sustainability in packaging
/ By Zip Xpress / Sustainability/ 0 Comments

Sustainability in Packaging

Most people don’t often think about the effect that packaging has on their shipments or on the environment, but the truth is that packaging is very significant. It makes up 23% of our landfills and has a sizable effect on the environment. This is why many forward-thinking companies are re-evaluating their packaging programs and placing a focus on sustainability. The benefit here isn’t only in reducing carbon emissions and being environmentally friendly, but also saving money in the long run as the world shifts toward a more sustainable mindset.

Consider that a standard wooden pallet weighs about 50 pounds. A truckload carrying 26 double stacked pallets is hauling 2,600 pounds of pure packaging. Any extra weight on a truck contributes to higher emissions, and companies are becoming aware of the fact that they can save money down the line by spending a little more on efficient packaging. The corrugated pallet, for example, only weighs about 19 pounds, and while it isn’t always as strong as a wooden pallet, manufacturers are continually improving the quality of their corrugated pallets in an attempt to rival their wooden counterparts.

This is big news for environmentally-conscious companies as well as those looking to reduce costs. The slightly higher price of the corrugated pallet can be easily offset by savings on fuel, the ability to optimize space, and the lower disposal costs. That’s not to mention that corrugated pallets are less prone to rot and infestation. These innovations are a step in the right direction, but an even better means to this end is to eliminate the need for packaging entirely.

Zip Xpress is leading the way to make this a reality. Our entire model is designed around minimizing handling. Less handling means less need for packaging to prevent damage. Every shipment is properly secured by an expert freight handler and each trailer is fully optimized to ensure we are not trading a reduction in packaging waste for an increase in emissions waste.

Our process allows shippers to eliminate their packaging waste, minimize their carbon emissions footprint, and price their products more competitively. This triple win continues to help Michigan shippers attract the growing base of customers who are committed to going green. To see examples of successful zero-packaging shipments and learn about other efforts in our drive for sustainability, get started with Zip Xpress today!

west mi trucking
/ By Zip Xpress / Trucker Homage/ 0 Comments

The Healthy Road: How Truckers can Stay Fit

Driving a truck can be a grueling, physically taxing job, but that doesn’t mean that it is always healthy. Truck drivers face many challenges when it comes to staying healthy on the road. Long stretches of sitting make it difficult to exercise, and the on-the-go nature of the job means that lean, nutritious meals are hard to come by. However, there are some tips and tricks that truckers can follow to promote a healthier overall lifestyle.

Exercise, Even in Small Bursts

Drivers may not have many opportunities to exercise, which is why they should make the most of those that they do get. Even going for a long walk around a truck stop when parked for the night can promote better circulation and a stronger cardiovascular system. Keeping workout clothes in the truck can be a smart decision, allowing drivers to go for a run whenever they get the chance.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is one of the keys to a healthy body, but it is often neglected by people on the road. Instead of soft drinks or coffee, truck drivers should bring plenty of water with them on every trip. Doctors suggest 1-2 liters a day, but more may be required if the weather is exceedingly hot. The added benefit is that water is calorie-free and can help stop cravings for unwholesome sugary beverages.

Plan Meals

Unhealthy foods are scattered about truck stops and highways across America, making it especially difficult to follow a healthy diet while on the road. The best way to avoid the fatty, salty food trap is to meal plan before every trip. Truckers should make sure to bring plenty of fruits and vegetables with them and make it a point to opt for lean meats such as chicken and turkey whenever possible. It will take some willpower at first, but it will be highly beneficial in the long run for overall health and well-being.

At Zip Xpress, we care very deeply about each and every driver. We know the hard work they put in and want to ensure that they’ll succeed. To see how we bring such care to all of our stakeholders, start today with Zip Xpress!

Headload Service
/ By Zip Xpress / Sustainability/ 0 Comments

Tackling the Trucker Shortage Using Freight Optimization

It’s no secret in the shipping industry that there are currently not enough truck drivers to keep up with manufacturing demand. Shippers are struggling to get their products delivered on time because it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure a driver. As capacity gets tighter and tighter, rates increase across the board, putting even more stress on shippers and manufacturers. Although recruitment efforts for drivers can help alleviate these problems, we must face the reality that there will likely be a shortage of drivers as long as production keeps up with its current pace. In this challenging environment, shippers must focus on freight optimization to reduce costs and maximize efficiency.

In the past, it was sometimes cheaper to ship a large partial shipment at a full truckload rate. Carriers were struggling to find freight, so they would take cross-country shipments for sometimes comically low rates just so that they could get to their next pickup. Shippers could often ship just a few pallets for a cheaper rate on a dedicated truck. Today that is not the case, and drivers can demand much higher rates for the same lanes. Because of this, it has become more economical to consolidate multiple shipments in order to get a break on price.

Partial and LTL shipments will help save money for the shippers in the long run. Many shippers have been wary of sharing their truck with other freight, citing damage, shifts, or even theft as potential downfalls. However, thanks to how we secure each shipment the reward of shipping partial or LTL far outweighs the risk. We provide savings and ensure that every delivery will arrive undamaged. This also creates more sustainability through reduced fuel consumption and ‘wasted air.’ To see how our partial shipments can benefit you, start today with Zip Xpress!

West Michigan Trucking
/ By Zip Xpress / Trucker Homage/ 0 Comments

Everyone Wants to Work in Logistics, But Not in Trucking

With a strong economy driving a manufacturing boom across the nation, logistics and supply chain jobs are flourishing. New workers are entering the field all over the country as the needs for jobs such as logistics analysts, supply chain managers, and even sales reps continue to increase. As such, people are eager to take on these new roles in the expanding industry. However, we aren’t seeing as many people interested in taking on the most important job in the supply chain – trucking. This is a trend that must change if logistics companies want to maintain this growing level of success.

Truck drivers are the reason that the supply chain works – they are the final piece of a long, complex puzzle that allows us to receive our goods all over the country. Without them, survival would be a lot more challenging, if not far more inconvenient, as we would not be able to easily access food, clothing, and other vital products. We need truck drivers now more than ever in order to make deliveries to our urban centers and our smaller, remote towns. They are truly road warriors who are willing to do a job that not many others are.

Logistics and shipping organizations need to place a strong focus on recruiting truck drivers and allowing them to grow in their careers. These are some of the hardest working individuals in the workforce, and they deserve any accolades that we can give them. Despite the difficulties of the job, it can be a highly rewarding experience that perfectly suits individualists who enjoy the freedom of the open road. As a country, we often overlook these workers who make it possible for us to purchase our goods in a quick and easy manner. We need more drivers in the workforce, and that starts with showing our appreciation for their unwavering dedication to the job.

To see how much we appreciate our drivers in being a part of the supply chain, start today with Zip Xpress!