XPO
The Go-To Partner For Impeccable Freight Transport

In modern commerce, only a few elements are as pivotal as Less-than- Truckload (LTL) transportation. It is a cornerstone influencing the availability of everyday consumer goods and the stability of national monetary growth, with a profound impact on global supply chains.

At the forefront of this indispensable industry stands XPO, a partner renowned for its world-class LTL freight transportation solutions. Operating on an expansive coast-to-coast network, it facilitates the seamless movement of freights across North America. Covering 99 percent of all U.S. zip codes, the company’s reach extends to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, treating every shipment with the utmost care and attention.

XPO is the singular source for comprehensive transportation solutions that ensure unparalleled service quality. Known for constant technology advancements, the company regularly creates new network efficiencies to guarantee that its top-notch LTL shipping experience delivers on the promise throughout the transit. On the client side, customers are given user-friendly tools that streamline the delivery experience through the company’s proprietary software that leverages data science and machine learning.

A Trailblazing Approach to LTL Shipping

Driven by decades of industry expertise, local knowledge and improvement, XPO’s team is dedicated to the success of its clients. With over three decades in the LTL business and 18 billion pounds of freight moved last year, they possess the precise expertise needed to deliver results for an impressive 31,000 customers. It plans to expand its services to a wider customer base and simultaneously magnify its footprint and fleet. Supporting this movement, XPO is certifying truck drivers through over 130 XPO driver training schools.

Every day, XPO picks up over 50,000 shipments across its extensive network. Regardless of the type of freight or its destination, its primary goal remains consistent, “delivering each shipment damage-free, swiftly and on time.” This is encapsulated in its motto, “Your freight first.”

To fortify this mindset, XPO initiated a comprehensive plan to strengthen its operations and deliver superior service and safety. Implemented in 2021, the Zero-Defect Method Plus (ZDM+) project has crossed several milestones through investments in cutting-edge tools and technology. Currently, its ZDM+ methodology continues to transform how XPO trailers are loaded. With this methodology, XPO has achieved record service quality levels in the damage claims ratio ranking; its service quality has improved by 70 percent, and it is among the industry’s top performers.

Equally impressive is its proprietary SafeStack system. It divides the trailer into two decks, reducing the necessity for double stacking and preventing freights from shifting during transit.

A standout feature of the system is the use of cardboard or dunnage between beams and pallets, which ensures minimal freight movement that leads to damage-free, on-time deliveries.

Every delivery is securely locked with ratchet straps, which firmly hold it firmly against the trailer walls to prevent shifting or movement. Constructed from durable materials, these straps can withstand heavy loads and harsh transit conditions, offering additional protection against damage or loss.

Taking a step further, XPO evaluates voids between freight and fills any gaps with dunnage airbags. These measures hold pallets tightly against the trailer walls and fill empty spaces around the cargo, reducing damages by over 20 percent. Today, airbags are being installed at over half of XPO’s service centers, and by mid-2024, the whole network will be fully deployed.

Throughout the loading process, XPO’s teams meticulously adjust customer freights to meet exacting standards before they embark on the journey. Over the next 18 months, XPO plans to launch 28 new service centers in major freight markets such as Las Vegas, Nashville, and Columbus, further enhancing service quality. These transformative investments in the network demonstrate XPO’s unwavering commitment to providing the best shipping experience for its customers across every mile of its network.

Impact on Global Trucking

A key trend in the global trucking sector is the shift towards offering truckers comprehensive benefits packages and a healthy work-life balance. However, the industry continues to face significant labor challenges due to demographic, economic and regulatory factors. Case in point, a whopping 72 percent of commercial truck drivers are aged 40 years and above. Combine these numbers with the limited young candidates entering the trucking space, and the noticeable generational gap in the industry becomes apparent.

Even so, mitigating this problem by attracting younger drivers poses unique hurdles, including the demanding nature of the job, extended periods away from home, and perceptions of truck driving as a less desirable career path. Federal regulations, which stipulate commercial truck drivers must be at least 21 years old to drive interstate, further limit the pool of young talent entering the field directly after high school.

In response to these challenges, XPO is implementing innovative recruitment strategies to attract diverse candidates, including younger individuals, retirees from other fields, military veterans and foreign nationals. These initiatives highlight the benefits of truck driving, such as competitive pay, travel opportunities, and, for immigrants, the potential for permanent residency and stable work in the U.S.

At the same time, XPO is addressing the need for skilled drivers by offering specialized training programs to efficiently prepare recruits. In fact, the company has launched a new over-the-road operation exclusively for drivers to provide attractive trucking career opportunities for both experienced and aspiring. By offering industry-leading benefits, paid time off, and dedicated routes with access to amenities like fueling stations and well-equipped sleeper trucks, XPO is positioning itself as an employer of choice in the trucking industry.

Above all, XPO’s proactive approach to recruitment, training and employee support reflects the evolving needs of the workforce while addressing the broader challenges facing the trucking industry. Through these competencies, XPO is not only meeting the demands of today’s job seekers but shaping the future of the trucking profession.

Promoting Supplier Diversity

XPO’s inclusivity and diversity extend to its suppliers. This dedication is reflected in the diverse communities it serves and is evident in its Code of Business Ethics, which also prioritizes respect and non-discrimination. It is known to actively promote supplier diversity and provide contracting opportunities to businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with disabilities. These inclusivity-driven initiatives align with XPO’s values and contribute to the empowerment of underrepresented groups.

These core values underscore XPO’s dedication to excellence in every operational aspect. From prioritizing customer satisfaction and safety to fostering a culture of accountability and mutual respect among team members, it strives to be world-class in every endeavor.

Through ethical conduct, diversity initiatives and a laser focus on excellence, XPO remains a leader known for its dedication to making a meaningful impact in the logistics and transportation industry.