Visibility and control are prerequisites of a high-performing supply chain. But, in the Geodis 2017 Supply Chain Survey, they found that only 6% of organizations said they had end-to-end supply chain visibility. As the shipment of goods becomes a key component in a firm’s ability to compete and succeed, new technology solutions have become the best […]
Read MoreTopic: Retail and Grocery Shipping Best Practices
Shipping on Weekends; Added Capacity
As a shipper, you have the option to move product on Saturdays and Sundays. The trucking industry doesn’t operate on a regular schedule. In fact, you can move goods 24/7, 365. Weekends and overnight are never off limits. But when SHOULD you take advantage of this added capacity? There are certain situations better suited for […]
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Protect Freight from Freezing
Photo Source: AP Does your merchandise have the potential to freeze during transit? Food and beverage products, cosmetics, and many other goods can be irrevocably damaged if exposed to subzero temps. The issue is most easily illustrated with beverages. Liquids expand when they freeze, creating pressure inside closed bottles. Some packaging is built to withstand […]
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What is Flat Rate Pallet Shipping?
Flat-rate pallet shipping is not unlike flat rate parcel shipping. Both programs aim to alleviate shipping complexity by removing steps from the traditional quoting process. You are likely familiar with the Priority Mail Flat Rate program from USPS. Their flat rate pricing eliminates the need to weigh personal packages or calculate shipping fees. If your […]
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Logistics Service Through Specialization
Steve Banker of ARC Advisory Group recently wrote an article about Zipline Logistics on Forbes.com. He calls out our focus on service and explains why Zipline’s specialization is essential for our customer base of CG brands. “As specialists in CG transportation, Zipline’s entire organization is familiar with the unique requirements of every major retailer DC (distribution center) and […]
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Logistics Strategy for Food Startups – Podcast
Logistics strategy can often be an afterthought, or at least not an area of focus, for new brands. Product development and marketing take center stage and shipping is seen as a necessary (but aggravating) part of doing business. However, when brands start to think about logistics from a strategic standpoint, particularly in the early stages […]
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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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Food Logistics Includes Zipline Logistics on 2017 Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers List
COLUMBUS, OHIO— Food Logistics, the only publication exclusively dedicated to covering the movement of product through the global food supply chain, has named Zipline Logistics to its 2017 Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers list. The Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers list serves as a resource guide of third-party logistics and cold storage providers […]
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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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Transportation Solutions for Refrigerated Freight
Would you ever ship dry, non-perishable goods on a temperature controlled trailer? Most often, the answer would be no. Temperature-controlled trucks can present higher costs and lower capacity than traditional vehicles. Reefers are 10-20% more expensive and cold chain as a whole can be as much as 50% more expensive. Note: Temperature controlled vehicles, including […]
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Freight Misclassification and Avoiding Accessorial Charges
The most avoidable reason for accessorial charges on less-than-truckload (LTL) freight is the inaccuracy of information included with a shipment and the subsequent need for freight reclassification. Too often, freight brokers ask too few questions and send carriers incomplete order details. And when a carrier suspects that the weight or classification of your freight is […]
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7 Must-Listen Supply Chain Podcasts
Navigating the deluge of e-newsletters and online articles about transportation and logistics can be tough. Listening to podcasts is a comparable alternative. Accessible almost anywhere – just listen on your phone or Bluetooth radio – podcasts are popular among transportation professionals who are constantly on the move. Leading logistics magazines, supply chain research groups, and independent […]
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