forward alternatives include digital freight brokers like Convoy, Uber Freight, and Transfix, which leverage algorithms and mobile apps to match shippers with carriers. These platforms often provide competitive spot rates and quick booking capabilities but may lack the comprehensive service offerings and regional expertise of established providers like DTS. For shippers prioritizing cost and simplicity over relationship-based service, digital platforms present viable alternatives, particularly for standard full truckload shipments on major lanes.

Asset-light 3PL providers such as Echo Global Logistics and GlobalTranz offer another alternative, providing freight brokerage and logistics management without owning transportation assets. These companies excel at providing capacity during peak periods and accessing specialized equipment but may struggle with service consistency compared to asset-based providers like DTS. The choice between asset-based and non-asset providers often depends on shipment regularity, service level requirements, and the importance of direct carrier accountability.

For shippers evaluating alternatives, key differentiation factors include geographic coverage alignment with shipping lanes, service capabilities matching specific requirements, technology integration with existing systems, pricing competitiveness for typical shipment profiles, and cultural fit with company values and communication preferences. Successful shippers increasingly utilize multiple providers strategically, leveraging regional specialists for core lanes while maintaining relationships with national carriers for overflow and out-of-region shipments.

Strategic Recommendations and Future Outlook

Selecting the optimal logistics partner requires careful evaluation of current needs and future growth projections. For businesses with significant Northwestern United States shipping requirements, Diversified Transfer and Storage presents compelling advantages through regional expertise, comprehensive service offerings, and competitive pricing structures. The company's integrated warehousing and transportation capabilities particularly benefit businesses seeking supply chain simplification through vendor consolidation. However, companies with primarily national or international shipping needs might find better value through larger logistics providers with broader geographic coverage.

The future outlook for regional logistics providers like DTS remains positive, with several trends supporting continued growth. The reshoring of manufacturing to the United States creates opportunities for regional distribution, while e-commerce expansion drives demand for flexible warehousing and last-mile delivery services. Technology adoption among mid-sized logistics providers continues accelerating, with companies like DTS investing in systems that rival larger competitors' capabilities. The 2024 Global Transportation & Logistics Industry Report projects the market to reach $18.69 billion by 2026, with regional providers well-positioned to capture market share.^[7]

Businesses should consider DTS and similar regional providers when regional expertise and relationships provide tangible value, service flexibility and customization are priorities, and integrated warehousing and transportation services can streamline operations. The ideal customer profile includes manufacturers and distributors with regional focus, businesses requiring specialized handling or equipment, and companies valuing personal service over purely transactional relationships. Conversely, businesses with primarily national distribution, requirements for advanced technology integration, or needs for extensive international logistics services might find better fits with larger providers.

As supply chains continue evolving in response to global disruptions and changing consumer expectations, the role of regional logistics providers becomes increasingly important. Companies like Diversified Transfer and Storage occupy a crucial middle ground between local carriers and global logistics giants, offering the scale for efficiency while maintaining the agility for customization. For businesses operating in or through the Northwestern United States, understanding and potentially leveraging DTS's capabilities could provide competitive advantages in an increasingly complex logistics landscape. The key lies in aligning provider capabilities with specific business requirements, creating partnerships that drive mutual success in dynamic markets.