FAQ: NPP Group Buying Program for Transportation Companies

What are we announcing?

National Purchasing Partners (NPP) today announced agreements with four suppliers designed to significantly reduce costs for companies involved in commercial transportation.

Who are the four suppliers and what are the discounts?

Current suppliers are Verizon Wireless, Goodyear Tire & Rubber, TalentWise, and Staples Advantage. Discounts for NPP members include: 

• Verizon Wireless: NPP members can receive significant discounts on Verizon Wireless products and services including monthly voice, data and Push-to-Talk plans as well as Verizon Wireless equipment and accessories. In addition, NPP members have access to solutions that help solve business challenges, such as CSA 2010, through Verizon Wireless’ portfolio of Business Solution Alliance partners. Contact NPP Transportation Member Support for more information: 1-800-810-3909.
• Goodyear: Up to 49% off all new Goodyear, Dunlop, and Kelly tires; up to 62% off all Goodyear retread tires; and up to 28% off all light-truck and passenger tires. Goodyear also offers discounts on vehicle service at authorized dealers, and the benefits of its fleetHQ program.
• TalentWise: Up to 67% off employment screening services including background checks, drug and alcohol testing, criminal record checks, and motor vehicle record checks.
• Staples Advantage: Aggressive pricing on more than 270 premium products; net-pricing on more than 2,800 core items; and competitive discounts on the Staples offering of more than 30,000 products and services.

How do companies sign up?

The first step is to join NPP. For registration and program details, call 1-800-390-3909, e-mail customerservice@mynpp.com, or visit mynpp.com.

Are there membership fees?

No. NPP membership is free. There is no cost to join NPP and no obligation to participate.

If membership is free, how does NPP make money?

Vendors pay a fee based on total sales to NPP members. These fees support the program’s administration.

What are the procedures for making a purchase?

After enrolling with NPP, members receive a unique account number to use when purchasing products or services with NPP vendors.

How does a transportation company qualify for NPP-member discounts?

A business must be U.S.-based and derive all or substantially all of its revenue by providing one or more of the following services: commercial trucking; container haulage; domestic courier services; taxi or limousine services; or para-transit.

Government agencies and Fortune 500 companies are not eligible for Verizon Wireless discounts. Other vendors may have additional requirements for NPP members to qualify for certain pricing.

Do members have to go through special channels to make discounted purchases?

In most cases, NPP members can make purchases through their customary channels, including vendors’ local dealers or sales representatives.

How does NPP achieve these discounts?

NPP uses the advantages of group buying to secure lower pricing for members. NPP members span a wide range of industries, including construction, fire and rescue, oil and gas, legal services, healthcare, hospitality, nonprofits, government organizations, transportation, and professional services.

Why is NPP doing this now?

Whether it’s cellular communications, tires, employment screening, or business supplies, our vendors understand the needs of transportation companies.

Reducing expenses is essential, especially at small and medium-sized businesses. That’s why NPP is extending its 20-plus years of group purchasing expertise and leverage to deliver the best pricing possible on the essential products and services that transportation companies need to be successful.

About National Purchasing Partners

Established in 2001, National Purchasing Partners (NPP) is one of the nation’s largest group purchasing organizations, helping member businesses and professional organizations reduce costs through lower pricing on a wide range of services. NPP’s family of business is responsible for more than $6 billion in annual sales and serves members in construction, oil and gas, fire and rescue, healthcare, legal services, hospitality, nonprofits, government organizations, transportation, and professional services.

Based in Seattle, NPP is owned by Virginia Mason Medical Center, a non-profit regional health care system. To learn more about NPP, visit www.mynpp.com or call 1-800-810-3909.