The most obvious cost related to packaging is direct material, but the largest cost associated to packaging size is transportation. This is especially true for products shipped in large volumes and su
By now, most shippers are keenly aware of how surcharges are impacting their transportation spend. Accessorial costs keep climbing and can now contribute to, on average, almost 40% of your tot... View More
Shipping is a critical part of your business, but it’s becoming more complex and expensive than ever. Rate increases, damaged goods, billing mistakes, and late shipments all affect your bott... View More
In the last installment of PARCEL Counsel, we looked at the meaning of the phrases F.O.B. Origin and F.O.B. Destination. Exploring the meaning of these terms is an essential first step; howeve... View More
On April 26, Amazon once again ignited a global conversation when it announced its strategic decision to offer free next-day shipping for Prime members. The announcement left many shippers in... View More
Last year, US shoppers spent a record $126 billion holiday shopping online — a 19.1% increase over 2017. The rise in e-commerce during the holidays stretches distribution centers and their employees
With Prime Day and back-to-school shopping in the rear-view mirror, next up is the big one, the real test for e-commerce supply chains: holiday peak season. While fulfillment centers are a vita... View More
The holiday season can put a lot of stress on distribution and fulfillment networks. With massive order volumes, reduced processing times, and a scarce labor pool all pressuring operations to do more... View More
It seems obvious, but some logistics professionals still fail to realize just how badly an inefficient and poorly functioning supply chain can affect each aspect of their organizations. As companies a
On Wednesday, September 25, in Geneva, Switzerland, an amendment was reached that would keep the United States as a member of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), despite prevalent industry expe... View More
The transportation and logistics industry is experiencing a digital revolution. Modern technology is finally taking hold in supply chains across the world, allowing for previously unheard-of l... View More
On September 16, 2019, FedEx announced their annual general rate increase for 2020. Effective January 6, 2020, FedEx Express (Domestic, US Export, and US Import), FedEx Ground, and FedEx Home... View More
Many years ago, a new term, called “coopetition,” was created. This term primarily referred to how the private carriers were using the USPS Parcel Select service to do a package’s final-mile... View More
After months of silence on questions related to the potential US withdrawal from the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the USPS finally provided some information at the MTAC Membership Assembly o... View More
The most common complaint that I hear as I travel to different distribution centers is, “We just can’t find good people.” Oftentimes, the complaint is warranted, but many times, it’s... View More
Reshoring, which is the practice of bringing manufacturing and services back to the US, is difficult to quantify, but some organizations have made attempts to measure over time. The Reshoring... View More
With hurricane season upon us and extreme weather events becoming an increasingly common reality nationwide, the arrival of bad weather tends to illustrate that there are two types of people in the wo
New studies project that the worldwide retail e-commerce sales will reach a new high of $4.9 trillion by 2021. That is a 265% growth rate, and there are no signs of the growth lettin... View More
Packaging is no longer viewed as simply the container you use to get your shipment from Point A to Point B. Now, there are multiple considerations to take into account, with consumer loyalty and satis
In this installment of PARCEL Counsel, we will look at the relationships between a seller (consignor) and a buyer (consignee). While the exact nature of the contractual arrangements between buyers and
