No topic has generated more comments from parcel industry enthusiasts this past year than the ongoing tactics used by carriers to avoid paying out guarantee refunds. And shippers are getting madder by... View More
For more than 200 years, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service has been responsible for safeguarding the customers of the U.S. Postal Service. As the criminal investigative arm of the U.S. Postal Service,... View More
Were all aware of the tight economy and especially the severe impact on the transportation industry. Many parcel carriers are now adding upcharges for services as they try to compensate for the sputtering... View More
While its true that most companies aggressively manage outbound transportation, too often inbound transportation costs are not controlled. However, as more and more companies face a need to reduce expenses... View More
We all know that postal rates went up as of June 30, 2002. But more important to our industry is the big change in Priority Mail, which could affect both how you ship Priority Mail parcels and the cost... View More
As James Williams knew there had to be a better way. As Domestic Transportation Planner for telecommunications giant Alcatel, Williams oversees, among other things, the company�s shipping and receiving... View More
As we go to press, the commercial small package carriers are announcing their new 2002 rates. And in their infinite wisdom, the carriers have deemed that you, the shipper, should benefit from these higher... View More
Since the introduction of guaranteed service for ground commercial parcels, I am constantly being questioned about the logic behind carrier service standards. Its clear distribution managers throughout... View More
It remains to be seen whether shippers will do anything about this new provision. United Parcel Service has never been known for its flexibility in contracting with its customers, regardless of the... View More
Sometimes its the little things in life that have the biggest impact. Thats proving especially true in the world of parcel shipping, where something as small as a label is able to influence, and will perhaps... View More
Has your company ever received a bill from an express carrier for a past shipment, claiming that it believes you shipped more packages than were billed? These additional bills have been known to appear... View More
Every time the United Parcel Service/Teamster labor contract comes due for renewal, the memories come rushing back, and I laugh to myself. Not because those two organizations have to square off again (although... View More
Customers that ship both ground and overnight air packages will see three primary benefits from the changes taking place within FedEx � convenience, competition and cost reductions. Customer convenience... View More
The status quo doesnt cut it anymore. A significant transformation is needed in the rate-setting process. Some very interesting developments are occurring that will have a long-term impact on domestic... View More
For the average parcel shipper, venturing into the world of LTL shipping feels like diving blindly off a cliff into waters that may contain rocks, shoals and sharks. Or at least thats what it used to feel... View More
My intention for this column is to provide industry news I believe is impacting you and render my thoughts regarding its implications. My aim is to both give you awareness and hopefully make a difference.... View More
Suffice it to say, FedEx Ground struggled with the decision. No doubt great debate occurred before marching orders were given. But, alas, service (a.k.a. the customer) came second. A very close second,... View More
A federal court has certified shippers who paid an excess value charge to UPS from January 1, 1984 to the present as a class for the purpose of a class action suit against United Parcel Service and related... View More
Shippers generally detest dealing with subjects or problems they do not really understand. Loss, damage and delay claims are usually in this category because carrier liability is a legal subject requiring... View More
The recent announcement by UPS to reduce its transit times in key lanes sparked interest in many of the people I have spoken with recently. At first glance, it would appear that UPS has launched a salvo... View More
