Challenge
Interlane Car Transport is a vehicle transport company based in Vaughan, Ontario, moving 2,000 to 3,000 cars each month across Canada and the United States. With a fleet of 90 trucks and a reputation for timely, door-to-door service, keeping operations running smoothly is key.
Before Keycafe, managing vehicle keys was one of their biggest day-to-day challenges. "We used a manual method of collecting keys and keeping track of it," said Daniel Medanik, Chief Revenue Officer. "It was very inefficient and caused a lot of logistical problems."
Keys were kept in folders and passed around manually, which made coordination difficult—especially outside of business hours. The operations team often found themselves driving between yards or offices just to complete a key handoff. It was time-consuming, stressful, and hard to scale. As the company grew, it became clear that they needed a more reliable and flexible system to support 24/7 operations without burning out their staff.
Pain Points
- Manual Process: Keys were tracked with folders and handoffs were done in person.
- After-Hours Challenges: Drivers often arrived when staff weren’t available to hand off keys.
- High Operational Load: Staff had to drive between locations for key handoffs.
- Limited Visibility: It was hard to know where keys were at any given time.
Solution
Interlane Car Transport selected Keycafe as a practical, flexible solution that could meet the demands of their fast-paced, 24/7 operation. What stood out most to their leadership team was Keycafe’s ability to automate key handoffs without sacrificing security or requiring additional staffing.
“After reading what Keycafe can do and seeing videos about other people's experiences, I was definitely not hesitant to onboard the system into our company,” said Ethan Gershman, CEO at Interlane.
The shift to a digital key management system wasn’t just about convenience—it was about unlocking time savings, improving dispatch speed, and reinforcing Interlane’s reputation for reliable, customer-focused service.
Implementation
- SmartBox Drop Offs: Customers leave keys in a secure, PIN-enabled locker.
- Instant Alerts: Staff are notified immediately when keys are deposited.
- Driver Self-Access: Drivers retrieve keys using a code or remote unlock.
- Quick Onboarding: Staff and drivers adopted the system quickly.
“With Keycafe, we no longer have to spend time planning personnel that will be available to drop off or pick up the keys from drivers. That's one less thing we need to worry about.”
Result
For Interlane, the value of Keycafe goes beyond operational improvements—it’s a practical solution that helps Interlane deliver more consistent service and keep operations running efficiently. “Keycafe has helped us reduce mistakes and improve logistics,” Daniel shared. “It allows drivers to start earlier and finish faster without needing to wait on staff.”
The ability to manage keys remotely has helped them minimize overhead, reduce errors, and ensure vehicles are picked up and delivered on time. It also reflects positively on the brand. “The moment our customers interact with the Keycafe system, they feel secure. It reflects our focus on providing efficient, modern solutions,” said Ethan.
Customers and drivers alike appreciate the professionalism and simplicity of the Keycafe system, making interactions smoother and more trustworthy. Internally, the operations team is freed from reactive coordination, allowing them to focus on delivering high-quality service across North America.
The Outcome
- Faster Dispatching: Remote handoffs eliminated delays and late-night meetups.
- Reduced Costs: Fewer staffing requirements and unnecessary trips.
- Error Reduction: Clear tracking reduced mistakes and improved accountability.
- Improved Client Experience: Customers appreciated the simple, secure drop-off.
