Globalization is slowing down, and the world is doing everything to fix it and reduce modern-day supply chain risks. Here’s the proof: The US government has announced a dramatic increase in the tariff rate on electric vehicles under Section 301, raising it from 25% to...
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2024 FedEx & UPS Demand (Peak Season) Surcharge Guide
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...
The 2025 General Rate Increase (GRI) is Coming… What We Expect and How to Prepare
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...
Invoice Auditing 101: How to Audit FedEx & UPS Invoices Accurately
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...
PARCEL Forum ’24 – Sifted’s Roundup
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...
Network Optimization 101: The Impact of Carrier Diversification on Supply Chain Resilience
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...
How To Implement Artificial Intelligence To Boost Your Supply Chain Operations
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,...
How Amazon Is Using AI To Become the Fastest Supply Chain in the World
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....
Survey: Consumer Home Delivery Preferences
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...
How to Evaluate Carrier Performance Across Diverse Networks
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...