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Deyman Doolittle

Co-Founder of ShipSigma. Former UPS executive with deep carrier pricing expertise.

Articles

  • UPS Shipping Rates

    Shipping rates can be a bit confusing. There are so many different services, variables, and factors that affect how much it costs to ship your packages. You can try to manually track all of this or you can employ the help of technology. Use Parcel Invoice Audits to help automatically identify issue…

  • Why Your Carrier Discount Is Worth Less in 2026

    UPS announced its third consecutive 5.9 percent general rate increase effective December 22, 2025. FedEx matched the 5.9 percent figure on January 5, 2026. The headline is doing public relations work. The math underneath the headline is doing something different. Three independent mechanisms in the…

  • Beyond The 5.9%: The Real Cost Of The 2026 GRI

    The 2026 GRI , or General Rate Increase , is the annual rate hike announced by major parcel carriers that directly impacts the shipping spend of retailers and manufacturers. This increase, usually publicized as a percentage by leading carriers, represents the baseline cost adjustments for the upcom…

  • FedEx 2026 GRI Announced

    The recently announced FedEx 2026 GRI represents an important turning point for every business owner and shipping manager who depends on FedEx's extensive parcel network. The General Rate Increase (GRI) for 2026 was officially unveiled with key effective dates set for January 5th and January 12th,…

  • USPS International Shipping Rates

    For logistics and supply chain executives aiming to optimize global delivery strategies, understanding USPS International shipping rates in 2025 is essential. USPS offers a variety of international services catering to different budgets, delivery speeds, and package types, each with its correspondi…

  • What Does UPS Negotiated Rate Mean?

    At its core, UPS negotiated rates refer to discounted shipping rates a business secures by negotiating directly with UPS, rather than paying the standard, publicly listed prices. These special rates are formalized through a small parcel contract or carrier agreement that reflects the shipper's uniq…

  • What Are The 5 C's Of Shipping Negotiation?

    The 5 C's of negotiation have become a trusted framework for logistics and supply chain executives to navigate the complexities of shipping negotiation and secure favorable carrier contracts. The 5 C's—Clarity, Communication, Collaboration, Compromise, and Commitment—serve as essential guideposts f…

  • What Is The Difference Between UPS Daily Rates And Retail Rates?

    UPS daily rates and UPS retail rates differ significantly in both pricing and eligibility. In essence, UPS daily rates are special discounted prices offered primarily to customers with a UPS account and a scheduled pickup, while retail rates are standard prices available to all walk-in customers at…

  • FedEx International Shipping Rates

    As logistics and supply chain executives, understanding FedEx international shipping rates is crucial for optimizing operational costs and ensuring reliable global delivery. FedEx has established itself as a global powerhouse in the shipping industry, offering service to more than 220 countries and…

  • How to Save Money on UPS Shipping?

    Today's logistics world is facing unprecedented challenges as UPS shipping costs continue to rise year after year. For logistics and supply chain executives, the financial impact of these upward trends in shipping rates is impossible to ignore. While it's no secret that regular General Rate Increas…

  • Determining UPS Shipping Rates

    UPS shipping rates factor in both weight and size when determining the cost to ship a package. Depending on the package's characteristics, either the actual weight or the dimensional weight might be used to calculate charges, with the greater value being the decisive factor. Dimensional weight take…

  • USPS Shipping Rates

    USPS shipping rates vary widely depending on several factors, including the weight of the package, the destination zone, and the type of service used. Rates can start as low as $0.63 for First-Class Mail and go up considerably for heavier packages or faster services like Priority Mail Express. Over…

  • What Is The Role Of A Freight Auditor?

    Freight auditors play a pivotal role in the logistics and transportation industry by ensuring that freight invoices are accurate and companies are only paying for the services they receive. They meticulously review freight bills, contracts, and shipping documents to identify errors such as incorrec…

  • Freight Audit Checklist

    An audit checklist is an organized sheet or document that guides businesses through the audit process meticulously. Its purpose is to ensure comprehensive coverage and consistency, thereby allowing businesses to systematically examine and validate their activities or processes against settled stand…

  • Freight Audit And Payment Best Practices

    A freight audit and payment process is a critical element in optimizing logistics operations. It involves systematically examining and verifying shipping invoices to ensure that the charges are accurate and fair. By identifying potential errors and discrepancies, companies can reclaim overpaid amou…

  • Freight Audit And Payment

    In the dynamic world of logistics, freight audit and payment processes are critical components that ensure financial accuracy, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Essentially, freight audit and payment is a meticulous examination of freight bills and corresponding shipment activities to…

  • Maximizing Success During UPS Peak Season 2024: Essential Strategies for Businesses

    The UPS peak season represents a crucial period for the company and its clients, primarily encompassing the extended shopping season from Black Friday through the end of the calendar year. This time frame sees a significant surge in shipping and delivery demand, driven by holiday shopping and year-…

  • Understanding and Managing Fuel Surcharges: A Strategic Guide for Cost Efficiency in Shipping and Logistics

    Fuel surcharges are additional fees imposed by carriers to account for the fluctuating prices of fuel. These surcharges are commonly seen in various industries such as shipping, airlines, and logistics. By their nature, fuel prices can be highly volatile, leading companies to introduce these surcha…

  • Understanding UPS Demand Surcharges: Navigating the Impact and Strategies for 2024

    In the fast-paced world of shipping and logistics, surcharges play a crucial role in balancing the scales between supply and demand. One particular surcharge that has garnered significant attention is the demand surcharge from UPS. So, what exactly is a demand surcharge? Definition of Demand Surcha…

  • Mastering UPS Surcharges for 2024: Key Changes and Strategic Insights for Businesses

    As businesses gear up for the new year, it's crucial to stay informed about the UPS surcharges for 2024 . These surcharges can significantly impact your shipping costs, affecting everything from profitability to customer satisfaction. Understanding these surcharges allows companies to budget accura…

  • Mastering Delivery Area Surcharges: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses in 2024

    In the evolving landscape of logistics and delivery, understanding the nuances of delivery area surcharges is essential for both businesses and consumers. A delivery area surcharge is an additional fee applied by shipping companies such as UPS, FedEx, and USPS for delivering packages to locations d…

  • Mastering FedEx Logistics: A Finance and Operations Professional’s Guide to the 2024 Service Updates and Strategic Insights

    This comprehensive guide is designed specifically for Finance and Operations Professionals who need to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of logistics and supply chain management. From FedEx Ground Multiweight rates to service levels, every aspect of FedEx's offerings has been meticulously outlined…

  • Navigating DHL's Fuel Surcharge: Key Insights for Managing Shipping Costs in 2024

    Does DHL charge a fuel surcharge? Absolutely. The fuel surcharge is a critical component of DHL's pricing structure. It allows the company to manage the volatile costs associated with fuel prices and continue providing reliable and efficient shipping services. Overview of DHL's Fuel Surcharge Polic…

  • Navigating DHL Fuel Surcharges: What Businesses Need to Know

    The concept of a fuel surcharge is familiar yet often misunderstood by many in the world of shipping and logistics. As one of the leading global shipping and logistics companies, DHL has implemented a fuel surcharge mechanism that directly impacts the shipping costs businesses incur. At its core, t…

  • What Is A Reasonable Fuel Surcharge?

    Fuel surcharges are an essential component in the logistics and transportation sector, reflecting the fluctuating costs of fuel. Understanding the mechanics of fuel surcharges is crucial for business owners and managers, as it directly impacts the bottom line of transportation costs. In essence, a…

  • What is Managed Transportation? A Comprehensive Guide and Examples

    In the intricate web of today's global supply chain, efficient transportation management is not just a necessity—it is a critical competitive differentiator. The incorporation of managed transportation services is reshaping the logistics industry, offering tailored solutions to meet the complex dem…

  • UPS and FedEx Pilot Flying Hours: A Comparative Analysis for Cost-Efficient Shipping

    United Parcel Service (UPS) and FedEx Express rank among the elite in global air cargo operations, handling enormous volumes of shipments worldwide. Their extensive networks and timely delivery services make them the cornerstone of modern logistics. Both companies manage their own fleets of aircraf…

  • Are You Overlooking USPS Ground Advantage as an Alternative to FedEx and UPS Ground?

    The lifeblood of modern commerce is efficient, reliable, and cost-effective shipping services. With consumer expectations for rapid delivery at all-time highs, businesses are caught in a balancing act between speed and budget. While FedEx and UPS are often the go-to carriers for many businesses, th…

  • Understanding UPS Shipping Delivery Options

    Shipping and logistics are critical components for businesses of all sizes. The ability to deliver products to the end customer in a timely and cost-effective manner can greatly impact a company's reputation and bottom line. One key player in the shipping industry is United Parcel Service (UPS), kn…

  • UPS vs USPS - An In-Depth Comparison

    In the world of logistics, every cost, delivery time, and service option can significantly affect the bottom line of a business. United Parcel Service (UPS) and the United States Postal Service (USPS) are two giants in the shipping industry, with each offering distinct advantages that can impact bu…

  • What to Expect from UPS with their General Rate Increases for 2024

    Shipping costs are a significant line item in any business's budget, particularly for small businesses and companies where margins can be tight. Understanding and anticipating carrier rate increases are critical to managing expenses and maintaining a competitive edge. This is especially true when i…

  • When to Use Signature Required with your UPS Shipping

    The efficient delivery of packages is more than just a logistical challenge; it intricately ties into the trust between a shipper and the recipient. UPS Signature Required is a critical service for enhancing the security and assurance of package delivery. This service is designed to ensure that a p…

  • How Retailers Can Master Shipping Efficiency

    In the thriving realm of e-commerce, shipping is not just an operational necessity, it is a strategic linchpin. Efficient e-commerce shipping practices can significantly increase customer satisfaction, strengthen brand reputation, and ultimately contribute to the growth and profitability of a busin…

  • How Can I Avoid UPS Surcharges?

    The need to keep running costs low may have you asking 'How can I avoid UPS surcharges?' We'll help you answer that question in this article by breaking down different UPS surcharges, exploring the reasons behind them, and providing you with practical tips to minimize these additional fees. Does UP…

  • What Are the Contract Rates for Freight in 2023?

    In the ever-evolving landscape of logistics and transportation, understanding the contract rates for freight in 2023 is essential for businesses seeking to optimize their supply chains. The shipping and trucking industry can be a tough one to keep a beat on though. Join us as we delve into the intr…

  • How to Lower FedEx Rates?

    FedEx stands as one of the largest global shipping carriers, providing a diverse range of services. However, owing to their extensive reach and service quality, you may discover that their rates tend to be higher compared to those offered by other carriers. To learn how to lower FedEx rates during…

  • What Are the Extra Charges for LTL?

    LTL freight shipping is an economical way to ship freight. However, you need to be wary of extra charges if you want to maximize your budget. Let's look at some surcharges that commonly apply in LTL shipping. What Are Accessorial Fees? Accessorial fees, in the context of shipping and logistics, ref…

  • UPS & FedEx Address Correction Fees

    In this article, we'll explore how UPS and FedEx handle address corrections and the associated charges. We'll also share valuable tips to help you avoid incurring these fees, ensuring a smooth and cost-effective small parcel shipping process. Does UPS Charge for Address Corrections? In most cases,…

  • FedEx Holiday Shipping Deadlines 2023

    Few things are worse than having a package not arrive in time for a holiday celebration. In this blog, we will explore FedEx's shipping deadlines to help you plan your small parcel shipments and avoid delayed arrival of packages. What Holidays Is FedEx Closed In 2023? It's important to note that Fe…

  • What Is a FedEx Shipment Exception?

    In this blog, we will explore the concept of a FedEx shipment exception, (sometimes referred to as FedEx delivery exceptions). We'll delve into the definition and implications of shipment exceptions, shedding light on what they mean for your FedEx deliveries. Stay tuned to gain a clear understandin…

  • 10 Parcel Shipping Companies | Which One Is Best

    Whether it's global or regional, choosing the right small parcel shipping company can have a major impact on your business. From customer experience to speed and cost, finding the shipping service that best fits your company's needs is imperative. But how do you decide? Let's start by identifying t…

  • Is It Cheaper to Use a Flat Rate Box or Your Own Box?

    Should you ship using your own box or use a carrier's flat rate box? Both options can be cheaper depending on the item you're shipping and how far it is going. In this blog, we'll let you know when you should use flat rate boxes, when you should get your own box, and the pros and cons of each optio…

  • What Is Small Parcel Delivery?

    Small parcels make up the bulk of shipments worldwide. From personal items to retail packages, small parcel delivery is integral to the global logistics network. In this blog, we delve into the intricacies of small parcel delivery, exploring its definition, processes, and the key players shaping th…

  • The Impending Teamsters UPS Strike (Part 2)

    Everyone aware of the contract negotiations between UPS and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters is watching these negotiations closely. The deadline is fast approaching on July 31, 2023, for the two sides to come to a deal, as this is when the current contract expires. If a strike were to oc…

  • Is UPS or USPS Cheaper For Small Boxes?

    UPS and USPS are two major parcel carriers in the United States. Both companies offer an attractive range of small parcel shipping services, from speedy same-day shipping to standard 5-day ground shipping and bespoke shipping solutions. So which of the two has cheaper rates for sending small boxes?…

  • Is FedEx or UPS Cheaper to Ship?

    Any business owner knows that shipping costs can be a significant expense, especially if you don't ship enough volume to qualify for lower rates. In this guide, we'll compare the parcel shipping rates and services offered by FedEx and UPS to help you decide which parcel shipping company best suits…

  • How Much Does It Cost to Ship a 20-Pound Box?

    We'll tell you. In this blog, we will provide you with rates for different parcel shipping carriers, as well as tips on how best to ship your 20 lb package. How Much Does It Cost to Ship a 20 LB Box? It is hard to say which carrier or service has the cheapest way to ship a 20 lb package since the c…

  • What Size and Weight Is Small Parcel

    In layman's language, when someone mentions a ' small' parcel , you can imagine how it would look. But when it comes to shipping, where precision is vital, you need to have a small parcel's exact size and weight definitions rather than a general idea. So, what are the size and weight values that de…

  • What Is Small Parcel FedEx?

    Small parcels are the lifeblood of both domestic and international logistics. People use small parcel shipping to send all kinds of items — from clothing and toiletries to electronics and magazines. To the naked eye, it is clear what a 'small' parcel is. However, shipping carriers don't look at siz…

  • What Is Considered Small Parcel Delivery?

    Small parcel delivery is not a new thing — People have been sending each other parcels for hundreds of years. However, with the advancement of technology and the increase in customer demands, small parcel shipping services and networks have grown in leaps and bounds. This article will define small…