For an industry that has such a big impact on the economy and people’s lives, logistics is subject to a surprising amount of unpredictable, external conditions that can affect freight rates—such as natural disasters and changes in the workforce. Here we break down different impacts that lead to freight rate fluctuation, how they have recently influenced […]
Read MoreTopic: LTL Shipping
ELD Mandate and Capacity Impacts
Photo Source: NationalLease What will happen to truck capacity when the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate is finally enforced this coming December? The ELD mandate will help to standardize Hours of Service (HOS). Paper logs can be manipulated easily, with some drivers running multiple books or delaying start times, to drive more hours than legally […]
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Freight Costs: Breaking Down LTL Shipping Rates
Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) has a reputation for being an expensive and slow shipping option, but it’s a mode that provides a lot of flexibility for shippers when used correctly. The key is understanding how LTL tariffs and LTL freight rates work and how the carriers operate – then using that knowledge to your advantage. LTL rate […]
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Which Transportation Strategy? CPU vs. Delivered Pricing
How a consumer product company gets its goods to buyers and on to retail shelves is an integral part of the cost equation. Decisions made around delivery can make the difference between costly transportation and healthy margins. There are two popular scenarios for delivery: Retailers will pick up the product, using their own fleet or […]
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5 Ways Logistics Operations Can Support a Growing Brand
What your business is today is not what it will be in the future. Emerging brands want to get big – big companies want to get bigger. One thing they all have in common is the need for logistics operations that can enable growth – and this takes foresight. It also includes anticipating the capabilities […]
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Freight Rates Update: 2017 Q3
The freight market may finally be rebounding from its multi-year slump. Mark Montague, an industry rate analyst for DAT Solutions, states that “The robust supply of van and refrigerated truckload freight in May and June, combined with higher spot market rates and load-to-truck ratios, are signs that the freight recession is over.” The July 4th […]
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Trucking Rates 2017: Q2 Update
Everyone predicted a rise in freight rates for 2017 (including Zipline). But the spike has yet to hit. So, where do market pressures and transportation pricing currently stand? Transportation Impacts from 2017 Produce Season Produce season impacts all shippers, regardless of whether they are in the market for fresh fruits and vegetables. When crops are […]
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LTL Freight Consolidation and Its Benefits to Shippers
There is a core principle behind shipping costs; as volume goes up, per unit shipping costs go down. In practical terms, this means it is often to shippers’ advantage to combine shipments (consolidate) whenever possible to get a higher total volume, which will, in turn, lower overall transportation expenditures. Benefits of Freight Consolidation While saving […]
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How a Freight Broker Works; Step by Step “Life of a Load”
Before you decide to work with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, it helps to understand how the relationship will look and function. What exactly will a 3PL provider take off your plate, and what responsibilities will still be in your court? Here’s a breakdown of how a freight broker works, along with key points surrounding […]
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Logistics Appointments: Success in the Details
One of the most common reasons a shipper will switch their 3PL provider is because of repeated service failures. This includes everything from a truck showing up late, to shifted or damaged product that gets rejected by the consignee. If you are seeing repeat service failures with your freight, ask yourself whether your provider is […]
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Truckload Capacity Correction
In the first half of 2016, U.S. truck capacity was plentiful. This is expected to change in the second half of the year, with more pressure amounting on shipping rates. Walter Lynch, CEO of Zipline Logistics, speaks with JOC.com about his concerns with trucking partners and this likely truckload capacity correction in the second half of the year. […]
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