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Articles

• Every National Carrier Now Prices Your Empty Space the Same

  Above one cubic foot, all three national carriers now price empty space the same way, so routing a light, bulky parcel elsewhere no longer lowers its dimensional bill.

• FedEx Shipping Rates

  FedEx is the second largest shipping company in the world behind UPS. The company provides services for both business-to-business and consumer deliveries, but at a cost. Outside of the actual shipping fees, you'll see additional FedEx surcharges for package size (weight and dimensions), amount of p…

• The 2026 GRI Was 5.9%. Your Invoice Will Move More.

  UPS Chief Financial Officer Brian Dykes told analysts on the company's Q1 2026 earnings call that UPS's fuel surcharge indexes protect the carrier from impact to profit . The structure is doing exactly what it was built to do. For most shippers, that means the 2026 invoice will move well past the 5…

• ShipSigma and Rebox Corp Partner to Help E-Commerce Brands Reduce Shipping and Packaging Costs

  Cost-effective packaging and optimized carrier contracts are now one introduction apart ShipSigma, an AI-powered shipping intelligence platform, and Rebox Corp , North America's largest buyer and reseller of once-used corrugated boxes, announced a partnership designed to give e-commerce brands easi…

• UPS and FedEx Adjust Pricing All Year. Your Contract Doesn't Lock You In.

  Your carrier adjusts pricing throughout the year. General rate increases, accessorial changes, new surcharges, fuel adjustments. The rate sheet that applied in January is rarely the rate sheet that applies in November. Most shippers do not know they can do the same. They assume the contract locks t…

• FedEx and UPS Are Restructuring. Your Contract Is Paying for It.

  FedEx will close more than 475 stations by 2027 under its Network 2.0 plan . UPS announced 27 more parcel facility closures this year , on top of 24 already underway. The cost of that restructuring is showing up on shipper invoices, in pricing behavior most contracts were never written to anticipat…

• A Decade Of Increases: How 10 Years Of GRI Compounding Reshaped Shipping Costs

  Over the past decade, GRI's (General Rate Increases) have redefined the landscape of shipping costs for retail and manufacturing businesses. No longer just incremental adjustments, these annual hikes have collectively created a seismic upward shift in parcel spend, with the carrier cost curve refle…

• UPS 2026 GRI Announced

  The official announcement of the UPS 2026 General Rate Increase (GRI) marks a pivotal point for businesses that depend on parcel shipping. Each year, UPS updates its base rates and surcharges, directly influencing logistics budgets, profit margins, and customer experience. The 2026 GRI, set against…

• What Is Freight Negotiation?

  Freight rate negotiation is the process by which shippers, supply chain executives, or freight managers actively discuss and agree upon the costs, terms, and conditions for moving goods via various transportation modes with their chosen carriers. This negotiation isn't merely about the base rate pe…

• How To Get Lower Rates With FedEx?

  Securing FedEx discounts can make a significant impact on your shipping budget, whether you're managing daily logistics for a large retailer or overseeing supply chain costs for a specialized manufacturer. FedEx provides a variety of discount options, but understanding how to unlock and maximize th…

• How To Negotiate A FedEx Discount?

  Yes, you absolutely can negotiate with FedEx , and doing so is a crucial strategy for logistics and supply chain executives aiming to control costs and maximize their shipping spend. While the process may seem daunting, a wide array of businesses, especially those with a FedEx business account or t…

• How Can I Lower My UPS Shipping Costs?

  For logistics and supply chain executives aiming to control expenses and optimize supply chain efficiency, it's critical to understand exactly how UPS shipping rates are determined. The process incorporates multiple factors that can subtly (or dramatically) impact your bottom line. From our experie…

• UPS Negotiated Rates

  UPS negotiated rates are custom shipping fees agreed upon between your business and UPS, based on your unique shipping needs, volumes, and patterns. Unlike standard published rates, which are publicly available and non-negotiable, negotiated rates are tailored specifically for your operation — ofte…

• How to Get Better Rates with UPS

  To lower your UPS shipping costs effectively, it's crucial to take a holistic and data-driven approach. Many logistics and supply chain executives have seen significant results by auditing their shipping profiles, leveraging technology, and seeking expert guidance. With rising shipping fees and evo…

• USPS Shipping Calculator

  Figuring out shipping costs with USPS requires understanding various factors such as weight, size, destination, and delivery time. The USPS shipping calculator is a helpful tool designed to provide accurate shipping costs by considering these key elements. By inputting package details and destinati…

• UPS Negotiated Rates API

  To access UPS negotiated rates , understanding the process and criteria required is essential. These rates are discounted options offered by UPS to high-volume shippers. By engaging in rate negotiations with UPS, businesses can significantly reduce their shipping expenses, which is pivotal for main…

• UPS Negotiated Rates vs. Published Rates

  UPS published rates are the standard rates that UPS makes publicly available to their customers. These rates are structured based on a variety of factors such as shipping zones, package weight, and delivery service type. Published rates provide a baseline for shipping costs but do not include any p…

• How To Verify Freight Charges?

  Freight charges are a critical part of any logistics operation, impacting both the bottom line and operational efficiency. Ensuring these charges are accurate is essential for maintaining profitability and transparency. By understanding the elements that comprise freight charges and employing strat…

• Freight Audit Meaning

  A freight audit is a comprehensive evaluation of shipping invoices to identify errors and discrepancies. This process ensures that payments made for shipping correspond accurately with the services rendered. Errors can stem from various sources, including incorrect billing for weight, dimensions, s…

• How To Do A Freight Audit?

  A freight audit is an essential process aimed at verifying the accuracy of freight charges and ensuring that billing aligns with contractual agreements. For business owners and logistics managers , understanding and implementing a freight audit process is crucial to controlling costs and maintainin…

• Navigating the 2025 Tariff Landscape

  As President Trump enters office in 2025, the economic landscape of the United States faces shifts reflecting his administration's strategic pivot to revamp trade relations with key partners, including Canada and Mexico. Central to this shift is the reimposition of tariffs, not unlike those introdu…

• Freight Audit Companies

  A freight auditor plays a pivotal role in the logistics sector by meticulously analyzing shipping invoices to detect errors and ensure that charges align with the agreed pricing contracts. These professionals are tasked with evaluating the numerous fees, surcharges, and potential penalties that mig…

• UPS Fuel Surcharge: Rates, Calculation, and How to Reduce Costs in 2026

  The UPS fuel surcharge is one of the largest and least understood line items on a high-volume parcel invoice. In May 2026, the UPS Ground fuel surcharge sits at 27.75% and UPS Domestic Air at 30.75%, both the highest sustained levels in the history of the modern index-based system. For shippers spe…

• Parcel Shipping Negotiation

  Introduction To Parcel Shipping Negotiation In the dynamic world of logistics, parcel shipping negotiation represents a critical component for enhancing a company's financial efficiency and logistical performance. This crucial practice allows companies to manage and significantly reduce exorbitant…

• Navigating UPS Additional Handling Fees and Surcharges in 2024: Essential Insights for Cost Management

  As we approach the end of 2024, businesses are keenly observing changes in shipping rates and surcharges that can impact their logistics and bottom line. UPS remains one of the major players in the shipping industry, and understanding their latest fees is crucial for effective cost management. Amon…

• Navigating Peak Season in Business: Understanding Key Timelines, Strategies, and Impacts Across Industries

  In the context of business , the term peak season refers to a specific period during which demand for products or services significantly increases. This surge in demand can be due to various factors such as seasonal holidays, school vacations, or specific industry trends. For instance, retail busin…

• Navigating High-Demand Surcharges: Key Insights for Logistics in 2024

  High-demand surcharges represent an additional fee that logistics companies impose to cope with increased shipment volumes during peak periods. These surcharges are designed to manage the amplified operational costs that occur during times of elevated demand. For instance, during holidays, sales ev…

• Mastering the FedEx Additional Handling Surcharge: A 2024 Guide for Finance and Operations Professionals

  The FedEx additional handling surcharge refers to an extra fee applied to shipments that require special handling due to their size, shape, packaging, or weight. This surcharge is imposed to ensure the safety and efficiency of handling packages that do not meet standard shipping requirements. For f…

• Understanding Freight Surcharges: Why They Matter in Shipping and Logistics

  In the realm of shipping and logistics, understanding the concept of freight surcharge meaning is paramount. Surcharges in shipping are additional fees levied on top of base freight charges to account for various extraneous costs that carriers incur. While the base freight charge covers the fundame…

• Navigating FedEx Demand Surcharges in 2024: A Strategic Guide for Finance and Operations Professionals

  In today's fast-paced shipping world, understanding FedEx surcharges , especially demand surcharges , is critical for optimizing logistics and controlling costs. A demand surcharge FedEx applies during periods when demand for shipping services skyrockets, such as high-volume holiday seasons. This i…

• Understanding UPS Demand Surcharge: Key Strategies for Managing Costs During Peak Shipping Seasons

  UPS Demand Surcharge is a fee assessed by UPS during periods of high package volume and increased demand for shipping services. These periods often align with peak seasons such as the holidays or special sale events when shipping networks are under significant strain. Definition of Demand Surcharge…

• FedEx Fuel Surcharges in 2026: Rates, Calculations, and How to Reduce What You Pay

  The FedEx fuel surcharge is one of the largest variable cost drivers on every shipment, sitting on top of the base rate and compounding with billable weight, residential fees, and accessorials. For finance and operations teams managing high-volume shipping budgets, understanding how the surcharge i…

• FedEx Announces 2025 Rate Increase: A Deeper Look at What’s Changing and How to Adapt

  Starting January 6, 2025, FedEx will implement a 5.9% General Rate Increase (GRI) , matching last year's rise. However, this average figure hides a wide range of increases depending on the service, package size, and distance traveled. As UPS's own GRI announcement is expected soon, shippers should…

• Understanding and Managing Freight Charges: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses

  Freight charges are the fees involved in transporting goods from one point to another. They are an essential component of the global supply chain, affecting everyone from individual consumers to multinational corporations. These charges can include a variety of expenses, from the direct cost of mov…

• What Are The 4 P's Of Contract Negotiations?

  At the heart of every successful business deal lies a robust framework of contract negotiations . These negotiations are not just about haggling over terms but involve a strategic approach to forming agreements that are beneficial for all parties involved. The significance of having a smart negotia…

• Mastering Invoice Auditing: Ensuring Financial Integrity and Operational Efficiency

  The process of auditing invoices is a critical function for businesses looking to maintain financial integrity and accuracy in their operations. It involves a detailed review and verification of invoices against delivered goods or services to ensure correctness and compliance with agreed terms and…

• Optimizing Your Logistics: Navigating the Selection of an Ideal Freight Audit Provider

  In today's global market, businesses strive to operate at the pinnacle of efficiency, and central to this objective is the proficiency with which they manage their freight and transportation expenses. The role of freight audit, an essential process that scrutinizes, adjusts, and verifies freight bi…

• Breaking Down the UPS 2024 GRI: Strategies for Businesses to Manage Shipping Costs

  In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, efficient logistics and supply chain management are critical for maintaining competitiveness. As the leading parcel service provider, UPS routinely announces General Rate Increases (GRI), which significantly impact businesses reliant on shipping and d…

• The Critical Role of Cost Reduction in Enhancing Enterprise Value

  Cost reduction is a strategic priority for businesses seeking to not only survive but thrive in today's competitive markets. It involves identifying and eliminating unnecessary expenses to optimize profits without compromising product or service quality. This critical tool enhances the enterprise v…

• How SMBs Can Harness the Power of Shipping Data, Without a Data Scientist

  In today's competitive business landscape, data has cemented itself as an invaluable asset for companies of all sizes. It provides insights that drive strategic decisions, optimize operations, and enhance customer experiences. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the astute use of data can…

• Understanding UPS and FedEx Peak Season Surcharges: Navigating the Highs and Lows for 2023 and Beyond

  As the global economy becomes increasingly reliant on e-commerce and just-in-time delivery, businesses face an ever-growing challenge in managing shipping costs – particularly during the peak holiday season. For shipping giants like UPS and FedEx, this influx of demand often leads to the implementa…

• Operational Excellence in PE Portfolio Companies: The Role of Expert Consultants

  Private equity (PE) firms constantly seek opportunities to enhance the value of their portfolio companies. Central to this endeavor is the concept of operational excellence—a philosophy that implies a commitment to consistent improvement and the best practices in business operations. Operational ex…

• What to Expect in 2024 with UPS Fuel Surcharges: A Comprehensive Analysis

  In an era where logistics is the backbone of commerce, fuel surcharges constitute a critical component of shipping costs. Understanding the nuances of these surcharges is key for businesses striving to optimize their operational expenses. UPS, one of the world's leading parcel delivery services, fr…

• Bridging the Gap: Third-Party Consultants as Catalysts for Innovation and Accountability in Private Equity

  In the private equity sphere, third-party consultants are independent advisors hired by firms to provide expert insight, strategic direction, and pragmatic solutions across a range of critical areas. Their objective advice is not colored by ongoing managerial responsibilities, giving them a unique…

• The Quick Turnaround: How Third-Party Consultants Deliver Rapid Value Creation for PE-Owned Firms

  Private equity (PE) is an investment methodology where firms acquire equity ownership in companies with the intention of improving their profitability and selling them for a profit. Through strategic alignment, financial support, and operational expertise, these firms seek to transform the business…

• FedEx Ground vs UPS Ground vs USPS Explained

  The mail and package delivery industry is crucial for businesses of all sizes, enabling them to distribute products efficiently to their customers. In an era where same-day delivery is becoming the norm, choosing the right carrier is paramount. Between FedEx Ground, UPS Ground, and the United State…

• Accelerating Portfolio Company Growth: How Private Equity Leverages Third-Party Consultants

  The private equity sector stands as a critical driver of growth and advancement for its portfolio companies, shaping not just individual businesses but entire industries. As such, private equity firms are constantly seeking ways to accelerate the growth of their investments to maximize returns. One…

• FedEx Holiday Shipping Deadlines: Unwrapping Reliable and Cost-Effective Solutions

  As the holiday season approaches, businesses are faced with the inevitable challenge of fulfilling increased customer demands. Meeting holiday shipping deadlines is crucial, not only to ensure customer satisfaction but also to uphold a company's reputation. FedEx, known for its reliability during t…

• Enhancing EBITDA through Sustainable Shipping Practices: Insights from Experts

  Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) serves as a barometer for a company's operating performance without the distortion of accounting decisions and various tax environments. For private equity firms, assessing the EBITDA of potential or current investments is cru…

• The Role of Tech-Enabled Services in Lowering Costs and Increasing Carrier Accountability

  Tech-enabled services are a fusion of human expertise and technology that deliver solutions more efficiently than traditional models. These services leverage technological advancements to streamline processes, improve accuracy, and offer unique insights through data analysis. Overview of the Role o…