Supply Chain and Logistics in Education

With the looming uncertainty for students and professionals, many are unsure of where the jobs will be or what will be deemed “essential.” One thing we know for certain is that logistics is one of the American sectors with the most promise. It is a sector that will never be fully automated or outsourced because goods still need to be developed, manufactured, and delivered. People will always be the most vital part of the supply chain, making this field a lucrative option that offers a great amount of stability and certainty.

Many younger people are realizing these benefits and incorporating logistics courses into their education programs. Supply chain management programs are seeing a steady increase in higher education and there’s no better time than now to take advantage since a record number of universities are offering hundreds of specialized courses. Topics range from the all-encompassing Supply Chain Management to more specialized courses such as Information Technologies in Logistics. For students with an interest in the backbone of the economy, options abound.

At Zip Xpress, we understand the importance of ongoing education. Supply chain management will only become more crucial in the coming years. A new generation of logistics experts are entering the workforce with a hunger to serve and solve the complex problems involved in running a supply chain. We’re grateful to see how specialized the field is becoming, but we’d like to offer some advice to these prospective experts: don’t forget great customer service. Shippers deserve to have their freight handled with care. It’s a sign of respect to everyone in the supply chain – from the shippers to the end user because nobody likes receiving damaged freight. Any candidate who is willing to show great customer service in this field will go far, and fortunately we have an entire staff dedicated to great service. To see for yourself, start today with Zip Xpress!

A Look Ahead: Quarter 2, 2020

With only 3 months of 2020 finished, we can say this has been one of the most unpredictable years in recent memory. The world economy has slowed in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, and there are many uncertainties that lie ahead. With many industries dealing with employees working from home many wonder what the lasting effects will be as our economy continues to move forward into the next quarter.

Fortunately freight and transportation services are considered essential for the US economy. People still need to eat, take medicine, and use infrastructure, so there are always going to be trucks on the road delivering these goods. This ensures that shipments are less likely to be interrupted, although companies in luxury and entertainment may have to wait for their freight to be shipped. We believe that many industries will see spikes in demand in the upcoming quarter, so truckers, warehouses, and logistics firms will be needed more than ever.

At Zip Xpress, we understand that there is a lot of uncertainty and concern during this time, but we know that everyone working together – businesses, government agencies, and individuals will help provide relief for the most at-risk. Transportation is still going to be needed and there are many stories of local heroes doing their part to get critical supplies to those who need them. It is during uncertain times that companies will turn to those they can rely the most upon – rest assured Zip Xpress is ready to help you navigate through. We believe that all logistics companies will rise to the occasion and show how invaluable they are to the US Economy. We’re more than ready to do our part. To see how we can help you, start today with Zip Xpress!

Happy Holidays from Zip Xpress!

We wish all of our stakeholders Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! You have brought us so many blessings and we’re eternally grateful for everything everyone has done for us!

2019 has been a monumental year and we’re looking forward to serving you well into the the next decade. Here’s to a great 2020 for everyone!

Making the Switch to Logistics

The economy has seen some pretty consistent gains over the past decade, and employment has been one metric that has steadily improved. As a result, people are looking for employment that presents a challenge, offers a real chance for advancement and will be around for the long haul. That’s why we suggest making the switch to logistics. Logistics, is a relatively recession-proof industry that might provide lucrative careers for those looking to make a switch.

Many people don’t understand the scope of the logistics industry and might write it off because they don’t think they have the skills necessary to succeed in it. However, there are numerous skills that can translate well into the industry. Every logistics firm has a need for salespeople, accountants, finance gurus, and IT workers. Previous experience in the field is a plus, but that doesn’t mean that it’s too late to start over if you are considering switching to logistics. Universities across the nation offer supply chain courses in several capacities. An MBA in Supply Chain Management might be time-consuming, but there are plenty of shorter yet comprehensive certification programs that can be very useful and informative.

The beauty of logistics is that there are very few barriers to entry. Product will always need to be shipped, so there will always be a need for new talent. It’s a field where hands-on experience ends up being just as valuable as education, and there are hundreds of directions one can go once they start working in logistics.

At Zip Xpress, we understand how great the logistics sector can be. We’re honored to assist companies in shipping their freight and ensuring it will be delivered on time every time. We’re always looking for dedicated people to join our team, so if you’re interested in learning more about making the switch to logistics, visit our career page. And shippers, to see how we put this dedicated service to work for you, start today with Zip Xpress!

Happy Holidays from Zip Xpress!

2018 has brought us a year full of blessings. While there have been challenges, we know that we couldn’t have done it without everyone’s help. From our loyal customers, our top of the line staff and our reliable drivers, we know how much you’ve contributed to these blessings. For that, we thank you and wish you a wonderful holiday season in which you can share your own blessings with your family.

Happy Thanksgiving from Zip Xpress!

As we gather together to count our blessings, we wanted to pause for a moment and thank everyone who has helped make Zip Xpress a success. From our loyal staff to our dedicated customers, we wouldn’t be here without you. Every person has added so much that we’re overwhelmed with gratitude. We hope you and your families have a safe and festive Thanksgiving. May you share in all of your own bountiful blessings.

Communication in Supply Chain

Opening the Lines of Communication Across the Supply Chain

The supply chain is one of the most vital functions of any company, and it affects every aspect of the business, directly or indirectly. Because it is so complex, however, it can be a challenge to keep the supply chain running as smoothly as desired. There are a countless number of things that can go wrong, from a truck breaking down and missing a production line delivery to a warehouse suffering a power outage. Since so many of these things are out of our control, it is important to keep open lines of communication across every part of the supply chain.

The moment something goes wrong, it should be communicated to everybody directly involved. From there, notification should be sent to all others who’re going to be affected, whether it’s the next manufacturing warehouse or the customer’s final distribution center. Many catastrophes could be avoided if communication was focused on from the ground level. Many soured business relationships could have been salvaged if both sides were simply open and honest with each other. It is better for both sides to be able to address the problem at the beginning rather than waiting for it to get worse.

As you develop stronger lines of communication with customers and vendors, you will notice that your supply chain will run more smoothly and efficiently. You’ll be able to catch unfavorable situations before they cause major problems, allowing you to focus on getting your shipments delivered safely and on time. If you establish trust throughout your supply chain, there will be fewer arguments and greater understanding when something does go wrong. As part of the supply chain, we are all in this together. We can reduce our stress levels and increase our productivity if we simply communicate in a clear and honest way.

To see how we’ll communicate with you and your supply chain, start today with Zip Xpress!

Zip Xpress

Wishing You a Very Happy 4th of July

It’s that pinnacle time during summer where we celebrate our independence. As you enjoy fun in the sun and backyard barbecues, we hope that everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday. Remember all of those who have helped make this country great as we celebrate the birth of this wonderful nation!

Holland Trucking ltl

ELD and the Unending Detention Struggle

With the ELD mandate in full effect across the nation, carriers are getting more accustomed to stricter hours and regulations. While plenty of struggles occurred across the board, they have died down and it has gone back to business as usual for most carriers. However, there is one consistent pain point for shippers and carriers alike that is made even more difficult by the ELD mandate. This is the issue of detention, which has long been a source of contention between manufacturers and trucking companies.

Due to the restrictions of the mandate, drivers are on tighter schedules than ever before. Being detained by a shipper for even a few extra minutes can be the difference between on-time delivery and showing up several days late due to shut-down regulations and strict appointments at receiving warehouses. While most carriers have detention pay outlined in their contracts with shippers, it’s usually not enough to offset the loss of another load if the detention takes place. This means that drivers are often at the mercy of the warehouse in order to remain profitable or to get the load that will bring them back home.

Communication is key to solving the widespread problems caused by detention. Carriers, brokers, and manufacturers all need to agree upon loading and unloading times ahead of schedule. Drivers must provide constant updates so warehouses can accommodate for deliveries that are missed due to traffic or weather. Shippers and receivers should maintain a strict focus on doing their job as efficiently as possible. It doesn’t help their overall effectiveness to make a driver sit in line for hours just because he showed up a few minutes late. The new ELD mandate is about stringency, but when it comes to the workers that are affected by it, flexibility is one of our most valuable assets. To learn how we can make your shipment efficient and effortless, get started with Zip Xpress today!

West MI CDL School

The Rising Importance of CDL Training

Many colleges offer programs in logistics and supply chain management. As the industry continues to grow, we will continue to see more universities creating and improving their supply chain programs. However, one thing lacking from these programs is training for Commercial Driver’s Licenses or CDL. With more jobs in the business end of the supply chain, we cannot afford to lose the influx of truck drivers in the economy. There is already a shortage in the industry, and the efficiency of a supply chain system or logistics operation will not succeed without plenty of drivers. These workers serve as the backbone of the industry, providing the service of physically delivering the freight after it has been routed and agreed upon.

In order to drive a semi-truck, one must first obtain their CDL. Many companies offer the training, and third parties can be utilized as well. However, with so many universities offering degrees in Supply Chain Management, it may be beneficial for them to also offer training for the CDL. In this regard, it may be smart for other states to take after Georgia’s High Demand Career Initiative, which allows residents of the state to take CDL courses at local colleges free of charge. This may be the extra push that many people need in order to pursue their career as a truck driver.

A CDL is not the right path for everyone but encouraging an increase in the amount of truck drivers will benefit the economy as a whole. Demand for products continues to rise and with that demand the country needs more hard workers to transport our goods. Not only will an influx of truck drivers alleviate capacity issues, it may also improve pricing and reliability across the industry as a whole. As supply chain solutions and logistics technology becomes more efficient, we need truck drivers to deliver on the final step of our transportation processes. To learn more about smarter shipping, get started with Zip Xpress today!