Stay Up to Date on the Parcel Industry
Unlike freight shipping, which moves goods in large quantities (whole truckloads or shipping containers, for example), parcel shipping moves individual goods essentially one at a time (usually by truck or plane). While both focus on the movement of goods, transportation methods, level of service, and cost can be very different between the two services. Freight is almost exclusively used by commercial shippers, while small- to medium-sized retail shippers usually use parcel freight.
Parcel delivery is a cost-effective, efficient, and fast option for businesses shipping items up to 150 pounds. And, unlike freight shipping, packages are delivered directly to a residential or business address. Check back here for the latest parcel freight industry news.
Surcharges on big and bulky packages land unpredictably. Tractor Supply’s final-mile chief says multiple carriers let the retailer redirect shipments when cost rises
Parcel carriers are expected to have their best peak season this year since 2022, according to forecasting from ShipMatrix.
Merchants Fleet launched FleetShare in Puerto Rico on Sept. 14 for an unnamed global e-commerce company. It did not disclose contract terms or pricing.
The U.S. Postal Service says it has the proper staffing levels and systems in place to keep packages moving for the holidays.
FedEx has named a retail executive to be its next CFO.
CEO Paul Graham has spent five years working to reform Australia Post, but is leaving the job soon to someone else to complete.
UPS has completed several facility upgrades, increasing their capacity and productivity heading into peak shipping season.
Recently acquired Paack will be the last-mile delivery brand under Ceva Logistics, which also owns courier Colis Privé.
Shifting trade policies, national security policies and labor regulations are having a major impact on e-commerce logistics.
UPS is focusing on premium service over parcel volume with a potential Teamsters union strike on the horizon.
FedEx and UPS have turned surcharges into a profit center rather than a pass-through mechanism for unforeseen costs.
Uber Technologies will acquire workplace catering platform ezCater for $2.3 billion.
As part of ongoing efforts to differentiate themselves from basic courier services, FedEx and UPS are promoting new and updated shipping security and risk intelligence tools designed to reduce losses and streamline claims processes.
DoorDash says it will offer retail customers the ability to return goods to local retailers in a further challenge to traditional couriers, and is launching its own drone delivery airline.
Lowe’s is testing drones to speed up its game in same-day delivery.
The U.S. Postal Service system for handling undelivered packages is a black hole for customers, who rarely get matched with a missing item, and a money pit for the agency because it absorbs the disposal cost when e-tailers refuse to accept return-to-sender packages, an inspector general’s report says.
Amazon is investing in next-generation cameras and smart glasses to make it safer and easier for drivers to do their jobs. And it is investing another $1.9 billion to attract and retain drivers.
Costco is outsourcing same-day delivery to DoorDash, Uber and Instagram and their independent drivers.
American Eagle Outfitters says Amazon Shipping has become one of its top last-mile couriers because of some unique features and high service levels.
Teamsters President Sean O’Brien is drawing red lines on negotiating issues with UPS two years before its labor contract is due to expire.
