Sifted Blog

Please note: This article focuses on Ground and Express charges. For a full breakdown of international and other charges, see the FedEx & UPS websites. FedEx and UPS shared their demand, previously known as “peak season”, surcharges even earlier this year than...

As the 2025 General Rate Increase (GRI) approaches, businesses across industries are bracing for the potential impact on their shipping costs. In an evolving economic landscape, understanding the factors that drive these annual rate adjustments is crucial for staying...

Did you know that on select days annually, both FedEx and UPS pause their money-back guarantees? These blackout dates align with major holidays and peak shipping periods, including: Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Ground shipments from...

This September, the supply chain’s leading experts will converge in Texas for PARCEL Forum ‘24, the premier conference dedicated to small-parcel shipping. Scheduled for September 16-18 at the Gaylord Texan Resort, this event will be an essential gathering for industry...

FedEx and UPS had the same GRI for 2024 at 5.9%. Down 1% from 2023’s 6.9% increase. American businesses are facing shipping cost hikes that are significantly higher than what these published rates suggest. Let that sink in. Despite the sharp increase in shipping...

By 2027, the global last-mile delivery market is expected to soar past $200 billion, up from $108.1 billion in 2020. This remarkable growth is fueled by the surge in e-commerce, breakthroughs in delivery technology, and the ever-increasing consumer demand for faster,...

Did you know that Amazon has been using machine learning and AI for more than 25 years? Yes, 25 years! That’s probably why they’re way ahead of other supply chains. In this article, you’ll find three AI use cases that have propelled Amazon’s supply chain efficiency....

In the eCommerce landscape, the way brands interact with their customers is evolving. While optimized store layouts and friendly employees are still important, more are investing in sleek websites and digital advertising as online sales rise. In many cases, a customer...

Carrier Diversification allows businesses to: 1.  Compare and choose the most cost-effective shipping rates. 2.  Reduce the risk of delays by having alternative options if one carrier faces issues. 3.  Access additional shipping capacity during peak times. 4.  Offer...

Supply chains and logistics companies powered by AI (Artificial Intelligence) are seeing a 20% reduction in logistics expenses, a 40% decrease in unwanted inventory levels, and a 40% enhancement in service quality compared to their less agile competitors. Here’s the...