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Keeping Drivers Hydrated

We have experienced many hot, humid summers across large stretches of the United States as of late, which are not only uncomfortable to drivers, but potentially dangerous. When drivers are suddenly exposed to such heat waves, their bodies may not be acclimated to the heat, which can cause sudden and unexpected dehydration effects. Here we offer a few tips on keeping drivers hydrated because their lives are more precious than any freight they are transporting.

Stay Hydrated, Even Before You Feel Thirsty

When it comes to water, our bodies are not the best at indicating whether we’re hydrated or not. When we feel dehydrated, the situation is much worse than that and many drivers may not drink enough water to replenish what has been lost. Keeping a fully stocked supply of water inside the truck is exceptionally helpful in making sure you have enough to drink, especially when on the road. Keeping watermelon or cucumber inside your cooler is also a helpful and refreshing treat. Drinking water ahead of time before exhibiting any symptoms of dehydration also helps make sure you won’t get dehydrated while driving, which helps keep drivers alert.

Avoid Caffeinated Beverages

Energy drinks and coffee are popular in order to stay alert, but the sugar and caffeine can cause dehydration. If you wish to stay alert, then you’ll need to consume an equivalent amount of water in order to remain hydrated on top of the recommended daily ounces of water (90 for women, 125 for men). Adding extra water or fruits/vegetables to counteract the sugar and caffeine is never a bad strategy.

Avoid Large Meals

Digesting large, calorie-dense meals causes the body’s temperature to rise, which can be hazardous inside a cab during a heatwave. Eating salads, leafy greens, fruits and vegetables will be easier on your stomach during hot days and replenish water in your system. While preparing these meals ahead of time will take a little more additional time, you will feel better and less likely to feel fatigue than you would if you had a larger meal.

If You Feel Any Symptoms of Dehydration – Pull Over

If at any point you feel dry mouth, nausea, headaches, confusion or dizziness, stop immediately and notify your company’s dispatcher. Your life is more important than any delivery so please treat it accordingly. Your carrier will work with the customer and they will also agree that your life is more important than the shipment. Schedules can always be revised so please be sure to get the rest you need.

Here at Zip Xpress, we understand the hard work every driver performs, and since we’re based out of Michigan, we’re exposed to every type of weather imaginable. We want all drivers to be prepared, because we value their hard work and we know that they’re the face of a carrier. A driver has an immense responsibility, so the more we can do to keep them safe, the better they can do their job. To see this commitment to drivers for yourself, start today with Zip Xpress!

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Fixing a Broken Supply Chain

It is no secret that many industries have faced interrupted supply chains this year. With shortages across wide swathes of the American economy, companies are searching for ways to repair their broken supply chains and get their shipments to customers. A broken supply chain can cause irate customers and lost trust in a company’s reputation. Here we provide a carrier’s perspective on what can be done to fix a broken supply chain.

One of the methods in fixing this problem begins with proper logistical planning. While nobody could have predicted the events of the past two years, many companies don’t have proper supply chain management plans in place. Their solutions are often to search using brokers in the hopes of finding a great deal and their shipments are often “thrown in” with the rest. Instead what’s needed is a comprehensive supply chain management plan, especially due to the tightened capacity we’ve seen this year. It is natural for some companies to panic and seek out a full truckload for their shipments to secure their space, but more often than not, they don’t need a full truckload, which only exacerbates the capacity problem. It would be far better to partner with a carrier and build a shipment plan that is best for your organization, rather than hoping this will all blow over.

Supply chain risk management is becoming an increasingly valuable field, but risk management begins with identifying where you’re most vulnerable. An example of vulnerability in a supply chain could be sourcing a component or material from a single provider. If the supplier faces any challenges such as price fluctuations or being shut down for any reason, now your company is forced to scramble for a replacement. Developing your supply chain plan requires you to map out your entire logistical process, including distribution facilities and transportation hubs. This will not be easy, but seeing the vulnerabilities will allow you to develop contingency plans in the event something goes wrong.

The final key to fixing a broken supply chain is communication. Communicating with your suppliers as well as your customers keeps everyone apprised of the situation and allows for innovative solutions to rise to the surface. Communication prevents silos from forming across organizations, which cause vulnerabilities in the supply chain. When you partner with a carrier that understands your supply chain, you’ll find it far more resilient and less likely to be affected by outside forces.

Here at Zip Xpress, we understand the importance of fixing the supply chain. Nothing frustrates everyone more than supply chain disruptions, which is why we partner with all of our customers and assist them in overcoming their shipping challenges. We assist them in the form of our custom carrier solutions, which have been helping companies now for 20 years. To see how our custom carrier solutions can help you, start today with Zip Xpress!

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Keeping Your Supply Chain on Track

The peak season for 2021 is just around the corner and it’s vital for shippers to begin preparations in an effort to ensure there will not be an interruption in shipments. Shippers who don’t have an established plan for their supply chain may find themselves at the mercy of the spot market, where brokers will prey upon both shippers and carriers, exploiting the market conditions for their own gain. Our goal is to see shippers and carriers protected from these practices and ensure that shippers and carriers have a bountiful year.

The key to avoiding the spot market is to align your business with a trusted carrier that is experienced in handling your freight. This prevents shippers from being forced to compete for tightening capacity and allows both parties to develop a shipping plan that works for everyone. Collaboration is always rewarded in logistics since shippers are provided access to proven processes, systems, dedicated teams and experienced leadership that will provide the best solutions for any supply chain problem.

Another method in keeping your supply chain on track is collaborating with your carrier in regards to shipment schedules and methods of transportation. Your carrier will know their capabilities as well as their shipment schedule and will be more than willing to create a shipment plan that works for you. They’ll be able to provide you with options, a vital asset that may not always be available during peak season. Businesses that laid the foundation by collaborating with a carrier have seen a smoother process and are happier with the results.

Here at Zip Xpress, we understand the importance of preparing for the peak season. We specialize in handling unique freight, but we’re willing to work with any business that is in need of an efficient supply chain. We will provide you with the custom carrier solutions you need to make the right decision and create a better supply chain that will get you through any market conditions. To see for yourself, start today with Zip Xpress!

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20 Years of Providing Custom Carrier Solutions

This week marks a very special time for us. It’s our 20th anniversary of being in business and we wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of our stakeholders for making this possible. We couldn’t have done this without the hard work of our dedicated employees and customers who trust us to do what’s best for everyone involved. If it wasn’t for all of the people involved who helped build Zip Xpress, we certainly would not be the company we are today.

The first group we wish to thank would be our dedicated employees. Without the hard work of everyone throughout the company and their dedication to service, we wouldn’t be able to get very far with helping customers. Everyone here at Zip Xpress pitches in, whether that’s solving a shipment problem, cleaning the office (or warehouse!) or answering the phone to help a customer. Their hard work in creating a sustainable carrier provider is unmatched and everything they do is focused on providing a wonderful shipping experience for our customers.

We also want to thank our wonderful drivers who take to the roads every day and deliver the shipments to the end customer. We appreciate their hard work, their friendly attitude and dedication to getting every shipment to the customer on time and undamaged. We know that our drivers are the ones who interact with our customers, and we can’t express enough appreciation on how well they handle this responsibility. We’re proud of our drivers, who treat every customer with the respect they deserve.

Finally we wish to express our appreciation to our customers. Without you, none of this would be possible. Our goal is to provide you with the custom carrier solutions that will get every shipment to its destination on time and undamaged. You place a lot of trust in us, and you believe in our vision of creating a more sustainable supply chain. It’s why we’re proud to say that we maintain a 99% retention rate with our customers.

We appreciate the partnership we have with our stakeholders, and we will continue to work hard to ensure that everyone who works with us will get the best treatment. Thank you everyone for a wonderful 20 years, we’re ready for many more!