Author: <span>zipxpress</span>

We are at a time where many are seeking fully optimized supply chains. The experiences of the past few years have opened our eyes to the silos that may exist in delaying shipments – the sections of the supply chain which are disconnected from the communication network of the greater whole. The stifled communication as a result of these silos makes getting your products to the customer difficult and creates an environment where it’s difficult to adapt. Finally, these issues in communication create dissatisfaction amongst members of the supply chain which mainly results in dissatisfaction for the customer’s experience. Let’s learn the ways we can uncover silos and how they can be addressed to revitalize your organization’s supply chain.

The first method for finding silos is to develop a holistic vision for the organization’s supply chain. From product inception all the way to final delivery to the customer, the vision needs to entail the customer’s experience to ensure alignment between sales and operations. Developing this alignment and getting everyone involved in the process helps foster ownership, creating the buy-in necessary to make the vision a permanent reality for the organization. Explain your goals when working with vendors and other stakeholders – oftentimes they’re willing to help because they care about quality too and your success is their success. Finally, pay close attention to every area – from packaging to compliance with shipping regulations, every area needs to be included in the execution for this plan to work.

Once the vision is created, you must develop a comprehensive and cohesive communication plan for members of the supply chain with a focus on the entire supply chain. Understanding where silos can and have occurred is a necessary step in order to begin breaking down barriers to success. Improving processes and procedures will work wonders when it comes to creating consistency for all of your shipments. Having step by step instructions available for members of the supply chain ensures that you will get the consistency you need and the growth you deserve.

Here at Zip Xpress, we understand the importance of removing unnecessary barriers across the supply chain. We do this by communicating with our customers as well as their customers every step of the way while their shipments are in our care. We schedule pickup as well as delivery, making the process ideal for our customers. We work according to the schedule of our customers and their customers, providing them with timely deliveries that will get to their destination on time and undamaged, no matter what. It’s because of this dedication to service that we’re able to maintain a 99% customer satisfaction rating with all of our customers. To see for yourself, start today with Zip Xpress!

In a recent survey conducted by the business applications firm CGS, 42% of respondents indicate that they would prefer a sustainable shipping solution over expedited shipping. That means there was a willingness to wait longer for a shipment so long as the shipment was delivered sustainably. Now while this particular survey was more focused on retail, the sustainability movement is gaining momentum in every area of the economy. People understand that we need to preserve the world we live in and that we can make a difference so long as we work together to do so. There are many ways we can create a more sustainable supply chain, especially in logistics.

One of the best ways to create a more sustainable supply chain is to reduce the amount of ‘air’ and empty space within trailers. While electric vehicles and biodiesel fuels are still being developed, this is a solution that can be implemented right away. Carriers can work together to optimize shipments and reducing the empty space is vital in preventing only partially filled trucks (oftentimes marked as ‘full trailer’ shipments) from being on the road. Driving these partial trailers consumes fuel, increases damage to highways as well as the trucks themselves. Taking the time to optimize shipments and recycle air helps reduce emissions and create a viable sustainable solution that works for every member of the supply chain.

Another area that we can focus on more sustainable solutions is packaging. There are a lot of advances being made in the field of corrugated packaging and while these are noble, oftentimes we must ask: how many of these shipments truly need packaging? While it’s hard to determine the percentage of shipments that truly need packaging, we know that a lot of shippers use more than is necessary. Working with your carrier to determine the minimum amount of packaging will help provide a clear picture of what is ‘just right’ for your shipments. In many cases, shippers will find that they can safely eliminate packaging from their shipments altogether, thus providing another means of creating a more sustainable supply chain.

Here at Zip Xpress, we understand the importance of creating a sustainable supply chain. We work to optimize every shipment in our care to reduce and most times eliminate the amount of empty space in our trailers. We also work with shippers to reduce and even in many cases eliminate the packaging their shipments contain, creating a more sustainable solution that many may not have considered. Finally, we’re able to prove that all of our measures are making a difference with a monthly carbon reduction report that we provide our customers with. They’re able to see the impact they’re making when selecting us as their carrier of choice. To see how we can help you create a more sustainable supply chain, start today with Zip Xpress!

Logistics providers have had to wear a lot of hats in an effort to stay competitive in the marketplace. Such extension of services can inevitably lead to confusion when a shipper is searching for the right carrier to become their shipper of choice. The question then becomes: how is a shipper to differentiate from all of the carrier options that are available to them? While price is usually a large factor, it often proves to be one of the least valuable metrics in selecting the right carrier here in West Michigan.

Determine Your Company’s Criteria

The first step for a shipper in selecting the right carrier is to determine the most important criteria for your business. It is vital to define a successful shipment and what that looks like along with the transportation modes you believe are most valuable to your business. Do you have high frequency shipments or does your shipment absolutely need to arrive at its destination undamaged? These questions about your needs will serve as guideposts in navigating the process for selecting the right carrier for your business.

Vet Potential Carriers

It’s important to schedule tours and or discussions with potential carriers since you need an understanding of their network, capabilities as well as strengths and weaknesses. Every carrier has different capabilities and they should be upfront with you about them. Asking about their strengths and weaknesses will tell you a lot about a carrier while also asking them to provide either case studies or testimonials is a reasonable way to be assured they’re able to deliver when you need them to. Once you have a carrier lined up for delivering shipments, it’s time to track their performance.

Track Carrier Performance

A way to ensure you’re getting what you need from your carrier is to track carrier performance through the use of scorecards or quarterly reviews. Measuring carriers against your own service standards is a great way to ensure they’re measuring up to par because carriers want to perform better too. We also believe that shippers should measure tender acceptance and report on it to carriers because shippers are committed to volume and carriers are committed to capacity. Measuring and tracking performance will help you develop a stronger supply chain that will inevitably grow your business.

Here at Zip Xpress, we understand the importance of finding the right carrier for your business. That’s why we focus on providing the best in service for our customers. We don’t allow for cut-rate service and the results are able to show for themselves. We’re able to get every shipment in our care to its destination on time and undamaged, while also arranging for pickup and delivery with you as well as your customer. It’s because of these high standards that we’re able to maintain a 99% satisfaction rating with all of our customers. No matter what shipping challenge you have, we have a custom carrier solution for your business. To see for yourself, start today with Zip Xpress!

A recent industry survey asked shippers and carriers about their biggest challenges in managing their supply chain. While we discussed some of these findings last week, the greatest challenge for many shippers (84%) was in controlling their transportation costs. While there are many factors that go into these costs they are necessary in order to get goods to the customer. However there is a strategy that shippers can adopt which helps them to maximize every dollar they’re spending in shipping, and can create a win-win situation for everyone in the supply chain. But first, we need to understand why transportation costs are so high.

One of the leading reasons for high transportation costs lies in the price of diesel fuel. It’s one of the greatest contributors to unease in the American economy since trucking is the primary means of transporting goods to the customer. Fuel prices have a direct impact on the customer, which unfortunately carriers have little control over. However the biggest contributing factor to transportation costs is that too many trucks are driving across the country with little more than air in their trailers.

The reason for this? Well many shipments are still being marked as ‘Full Truckload’ even though the size of the shipment is nowhere near the size of a trailer. ‘Less than Truckload’ or LTL is not a great alternative due to the cost to the shipper – sometimes that partial truckload shipment can cost as much as a full trailer. Plus many shippers see LTL as risky for their freight.  There is a third option, one which we’ve piloted time and again to great success. Our Headload Optimization solution only charges you for the space you’re using and our experienced freight handlers will ensure your shipments will arrive on time and undamaged. Optimizing shipments like this helps reduce the number of trucks on the road, creating a more sustainable supply chain and maximizing every dollar in your transportation budget.

Here at Zip Xpress, we understand the importance of maximizing every transportation dollar you spend. That’s why we work to optimize every shipment in our care and provide you with an unmatched level of service. We’ve been helping companies optimize their shipments for more than 20 years and there isn’t a challenge we aren’t ready to meet. Our dedication to service and providing win-win solutions is unparalleled in the industry which is why we’re able to maintain a 99% retention rate with all of our customers. To see for yourself, start today with Zip Xpress!

As we prepare to enter into the final quarter of 2022, many of the challenges that we’ve faced the past few years appear to have eased, if only a little bit. Many business leaders wonder what shipping challenges may come next, but most are ready for what lies ahead. The biggest challenge for many is attempting to plan for a future that is hard to predict. Yet at the heart of this challenge are a few challenges that have always been prevalent when it comes to getting a product to the customer on time and undamaged. We’ll outline the two biggest issues facing shippers and how they can overcome them to have a successful final quarter and hit the new year running.

Finding a Reliable Shipping Partner

Finding a reliable shipping partner has proven time and again to be one of the greatest challenges shippers face in getting their products from production to the customer. Many businesses believe that finding a dedicated shipping partner is preferred even over competitive shipping rates. This goes to show that consistency is what matters most in the logistics industry. Finding the right carrier that will get your shipment to the customer on time and undamaged and provides you with the ease of mind is more important than ever. But how does a manufacturer go about finding the right shipping partner? The best place to start is in doing your research and focusing on the best carriers for your industry. Ask questions, make inquiries and see which carrier is the best fit for your business. This is a long term solution, one that cannot be taken lightly.

Securing Capacity

This doesn’t come as a surprise, but many businesses are still struggling to find capacity for their shipments. The unfortunate truth is that many of those still struggling are only utilizing a broker and are in search of cut-rate service. Again, the best option for these companies is to partner with an experienced carrier that can help solve your capacity challenges. This will take some legwork on everyone’s part and businesses can’t take advantage of each other, at least in the long term. Securing capacity also comes down to optimization. Inquiring about how a carrier optimizes their shipments may help ensure that yours gets added in for delivery, but you’ll need to understand that such expertise needs to be valued. That said, you’ll find that the peace of mind of working with a carrier that can get your shipments to their destination on time and undamaged more than makes up for the cost. You’ll also be able to focus on other important areas, namely working on your business.

Here at Zip Xpress, we understand just how difficult it can be to plan for a future that’s hard to predict. While we don’t have any way to predict the future, we focus instead on the fundamentals of providing incredible service and problem solving that gets every shipment to its destination on time and undamaged. We believe that these fundamentals will see us through whatever challenges we come across because focusing on the fundamentals has worked for us for more than 20 years. This focus is also why we’re able to maintain a 99% satisfaction rating with all of our customers time and time again. To see for yourself, start today with Zip Xpress!

This week we show our appreciation to a working class of Americans who have seen us through thick and thin, keeping the shelves of our stores and businesses filled with every necessity we can possibly imagine. The American economy is built upon trucking as our primary logistical network. The importance of drivers and their contribution to keeping our economy running cannot be overstated. While many have had multiple supply chain situations to navigate, our drivers have been the bridge in getting these goods to the consumers. Let’s review some of the ways we can show our appreciation to these hard working professionals.

One way to show drivers your appreciation is to give a shoutout on social media. The logistics provider C. H. Robinson has published the hashtag #ThanksForEverythingLiterally as a way people can thank truck drivers who keep our lifestyles possible. You can also thank a driver in person if you come across one in your daily routine. Giving thanks to drivers lets them feel valued for what they have done because if you take a moment and look at all of the items around you and realize that a driver delivered them to the store or warehouse you got them from, you realize just how much drivers do for us.

Another way to show your appreciation is if you see a driver at a rest stop or a restaurant, consider paying for their food & drinks. A simple act such as this one would make anyone’s day and make a person feel appreciated. Your compassion to these drivers who are under a lot of pressure will go a long way in showing how much you appreciate them. Remember, drivers have a stressful job and are under a lot of pressure to keep moving in order to get their deliveries to their destination on time. On top of that, there is always another shipment waiting for him, so a driver’s job is rarely ‘done.’

Most of all, one of the best ways you can show appreciation to drivers is by being respectful to them while they’re on the road. Avoid cutting off semi trucks and give them the space they need to merge into traffic or change lanes. The machinery they’re driving requires a skillset and forces them to exercise caution. When drivers aren’t given the space they need it puts many people in danger because it is very easy for one of these machines to get away from a person, even if they are experienced in handling the machine. Giving drivers the space they need makes their jobs easier, helps them get to their destination on time, and keeps everyone safe.

Here at Zip Xpress, we understand the importance of showing our appreciation to drivers. We do what we can to show our drivers just how important they are to us. We listen to their concerns, provide training and keep their vehicles in tip top shape, but we’re always working hard to give them their due respect. It is our hope that we can all show more appreciation to our drivers, because it’s the drivers who are the face of a logistics company. We’re forever grateful for the friendliness and can-do attitude our drivers show when they pick up & deliver every shipment that’s in our care. To see for yourself, start today with Zip Xpress!

This week we honor all of America’s labor force, including the people who have helped build this company we call Zip Xpress. It is because of these remarkable people we’ve been able to create a culture that stands out in the logistics field and a dynamic company that only keeps getting better. It’s because of the hard work and dedication to providing great service that we here at Zip Xpress are one of the few companies that can truly say we have built a culture that cares about the people both inside and outside of the company.

To build onto this culture, we naturally select candidates who have a ‘can-do’ attitude and a mentality for service towards a greater good. We want everyone here at Zip Xpress to know that we’re there for them – from our drivers, to the freight handlers, to the front office staff. Everyone here is treated with respect, because we understand that everyone’s natural strengths help make Zip a better place than it was before. We understand that skills can be taught so we seek attitude first and foremost. As a result, our office collaborates with carriers across the field and our associates work together to provide the best custom carrier solutions for your shipment while it’s in our care.

When you call our organization, there will always be a person that will answer your call, never a machine. Everyone you speak with will ask: ‘Is this something I can help you with?’ Our freight handlers will handle your shipment with the utmost care, and you won’t have to worry about damaged freight. Our drivers will provide a smile to every customer whether they’re making a pickup or a delivery. Our associates will help you by calling & scheduling these appointments, working on a timeframe that suits you best. Our business was built with the people of logistics in mind and we have always believed in the incredible value of service.

Here at Zip Xpress, we understand the importance of culture, which is why we’ve worked very hard to find the best, brightest and the friendliest people to work with. Through our incredible associates we have well documented procedures for every transaction, problem solving that gets every shipment to its destination on time and undamaged and sustainability initiatives that actually work. It’s because of these people who work so hard that we can claim a 99% retention rate with all of our customers. To see for yourself, start today with Zip Xpress!

If there is one lesson we’ve all had to learn over the course of these past few years, it’s proper risk management over our supply chains. Whether you’re facing delays due to storms, worried about unscrupulous suppliers, or other risks to your business, it’s vital to take risk management seriously. Being proactive about the inherent risks to your supply chain will give you the confidence to move forward no matter what the circumstances may be. Let’s focus on some of the most important methods of risk management in your supply chain.

Flexibility is a key component of supply chain risk management, particularly in sourcing and distribution strategies. Conducting supplier audits helps ensure that your suppliers are honest and not providing you with counterfeit products as well as verifying performance against your contractual agreements. These audits can also highlight gaps in your supplier’s schedules which will provide feedback on what can/needs to be improved upon. Developing the flexibility to adapt to new sourcing and distribution strategies will provide customers with confidence in your ability to deliver orders and give you the ability to adapt as needed when circumstances change.

Improving traceability in your shipments will also help mitigate risks against your shipments since customers want to know where the shipment is at all times. Determining where and when damages occur will help ensure that steps are taken to prevent such damages from occurring again. Improving traceability can consist of multiple technologies that help you determine where your shipment is at any given time. Your carrier will be able to provide you with multiple options for tracing your shipment as well as recommendations that will work for you. As proactive as we wish to be for risk management, the question now becomes: what happens when something goes wrong?

In spite of everyone’s best efforts, things will inevitably go wrong. That’s why you must develop a well coordinated team of individuals as well as properly placed communication channels throughout your organization. Having a team in place that is able to communicate quickly and take necessary action will give your organization the ability to ensure your shipments are protected. Having your shipments protected will build trust with your customers, and provide you with peace of mind that your shipments will arrive when they need to.

Here at Zip Xpress, we understand the importance of risk management for all of the shipments that are under our care. We can provide flexibility by working directly with you, your suppliers and your customers to get every shipment to its destination on time and undamaged, on the timetable that works best for you. We provide traceability by coordinating and scheduling pickup & delivery of shipments in our care and you’re able to track your shipments online through our portal anytime you need to. To see how we can help fortify your supply chain, start today with Zip Xpress!

One area of business that can always use more attention is development of relationship management. While it’s easy to overlook this as important to supply chain management, its importance as part of a strategic supply chain cannot be overstated. Why is relationship management so important? Effective relationships help prevent confusion, and they result in better service for everyone involved. In fact, 86% of business leaders believe service is just as important as the product or service they receive. Proper relationship management means going above and beyond for the people who depend upon your organization. How do we do this? The two best practices are by opening lines of communication and extending empathy.

The first step is to open lines of communication across all members of the supply chain. For some companies they may need to open lines internally and ensure that departments are aligned in supply chain goals. For others it’s opening communication with suppliers, procurement managers, transportation management and anyone else that is actively involved in getting your shipment to its customer. This opening of communication is vital to the success of your organization. By opening communication you’re eliminating a lot of ‘surprises’ that can cause delays in your shipments and frustration for your customers. 

Extending empathy to other stakeholders, especially when they’re taking steps and informing you about delays will really help you bolster the relationships with your members of the supply chain. Labor shortages are rampant, costs are on the rise, suppliers can’t receive parts or service, inclement weather all can cause delays with a shipment. Extending empathy and understanding to your stakeholders gives them breathing room, especially when they’re communicating with you any delays they’re experiencing. Many businesses are doing the best they can in their efforts to keep up with demand for their products, however delays can and do occur. Berating them for forces outside their control does not build goodwill. It only serves to create a cycle that harms everyone involved.

Here at Zip Xpress, we understand the importance of great relationship management. We strive to build close relationships with all of our stakeholders, caring for their needs that help them provide dynamic service. When you call Zip Xpress, you’ll speak to a person, never a machine and there’s always someone who is able to help answer any questions you may have. We’ll work with you, your suppliers and your customers through phone calls all in an effort to get your shipment to its destination on time and undamaged, no matter what. Finally, all of our associates work together to provide you with the right custom carrier solutions that will build your business. To see for yourself, start today with Zip Xpress!

When discussing a strategic supply chain, one of the areas that many shippers feel overwhelmed by is the sense that they’re always putting out ‘fires’ in their organization. That is, solving problems that take time and attention away from creating products to be sent to your customers. Oftentimes these ‘fires’ are caused by confusion since a lack of processes and procedures can result in ‘different ways of doing things’ between associates or a lack of proper training. Both of these result in questions for management and thus fires that need to be put out.

To create a more strategic supply chain, it would be wise to create a set of processes & procedures that standardize the steps your organization takes to complete a task. When creating these processes and procedures, be sure to get everyone assigned to a particular task involved so that they can provide you with a preferred list of steps everyone can agree to. Including screenshots, pictures, lists and any other resources you deem necessary that help make these instructions crystal clear will help current associates get their tasks completed faster and provide clarity with getting all assigned tasks completed in the best way possible.

Devising processes and procedures will allow you to create a company playbook that will grant a lot of independence for your associates while also maintaining standards for your organization. Such clarity will make your supply chain operations run smoothly and in time you’ll find that there are fewer questions or operations where your input is needed. As long as you’ve provided proper input as well as documentation and the procedures are being followed, you’ll find that over time your organization will operate like a well oiled machine. You’ll find yourself spending less time putting out fires and more time building your business, a place where every founder wants to be.

Here at Zip Xpress, we understand the importance of processes and procedures. Every role in our organization has a series of processes and procedures that provide clarity in how every job is done. Combine this with our focus on a positive attitude from all of our associates and we have a winning combination where we’re able to ensure that every shipment in our care will be delivered on time and undamaged. We have tested and verified all of the steps we utilize in getting your shipments to your customers, and this is one of the ways we’re able to ensure a 99% satisfaction rate with all of our customers. To see for yourself, start today with Zip Xpress!