At Summit Delivery Services, our focus is on providing Final Mile Delivery Services that meet or exceed the expectations of our clients' customers.

The effectiveness of last-mile delivery is now recognized as a critical component of retail success in the current fast-moving e-commerce environment and high consumer expectations. As consumers seek delivery experiences that are more dependable, effortless, and quicker, one such company— Summit Delivery Services, has proven to be essential in helping to close this gap between retailers and final customers. Summit Delivery Services, which specializes in the last-mile delivery of appliances, electronics, and furniture, guarantees that goods are handled with skill, care, and accuracy when they arrive at clients' houses.

Founded in 1987, Summit is a longstanding leader in last-mile delivery. It has adapted to industry shifts, consolidating services to enhance recognition. By acting as an extension of major retailers, Summit Delivery Services provides more than just transportation—it offers complete delivery, setup, installation, and warehousing solutions.

What sets Summit apart is its ability to navigate delivery surges with strategic foresight, leveraging its "Summit Rapid Response Team" to mobilize resources nationwide. Summit’s customer-focused approach makes it a trusted partner for top retailers. As the last-mile logistics sector continues to evolve, Summit Delivery Services continues to provide innovative solutions that uphold quality, efficiency, and reliability in an ever-demanding market.

In Conversation with Don Staniszewski, the President of Summit Delivery Services

Can you provide an overview of your main services and how they cater to the needs of major retailers?

We offer comprehensive services for retailers of furniture, electronics, and appliances. Our services include delivery, setup, installation, touch-ups/deluxing, warehousing, and cross-docking.

How does Summit Delivery Services manage delivery surges during peak seasons, and what sets your approach apart from competitors?

Peak seasons are planned in advance and should be managed before the surges wherever possible. Many of these peaks are cyclical and anticipated, as we have been managing these peaks for decades. The biggest challenge is always to get prepped well beforehand, especially with labor, staff, and equipment on board. This is why we excel—we also rely on our “Summit Rapid Response Team” to provide peak resources (including travel delivery teams) on demand anywhere in the country.

How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it influenced the company’s culture and performance?

We have a collaborative leadership style with our management. Last year we spearheaded our Strategic Planning Initiative, which involved our senior and middle management group to determine our focus going forward and the steps needed for accomplishments.

What are Summit Delivery Services' long-term goals, and how do you envision its growth in the next five years?

Our long-term goal is based on a smooth, steady growth of higher-level service-based business. We are not chasing “low-cost fly-by-night” customers but solid, successful retailers that fit our strategy. We believe higher service levels and customer service also equate to long-term value and successful business—that is our niche, and we have stayed true to it for our many years as a survivor in an industry where many previous last-mile delivery companies have gone by the wayside.

How is Summit Delivery Services adapting to industry trends and positioning itself for future success?

We stay updated through direct retailer feedback, For example, we are currently exploring comingling facilities for retailers in some of their lower-volume markets, where comingling with others (rather than dedicated operations) can accommodate optimal service for their customers that otherwise might be very costly or not attainable.

What role does innovation play in Summit Delivery Services' strategy, and can you share any recent initiatives that highlight this focus?

Innovation is very important to us, and our ability to act quickly is one of our advantages. There are not endless layers of management or tedious corporate approvals in Summit Delivery Services that can bog down our progress.   For instance, during the peak season of November- December we were requested by one retailer to help them out immediately, since it was discovered that several delivery teams in their fleet did not have the necessary background check approvals to be allowed into their customers’ homes.  Their delivery capacity was dwindling quickly at this critical time, so we were able to send them qualified teams from Summit Rapid Response from another state (Florida to New Jersey)  to begin deliveries in just 24 hours.

As the President of Summit Delivery Services, how do your personal experiences and philosophies influence your leadership and the company's direction?

Our strength lies in our team’s collective expertise, driving our success through top talent. Last year I wrote a book, 'Leap Beyond Your Limits,' reflecting on my life experiences and leadership philosophies. It focuses on overcoming the fear of failure, a barrier that stops many before they start. I believe you need to focus on the task at hand rather than be overwhelmed by the enormity of a task, project, or goal.  In fact, this focus on the here-and-now is how we provide direction to deal with our short-term and long-term initiatives at Summit Delivery Services to realize success.

Leading Last-Mile Delivery Solutions with Over Four Decades of Industry Expertise

Don Staniszewski is the President of Summit Delivery Services, bringing over 44 years of experience in the transportation industry, specializing in warehousing, logistics, and last-mile trucking. He has held leadership roles in major nationwide transportation companies, including Leaseway Transportation, American Delivery Service, and Menlo Logistics. Mr. Staniszewski has been a key figure at Summit Delivery Services since 2002, providing strategic leadership and operational oversight.

In addition to his role at Summit, Staniszewski is also the founder and Chairman of the National Home Delivery Association, a leading industry group for last-mile delivery companies. He holds a BS in Psychology from Illinois State University and an MBA from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

 “We are not chasing ‘low-cost fly-by-night’ customers but solid, successful retailers that fit our strategy. We believe higher service levels and customer service also equates to long-term value and successful business—that is our niche.”