Comparing shipping carrier rates isn’t easy. Confusing pricing structures, hidden fees, and complex calculations for packaging characteristics make it increasingly difficult for shippers to find the most affordable option. As a former logistics manager, I’ve spent countless hours shipping packages domestically and across borders. I’m well-versed in the layered challenge of calculating the best shipping … Read more
USPS rates appear straightforward, but oversized package fees can become a financial minefield. One small measurement mistake or misunderstood policy can trigger a cascade of surcharges, potentially adding hundreds in unexpected fees. After 12+ years of specializing in heavy and oversized shipments, we understand every size threshold and surcharge trigger in the USPS fee structure. … Read more
UPS Demand Surcharges add challenging constraints to a business’s financial and operational performance. The criteria, costs, and timing of these added fees change every year, making accurate forecasting more difficult during peak seasons. Worse, inflated shipping costs can sap your profitability unless proactively mitigated. That means the periods where demand is highest—where you might expect … Read more
The UPS Over Maximum Limits fee has increased by over 2,460% since 2014. Along with the steep price increase, the bad news is that a small misstep can lead to huge additional charges. Imagine shipping a package and going about your day as usual, only to be hit with a budget-busting four-figure invoice. The good … Read more
Fulfillment is one of the highest costs for your eCommerce business. Finding ways to reduce order fulfillment costs is a great way to improve your profitability. However, affordable fulfillment isn’t just about pick and pack fees or shipping costs. It’s vital to look at the total fulfillment value to understand the actual costs and cost … Read more
You know you’ve needed fulfillment help for a while, and your boss walks into your office or shoots over an email and asks you to put together a 3PL RFP. You’ve likely never done that before. After a quick trip to Google, you’ve landed here while asking yourself, “Now what?” We get it because we’ve … Read more
Working with a third-party logistics provider (3PL) can be a smart choice for many ecommerce brands. But not every 3PL is created equally, and finding the right one for your business can be tough. Teaming with a 3PL consultant can help with the search. But what exactly do 3PL consultants do? And how can you … Read more
Our friends at TaxJar put together a useful guide to help eCommerce business owners navigate online sales tax a few years ago. We’ve updated the guide to reflect changes in online sales tax laws since we first posted it, and we think it’s still essential reading for anyone new to online retail. Online sales taxes … Read more
Constantly juggling inventory levels while trying to keep up with customer demand and avoiding stockouts or backorders is a balancing act that can leave you feeling like you’re always one step behind. But what if there was a way to take control of your inventory management and make confident decisions that keep your customers happy … Read more
Imagine slashing your import duties by 30-50%, holding inventory for years without paying customs fees, and consolidating a week’s worth of shipments into a single customs entry. These aren’t hypothetical scenarios—they’re the everyday reality for companies utilizing Foreign-Trade Zone warehouses. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about FTZ warehouses: how they … Read more
Evaluating potential 3PL partners is not easy. Finding the perfect fit goes beyond size and market share. It’s also about comparing the intangibles–like specialization and standards. Below are two lists of the biggest 3PL companies–in the U.S. and globally. We’ll give you a complete overview of the current market–from gross logistics revenue to scope of … Read more
Shipping heavy items can be a challenge, especially with varying weight thresholds and potential extra fees lurking around every corner. To sidestep steep rates, it’s important to select the ideal carrier and service and to familiarize yourself with the specifics of heavy-package shipping. With over 12 years of specialized experience in handling and shipping heavy … Read more
