Articles, News, & Blog

3 Tips to Get Your Business Ready for the Holidays

10/30/2020

The holiday season is right around the corner, which means businesses across the U.S. are gearing up for the busiest and most competitive time of the year. For many of those who have experienced financial losses during the COVID-19 pandemic throughout 2020, the holiday season could potentially land your business a good chunk of revenue. But it's crucial that you play your cards right to keep your holiday gains from turning into holiday losses.

That said, here are a few tips you can use to help get your business ready for the upcoming holiday season so you don't find your business falling behind in the rush.

Soon FedEx won't require boxes and labels when you make some returns

10/21/2020

View Original Article on CNN Business
New York (CNN Business)Soon, you may not need a label or a box when you're trying to return something at FedEx.
The company is working with Happy Returns, an e-commerce return technology company. Customers will be able to return products in person — without a box or label — for an immediate refund or exchange from participating retailers.
At the FedEx hubs, returns are sorted by retailer, prepared for resale and shipped in bulk back to the retailer that sold them originally. Refunds and exchanges will be initiated by the retailer at the time of drop off.

And Now For Something Completely Different..

10/14/2020

UPS eliminates non-profitable volume to make way for high margin packages, while also preparing to move COVID Vaccine.

We all have seen the shift from the major carriers trying to deal with capacity constraints and the residential surge. In addition, the onslaught of Peak surcharges and rate increases would make any shipper’s head spin. News of carriers going out to long time customers, both Commercial and Residential, delivering an ultimatum dictating volume limits, time constraints, and increased rates are becoming more commonplace.

One has to ask themselves the fundamental question…why? Well the short version is that each customer is being looked at under the profitability microscope. If they pass, then all is well. If not, then let the adjustments begin.

UPS is trying to clear out non-profitable packages in the network to make way for high margin pharmaceutical packages, such as a potential COVID vaccine. UPS has been investing in the Bio/Pharma segment for years and clearly has continued to target resources to do so. Additional Capital Expenditures in acquiring refrigerated trailers and containers remains a priority. Let us not forget building facilities, such as the one in the Netherlands to expedite worldwide distribution of both pharma and a possible COVID vaccine.

Teamsters Canada/UPS Negotiation Update
Customers who ship to, have operations in or who are simply thinking of expanding their market to our neighbors to the North need to be aware of the latest updates in Teamster Canada negotiations with UPS.
As of last update (September 11, 2020) there was a 97.1% “in favor of strike action” agreed to by the members of the local Teamsters.

Negotiations have lasted longer than most heavyweight fights. According to Teamsters Canada officials, a “last best and final” Round #7 offer was presented by UPS on September 19, 2020. Voting has been taking place over the past few weeks. AFMS will continue to monitor for the results. Updates are also available by visiting teamsters.ca/UPS
Warning flags abound. 2021 will be the most challenging time for shippers to figure out how all this works and negotiate on their own. Keep in mind that UPS has not announced their 2021 general rate increase.

As always, these changes will affect each company differently. Let AFMS help you sort out the changes and how they will impact your business. Contact AFMS for a detailed analysis or consultation or call 800-246-3521.

Holiday Shipping Will Be Wild This Year. That’s Good News for FedEx and UPS Stock.

10/8/2020

The Grinch couldn’t steal Christmas, and neither could Covid-19. But it is moving more shopping online and that’s good news for shipping companies.
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GSR Waivers: Are the Ghosts of Your Missing Parcels Haunting You?

10/6/2020

Halloween is right around the corner, but it isn't werewolves and vampires your business needs to be scared of. It's the ghosts of your missing packages and the refunds your business has been forced to make on behalf of those packages.

Not all Ground and Express packages are delivered on-time despite carrier guarantees. In fact, if a package arrives late or goes missing, there may not even be any recourse with the carrier. Instead, you're stuck with a complaint from your customers that could impact your bottom line and a loss of revenue by refunding the client's shipping costs.

But how does this incident end up happening and what keeps your carrier from being held accountable for their lateness? It turns out, it could be your parcel shipping contract.

Traders Are Backing Transports After FedEX and UPS Q3 Results

10/1/2020

Due to many Americans staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, the e-commerce industry has seen an uptick in business. According to CNBC, FedEx and UPS have seen their best quarter in decades, and traders are expected to back them.

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