This article was originally published in Retail TouchPoints. For consumer-packaged goods (CPG) brands wanting to lead their category at major retailers, it’s critical to be strategic and adaptable with a logistics strategy. While many brands try to shave pennies off transactional transportation costs, that won’t drive long-term success in retail locations. CPG brands that DO find success are proactive and utilize shipper intelligence technology to increase order visibility and analyze performance data.  Technology Leads to Category Leadership  Shipping technology has significan ..read more

Zipline Logistics proudly serves all kinds of CPG brands, from startups to multibillion dollar companies. Contradictory to traditional, transactional 3PL relationships, 94% of our clients have trusted Zipline Clients for 5+ years.   We recently sat down with one of our favorite clients to ask, “Why Zipline?”  Tuncer Yasdiman is the Supervisor of North American Sales & Operations at Isik Organic, a leading grower, manufacturer, and exporter of organic dried fruits & nuts and frozen fruits. Headquarted in Turkey, the company exports over 55 million pounds of products to mo ..read more

Hurricane Season 2023 begins in June and runs through the end of November. Although this season is expected to be slightly less active than previous years, it doesn’t hurt to take precautions and implement best practices to prepare for the disruptions weather disasters can bring.   According to this study published by Colorado State University, the U.S. is predicted to experience six hurricanes, 25 days of hurricane activity, 13 named storms, and 55 days of ’named storm activity’ this year. These projected totals are slightly below average.  Hurricanes can bring fierce winds and floo ..read more

This year’s International Road Check is scheduled by the CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) for May 16-18, 2023. According to their website, the organization will check an average of fifteen vehicles every minute over a 72-hour period across North America.   The initiative was started to reduce the number of unsafe drivers operating on the road and involves checks on driver logs, breaks, speed, and other equipment.   Road Check Week = Fewer Trucks Failed inspections can result in fines or other penalties for the drivers, such as out-of-service orders. These require a driver to ..read more

The summer season brings many fun things to our lives: beach vacations, grill-outs, bonfires, warm weather, and the return of outdoor sports. Increased activities and rising temperatures also bring about a less desirable effect: yet another capacity crunch in the freight industry as consumers purchase beverages at the highest rate of the year. Beverage season in freight terms typically arrives in mid-late May and runs through mid-July. During this time, carriers dedicate capacity to the increased demand for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.   Refrigerated transportation opt ..read more

Cargo theft is surging across the United States. Food and beverage products are the main targets in 2023, with an average loss of $214,000. According to CNBC, this is a “sign of the economic times” and adding further pressure to already inflated prices. Cargo Theft Increases in the United States Cities seeing a spike in freight theft include Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, Savannah, Newark, New Jersey, Memphis, and Chicago. This cities are being targeted for their high population density combined with ports, warehousing, or rails leaving freight vulnerable. Physical theft is the primary form of c ..read more

As we began the first quarter of the new year, the market was softening and offering shippers relief. Heading into Q2, we are seeing more of the same. Economic Factors   Inflation   The U.S. inflation rate is sitting at 6% as of February 2023. It has been steadily declining since the peak of 9.1% we faced in June of 2022.  Fuel Prices   Fuel prices have also been steadily declining since the beginning of 2023. As of March 27, 2023, the average price of diesel is $4.128, which is the lowest it’s been since February 2022.  COVID-19   Ernst & ..read more

Did you know…?  The automotive products industry is estimated to reach a global value of $374 Billion in 2023. The automotive products industry includes items like car batteries, cleaners and polishes, motor oils and coolants, car accessories, and replacement car parts. There are more than 24,111 automotive retail stores in the U.S.. Top automotive product retailers by revenue include AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Napa Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts. As the industry only continues to grow, automotive product manufacturers must shift gears to meet increased ..read more

Did you know…?  The furniture industry is estimated to reach a global value of $729.7 Billion in 2023. The furniture market includes movable commodities like couches, chairs, tables, beds and bed frames, dressers, etc. Unmovable item such as sinks and faucets are excluded as well as tableware, cutlery, and other small household objects. Top furniture brands by revenue include IKEA, Ashley HomeStore, and Restoration Hardware. As the industry only continues to grow, furniture manufacturers must put their best foot forward to meet increased demand and win competitor’s retail space. &n ..read more

Did you know…?  The most recent valuation of the sports equipment & apparel market totaled to $340.6 Billion. This industry includes sports equipment, apparel, and shoes. It’s then segmented into categories including bike, outdoor, tennis, other racket sports, running, fitness, football/soccer, other team sports, winter sports, watersports, and others. Top manufacturers of sporting goods by revenue include Nike, lululemon, Anta Sports, and adidas. As the industry only continues to grow, sporting goods manufacturers must put their best foot forward to meet increased demand and win co ..read more