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Streamlining Operations with an Ideal Enterprise TMS Platform: Why Zuum App Stands Out as the Perfect Fit

The best enterprise TMS  platform is designed to seamlessly adapt and connect with partners, ensuring uninterrupted operations without needing replacements. In times of economic uncertainty, making wise choices and optimizing spending becomes crucial.

As an enterprise supply chain manager, you are faced with critical decisions to enhance your operations. Consider the following options:

1. Endless Building and Maintenance: Building a custom platform may appear attractive but comes with perpetual costs, including ongoing bug fixes and maintenance.

2. Outdated Legacy Systems: Purchasing outdated legacy systems may offer temporary solutions, but they often need more agility to keep pace with evolving industry needs.

3. Patchwork of Off-the-Shelf Products: Opting for multiple off-the-shelf products and attempting to piece them together may seem tempting, but it can result in complexities and limit your competitiveness against industry peers.

4. Zuum App: Choose Zuum App, the leading enterprise platform, and harness its unrivaled capabilities. With Zuum App TMS, you can incorporate your unique secret sauce over time, eliminating the need to search for alternative systems. Experience a swift launch, embrace cutting-edge technology, and mitigate risks at a fair price.

What Sets Zuum App TMS Apart

The Zuum App TMS platform stands out as a game-changer in enterprise logistics. Designed to empower all stakeholders, Zuum App TMS offers a best-in-class logistics super-platform that revolutionizes supply chain management. Let’s delve into the key features and benefits of this exceptional platform.

Modular Structure:

At the core of Zuum App TMS lies its modular design. This enables businesses to tailor their logistics operations based on their unique requirements. With the flexibility to select and customize modules, enterprises can build a solution that perfectly aligns with their needs, enhancing efficiency and driving growth.

Shipper and Carrier Portals:

Zuum App TMS comes equipped with dedicated portals for both shippers and carriers. These portals facilitate seamless collaboration, allowing for streamlined communication, real-time updates, and efficient coordination between all parties involved.

Universal Integrations:

Recognizing the importance of data integration, Zuum App TMS provides universal integrations to every data type. This means that Zuum App TMS effortlessly connects and harmonizes data from various sources regardless of the systems or technologies. This integrated approach empowers enterprises to make data-driven decisions, optimize processes, and unlock valuable insights.

Partner App Store:

Zuum App TMS goes beyond just being a platform; it aims to bring the entire industry together. The Partner App Store is a collaborative marketplace, enabling seamless access to third-party integrations and services. This ecosystem fosters innovation, promotes industry-wide cooperation, and expands the possibilities for growth and optimization.

Comprehensive Training Program:

To ensure that users can maximize the potential of Zuum App TMS, it offers the best free unlimited training program. This initiative reflects Zuum’s commitment to empowering its users with the knowledge and skills to leverage the platform effectively. Zuum App TMS equips enterprises with the expertise required to thrive in the logistics landscape by providing comprehensive training resources.

User-Friendly Interface:

Zuum App TMS prioritizes simplicity and ease of use. Its user interface is thoughtfully designed, offering users a seamless and intuitive experience. With its straightforward navigation and user-friendly features, Zuum App TMS empowers users to adapt to the platform quickly, reducing learning curves and enhancing productivity.

Swift Time to Launch:

Zuum App TMS recognizes the shortest time to launch in the industry, allowing enterprises to establish operations and reap benefits without unnecessary delays. Zuum App TMS accelerates the transition to enhanced logistics management, delivering immediate business value.

In the realm of AI-driven insights, data aggregation plays a pivotal role. To unlock the true potential of artificial intelligence, we need a centralized hub to bring together disparate systems. That hub is none other than Zuum.

By utilizing a standard tool and speaking the same language, we pave the way for meaningful aggregation of siloed data. This convergence enables us to extract valuable insights, optimize processes, and make data-driven decisions that propel businesses forward.

At Zuum, we believe in transparency, integrity, and honesty. We understand that more than simply claiming to be the best in class is required. The actual value is demonstrated through actions, not empty promises. That’s why we choose to share our technology with all players in the industry.

Our secret sauce lies in our core tech stack, encompassing the finest network-enabled TMS technology. This robust solution is designed to be quickly adopted, rapidly deployed, and seamlessly integrated into any manual or automatic third-party tech. With our branded technology, enterprises can enjoy a unified experience across their entire ecosystem.

Now, more than ever, it is crucial for shippers, carriers, and brokers to collaborate toward defragmentation and optimize empty miles. Through Zuum’s AI-driven hub, these industry players can come together and leverage the power of an actual network. Businesses can elevate their operations and gain a competitive edge by connecting with the actual network or networks.

In the dynamic world of logistics, time is of the essence. The sooner we embrace the possibilities offered by Zuum’s AI-driven hub, the faster we can unlock new efficiencies,    drive growth, and maximize our potential.

Join us on this transformative journey, where data aggregation and collaboration lead to enhanced performance and sustainable success. 

Together, let’s seize the moment and make every second count.

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Blog Shipper News

The Benefits of Digitizing Food Logistics and AI power for Shippers

Shipping food products is a complicated process and involves a lot of coordination between logistics companies, shippers, carriers, and other stakeholders. It has long been an inefficient and labor-intensive process. However, thanks to advancements in digital technology, it is now possible to digitize and streamline the shipping process for food logistics.

Digitization of the food logistics shipping process has a number of advantages. It allows for the efficient integration of different stakeholders, such as shippers, carriers, and logistics companies. It also permits a more effective tracking system, which can help to ensure that food products are delivered on time, in suitable condition, and in accordance with safety standards.

In addition, digital technology can also lead to cost savings for businesses. By streamlining the shipping process, businesses can reduce their operational costs, allowing them to remain competitive in the market. It can also help reduce errors, delays, and other issues that can disrupt the shipping process.

In order to ensure an effective digitization process, businesses need to look into using the right kind of technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to automate certain aspects of the process, such as tracking and optimizing routes. It can also be used to identify potential problems that may arise during the shipping process, allowing businesses to address them before they become real issues.

Digitization can also help businesses to manage their cold chain logistics better. AI-powered predictive analytics can help shippers to anticipate and respond to changes in demand and temperature, helping ensure that the food products are delivered in the required condition and on time.

Overall, the digitization of the shipping process for food logistics can provide a number of benefits to food distributors, including cost savings, improved efficiency, and better compliance with regulatory standards. By leveraging the right technology, such as artificial intelligence and freight hyper-automation software, businesses can ensure that their shipping process is streamlined and effective.

ZuumApp is a hyper-automation software that can be a game-changer for food shippers. By leveraging AI and automation, ZuumApp helps shippers to maximize efficiency and cost savings. The software provides an end-to-end solution that automates the entire shipping process, from order fulfillment to delivery. By digitizing the process, ZuumApp can provide real-time visibility of shipments, helping shippers to monitor their deliveries and ensure goods are delivered on time. In addition, ZuumApp can help shippers ensure the safety and quality of their products. By integrating sensors, RFID tags, and temperature monitors, food shippers can track the condition of their goods in transit, ensuring cold chain integrity. Furthermore, ZuumApp’s predictive analytics and optimization algorithms can help shippers to improve their delivery routes and reduce costs. By utilizing ZuumApp’s hyper-automation software, food shippers can reap the benefits of digital transformation and ensure their goods reach their customers safely and on time.

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Blog Shipper News

Automotive Supply Chains: 2022 Forecast

Supply chains are a vital component in the automotive industry. They ensure timely sourcing of raw material, semi-finished articles, and finished products. This is true for both the manufacturer and the auto dealers. Globally, the automotive industry is a multi-billion dollar sector. Its supply chains stretch both domestically and beyond the borders. Any disruption in any part of the supply chain can affect both the demand and supply in the automotive sector.

The COVID19 pandemic has adversely affected the automotive supply chains. It has led to huge fluctuations in the demand and supply of components, spare parts, and even complete automobiles. This trend is likely to continue in the first half of 2022. Gina Raimondo, the US Secretary of Commerce has stated that though the supply chains will continue to recover, they will take a ‘number of months’ to normalize.

What to expect in 2022?

The pre-pandemic period was an ever-rising phase for the automotive industry. Fitch Ratings have predicted that the automotive industry will improve in 2022. At the same time, the supply chain risks will continue to loom over. Although the global sales will increase, they will continue to remain 6% lower than the 2019 pre-pandemic levels. 

There will be numerous effects of the present scenario on the Automotive Supply chains in 2022. Some of them are:

Uncertainty in automotive supply chains

The automotive industry will continue to be affected by uncertain material supply. Suppliers will be hit by bottlenecks in the global supply chains. This will affect the production, cost of automobiles, and their sale. 

Unstable productions due to semiconductor shortage

The automotive industry depends on semiconductors. Modern-day vehicles are equipped with a large number of sensors and ICs for advanced functions. Due to a dip in semiconductor production, its supply to the automobile sector is sure to hit production.

Less availability of raw material

Due to the likely extension of the pandemic in 2022, there will be a tight supply of raw material in the automotive sector. Increased prices and lesser supplies of materials like plastic resin and steel escalate costs. It will force the automakers to restrict production.

Change in the inventory levels

The automotive sector, in the pre COVID19 era, used the ‘Just-in-Time’ inventory model. They would procure raw material just before production. In 2022, the automotive inventory managers will stock up material for future production runs. This can further lead to price functions of raw materials. In the extreme scenario, it can result in hoarding.

Search for innovative solutions

Companies will take up R&D activities to supplement shortages with innovative methods. There will be a rise in R&D activities and the automotive industry will focus on fulfilling their needs locally. It will lead to the creation of new supply chains which will sustain a part of the automotive industry. 

Rise of costs in automotive supply chains

Due to increased shipping rates & labor charges, the automotive supply chains will remain expensive. This will adversely affect the pricing of the finished goods. The profits will thus get limited. It may also affect the purchasing capacity of the buyers.

Increase in Electric vehicles

EVs will be the buzzword in 2022. Due to the blockages in the IC engine supply chains, companies will shift attention to green vehicles. Combined with the govt. incentives, the automotive sector is bound to see a rise in electric vehicles.

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Shipper Help Shipper News Supply Chain Expertise

Static RFPs Vs. Dynamic RFPs

Transportation and Logistics are highly important business requirements in today’s complex markets. All trade and commerce activities rely on them in one form or the other. In this global era, industrial activities depend on transporters and logistics providers. They, after all, form the backbone of a dynamic, global supply chain.

The needs of a shipper are reflected through a Request for Proposal (RFP) document. It provides information on the problem at hand & the related information. It simultaneously asks the vendors to provide possible solutions along with their bids. An RFP document should be well written and must have all necessary information. If required, it should have fact-based assumptions. An RFP needs to have real-world operational awareness as well.

A good RFP provides the basis for selecting the right solution provider. This in turn improves the supply chain efficiency towards better profit margins and lower wastage. Usually, a person experienced in the Logistics and Transportation sector prepares the RFP. When a company distributes an RFP, a well-written document allows the responders to understand if they want to pursue the project. The successful service provider gets a contract for their services.  

Types of RFPs:  

There are a few types of RFPs used in the industry. The major ones are Static RFPs and Dynamic RFPs. 

Static RFPs: Traditionally, business houses conduct RFPs every year. This includes several rounds of bidding by the prospective service providers. After awarding the contract to the right service provider, the shipper begins the long on-boarding process. Static RFPs result in committed shiploads for the service providers.

Dynamic RFPs: Short-duration RFPs are dynamic and preferred in volatile market scenarios. It is like spot market booking for shipment. Due to the varying freight costs, service providers prefer accepting smaller duration contracts. This is true for shipping within the borders and overseas.

Static RFPs vs Dynamic RFPs

Dynamic RFPs. There are several reasons for saying so. Though Static RFPs provide a long-term contract for both the shipper and the service provider, it is no longer suitable in the present market. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the shipping costs skyrocketed. The service providers in turn were unable to fulfill their commitments at the pre-negotiated prices. This led to major disruptions in the signed contracts.

This scenario led to short-duration contracts or mini bids for 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days. These short window or dynamic contracts result in smooth flow of goods without having to worry about the market rates or cancelled contracts. Dynamic contracts shield shippers from market volatility. 

Short-duration contracts also help shippers book small shipping slots to make up for blockages in their supply chain. When a business house finds an unseen blockage in their network, extra shipping slots for small durations work as lifesavers. 

In fluctuating production scenarios, Dynamic RFPs help manufacturers save costs. Nowadays, companies prefer smaller shipping slots owing to volatile demand and economic conditions. It has also resulted in quick movement of goods from the source to the destination. Shippers looking to transition towards employing Dynamic RFPs should consider ZUUM Enterprise as a TMS solution. To learn more, click here.

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Blog Shipper News

ZUUM Transportation Launches ZUUM BEYOND TMS for Shippers

ZUUM BEYOND TMS for Business and Enterprise shippers can extend and enhance existing transportation management systems – or work as a complete standalone system. With real-time visibility, workflow automation, and connected data flow, ZUUM BEYOND TMS delivers capacity access, actionable intelligence and freight network control beyond traditional TMS capabilities. Shippers can digitally aggregate capacity, reduce freight spend and improve service levels. Operations are managed more efficiently. Actionable intelligence and automated digital notifications provide better control of freight networks through universal API and EDI integration and a user-friendly interface – all currently without upfront cost.

Irvine, California (BUSINESS WIRE) – Today, logistics technology innovator, ZUUM Transportation, launched ZUUM BEYOND TMS with ZUUM Business and ZUUM Enterprise, expanding the modular product line of their Logistics Super Platform. ZUUM Business and ZUUM Enterprise combine a freight marketplace and load management system with mobile functionality, providing real-time actionable intelligence, real-time visibility, and digital freight network control. They are connected to ZUUM’s Logistics Super Platform, which integrates all products for shippers, brokers, and carriers. It will join ZUUM Capacity Pro in ZUUM’s product line for shippers. 

Following the disruption in 2020, companies faced immense pressure from customers, partners, and shareholders to digitize their supply chains. A Logistics Tech Trends Report noted that “the TMS market [is] flooded with options — thousands at the last count,” but many systems either fail to deliver robust solutions that can manage complex supply chains or offer complicated tools that ignore the shipper’s core pain points. FreightWaves recognizes the untapped value ZUUM’s technology is bringing to the logistics industry and dubbed ZUUM as part of “the next class” of innovative solutions for the logistics industry.  ZUUM was also recently named one of Food Logistics’ 2020 FL100+ Top Software and Technology Providers.

Isaac Larian, CEO of MGA acknowledges ZUUM’s efforts in pursuing their mission “ZUUM is a phenomenal partner. From our perspective, in addition to quality capacity, ZUUM has the best logistics and transportation management software available, and the organization has a customer and partner first approach” says Larian.

“The journey to scaling an organization can be ambiguous. Minimizing friction, bridging gaps and implementing quickly are at the core of hyper growth” says Matt Tabatabai, COO and Co-Founder of ZUUM Transportation. “Launching ZUUM Business and Enterprise has been a huge milestone for us in creating solutions that deliver true value for our customers. Along with providing access to additional capacity and lowering freight costs, we canvassed the market to provide a comprehensive solution that is both user-friendly and easy to deploy with its design, architecture, and available integrations.” 

In his latest interview with FreightWaves, Matt Tababatabai “emphasized the need for systems to include value-adding tools in order to help shippers manage their current and future supply chain needs.”

Since its founding in 2016, ZUUM has grown to become a validated top-tier service provider that delivers thousands of freight-loads per month for more than 250 enterprise shippers, including several Fortune 500 companies. ZUUM provides critically needed efficiency, real-time visibility, and higher productivity during each stage of freight management.

ZUUM Business was created to meet the needs of SMB and Mid-size shippers. It offers access to reliable capacity instantly, whenever and wherever you need it. It provides an alternative to resource-intensive manual processes through automation and provides insights that help them scale their businesses. ZUUM Enterprise was designed for organizations that may be locked into contracts with existing systems but are looking for better solutions with a relevant feature set and easy usability, that can be used in tandem with those systems. ZUUM Enterprise manages and optimizes your freight network on one platform through advanced intelligence and automation. ZUUM delivers value of data analysis in decision making. The features exclusively offered in ZUUM Enterprise are tailored for companies that want to identify new areas of opportunity for efficiency, productivity, and cost-savings. 

The release of ZUUM Business and ZUUM Enterprise will include the following capabilities. 

  • ZUUM Capacity Pro: Users gain immediate access to ZUUM’s 11,800 vetted carriers nationwide
  • Internal Shipper Marketplace: Users can leverage insights and an easy-to-understand user interface to optimize collaboration with their existing logistics partners.
  • Carrier & Broker Onboarding: Easily onboard carriers and brokers so that tendering freight becomes a two-click process that only takes seconds, instead of hours.
  • Carrier & Broker Management: ZUUM Enterprise simplifies administrative tasks, enabling users to better manage their internal freight networks.
  • Instant Smart Pricing: ZUUM’s proprietary algorithm provides recommendations for freight rates for a given date and lane.
  • Lane Management: Multiple lanes can be uploaded with an excel document to expedite manual entry. This tool is best utilized when a customer needs to cover shipments for repeated lanes.
  • Reports and Analytics: Basic and advanced reports on shipment activity, freight spend, load details, carrier spend, and carbon footprint. ZUUM Enterprise provides an even more comprehensive analysis of these metrics for larger companies.
  • Smart Dashboards: Customizations to Shipments Dashboards to monitor key metrics more easily.
  • Digital Load Tendering: Users can post their shipment details once, and get carrier bids from ZUUM’s Capacity Pro and their internal freight network simultaneously.
  • Financial Management: A database and payment module that includes Accounts Payable and Bills.
  • Smart Map: A live map view of all active/booked shipments and each of their transit milestones.
  • Full Shipment Management: The ability to edit shipment details at any time, manage the assigned carrier, view a detailed tracking page and more.
  • Integrations: ZUUM partners with external enterprise-class TMS systems through an open API to offer modular technology.
  • Deployment: The cloud-based technology allows the fastest deployment in the industry – with no upfront cost so shippers can begin shipping faster than with any other TMS on the market today.
  • Dynamic RFP: Shippers can create and run multiple RFP events to reduce their tender rejection rate and secure dependable carriers for dedicated lanes. ZUUM Enterprise and Business support dynamic RFPs so businesses can remain flexible in volatile markets.

CEO of ZUUM Transportation, Mustafa Azizi highlights ZUUM’s efforts to enable opportunities for growth and promote healthy competition among shippers. “This year has brought new challenges and magnified long-standing inefficiencies throughout the industry. But where adversity appears, innovation follows. I’m proud of how fast my team has managed to produce these new tools that allow companies to take their destiny into their own hands.” says Azizi.

ZUUM expects tens of thousands of shippers to take advantage of these cloud-based transportation management technologies, building a massive global community where ZUUM can efficiently match capacity to demand across supply chains on one Logistics Super Platform. 

The unexpected events in 2020 launched a race towards digital transformation throughout the logistics and transportation industry. Existing protocols and legacy systems were stretched to  their limits, exposing the difficulty of oversight and management of unforeseen circumstances.

The last round of funding of $8.58 million completed early 2020, for a total raise of $12.58 million, accelerated the company’s technology and product development. The release of ZUUM Business and ZUUM Enterprise initiates the expansion of the logistics super platform that is continuing throughout 2021. 

About ZUUM Transportation

ZUUM Transportation, Inc. is a rapidly growing tech startup transforming the logistics industry. Their vision is to optimize logistics and streamline supply chains globally with one efficient, automated, and easy-to-use super platform. Centralized information flow provides actionable intelligence, capacity aggregation provides instant access to vetted carriers, and back office automation reduces errors and maximizes productivity. ZUUM combines a digital freight marketplace with a shipper TMS, broker SaaS, carrier TMS, and mobile driver app.

ZUUM – AUTOMATE YOUR FREIGHT™

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Blog Shipper News Supply Chain Expertise

How to Supplement Shipping Capacity with Digital Freight Marketplaces to Save Time and Money During Peak Season

Supply chains have transformed tremendously over time to meet growing consumer demand and fluctuating supply of goods and raw materials. Supply chain leaders are tasked with designing a freight network “that offers consistent and reliable delivery services” while remaining adaptive to “customer requirements” and continues to improve “operating efficiency.”

Harvard Business Review highlights the lasting effects Coronavirus has had on supply chain networks in their analysis stating that “many things are not going to change. Consumers will continue to want low prices (especially in a recession), and firms won’t be able to charge more just because they manufacture in higher-cost home markets.”

Once businesses began to reopen in the summer, manufacturers needed to produce more quickly. The Wall Street Journal noted that these conditions “could set off what is known as the “bullwhip effect,” in which efforts to restock while meeting increased demand travel through supply chains, affecting finished-goods manufacturers, makers of parts and components and raw-materials suppliers.”  With companies seeking to meet the recovering demand, they need to bolster their operations and quickly address any vulnerabilities in their supply chain that the pandemic exposed.

Digital Freight Marketplaces – Fast & Convenient Access to Capacity When Needed

With an increased need to move goods and materials, would the typical workflow supply chain leaders share to procure transportation keep up with these extreme circumstances? First, they look to their internal carrier network. Then, they  enlist the support of freight brokers. After exhausting these options, digital freight marketplaces become “a great way for shippers and carriers to quickly expand their operating networks.” Journal of Commerce explains the digital freight marketplace’s key function: “at its core, digital freight matching is about more efficiently connecting sources of freight with sources of capacity that would otherwise have no way to find one another.”

It may be difficult to discern how a digital freight marketplace differs from a freight broker — digital or not. However, FreightWaves makes a clear distinction between the two by noting “in terms of the value proposition to customers, every digital freight marketplace would also function as a digital freight brokerage but not every digital freight brokerage would be a true marketplace.” While they both match shippers to carriers, the vast network provided by digital freight marketplaces enables shippers to book trucks more quickly and at a lower price.

New Ways to Cope with the Capacity Crunch

Manufacturers have become accustomed to the capacity crunch due peak shipping season, however, this peak season shipping offers a new set of challenges. This may be the primary reason for the spot market reaching record highs. Rather than making additional investments, there are strategies to help managers better utilize digital freight marketplaces beyond expanding carrier networks.

Supply chain leaders should leverage digital marketplaces alongside their internal carrier networks. By managing RFPs for your existing carrier network and a digital freight marketplace simultaneously, companies will be able to increase their chances of finding a carrier faster and at a lower price.

In some cases, companies have minimal leniency, if any, with their transportation budgets. Automating bid acceptance when a carrier agrees to the set price accelerates the planning and allows employees to focus on other projects instead of manually checking for carriers bids.

Lastly, logistics executives should refrain from using the spot market “as a last resort and start viewing it as a strategic tool.” This minimizes any surprise blows to freight spend.

Technology can enhance operations, simplify decision-making, and provide valued insight. At the end of the day, every hypothetical situation cannot be planned and prepared for. Nonetheless, pursuing proactive risk mitigation creates more protection against cyclical events such as peak season shipping and black swan events.

Sources:

https://www.gartner.com/en/supply-chain/role/supply-chain-logistics-leaders

https://hbr.org/2020/09/global-supply-chains-in-a-post-pandemic-world

https://www.wsj.com/articles/bullwhip-effect-could-boost-u-s-economy-11600858980

https://www.joc.com/technology/freight-procurement-systems/freight-marketplaces-hinge-spot-rate-adoption_20190613.html

https://www.ttnews.com/articles/why-digital-freight-marketplaces-matter-now-more-ever#:~:text=Utilizing%20a%20DFM%20is%20a,move%20thus%20potentially%20reducing%20backhauls.

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/why-digital-freight-brokers-might-fail-to-disrupt-the-freight-brokerage-industry

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Blog Logistics News Shipper News

ZUUM Transportation Features Their Innovative Technology and team at FreightWaves Live @ Home Fall 2020 Virtual Event

ZUUM Transportation made their debut at the FreightWaves Live @ Home Fall Event on November 5 & 6, 2020. This was the first year FreightWaves took their traditionally in-person conference online. Despite the adjustment, the event was packed with segments, speakers,  and opportunities to interact.

ZUUM Virtual Booth

We connected with attendees through our virtual booth, where you can access our website and several resources.

Interview with Mustafa Azizi

On Day 1, attendees had the pleasure of tuning into our founder and CEO, Mustafa Azizi’s interview on FreightWaves’ WHAT THE TRUCK?!? segment with Dooner and The Dude.

He covers how ZUUM is solving fragmentation of capacity by providing technology for shippers, brokers, and carriers that encompasses the various tools they use to cover a single load, enabling them to scale quicker. Mustafa also highlights that many existing supply chain tech companies looking to disrupt the space either come from Silicon Valley and lack industry knowledge or have a background in logistics but struggle to understand technology. Another key distinction is that ZUUM technology is continuously evolving and updating to ensure customers have the best and latest version as opposed to the typical business model that requires customers to pay for each upgrade.

Live Demo with Matt Tabatabai

On Day 2, our founder & COO, Matt Tabatabai showcased ZUUM’s Logistics Super Platform with a live demo. He touches on how the fragmentation of capacity, systems, and data continues to be shared challenges of shippers, brokers, and carriers. Attendees were able to see how each platform interacts with one another, pulling from the same data, to complete a shipment and manage accounting.

All in all, it was a fantastic 2-day experience and we look forward to seeing everyone at the next one!

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Blog Logistics News Shipper News

ZUUM Transportation Honors our Heroes for Veteran’s Day 2020

In appreciation of Veteran’s Day, we celebrate one of the heroes who works behind the scenes here at ZUUM Transportation. Chris Lee, our Vice President of Business Development is a veteran Marine and Reservist and continues to advocate for the community by serving as a board member of the Bird’s Eye View Project. On Wednesday, November 11, 2020, the Bird’s Eye View Project will be commemorating the day with the Veterans Day Live Skydive and BASE Jump at the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, OK. The event will be aired live on Fox News and Fox and Friends starting at 4:30AM CST. The Skydive will begin at 6:30AM Central and BASE Jump at 7:00AM CST.

The Birds Eye View Project raises awareness and funds to support American veterans and first responders. Since many nonprofit organizations need resources to implement successful awareness campaigns, the Birds Eye View Project partners with charities dedicated to veterans and military service members by providing a platform to share their missions and expand their reach. They organize public events where volunteers and veterans engage in extreme sports, such as skydiving and base jumping to garner attention and raise money for partnering charities. This is an incredible way to connect people to the sacrifices our veterans and first responders have made for their country.

This year the Bird’s Eye View Project brings veterans from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan and a 9/11 first responder to participate in the All Veteran Group Parachute Team over the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Upon landing, Ryan “Birdman” Parrott, founder of the Bird’s Eye Project will make a missing man remembrance BASE Jump from the 217’ tower. The oldest jumper participating is 96-years-old.

Chris has served on the Bird’s Eye View Board of Directors for over three years and acknowledges that the organization has provided him with the opportunity to continuously support the community. “I work with Birds Eye View Project, doing extreme sports for extreme needs, so I can keep serving and give back to those Veterans and First Responders that have given so much,” says Chris Lee.

At ZUUM Transportation, we would like to thank Chris Lee as well as all U.S. veterans and first responders for their service and dedication. We salute you.

Sponsors include:

American Airlines

Walgreens

Hillwood 

Categories
Blog Logistics News Shipper News

Sustainability in Supply Chain Management

trucks driving on the road with green fields on each side

Sustainability, or “Going Green,” is a hot topic these days, for both consumers and companies. From a logistics standpoint, sustainability will require an emphasis on finding shorter, more optimal routes and greener technologies. It is also important to keep in mind worries that some may have regarding the maintainability of efficiency and lowered costs even while using more sustainable methods. 

Although many have begun incorporating sustainable practices for the planet into their daily lives, such as by recycling plastic bottles or no longer using straws, the most significant carbon footprints are up to large companies and governments to reverse. Jesse Klein from GreenBiz Group noted that Mike Roeth, “executive director of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency and truck operations leader at Rocky Mountain Institute, […] describes trucking’s current transition to more sustainable operations as ‘the messy middle.’”

A greener trucking industry

One suggestion to a greener trucking industry is to have drivers switch to electric vehicles, but this would require a large amount of time and investment in order to make the switch in infrastructure. Even then, during a webcast, “Patrick Browne, director of global sustainability at UPS, emphasized […] that going fully electric isn’t an option for most fleets. “It’s going to be a poly-fuel future,’ Browne said.”

Regardless of the difficulties, some states are marching ahead on orders to help save the planet. This year, California’s Air Resource Board (CARB) passed the Advanced Clean Truck rule, requiring that over half of all trucks sold by 2035 be zero-emission, and that by 2045, all trucks must be zero-emission vehicles. Not all states follow this model, but California is leading the way to a future that we all must eventually trudge toward – like it or not, we are all on the planet together, and how we leave it while we’re here will have direct impacts on its future health for further generations.

With that said, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) holds the trucking sector responsible for over 50% of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and over 30% of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.

The importance of sustainability in logistics

“In Britain alone, known NO2 emissions have been estimated to kill 23,500 people every year, according to aerosol science professor Ian Colbeck of the University of Essex, southeastern England. […] In 2012, the World Health Organization’s cancer research agency classified diesel engine exhaust as cancer-causing.” Research has shown that these emissions are physically dangerous for humans to interact with over long periods of time, and that we would be better off curbing the amount of harmful production from our industry. What options do we have towards that goal?

Outside of fuel efficiency, those in the shipping industry can also look at optimizing loads: moving more freight with fewer trips means fewer carbon emissions, less fuel used, and higher levels of customer happiness. Derek J. Sine, Managing Director of Vander Group, writes that, “transportation department statistics show that somewhere between 30 and 40 percent of the available space on loaded trailers is not being utilized,” meaning there is still ample space to utilize this untapped resource. In addition, packaging using alternative methods can create a packaging process that is cheaper, sustainable, and more protective of both the product and environment. Sine also suggests targeting empty miles, as “DOT statistics show that around 20 percent of the truck miles being driven are empty miles during empty backhauls or deadheads.” 

Overall, ZUUM Transportation hopes for a brighter planet than how we have found it, and is happy to contribute to a future that is simultaneously green and efficient.

Related sources:

https://blog.solistica.com/en/sustainable-logistics-a-priority-for-supply-chains

https://hbr.org/2020/03/a-more-sustainable-supply-chain

https://www.greenbiz.com/article/there-are-many-routes-sustainable-trucking-industry-needs-all-them

https://www.greenbiz.com/article/californias-new-truck-rule-its-big-its-bold-its-controversial

https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/ex/sustainablecitiescollective/bringing-sustainability-trucking-industry/1157616/

https://www.supplychain247.com/article/how_trucking_can_improve_fuel_sustainability

https://www.epa.gov/smartway/why-freight-matters-supply-chain-sustainability

https://phys.org/news/2015-09-nox-gases-diesel-car-fumes.html

https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/air-quality-VOCs

https://www.inboundlogistics.com/cms/article/8-sustainable-supply-chain-trends-for-smart-supply-chains/

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Blog Logistics News Shipper News

Top 5 Ways to Advance Last-Mile Delivery

pallet driver in warehouse moving beers

There are many steps involved in ensuring the fluidity of our transportation networks, and currently, one of the most inefficient yet crucial steps can be found when zeroing in on last-mile delivery. But what is last-mile delivery, and why is it so important?

Last-mile delivery refers to the final leg of the delivery journey, where the ordered product travels from its warehouse or transportation hub to its ultimate destination. While this seems simple overall, it is estimated that up to 28% of the total cost of delivery is spent on this portion of the job alone, with other reports, such as Business Insider Intelligence estimating this cost at up to 53%. With rising consumer expectations in regards to free shipping, faster shipment times, and more reliable delivery of goods, it is a struggle for many companies to meet what can be considered a rapidly climbing demand. 

The world has quickly revolutionized during the Information Age, with technology and its accompanying industries making great leaps in incredibly short timeframes. For example, between 2008-2018 alone, retail sales over the internet increased over fivefold, from 290.4 billion to 1.6 trillion. In 2018, the global last-mile delivery market of 30200 million was forecasted to reach 55200 million by 2025. So how can companies keep up with industry giants like Amazon in maintaining customer satisfaction while also making profit? 

1. Transparent delivery process

Nothing makes us more impatient than waiting for a package, only for it to be stuck on the Out for Delivery update, without ever actually seeing what sort of time expectation that refers to. Companies that can accurately tell their customers where their package is currently and how far away their package is are more likely to be seen as efficient and reliable deliverers. Even if the package is not as close as the customer would like, they may feel a sense of relief or comfort in knowing that they can see where their product is, and can build an expectation of when it will reach them, rather than waiting in ignorance. A transparent delivery process helps the customer feel that they are part of the process. 

2. Customer-specific delivery windows

Another way to drive customer satisfaction with corporate efficiency is to allow the customer to pick specific windows of time in which they would like their products delivered. This method would require an omnichannel fulfillment system and allows the customer to choose exactly when they will be available to receive the product, making them less impatient and increasing the success of first-time delivery. 

3. Communication

Delivery service can’t always be perfect. There’s a lot of different cogs that have to work together in the logistics industry, and there’s a lot of different things that can go wrong. That’s why one of the best things a company can offer their customers is an up-to-date communication system that tells them what is happening with their order. Offering SMS/email updates to tell them what cities their package is in, when it arrives at a transportation hub, and when it has to be delayed for whatever reason helps consumers be more understanding of the logistics processes concerning their order. Customers like to be in the know as well, and would likely appreciate being given a heads up when their package has been delayed somewhere. 

4. Use EPOD

One of the hurdles faced by last-mile delivery is human inefficiency, and it just can’t be helped. Traffic congestion, porch pirates, and an overflow of delivery orders can all lead to issues in receiving the package, even if it has been delivered on time. When ordering online, many people hesitate to order from new companies without checking to make sure that reviewers can assure them their product has been delivered on time and in good condition. A great way to guarantee delivery satisfaction is to incorporate Electronic Proof of Delivery (EPOD). EPOD provides more visibility and improves on-site service, ensuring that the customer’s experience is positive and professional. 

5. Drone technology

A bit more of a futuristic route, investing in drone technology removes the hurdle of human error and time expectations altogether. While this may seem an unlikely solution for some, research shows that “over 300 waivers for drone use have been granted to companies like Union Pacfic, BNSF Railway, and Intel.” Research and Markets projects the global drone services market to reach a value of 92.52 billion by 2026. This puts the concept of drone technology at the forefront of what the supply chain industry can expect in the years to come, especially considering the strides in efficiency drones could make in warehouses, construction sites, last-mile delivery, and more. 

Related Sources: 

https://shiphero.com/blog/last-mile-delivery/

https://cerasis.com/last-mile-logistics/

https://www.statista.com/topics/4383/last-mile-delivery/

https://leighdavid.com/final-mile-logistics-statitics-to-consider-2018/

https://www.kuebix.com/the-high-costs-of-final-mile-delivery/

https://www.dhl.com/global-en/home/about-us/delivered-magazine.html

https://www.themarketreports.com/report/global-last-mile-delivery-market-size-status-and-forecast

https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/FAA-commercial-drone-use-delivery-logistics/438710/

https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/4778133/global-drone-service-market-analysis-2019

https://gsmtasks.com/electronic-proof-of-delivery-what-are-the-9-advantages-for-your-business/