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Cal Wilson / August 12, 2024

Current challenges faced by small package shipping providers.

Businesses relying on shipping vendors may be faced with inconsistent or creeping rates, slow turnaround times, and dissatisfaction from customers regarding deliveries. These challenges can have implications for your business’ revenue and reputation.

With approximately 58 million parcels shipping to homes every day in the United States alone, your business is just one part of a larger ecosystem when it comes to shipping and fulfillment. Your shipping provider, likely one of the big players in the game, is also facing a lot of variables when it comes to transporting goods to your customers. Knowing what challenges they face, and how that might impact your business, is important when developing your shipping and fulfillment strategy.

In this article, we take a look at some pressures facing shipping providers that have the potential to effect on your business’ profitability.

Constant growth means rising demands that are hard to meet.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid growth of e-commerce has increased consumer shipping demands, creating a new challenge for shippers to keep up with. With the average consumer ordering 64 parcels a year,  meeting this demand with accuracy and efficiency is a significant challenge. Not to mention that failure to do so, leaves room for an unsatisfied customer and decreased loyalty further down the road.

Labor is always a question.

Growing demand means a rising need for skilled labor. Especially workers who can commit to irregular or undesirable hours. Drivers, warehouse staff, and more are all critical parts of the supply chain, helping to get products and services into consumer hands. To increase efficiency and minimize downtime, providers are turning to automation to meet some of these needs, but not everything can be handled this way. Likewise, implementing and maintaining automation and other technological innovations require substantial investment.

Labor shortages are a challenge for all shippers. Paying attention to which shipping providers are struggling with labor shortages, can give you predictive insight into how your customers’ orders will be fulfilled.

It’s never quite fast enough.

With standards set by giants like Amazon, many customers expect next-day delivery, or at the very least, faster deliveries than they did a few years ago. This makes the entire process harder for the provider to fulfill, from logistics to the real work done by drivers and warehouse staff.

If a carrier is having significant difficulty fulfilling delivery speed expectations – or you operate in an industry where that turnaround time is key – this could be detrimental for your business.

Last-mile delivery proves difficult and costly.

Often, the part of the shipping process that puts the most strain on carriers is the last mile. It is the most expensive and time-consuming step in the journey, with more margin for error than during other steps. This is complicated further by the location of the delivery. Optimizing routes across sparse rural areas, spending time in thick urban congestion, or a driver struggling to find an address and safely deliver it, can be a big cash drain on the provider. Which may translate down the line to your invoice amount.

Sustainability concerns from consumers are rising.

Increasingly, businesses and carriers alike are expected to provide reasonably transparent sustainability metrics, informing consumers of the goals and actions taken on a corporate level. This means it’s become increasing important to balance your budget to ensure maximum reduction of environmental impact.

As a business, if you choose a carrier that isn’t taking this concern seriously, it may have an adverse effect on your brand.

Costs are rising, generally.

Whether its labor, fuel, supplies, technology, or anything else, prices are on the rise; for you and your shipping provider. If you’re not diligent, the extra costs incurred by your provider could end up resulting in rate creep for you.

In conclusion…

Knowing what obstacles your shipping provider faces is important for your own business’ success. After all, the services they offer might make or break your customer satisfaction and reputation, among other things.

Cal Wilson / August 6, 2024

Most people actually do like their bosses

While power dynamics in the workplace are naturally going to result in tension now and again, the truth is, the majority of bosses are perceived as being fair by their employees. According to a recent study published by Pew Research Center, 55% of American workers “said their manager or supervisor is excellent or very good for which to work.” 

In this issue of the Pulse, we’re looking at the findings of this study. 

How do workers see their bosses? 

Pew’s study collected responses from 2,657 employed U.S. adults who have a manager or supervisor at work. The results shined a positive light on how this subset of the population feels about their superiors. As it turns out, most respondents would describe their bosses as: 

  • Capable (69%) 
  • Confident (66%) 
  • Fair (58%) 

Most workers also praised their bosses for: 

  • Giving employees flexibility to balance work and their personal life (63%) 
  • Giving employees credit when it’s due (56%) 
  • Staying calm under pressure (56%) 
  • Setting high standards (53%) 
  • Being open to new ideas (52%) 
  • Being clear about expectations (50%) 

Fewer than 20% would label their bosses as dismissive, unpredictable, aggressive, or arrogant. 

Why is this important? 

A bad boss can do a lot to increase employee turnover rates. Qualified talent is in demand, and many workers won’t tolerate operating under a boss who doesn’t meet the criteria above. Moreover, turnover can cost companies an average of $15,000 USD per employee. Employees quitting over bad management is something every business should strive to avoid.   

In conclusion… 

Bad bosses aren’t in the majority. At least most American workers don’t seem to think so. Which goes to say, if you are experiencing working under a bad boss, that doesn’t have to be the way things are.  

Cal Wilson / July 28, 2024

Can municipalities reduce waste costs with transparent garbage bags?

A significant part of municipalities’ budgets goes towards local  waste disposal. Some municipalities have found a way to alleviate this expense; clear garbage bags.

Municipal enforcement of clear garbage bags, while controversial, have proven to be very effective in reducing waste sent to landfills, and therefore the cost to the municipality. One Ontario municipality found a reduction of 38% to its municipal solid waste curbside collection in the first year after the program’s launch. This number is consistent with or below the average found across several North American communities that have adopted this practice.

Is this practice realistic? Why does it work? In this article, we take a look.

Municipalities may face push back.

While in every community where they’ve been implemented, clear garbage bag mandates have been a success, they lack widespread implementation due to public resistance. In some cases, so much so, that the mandates don’t pass at all.

Residents tend to see clear bags as a privacy concern; with some municipal polls finding the split about 50-50 with those opposed versus those supporting the change. While garbage cans and bins are a potential solution for this, other municipalities have “opted to allow small opaque privacy bags within clear bags for private items.”

The privacy concerns are also what makes these mandates effective.

Some studies have found that clear bag policies can reduce a municipality’s weekly waste by as much as nine tonnes. This isn’t because the opacity of a bag suddenly changes how much waste a household produces. What the opacity changes is how much attention people pay to sorting their garbage, recycling, and compost.

Part of the concept behind clear bag policies is that if a certain percentage of the waste in the bag – as determined by the governing body behind the decision – is recyclable material, the bag will be rejected for pickup. This creates both tangible consequences to not sorting trash, as well as social pressure to adhere to best practices.

The Decision Lab describes this as a “green nudge” relying on “moral pressure.”

“While you were free to try to dispose of your recycling by mixing it in with your garbage, you would both incur the inconvenience of the collectors not picking it up and the disapproval of your eco-conscious neighbors,” it explains.

What are the pros and cons?

For municipalities that are considering this waste and cost reduction strategy, knowing they may face public pushback, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages.

The two big no-brainer advantages are the environmental and fiscal benefits. Not only does the diversion of plastics from landfills to recycling facilities create fewer pollutants, it’s also extremely cost-effective, too. One city that implemented a clear-bag policy, St. John’s, found huge savings due to the reduced tonnage of municipal solid waste.

“The city pays $82 for each tonne of garbage it brings to [the local landfill], while recyclables cost only $22 per tonne.”

On top of these factors, other advantages include:

  • Improved sorting leading to less hazardous waste items at curbside collection, improving safety for collection staff.
  • Reduced contamination of recyclable materials with non-recyclable waste, improving the quality of recyclables.
  • Increased awareness among residents about their waste generation habits.
  • Deterrence of illegal dumping of prohibited items.

However, some disadvantages to keep in mind are:

  • Complaints from residents about privacy and aesthetics.
  • Enforcement struggles.
  • An upfront cost to transition, including a cost to residents.

In conclusion…

Clear garbage bag mandates can represent huge cost savings for municipalities. If they can get public support behind the initiative, this is a fantastic, sustainable option that cushions an otherwise potentially tight budget.

Cal Wilson / July 23, 2024

Become excellent. Be unreasonable.

In this issue of the Pulse, we share a video from the Big Think, where Will Guidara, owner of iconic restaurants such as Eleven Madison Park, explains how hospitality is the number one thing that can help your business truly succeed, no matter the industry.

Cal Wilson / July 15, 2024

Will 5G connected laptops become standard?

Cellular connective laptops are nothing new, but they’re not commonplace for work or personal use. In fact, they typically see sales of under a million units per year, compared to 188 million laptops sold, generally, in 2023. However, some carriers are gearing up to promote them. Some estimates forecast sales of as many as 30 million units in next year.

So, why is this trend amping up, and should you hop onto it? In this article, we take a look

Conditions are prime for cellular laptops.

With 5G networks making strong connectivity more accessible than ever, and remote work remaining a popular option, connective laptops are a desirable option for business and personal use. In the past, mobile networks couldn’t compare to Wi-Fi speeds, but with 5G, data provides a comparable alternative when Wi-Fi is of poor quality or unavailable.

Because of these ideal conditions, some cellular carriers are even partnering with manufacturers to offer new products and plans to customers.

Cost has always been prohibitive.

Part of the reason cellular laptops have yet to take off – apart from the lack of 5G connectivity – was the cost. Not only the cost of the computer itself, but the subsequent mobile plan. As you can probably guess, these plans don’t come cheap.

However, experts predict that in order to get these devices off the ground, carriers will need to reduce the cost of these plans. Bob O’Donnell, president of TECHnalysis Research, told Telecompetitor he hopes “the price for providers’ service plans for cellular laptops will come down as the providers build out more capacity on their wireless networks.”

Are these devices better than cellular hotspots?

There are advantages and disadvantages to both options. Using your phone to create a hotspot, and connecting a laptop that way, is a far cheaper option to paying for an additional monthly plan. However, for regular use, hotpots are battery draining, and not as stable as a connected device.

If you’re someone who needs reliable connection wherever you go, a dedicated laptop and plan may be beneficial. If it’s the occasional connection requirement while you’re on vacation, it’s probably not cost effective.

In conclusion…

5G connective laptops are set to become a more popular option for consumers. However, given the cost, evaluating your needs before jumping on the trend is important.

Cal Wilson / July 9, 2024

How to tell a persuasive story

“Storytelling is one of the most powerful marketing and leadership tools there is,” says communications expert Kelly D. Parker. In this TED Talk, she explains how stories make proposals of all kinds more memorable — and shows how you can craft a compelling narrative to connect, persuade and drive meaningful action. 

Cal Wilson / July 2, 2024

Are your business’ cleaning products putting employees’ health at risk?

Employee health and safety is a priority in so many aspects of your business; from labor policies, to illness prevention, to safety equipment, and more. One area you may be overlooking, however, are the cleaning products used at your facility. Of course, you’re thinking about regular cleaning and hygiene, but are you thinking about which chemicals are being used in that process?

In this article, we look at some of the concerns with commercial cleaning products that may be among those used in your facilities supplies.

There is a lack of awareness about cleaning products in the workplace.

A 2023 study found that 90% of workers who handle cleaning products at work could not recall one ingredient from a product that they use in their job. It seems fair to say that the average person probably doesn’t think too much about what chemicals are wiping down their desk, washroom, or other workspaces. However, your workspaces are probably being cleaned with a variety of products, some of which may contain ingredients you wouldn’t use in your own home.

Some risks to consider.

When it comes to cleaning chemicals there are a lot of risks, many of which are addressed in your region’s regulatory workplace safety training guidelines.

If we’re looking past flammability and explosion risks, it’s the less flashy risks to employee health that make certain products a concern. Long-term, repeated exposure to certain chemicals – through inhalation, skin absorption, or ingestion – can have unfortunate consequences, such as:

  • Lung, skin, eye, or mucous membrane damage.
  • Allergic reactions.
  • Asthmatic reactions.
  • Increased likelihood of cancer.

It’s not simply the ingredients of the product, but also how they’re being used. According to Cleaning & Maintenance Management, “the method by which the cleaning product is delivered can have a substantial effect on chemical exposure. For instance, aerosol sprays emit a large amount of small cleaning product droplets at high velocities, resulting in a much greater chemical inhalation exposure. Pump dispensers, in contrast, emit a smaller amount of larger droplets at a lower velocity.”

‘Green’ products aren’t necessarily risk-free.

Don’t fall for idealistic branding. It may be tempting to simply buy products touted as ‘green’ or ‘eco-friendly’ and accept that as due diligence. However, a recent study from the University of York found that these designations don’t always mean there’s no harm, especially when it comes to impacting air quality.

Particularly, the study found that some green cleaners emitted the same or even higher rates of harmful chemical compounds, due to “the fragrance ingredients of these products.”

So, what can you do?

Unfortunately, there is no perfect solution. To maintain hygiene standards, cleaning products are essential. However, there is a lot you can do to reduce the risks of adverse health effects on your employees:

  • Product research – select cleaning products carefully based on ingredients listings and research those ingredients, including reviewing its Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Speak with your vendor if you have questions for best practices.
  • Proper employee training and compliance with safety protocols – ensuring your employees are aware of best practices regarding every product they use or come in contact with is paramount, as well as enforcing the use of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper storage and labelling of all products.
  • Proper ventilation – ensure any applicable products are used in well-ventilated areas to minimize inhalation of fumes. This may involve using exhaust fans or opening windows and doors. Monitoring air quality on site is essential to ensure your workplace is safe for employees.
  • Feedback mechanisms – implement a system for employees to report health concerns or adverse reactions related to cleaning products.

In conclusion…

Most people aren’t aware of what goes into their cleaning products or what risks they pose. However, in a business setting, this can potentially lead to your employee’s health being jeopardized. By taking the proper time to speak with your vendor and understand the products you are using, you are taking the best care of the people who work for you.

Cal Wilson / June 25, 2024

Is waking up at the same time every day the key to a good sleep?

Everyone is time poor these days – and one of the casualties of this epidemic is a healthy night’s sleep. It’s well known that sleep deprivation has some serious consequences for your health and work-life balance. Illness, poor work performance, burnout, and strained personal relationships are just a handful of the risks.  

So how do you fix it? You might not be able to squeeze in going to bed earlier every night, but new research suggests the real benefits will come from waking up at a consistent time every day. In this issue of The Pulse, we take a look. 

Why is it important to wake up at the same time every morning? 

Waking up at the same time every morning is critical in setting your body’s circadian rhythms and resulting in a better night’s sleep overall. Consistent wake up times program your body to know when it should be awake, allowing it to shut down better and make the most of the time you are sleeping. In fact, over time, this will train your body to automatically know when to release melatonin, the hormone in charge of inducing sleepiness at night and when to stop producing it in the morning. Meaning, it will eventually become easier to fall asleep and wake up. 

In contrast, when you sleep at erratic times, your body doesn’t know when to release melatonin, and therefore can produce – or fail to produce – it at inopportune times throughout your day. 

When your body operates on a consistent rhythm, it operates better across the board, improving such important things as: 

  • Digestion and metabolism. 
  • Heart function. 
  • Hormone regulation. 
  • Body temperature. 
  • Mood and mental health. 
  • Immune system. 

All of these things contribute to a more restful sleep and a happier, healthier you in all aspects of life.  

Train your brain and make better habits.  

Part of fixing your circadian rhythm, and waking up at a consistent time every day, is forming strong habits and holding yourself accountable.  

Some tips include: 

  • Pick a wake-up time that makes the most sense to your lifestyle – it doesn’t have to be heroically early to work. 
  • Set multiple, effective alarms, and avoid hitting snooze.  
  • Place the source of the alarm somewhere you can’t reach from bed, making you get up.  
  • Avoid laying in bed, under the covers for long when you wake.  
  • Keep midday naps to around twenty to thirty minutes, and not napping for more than a few hours to when you’d like to fall asleep for the night.  
  • Motivate yourself to get out of bed by immediately doing something rewarding, such as drinking your favorite type of coffee.  
  • Expose yourself to sunlight as quickly as possible – your body will take cues from the environment.  

The good news, following these tips and sticking to a consistent wake up schedule should have noticeable results within a week to ten days.  

In conclusion… 

Sleep is important in all aspects of your life; your mental and physical well-being, as well as your work and personal life. If waking up at the same time every day is the key to making each night’s sleep extra effective, then implementing the habits to make that happen is a fantastic gift to give yourself.  

Cal Wilson / June 17, 2024

Don’t fall prey to fuel fraud.

If you’re managing a fleet of company vehicles, one of the risks your bottom line faces is employee fuel fraud. A recent survey found that as much as 5% of a transportation company’s total annual fuel spend might be wasted on fuel fraud.  

In this article, we take a look at fuel fraud, why it happens, and what your business can do to protect itself. 

What is fuel fraud? 

This type of fraud refers to dishonest practices by employees, such as drivers, who are responsible for refuelling company vehicles. Or, it refers to the targeting of said employees by criminals intending to use their corporate fuel card information. 

This happens in two main ways: 

  • Misuse of company fuel cards – in which employees utilize company-issued fuel cards for personal use. 
  • Falsified fuel expenses – in which employees submit false or inflated fuel expense reports to obtain reimbursement for fuel that was never purchased or was used for personal purposes. 

It can be advanced or rudimentary theft. On the simpler end, you have drivers filling up some personal jerry cans while refueling the company truck; these instances can be dealt with individually and may not have much of a long-term impact. On the more technologically sophisticated end, organized criminals may target your drivers and use card-skimming to replicate fuel card data, then use those cards to finance other purchases. 

What are the consequences of employee fuel fraud?  

This trend of fraudulent activity within your fleet can have significant consequences, impacting various aspects of your operations, finances, and reputation.  

The financial losses are the most obvious consequence. A potential 5% of your fuel budget every year is no small hit, especially considering fuel can account for as much as 60% of a fleet’s operational budget. This could lead to an increase in your operational expenses overall, meaning other opportunities for research and development are missed, potentially giving you a disadvantage compared to your competitors. 

Misuse of fuel resources can also lead to inefficiencies. When fuel is used for unauthorized purposes or in excess, it reduces the availability of resources for legitimate business activities, potentially leading to delays, disruptions, or increased downtime. This can all have an impact on your business and your customers’ perceptions of you.  

All in all, employee fuel fraud can have very serious ramifications for your business. 

So how do you prevent it? 

The best thing you can do is implement robust controls, monitoring systems, and preventive measures to detect and deter fuel fraud. This can include: 

  • Enforcing strict fuel usage policies. 
  • Conducting regular audits and inspections. 
  • Investing in fuel management technologies. 
  • Taking disciplinary actions against offenders. 
  • Training employees on ethical conduct and fraud prevention. 

The same survey that found that 5% of a transportation company’s total annual fuel spend goes towards fraud also found that “most fleets use disparate systems to track fuel spend and other operating metrics, including fuel consumption.”  Whether the source of fraud is employees or criminals, if your monitoring methods don’t catch it right away, you’ll lose more money.  

In conclusion… 

Fuel fraud is one of the biggest issues impacting organizations with fleets right now. As tactics become more advanced, ensuring you have the proper monitoring technology is necessary to protect your money, your operations, and your reputation.  

Cal Wilson / June 11, 2024

Why do some employees ‘hoard’ vacation days?

If you’re an employer, or manage a team of people, one behavior you might find taxing is vacation day ‘hoarding.’ This is the practice of intentionally allowing unused vacation days to accumulate, rather than taking them as intended.  

In this issue of The Pulse, we’re looking at vacation day hoarding, why it happens, and proactive measures you can use to remedy it. 

Why does vacation day hoarding happen?  

Employees all have individual motivations behind letting their PTO collect. It comes down to a combination of individual personality and workplace environment. Some common reasons include: 

  • Overwhelming workloads – employees may believe they cannot take time off without falling behind or burdening their colleagues. 
  • Workplace culture – depending on the culture at your company, there might be a perceived attitude against taking vacation days and not being constantly available, which discourages employees from booking time off. 
  • Fear of competition – in competitive lines of work, taking time off can be seen as jeopardizing job security or giving others an advantage. 
  • Fear of future events – employees may prioritize saving vacation days for emergencies or for a future time when they might need them more, such as during a family crisis or illness. 
  • Creating a bank of days – employees may try to save them up for a longer break, if the company policy allows for it.  

Vacation day hoarding can have serious consequences. 

For both employee and employers, vacation day hoarding is a serious concern and should be addressed to prevent consequences. 

For employees, vacation day hoarding can lead to: 

  • Burnout due to lack of necessary downtime. 
  • Decreased productivity. 
  • Health issues. 
  • Strained workplace relationships, as well as relationships with family and friends outside of work. 
  • Missed personal opportunities. 

Employers can feel the effects as well, leading to: 

  • Increased employee turnover due to burnout. 
  • Decreased staff morale. 
  • Potentially reduced output and quality. 
  • Healthcare costs related to burnout. 
  • Legal compliance issues with PTO regulations.  

What can employers do to prevent vacation day hoarding? 

Employers who are noticing PTO hoarding behavior would be prudent to take several steps to remedy this. Or, even if it’s not an issue yet, and you simply wish to prevent it from becoming one, you can try the following: 

  • Emphasize the importance of work-life balance in the company culture. 
  • Lead by example and take regular vacation days yourself.  
  • Clearly communicate the company’s vacation policy and any rollover or expiration rules – if a policy like this doesn’t exist, it may need to.  
  • Remind and encourage employees to plan vacation time in advance, as much as possible. 
  • Provide flexibility in scheduling as much as possible. 
  • Respect employee time off – ensure they can separate from the job. 
  • Address and resolve concerns from employees who are hesitant to use their vacation days – sometimes, reassurance from a superior can go a long way.  

In conclusion… 

Despite it being a common practice, vacation day hoarding can have detrimental effects on both employees and employers. However, by fostering a company culture that respects time off and encourages a work-life balance, as well as implementing vacation day policies, employers can remedy these issues.