Meet&CoSANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif. — Coaster Fine Furniture is introducing a new fixed-cost container shipping solution to assist retailers coping with volatile freight expenses and tariff-related market uncertainty.
Partnering with Pinnacle Logistics, Coaster’s initiative establishes set pricing and aims to enhance container availability during high-demand seasons. Company representatives state the program primarily targets dealers situated beyond Coaster’s direct distribution zones, especially smaller independent businesses. This launch coincides with widespread price adjustments across the furniture industry in response to recent U.S. tariff policies.
A central feature of the program is securing competitive rates through a network of global container providers, officials emphasized. It offers retailers, particularly those reliant on the spot market, a more straightforward alternative to conventional freight agreements.
“By providing container-direct options, Coaster is helping dealers combat rising costs—especially those lacking the resources or logistics infrastructure to handle it independently,” explained Mindy Leitwein, Coaster’s National Accounts Manager. “Our collaboration with Pinnacle Logistics supports dealers new to container purchasing or without the expertise to secure fixed freight contracts guaranteeing stable rates.”
Leitwein highlighted that the program creates fairer conditions for independents, insulating them from global shipping unpredictability while ensuring access to Coaster products at optimal prices. This allows retailers to conduct business planning with definitive final costs.
“Amid significant port disruptions, many factors are uncontrollable, but this program manages the most critical variable in direct shipments by expanding our accessible container inventory,” Leitwein added.
She contrasted this with the spot market: “When arranging freight independently, rates can fluctuate dramatically between order placement and factory shipment—potentially jumping from $3,000 to $8,000 overnight. Without the scale for fixed contracts, exact freight costs remain uncertain until shipment.”
The Pinnacle Logistics partnership eliminates this variability, locking in retailer rates via annual contracts. Leitwein noted this stability is “especially valuable since distribution centers don’t offer negotiated rates.”
The program employs a direct pricing model enabling dealers to combine diverse product categories—like dining and bedroom furniture—within a single factory-sourced container. Officials state this consolidation lowers per-item shipping expenses, boosts efficiency, and allows mixing styles and finishes. This approach mitigates the risk of single-SKU overstock common with full-container shipments. Customers also receive an all-inclusive rate covering applicable fees and tariffs.
A second-generation enterprise, Coaster Fine Furniture operates five branches and two U.S. distribution centers, employing over 400 people.
