Month: <span>November 2020</span>

2020 has been a difficult year, and there is still much uncertainty ahead. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be optimistic, especially in the logistics business. While we can’t predict exactly what will happen to trucking and supply chain in 2021, we’re seeing trends heading in the right direction.

In September of 2020, new trailer orders exceeded 50,000 total units – the third highest monthly number on record. This suggests that many carriers are anticipating an increase in shipments, that is, if they haven’t already experienced it. The orders might be happening because carriers are struggling to keep up with demand, which is a good problem to have. It takes some effort to get things running smoothly, but the effort is worth it in the long run.

Although we seem to be in the midst of another COVID-19 surge, the marketplace has been adjusting to the “new norm,” and we shouldn’t run into as many bullwhip scenarios as we saw in the spring. This means that logistics firms can hope for more stability and reliability as they draw out forecasts for 2021. There will still be volatility, but the industry is better equipped to handle it.

At Zip Xpress, we understand the need for stability, especially for manufacturers. Companies are focused on what they can do to keep making deliveries on time and undamaged. The companies that are making it through this year have collaborated with their suppliers and supply chain providers. We’re very fortunate to have a solid base of stakeholders we can collaborate and communicate with, which gives us every reason to be optimistic about the future. If you want to see reliable shipments that arrive undamaged and on time, start today with Zip Xpress!

Last week we focused on the benefits of keeping a clean truck. This week we turn our attention to the warehouse space, how we keep ours clean and most importantly why it needs to be kept clean. Maintaining a clean warehouse speaks to the attention given to a customer’s shipment, reduces the chances of damaging that shipment and most importantly, prevents accidents from happening to freight handlers.

End of Shift Refuse Pickup

At the end of every shift, our staff performs a routine cleanup. We empty all of the trash cans, pick up refuse and run a dust mop across the floor at the end of every shift. We clean off the podiums and ensure there’s no outstanding clutter near any of the shipments. We also check the facilities for any poor lighting and create a list of maintenance issues which will be addressed.

End of Shift Warehouse Floor Scrubbing

Once our warehouse floor has been dry mopped we run our floor scrubber daily, to protect against dust and dirt. Once a quarter we perform a deep clean of the warehouse to ensure all contaminants are removed. Our staff also gives a touch up of paint everywhere it’s needed once a quarter, which keeps the warehouse looking fresh and up to date. We prefer to use white paint to create better visibility for our staff and prevent eye strain when reading documents.

Detailed Organization System

We believe in the phrase: “A place for everything and everything in its place.” Our warehouse is arranged by the outgoing state to prevent confusion or the possibility of mix-ups. We also have an internal phrase called “Being Current” which means that the most current, up to date documents are stacked, ready and available for the next shift. We also tag every shipment with the correct destination as well as run through a list of our current shipments to ensure that every shipment that’s supposed to be there still is and that every shipment that was supposed to leave has done so.

At Zip Xpress, we understand that a clean warehouse is an efficient and safe warehouse. Our process was designed to keep our office neat and tidy to prevent lost paperwork and mixed up shipments. Taking a little bit of time every day to tidy up ensures we have more than enough time to focus on what matters most: providing custom carrier solutions for our customers. Any customer that sees their shipments in our warehouse knows it won’t be covered in dirt or grime and they see the pride we take in ensuring great service. To see this for yourself, start today with Zip Xpress!

A truck is a proud display of a logistics company’s brand. Taking regular steps in keeping the trucks clean shows a deep respect to customers and a commitment to quality. This also allows regular maintenance schedules to catch small repairs before they become large ones. Here we outline some of these processes we use to ensure our trucks are always clean and maintained.

Routine Cab Cleanout

Our drivers perform a routine cleanout of the cab to prevent any type of refuse buildup. Drivers are keen to respect their vehicles because they understand that a clean truck is a maintained truck. Keeping the trucks clean also incentivizes our drivers since none of them want to be the one to leave behind refuse for the next driver. We also encourage drivers to wipe down the dashboard and console on a regular basis since they can be breeding grounds for germs. This helps keep drivers healthy, which is especially important now.

Routine Wash/Maintenance

We have professionals who comes on a regular basis to wash the trucks and trailers to prevent any buildup of dirt, grime and dust. They also go through a list of inspections to ensure everything is in working order. This allows us to replace air filters, change the oil, repair surface damage and any other minor maintenance issues to ensure they never become major ones. We pride ourselves on keeping a well maintained fleet, which keeps our staff satisfied because they’re able to focus on keeping our customers happy.

At Zip Xpress, we understand that cleanliness is a key component to great service. By staying true to our rigorous standards of cleanliness we’re able to keep problems small before they become big ones. This attention to detail goes into everything we do, especially in the service we provide all of our customers in ensuring every shipment arrives on time and undamaged in equipment that represents your business well. To see how your business can benefit from this level of service, start today with Zip Xpress!