In today’s tight freight market, shippers are encouraged to be more accommodating to drivers, acting as a “Shipper of Choice”. But being a shipper of choice is often out of a brand’s control and is instead dependent on their warehouse, manufacturing and/or co-packing partnerships. In all freight markets, but especially in tight ones like our […]
Read MoreTopic: Truckload Shipping
Trucking Industry Outlook and Rates Roundup
There is a plethora of information out there about the current transportation market and freight rates. To help synthesize the information for our audience, we’ve developed a breakdown of what’s most important, right now. We’re facing capacity restrictions like those experienced in 2004-2005. But, the issues of the market are not cyclical like they were […]
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Logistics Statistics: Savings Opportunities in Shipping (INFOGRAPHIC)
For all the effort, ingenuity, and resources shippers put into cutting costs and streamlining operations, there are always savings opportunities hidden somewhere in the supply chain. The key (and the challenge) is knowing where to look. And where, exactly, is that? That largely depends on what, where and when you ship, but there are some […]
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Trucking Issues and Tire Integrity in the Heat
If your freight travels in or out of states known for their high temperatures, you might face some added capacity constraints resulting from trucking issues. Especially if you’re moving heavy loads. Why? High temperatures can greatly impact tire integrity and increase the likelihood of tire blowouts. A blown tire is not just inconvenient, it can […]
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Shipping Carbonated Beverages
Even if you’ve never been on the wrong end of a shaken soda bottle, you’re likely aware that these fizzy drinks can explode if shaken or frozen and cause sticky chaos. So how do you avoid product damage (and major messes) while shipping carbonated beverages? Why do carbonated beverages explode when shaken? Carbonated drinks contain […]
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Report: ELD Mandate Impacts, March 2018
Zipline Logistics conducted a survey of 100+ truck drivers to gain pointed insights about ELD impacts. This is the first in a series of reports on ELDs that the company plans to publish this year. (NOTE: October 2018 report now available here.) On-time Deliveries 95% of respondents reported they are struggling to make deliveries on […]
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Walmart Updates Supplier Guidelines, Again
https://sfa.ziplinelogistics.com/blog/walmart-otif-may-2019/ Over the last two years, Walmart has tightened their delivery standards. The strict guidelines were implemented to help the company run leaner and be more exact with inventory levels. Unfortunately, most suppliers have been unable to meet the strict guidelines. Walmart went from requiring a four-day shipping window in 2016 to a two-day shipping […]
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Freight Outlook 2018: Q2 Trucking Rates Update
“The days of being able to grab a truck for a load on a turn of a dime are going to be coming to an end,” said Walt Dasher, co-owner of Glennville-based grower-shipper G&R Farms, to The Packer. Market conditions support Dasher’s freight rate statement. It’s new territory for both shippers and carriers nationwide. Here’s […]
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Freight Rates Outlook 2018
The current freight market is one for the books. Extreme weather, E-Logs, increased volumes, higher fuel prices, and numerous other economic factors have all contributed to an increase in rates and a capacity shortage. The Wall St. Journal explains “a nationwide truck shortage is forcing thousands of shippers into a tough choice: postpone all but […]
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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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What is a BOL (Bill of Lading)?
A Bill of Lading (BOL, BoL, or B/L) is a legally binding document between a shipper and carrier that details all the information needed to process a freight shipment. A BOL is essential because every shipment starts and ends with one. It also protects the seller, the shipper, and the recipient. It will help to […]
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What Affects Freight Rates?
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 […]
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