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Supply & Demand Chain Executive Names ZuumApp Recipient of 2023 Top Supply Chain Projects Award

This award profiles innovative case study-type projects designed to automate, optimize, streamline and improve the supply chain.

IRVINE, CA—June 14, 2023 — Supply & Demand Chain Executive, the only publication covering the entire global supply chain, named Zuum App as one of the winners of this year’s Top Supply Chain Projects award, which profiles innovative case study-type projects designed to automate, optimize, streamline and improve the supply chain.

“From demand planning and forecasting to implementing the ultimate in warehouse automation, the past 12 months has seen companies within the supply chain and logistics space upgrade, enhance, adopt and adapt in order to achieve greater efficiency along the chain,” says Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Food Logistics. “That’s why it’s important today’s supply chains run on collaboration.”

“Companies partnered to implement each others’ software and technology and work smarter together. And, it’s these partnerships that have enabled many supply chain organizations to better manage inventory, reduce costs, retain employees, track data and analytics and build resilience for whatever disruptions may lie ahead,” Mayer adds.

You can find ZUUMAPP on the full list of Top Supply Chain Projects winners. 

About Supply & Demand Chain Executive

Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the only supply chain publication covering the entire global supply chain, focusing on trucking, warehousing, packaging, procurement, risk management, professional development and more. Supply & Demand Chain Executive and sister publication Food Logistics also operate SCN Summit and Women in Supply Chain Forum.

About Zuum App :

ZUUM App is a logistics technology company based in Irvine, CA. Founded in 2016, ZUUM offers a shipper TMS, freight broker software, carrier TMS, and a mobile app for truck drivers that are connected within the Logistics Super Platform. These tools enable customers to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their logistics operations while automating their transportation networks. Our vision is to optimize logistics and streamline supply chains globally by defragmenting the industry. To learn more, visit zuumapp.com .

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Blog Zuum App Features

Unlock the Power of Optimized Routing with Zuum App’s Waterfall Routing Guide!

Are you tired of the complexities of waterfall tendering?

 Are you Seeking a Smarter Way to Optimize Routing?

 “Introducing Our Waterfall Routing Guide at Zuum App!” 

Gone are the days of grappling with manual routing processes that leave you frustrated and burnt out. Our cutting-edge system takes the reins, providing you with an all-encompassing solution that simplifies the entire routing experience. Say goodbye to the hassle of individually planning every shipment leg, as our innovative technology enables you to effortlessly create batch routing guides, saving you precious time and resources.

But that’s not all – our A.I-Driven Waterfall Routing Guide is designed to revolutionize your logistics operations from top to bottom. We understand that efficiency is paramount, and our advanced system ensures faster tendering without the burden of memorizing carriers associated with each lane. It’s a seamless, intuitive process that allows you to focus on what truly matters – growing your business and serving your customers better.

The success stories are pouring in, with several Fortune 100 companies already experiencing unprecedented ROI through our user-friendly solution. Our built-in timer and custom branding options give you the flexibility and control you need to align the routing process with your unique business requirements.

Bid farewell to the days of managing multiple tools and systems; our all-in-one solution consolidates everything you need into a single, unified platform. It’s a logistical revolution, placing unprecedented power at your fingertips.

Picture a future where your logistics operations run like a well-oiled machine, where every aspect is optimized to perfection. That’s the reality we’re offering – increased efficiency, cost savings, and unparalleled performance. 

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Blog Zuum App Features

Take Control of Your Pricing Strategy with ZuumApp’s Dynamic Smart Rate Tool!

We are thrilled to introduce you to one of the most powerful features of the Zuum App: the Dynamic Smart Rate Tool.

With this innovative tool at your disposal, you’ll have the ability to take control of your pricing strategy like never before, adapting with ease to the ever-changing dynamics of the transportation industry.

Real-Time Rate Adjustments: Navigating Market Fluctuations with Confidence

The transportation industry is notorious for its constantly shifting market conditions. To stay ahead of the curve, businesses need a TMS that enables real-time rate adjustments. You can do just that with Zuum App’s Dynamic Smart Rate Tool! Whether you deal with truckload, less-than-truckload, or any other mode of transportation, you can adjust your rates on the fly, no matter how the market fluctuates. This unprecedented flexibility ensures that your business remains responsive and agile, capturing opportunities and maximizing profitability.

Customization for Tailored Solutions

At Zuum App, we recognize that every logistics business is unique, with specific requirements and objectives. That’s why we empower you with your own digital rate and customer/carrier portals. With the Dynamic Smart Rate Tool, you can customize your pricing algorithm to align perfectly with your unique business needs. Say goodbye to rigid, one-size-fits-all solutions that hinder your growth. Zuum App’s tailored pricing experience allows you to offer rates that resonate with your customers and carriers, forging stronger partnerships and improving overall customer satisfaction.

Instant Rate Adjustments Made Effortless

Innovation should simplify, not complicate, your logistics operations. Zuum App understands the importance of streamlined processes, which is why we’ve incorporated the innovative bi/lever system into the Dynamic Smart Rate Tool. This user-friendly interface enables you to fine-tune your digital prices instantly without requiring any developer assistance. Take full control of your pricing strategy, respond swiftly to market changes, and make data-driven decisions to enhance your competitive advantage.

Data-Driven Insights: Enhancing Performance and Decision-Making

Data is the key to unlocking growth and success in the logistics industry. Zuum App’s win-loss feature provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of your rates, allowing you to track your performance and identify trends. Armed with this essential information, you can make data-driven improvements and necessary adjustments to optimize your success in the market. The ability to comprehensively understand your rate effectiveness and competition gives you a significant edge in this fast-paced industry.

Zuum App, Your All-in-One Transportation Management Solution

With the Dynamic Smart Rate Tool as one of the thousands of powerful features of the Zuum App, you get an all-in-one solution that streamlines and maximizes your transportation management processes. Elevate your logistics business to new heights of success with Zuum App’s cutting-edge technology. Say goodbye to static pricing models and embrace the future of algorithmic pricing that puts you firmly in the driver’s seat.

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Blog Zuum App Features

Elevate Your Workforce with Zuum App’s TMS Employee Gamification, known as ZUUMANITY.

At Zuum App, we understand that motivated and engaged employees drive any successful organization. That’s why we are thrilled to introduce our innovative gamification system, Zuumanity, designed to enhance employee engagement and job satisfaction within the realm of transportation management.

Zuumanity stands out from other gamification systems due to its unparalleled customizability. We recognize that every company has unique values and requirements, so we have made it effortless for you to tailor Zuumanity to fit seamlessly into your organization’s culture. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, Zuumanity can be customized and branded to align perfectly with your company’s identity.

By utilizing virtual coins as incentives, Zuumanity motivates employees to focus on key performance indicators crucial to your business’s success. These indicators encompass a wide range of metrics, including service quality, profitability, technology adoption, fraud prevention, and much more, and Zuumanity can also be directly tied to employees’ compensation, providing tangible and rewarding outcomes for their exceptional efforts.

However, the benefits of Zuumanity extend far beyond mere enjoyment. It is a powerful tool for employee retention and cultivating a thriving organizational culture. By recognizing and rewarding your employees’ achievements, Zuumanity boosts morale, enhances job satisfaction, and nurtures a strong sense of camaraderie among team members. It encourages healthy competition, promotes continuous improvement, and ultimately contributes to your company’s overall success.

Zuumanity is just one component of the comprehensive all-in-one solution offered by the Zuum App for your transportation management needs. We take pride in providing cutting-edge tools that streamline operations, improve efficiency, and optimize supply chain processes.

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Blog Broker News Logistics News

Zuum’s Clients have been able to achieve 18 LPD Per Operator, Accomplishing more with fewer resources.

For brokers in the logistics industry, the use of an outdated transportation management system (TMS) can significantly limit their business’s potential. If your operators are only able to handle an average of 5-7 loads per day, it’s time to upgrade to a more efficient and productive solution. Zuum offers just that.

Zuum recognizes that the logistics sector undergoes continuous changes. Hence, we have created a state-of-the-art TMS platform that enhances efficiency and optimizes productivity.

Zuum’s Clients have been able to achieve 18 Loads Per Day Per Operator, Accomplishing more with fewer resources. Furthermore, a whitepaper study conducted by one of Zuum’s corporate clients has showcased the shortcomings of traditional TMS solutions in comparison to Zuum’s diverse offerings.

And also, our TMS system is designed with brokers in mind. We offer a range of features and tools that help you manage your operations more effectively, from real-time visibility and reporting to automated carrier matching and billing.

At Zuum, we recognize that every broker has distinctive requirements and preferences. Hence, our platform is adaptable and can be tailored to meet those specific needs. Our white-label TMS solution can be implemented swiftly and seamlessly, whether you seek to oversee your entire logistics operation or aim to enhance your TMS functionalities. With our comprehensive tools and specialized know-how, Zuum is equipped to support your success.

Our solution enables you to manage a larger volume of shipments and enhance your bottom line, as evidenced by a 592% increase in GP per operational headcount. With Zuum, you’ll have the power to streamline your operations, improve efficiency, and increase your LPD.

Don’t just take our words for it, experience the transformation for yourself. Contact Zuum today to learn more about how our TMS can benefit your business and take it to new heights.

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Blog Supply Chain Expertise

Technology in the Trucking Industry: What the Future Holds

The trucking industry is an example of a significant business vertical where technology can help optimize segments of an industry while also benefiting our planet and our society. Previously, transportation mainly relied on a classic model consisting of transportation infrastructure, fragmented technology, and more than 700,000 carriers with fewer than 20 trucks in the US alone. However, like with every other industry, companies have had to change with the times. The constant changes in tech have pushed those in logistics to diversify and transform in order to maintain a competitive advantage. Today, advances in technology promise to provide solutions to some of the industry’s biggest obstacles. 

How can technology solve these issues in the logistics industry? Let’s dive right in for a brief overview. 

1. The Driver Shortage

Always at the forefront when discussing what plagues freight, the driver shortage is a real issue for the industry. With drivers and employers butting heads over profits, and the American Trucking Association having officially recognized an ongoing shortage, companies in the meantime are at a loss of what to do. A layered situation, the shortage is not something that has appeared overnight, and it can’t be resolved overnight either. Today, there are only two solutions: Adding capacity by adding drivers & trucks or making what is called dark capacity accessible to shippers through technology.

Training drivers takes time and is costly. Technology, like Digital Freight Marketplaces, can be implemented faster, and instantly solve the problem of capacity access, as long as empty miles and unused capacity still exist. DFMs like the ZUUM DFM just require more adoption, where more shippers start to use DFMs for both dedicated and spot freight. The resulting increase of capacity utilization and resulting fewer empty miles also have a positive effect on carbon emissions. ZUUM’s new backhaul finder is a great example of technology that can alleviate the capacity problem for shippers, while increasing profitability for carriers by adding paying loads instead of empty miles.

In the future, automated trucking – either driver assisted autopilots or fully self-driving trucks – are also a solution that may be able to reduce the size of the problem. Some self-driving trucks are being tested today and may be more common on our roads within the next decade. According to Chuck Price, Chief Product Officer at TuSimple, “their new autonomous trucks can see forward over a half mile, farther than any other autonomous system in the world, and that they can run during the day, the night and even in the rain.” This technology could reduce the capacity problem, especially during times when transportation demand is high, as a temporary supplement to the truckers on the road today.

2. Lack of Efficiency

Time is money, and money is time. Regardless of where you work, almost every businessman will tell you the same thing. The good news is, there are countless ways to improve efficiency at every step of the way, thanks to different technology solutions. We can see this at the ground level, such as by using truck scales: they allow workers to weigh the shipment as they are simultaneously loading and unloading it, versus having to manually carry it back and forth in order to weigh it. Saving your worker’s time and energy helps ensure that they are happier at work and makes it so that the surplus is being reinvested elsewhere, thereby benefiting the employer. Software and driver apps that help truckers find the cheapest available gas, improved GPS features, and automated freight matching are all key improvements that help further freight.

3. Legacy Tools

The few technological enhancements in trucking are often legacy tools that has not been updated for years. New logistics technology companies are emerging and are offering innovative solutions. Software-as-a-Service, or SaaS, has been a game changer for many fleet management companies. From maintenance, route planning, trend analysis, and real-time updates on the shipment process, SaaS has made it possible for companies to go online and subscribe to a service without being locked in for years, potentially missing out on further technological innovation. Being internet-based increases accessibility and lets multiple parties make use of the software. A 2016 survey reported that over 60% of companies were already using SaaS, making it a welcome addition to technology that has improved trucking on a significant scale. 

At ZUUM Transportation, we believe that the future is in the details, and those details can be found in the technology that we choose to invest in. Learn more about our technology solutions here.

Related Sources:

https://www.mytruckpulse.com/blog/technology-innovation-in-trucking-industry.html

https://www.ttnews.com/articles/ai-trucking

https://hackernoon.com/5-future-transportation-technologies-that-will-boom-or-bust-in-2019-b5ee59f7f8f

https://interestingengineering.com/automated-trucks-are-coming-much-sooner-than-you-think

https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/fleet-management-trucking-technology-trends/

https://www.geotab.com/blog/benefits-of-saas/

https://www.computereconomics.com/article.cfm?id=2253

Categories
Blog Logistics News

Tax Credits & Sustainability in Trucking

wind turbines creating sustainable energy

As we progress further into the 21st century, it has become more and more significant to us as a society to pay attention to the way we take care of our planet. Generations new and old alike have succeeded in discovering ways for humans to reduce their impact and protect the resources that Earth still provides us. How can we apply this to the world of transportation?

Running in line with the research determined by the Rhodium Group, the results of a study came out roughly a year ago alongside a tax credit extension package being passed through policymakers. The article considers different strategies to be employed by the U.S. to help advance clean energy legislation. For example, if drivers were to exchange their gas-reliant vehicles for their electric counterparts, that change alone would “nearly double the number of electric vehicles on the road through 2025.”

The research states that, “By 2030, wind and solar could supply up to 31% of total US electricity.” The article acknowledges that although the current American political situation likely will not allow for much in the way of “comprehensive climate policy,” small changes are still a very real possibility and may present some opportunities that those in the trucking industry could take advantage of. Some of the proposed target tax edits would be “A credit of up to $7,500 for each new electric vehicle sold (Section 30D),” and, “A suite of tax credits for advanced biofuel producers and blenders (Sections 40, 40A and 6426).”

Shipping sustainably with green trucks

There are some that are hesitant to invest in the difference between electric and gas-powered automobiles, being understandably intimidated by the higher price tags often associated with going green. However, with the reality being that “the transportation sector has been the US’s top-emitting sector since 2016,” it is important to emphasize that “Rapid technology development has already lowered EV prices through steady reductions in battery costs by over 80% since 2010.” If America finds itself interested in becoming a leader in the international community for adopting sustainable practices, the time to start looking closely at these initiatives should be now. Legislation that relaxes policies trying to go green and reducing the costs to do so will prove most effective in providing incentives for companies to help decarbonize the U.S. The article even suggests replacing gasoline with low-carbon substitutes (especially conventional ethanol) to ease the process of transitioning.

Green trucking on a global scale

Looking at it from a global standpoint, the proposed tax credits “could fill up to 25% of the gap between US emissions under current policy and its Paris commitments.” Separate studies conducted by the EEA (European Economic Area show that thanks to their efforts, “[a]verage CO2 emissions of new passenger cars in the EU has fallen steadily over recent years, decreasing by around 30% since 2001.”

“The European Commission’s evaluation study suggests that the CO2 Regulation on cars is likely to have accounted for 65-85 % of the reductions in tailpipe emissions achieved following its introduction.” 

Statistics like these show that other countries have seen the importance of sustainability and are making genuine efforts to reach goals that they are setting in that aim. Paolo Gentiloni, the European Commissioner for Economy, stated earlier this year that, “Taxation will have an essential role to play in delivering on our climate commitments.” On the subject of environmental taxes, Gentiloni believes that they “can encourage more responsible behavior and help offset the costs of the environmental transition.”

Earlier this year in March, Gentiloni and his commission outlined a set of laws that intend to make the entire continent eliminate their net carbon emissions by 2050. While governments are figuring out how quickly they want to join the race to save Earth, it is up to companies to act quickly and make use out of the legislation being pushed forward. By pushing for and accepting tax credits, those in logistics can upgrade their technology at reduced costs through investing in better infrastructure. 

Related sources:

https://www.axios.com/tax-incentives-carbon-emission-cuts-34286c82-276e-4a6c-bbb2-c9adf039c850.html

https://about.bnef.com/blog/behind-scenes-take-lithium-ion-battery-prices/

https://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/tax-breaks-and-incentives-make

https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/transport/vehicles-taxation/appropriate-taxes-and-incentives-do

https://ec.europa.eu/clima/sites/clima/files/transport/vehicles/docs/evaluation_ldv_co2_regs_en.pdf

https://www.accountingtoday.com/articles/tax-deployed-as-europes-biggest-weapon-to-halt-climate-change

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/