# llms.txt for Lojistic
Website: https://www.lojistic.com/
This is the [sitemap](https://www.lojistic.com/sitemap.xml) of this website.
# Parcel and Freight Spend Management Solution
> Maximize savings with Lojistic's parcel and freight spend management solution. Streamline logistics now. Create a free account today!
## Pages
- [Control & Reduce Shipping Costs](https://www.lojistic.com/):Maximize savings with Lojistic's parcel and freight spend management solution. Streamline logistics now. Create a free account today!
- [About Lojistic](https://www.lojistic.com/about):Learn about Lojistic\'s culture and careers. See our partner programs and hear from our happy clients. Check out our blog and videos library.
- [Join Our Amazing Team](https://www.lojistic.com/careers):Your career at Lojistic means joining a group of smart, hardworking people who are reshaping logistics. We pay well, offer great benefits and have fun.
- [Connect All Carriers & Mode](https://www.lojistic.com/carrier-connectors):Simplify multi-carrier shipping with our technology. Connect seamlessly with carriers for efficient, cost-saving shipping solutions. Create a free account!
- [Hi. We're Lojistic.](https://www.lojistic.com/company):Learn more about Lojistic company history, culture, careers, and partner programs. See how we empower each other and our clients through our work.
- [Contact Lojistic](https://www.lojistic.com/contact):Contact our team today about our shipping cost reduction services and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
- [Lojistic Culture](https://www.lojistic.com/culture):Lojistic culture is defined by core values, progress, authenticity, fun, quality and generosity.  See the smiling faces behind the platform.
- [Data Security](https://www.lojistic.com/data-security):Lojistic provides a secure environment for your data. We prioritize security above all else. Your data is always encrypted and always safe.
- [Double Cash Incentive Promotion](https://www.lojistic.com/double-cash-incentive-promo):Double your savings with Lojistic’s limited‑time cash incentive: unlock bigger refunds, smarter shipping insights, and fast ROI for your logistics spend.
- [Shipping Cost Optimization](https://www.lojistic.com/roles-most-impacted):Gain insights, optimize costs, and enhance efficiency to streamline your supply chain and procurement operations with Lojistic shipping optimization.
- [Seriously, who is running this company?](https://www.lojistic.com/seriously-who-runs-this-company):From embarrassing school photos to impressive career evolutions, Lojistic’s team has come a long way. Get a peek at our CEO, co-founder, and more in their most awkward moments—because we love to laugh at ourselves.
- [Use Lojistic to Manage and Reduce Shipping Costs](https://www.lojistic.com/use-cases):Use Lojisitc shipping analytics software platform to reduce shipping costs, improve carrier performance, reduce billing errors, and improve customer retention.
- [Reduce Shipping Costs with Lojistic](https://www.lojistic.com/pricing):Reduce shipping costs with our FREE logistics optimization platform. Optional fee-based parcel audit and rate services available.
- [How to Confirm Carrier Refunds](https://www.lojistic.com/how-to-confirm-carrier-refunds):Learn how to verify UPS and FedEx refunds quickly: ensure you recover every eligible dollar with clear steps and automated audit tools.
- [All Shippers. Sizes. Industries.](https://www.lojistic.com/industries-served):Manage your shipping costs in all industries including retail, manufacturing, wholesale, heavy goods, food & beverage, medical, and electronics, with Lojistic.
- [Partner Programs](https://www.lojistic.com/partner-programs):Get paid for your referral with the Lojistic partner program. If you know someone who ships with UPS, FedEx and/or DHL, refer them to Lojistic.
- [Reduce Shipping Costs with Lojistic](https://www.lojistic.com/pricing):Reduce shipping costs with our FREE logistics optimization platform. Optional fee-based parcel audit and rate services available.
- [Reviews of Lojistic](https://www.lojistic.com/reviews):People love Lojistic. You will too. 100% of verified reviewers recommend Lojistic. See why Lojistic gets an excellent 5 star rating.
- [Get Better Carrier Rates](https://www.lojistic.com/cpc/better-carrier-rates):Use Lojistic to procure best-in-class carrier agreements and/or get deep discounts on plug & play rates with the national and regional carriers you know and love.
- [Automated Carrier Invoice Management](https://www.lojistic.com/cpc/carrier-invoice-management):Use Lojistic to automatically retrieve shipping invoices, audit & secure refunds, automate GL coding, and streamline payments to your carriers. All modes of shipping. All carriers.
- [Instant Shipping Analytics & Automated Cost Savings](https://www.lojistic.com/cpc/shipping-analytics):Use Lojistic, the #1 business shipping intelligence platform. Easily produce analytics for all modes of shipping, manage carrier invoices, and get the insights you need to secure better carrier rates.
##Platform Features
- [Cost Reduction Opportunities](https://www.lojistic.com/shipping-analytics-software/cost-reduction-opportunities):Lojistic identifies your opportunities to reduce UPS and FedEx costs. Use the information in your Lojistic account as a good to know or take action.
- [Parcel and Freight Shipping Cost Comparison](https://www.lojistic.com/shipping-analytics-software/shipping-cost-comparison):Compare shipping costs effortlessly with Lojistic. Our tool offers detailed parcel and freight cost comparisons to save you money. Create a free account now!
- [Unlimited Users](https://www.lojistic.com/features/unlimited-users):Connect unlimited users to Lojistic. It’s free. Everyone on your team can get visibility into your UPS and FedEx data. Share information seamlessly.
- [Parcel and Freight Audit & Payment Software](https://www.lojistic.com/freight-audit-and-payment):Track shipping rates and more with parcel and freight auditing and payment software to keep costs low and your customers stay happy from Lojisitc.
- [Feed Normalized Shipping Data to Your Systems—Fast](https://www.lojistic.com/api-app-integrations):Link to the Lojistic's platform through our API and begin monitoring, identifying, and reducing shipping costs for freight and parcel shipping today.
- [Shipping Analytics for Freight & Parcel](https://www.lojistic.com/shipping-analytics-software):Unlock insights with shipping analytics for freight and parcel. Optimize your logistics with our comprehensive data analytics software. Create a free account!
- [Air vs Ground](https://www.lojistic.com/shipping-analytics-software/air-vs-ground):Use Lojistic dashboards like audit and refund recovery, cost reduction opportunities, service level usages, surcharge summary and transportation spend to save.
- [Cost Reduction Opportunities](https://www.lojistic.com/shipping-analytics-software/cost-reduction-opportunities):Lojistic identifies your opportunities to reduce UPS and FedEx costs. Use the information in your Lojistic account as a good to know or take action.
- [Service Level Usage](https://www.lojistic.com/shipping-analytics-software/service-level-usage):Quickly evaluate transit time and cost. Get your shipments delivered fast and cheap. Use Lojistic to ship with better information and save.
- [Shipment Activity](https://www.lojistic.com/shipping-analytics-software/shipment-activity):Lojistic details your UPS, FedEx & DHL shipping costs. See your air versus ground costs, actual weight versus billed weight, surcharge impact and more.
- [Parcel and Freight Shipping Cost Comparison](https://www.lojistic.com/shipping-analytics-software/shipping-cost-comparison):Compare shipping costs effortlessly with Lojistic. Our tool offers detailed parcel and freight cost comparisons to save you money. Create a free account now!
- [Shipping Reporting for Parcel & Freight](https://www.lojistic.com/shipping-analytics-software/shipping-reporting):Enhance your logistics with shipping reporting. Gain valuable insights for parcel and freight to improve your operations. Create an account to start saving!
- [Surcharge Summary](https://www.lojistic.com/shipping-analytics-software/surcharge-summary):Lojistic monitors and manages all UPS and FedEx surcharges. See surcharge trends and quantify the impact surcharges have on your profitability.
- [Tech-Powered to Secure Better Shipping Rates](https://www.lojistic.com/rate-optimization-rfps):Build smarter, data‑driven rate‑optimization RFPs: improve carrier negotiations with analytics that reveal true parcel‑cost drivers.
- [LTL & FTL Freight Marketplace Rates](https://www.lojistic.com/rate-optimization-rfps/ltl-ftl-freight-marketplace):Get the best LTL and FTL rates in our freight marketplace. Compare and save on freight costs. Start saving by signing up for free!
- [Discounted Parcel Shipping Rates](https://www.lojistic.com/rate-optimization-rfps/prenegotiated-rates):Access discounted parcel shipping rates easily. Save on shipping with prenegotiated rates. Create an account to start saving!
- [Automatically Code Shipping Costs to the Order Level](https://www.lojistic.com/gl-coding-erp-sync):Automate GL coding across all modes and carriers, and sync seamlessly with your accounting software to save on shipping costs with Lojistic.
#Resources
- [Global Golf Retailer Transforms Shipping, Gains Control, and Saves Millions](https://www.lojistic.com/case-study/global-golf-retailer-transforms-shipping-gains-control-and-saves-millions):See how a global golf retailer used Lojistic to gain visibility, optimize shipping, and save millions through smarter parcel management.
- [How a Market Leading Automotive Brand Saved Millions And Optimized a Complex Distribution Network](https://www.lojistic.com/case-study/how-a-market-leading-automotive-brand-saved-millions-and-optimized-a-complex-distribution-network):Learn how a leading automotive brand optimized its distribution network, gained control of shipping data, and saved millions with Lojistic.
- [Pharmacy Unknowingly Overpaid Millions on Shipping for Years](https://www.lojistic.com/case-study/pharmacy-unknowingly-overpaid-millions-on-shipping-for-years):A pharmacy overpaid millions on shipping. See how freight auditing uncovered hidden costs and saved millions. Read the case study.
- [How a Well-Known Furniture Brand Saved $15M Annually on Shipping — and Got Paid to Do It](https://www.lojistic.com/case-study/well-known-furniture-brand):A leading furniture brand cut costs and gained control of shipping operations using Lojistic’s data‑driven parcel intelligence.
- [Lojistic Video Content. No reading required.](https://www.lojistic.com/videos):Learn more about Lojistic’s platform, services and people with our video library. Just push play. No reading required.
- [White Papers](https://www.lojistic.com/white-papers):The best logistic solutions is key for saving money on freight and shipping costs. Our logistics        reports help you understand our money-saving freight solutions.
- [5 Secrets UPS & Fedex Don't Want You to Know](https://www.lojistic.com/white-papers/5-secrets-ups-and-fedex-dont-want-you-to-know):UPS and FedEx haven't told us everything we need to know about saving on shipping. In fact, there are 5 secrets they don't want you to know.
- [Carrier Contract Optimization Guide](https://www.lojistic.com/white-papers/carrier-contract-optimization):Everything you need to negotiate improved rates and bigger discounts
- [DIY Parcel Audit & Refund Recovery Guide](https://www.lojistic.com/white-papers/diy-parcel-audit-refund-recovery-guide):Identify and recover your UPS / FedEx refunds with our DIY Parcel Audit & Refund Recovery Guide.
- [DIY Parcel Audit & Refund Recovery Guide](https://www.lojistic.com/white-papers/diy-refund-recovery-guide):Identify and recover your UPS / FedEx refunds with our DIY Parcel Audit & Refund Recovery Guide.
- [Fuel Surcharge History](https://www.lojistic.com/white-papers/fuel-surcharge):Freight fuel surcharge rates have increased dramatically over the past few years. See the history and current diesel and trucking surcharge rates.
- [General Rate Increase Guide](https://www.lojistic.com/white-papers/general-rate-increase):Shipping prices summarizes historical rate increase. Better anticipate and control rising shipping prices with Lojistic.
- [Media](https://www.lojistic.com/media):Learn more about Lojistic with videos, customer testimonials and our blog. Get industry expertise and insights into FedEx, UPS and DHL.
- [Lojistic Data Privacy & Security](https://www.lojistic.com/security):Lojistic Data Security and Privacy Policy
- [Parcel & Freight Shipping FAQ](https://www.lojistic.com/shipping-faqs):Answers to common shipping questions by Lojistic freight auditors. You are guaranteed to reduce freight costs.
- [General Truck, Ocean, Rail, and Air Freight Audit FAQ](https://www.lojistic.com/shipping-faqs/ftl-ltl-ocean-rail-air-freight-audit-questions):With a truck, rail, air or ocean freight audit by our freight auditors, you are guaranteed to reduce freight costs.
- [General Parcel Freight Contract Negotiation FAQ](https://www.lojistic.com/shipping-faqs/parcel-freight-contract-negotiation-questions):Lojistic offers contract negotiation, freight audit services, and more to help clients lower shipping costs and optimize shipping contracts.
- [UPS Audit and FedEx Audit FAQ](https://www.lojistic.com/shipping-faqs/ups-fedex-audit-questions):Lojistic's portfolio of freight and parcel audit services includes UPS auditing and FedEx auditing, which help clients cut costs and maximize efficiency.
- [UPS and FedEx Contract Negotiation FAQ](https://www.lojistic.com/shipping-faqs/ups-fedex-contract-negotiation-questions):Learn how carrier contract negotiation services can help your company. Our Frequently Asked Questions can help you understand the benefits of professional FedEx and UPS contract negotiations. Negotiated rates for freight and parcel shipping provide significant cost savings!
##Blog
- [Shipping Industry News](https://www.lojistic.com/blog):Stay informed with the latest shipping industry news and updates from Lojistic. Discover insights, trends, and more.
- [Understanding UPS Simple Rate](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/understanding-ups-simple-rate):Navigating parcel shipping rates can be a headache for businesses operating in the e-commerce landscape. With seasonal shipping rate variations and surge pricing around the holidays, planning for shipping costs in your business model can feel like a moving target.  This is why UPS Simple Rate is such a powerful tool for any delivery-oriented business.
- [3 Easy Ways to Lower and Discount Freight Costs](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/3-easy-ways-to-lower-and-discount-freight-costs):By closely evaluating your business’s shipping and distribution patterns, you may identify many areas that you can easily discount freight costs. Below are 3 simple practices that will allow you to effectively assess your current practices, and help you identify areas for improvement. Logistics Reporting Logistics reporting is essential in effectively evaluating the efficiencies of any businesses’ distribution practices.
- [Getting Discounts on UPS and FedEx Accessorial Fees](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/get-discounts-on-ups-and-fedex-accessorial-fees):Accessorial charges that are assessed while a shipment is in-transit or upon its delivery can present an important cost management issue for businesses. Since many companies charge their customer for shipping when an order is placed, it is problematic when the actual shipping charges exceed expectations due to accessorial fees. With shipping costs that exceed the associated revenue collected from the customer, these accessorial fees become a certain cause of loss.
- [Top 2020 Parcel Trends That You Should Know About](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/top-2020-parcel-trends):Top 2020 parcel trends are creating smarter shippers and mitigating costs. Trend #1: Rates Will Continue to Rise: At the end of every year, UPS and FedEx announce their general price increase for next year. On average, the increase is only around 4.9%. What you don't see in that increase is the surcharges. This year surcharges are going to have a large impact on parcel shippers.
- [Guaranteed Service Refund (GSR) Waivers and How Parcel Auditing Can Help](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/guaranteed-service-refund-gsr-waivers-and-how-parcel-auditing-can-help-you):While FedEx and UPS guarantee the on-time delivery of your packages, not every shipment is on time. If they're just one minute late, you may be entitled to a 100 percent refund of the shipping charges. They will honor this guarantee—but only after you do some considerable legwork. This can get pretty complicated, especially if you ship hundreds of packages a week or month.
- [Negotiation Tips: When Should You Renegotiate Your Shipping Contract?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/negotiation-tips):Lots of shippers would benefit from some negotiation tips for getting better UPS and FedEx contracts. We've helped countless companies optimize contracts and negotiate better rates with UPS and FedEx. One of the most important factors is when you make that ask. Timing is everything here. Negotiation Tips Start with Timing: Customers often ask, for example, when a good time to renegotiate a contract or open up the contract would be.
- [UPS and FedEx Rates Comparison](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-and-fedex-rates-comparison):In the world of small parcel shipping there are largely only two service providers in the United States, UPS and FedEx. Many businesses feel strongly (often based on a prior negative experience) that the service of one carrier is far superior to the other. On the other hand, there do remain some businesses that are relatively neutral in the consideration of a UPS and FedEx service comparison.
- [What Does Your Car Have To Do With Parcel Insurance?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-does-your-car-have-to-do-with-parcel-insurance):Parcel insurance rates are on the rise, and they have been for years. In fact, in the past five years, parcel insurance rates have increased 38%. That’s a big number. And when compared to price changes of some common household items, the increase seems even bigger. Over the past five years, the average price of a new car in the US rose from $29,217 to $31,25.
- [Freight Invoice Auditing: Common Errors That Inflate Shipping Costs](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-invoice-auditing-common-errors-that-inflate-shipping-costs):Auditing for common errors in your freight invoicing can help reduce shipping costs and take back control of your spending, with Lojistic.
- [Amazon’s Potential Same-Day Delivery Effects on Your Business](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/amazons-potential-same-day-delivery-effects-on-your-business):This blog post isn’t the first we’ve spoken about Amazon and it’s effects on business and carriers.  A few months ago, we explored their acquisition of Kiva, bringing in mechanical robots to help make their supply chains even more efficient.  Coupled with their strong online presence and branding, they are looking to take over both as a consumer’s primary merchant and a potential major shipping force.
- [Parcel Spend Management: How to Control Costs Across Carriers and Contracts](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/parcel-spend-management-how-to-control-costs-across-carriers-and-contracts):From carrier diversification to surcharge reduction, learn how to control costs across carriers and contracts with parcel spend management, from Lojistic.
- [FedEx and UPS Discounts: Audit to Save on Freight and Parcel Costs](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-and-ups-discounts-audit-to-save-on-freight-and-parcel-costs):In the current, uncertain economic environment, when fuel costs are constantly fluctuating, corporations can overspend thousands of dollars with national carriers like UPS and FedEx. Many executives are unaware that they can achieve substantial costs savings simply by monitoring and challenging UPS and FedEx on-time delivery guarantees and taking advantage of FedEx and UPS discounts.
- [How To Estimate Your 2017 UPS & FedEx Rate Increase](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-estimate-your-2017-ups-fedex-rate-increase):The 2017 UPS and FedEx rate increase announcement is now behind us. But are you aware of how big the impact may be to your company’s bottom line? It can be super challenging to quantify how the rate increases will affect your business, and even more difficult to visualize those changes when drilled down into each and every service level your business utilizes.
- [Amazon’s Potential Effect on the Shipping Industry](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/amazons-potential-effect-on-the-shipping-industry):The carrier system has for a long time been a very oligarchic system, only made up mainly of two carriers, UPS and FedEx.  Because of these two carriers, the rules of the shipping industry have always been based on comparing these two carriers’ prices and agreements and can, for insightful businesses, create a method to reduce shipping costs overall.
- [Breaking Down the New 2% UPS Payment Processing Fee](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/breaking-down-the-new-ups-payment-processing-fee):Effective May 19, 2025, UPS implemented a Payment Processing Fee equal to 2% of all invoice charges, ending the short-lived Credit Card Surcharge.
- [Looking Closer at Shipping Technology](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/looking-closer-at-shipping-technology):There are some difficulties for companies to compensate both their traditional mentality of what works versus the fast-moving digital technology that evolves and changes on a daily basis.  However, it’s important for all companies to be aware of the evolving technology around them not only to be in the know with what’s current but also what can help your company both reduce shipping costs and speed up the supply chain and logistics process.
- [Improving Package Security can Lower Freight Costs](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/improving-package-security-can-lower-freight-costs):To protect your packages, you have a variety of tactics and seal options to choose from. Yes, freight costs have gone up, but you shouldn't scrimp on package security. For starters, you need to establish just how vulnerable your carrier has been to theft. That means taking a close look at the carriers' theft history, and how vulnerable your supply chain is in terms of packaging and unit volume.
- [Understanding Shipping Lingo to Reduce Shipping Costs](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/understanding-shipping-lingo-to-reduce-shipping-costs):When you make shipments through either FedEx or UPS, when was the last time you thought about how much of the shipping costs you could actually be saving?  In reality, one of the easiest ways to save money is to focus on reducing your shipping costs.  We’ve gone over a variety of ways you can be saving your company money on shipping from parcel audits to instructions on how to write a shipping  form, but another important way is to understand the language used by the carriers that can better help you talk to carrier representatives, especially during carrier negotiations.
- [How To Optimize Every UPS or FedEx Shipment for Delivery Speed and Cost](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-optimize-every-ups-or-fedex-shipment-for-delivery-speed-and-cost):It's no secret that eCommerce businesses rely on shipping to get their products to their customers. Captain Obvious reporting for duty! And while shipping is a necessary part of doing business, it can also be a major expense. That's why it's important to optimize your shipments to ensure that you're getting the best possible value for your money.
- [Your Carrier Reports 98%+ On-Time: Your Customers May Disagree](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/your-carrier-reports-98-on-time-your-customers-may-disagree):When a package arrives late, your customer doesn’t care whether it was due to weather, a mechanical delay, a customs hold, or something else. All they know is that it didn’t arrive on time. Carriers report this differently. They often exclude delayed shipments from their on-time stats if they believe the delay was “excusable.” So, while your customer feels the impact of a late delivery, your carrier may say it doesn’t count.
- [FedEx Insurance Guide](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-insurance-guide):Whether you're shipping iPhones or uncut diamonds across the nation or globe, you need to know that your valuables are protected from damage and loss. With FedEx, there are multiple ways to insure against worst-case scenarios. In fact, FedEx provides optional insurance coverage you can purchase. However, it has significant limitations. Thus, for most commercial shippers, pairing coverage with third-party insurance is critical to providing complete protection.
- [What the New UPS Surge Emergency Fee Means For Shipping](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-the-new-ups-surge-emergency-fee-means-for-shipping):UPS added new on-going Surge Emergency Fees in 2026. See what changed, which lanes are affected, and how Lojistic helps shippers control rising carrier costs.
- [How to Discount FedEx and UPS Shipping Costs](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-discount-fedex-and-ups-shipping-costs):Shipping with FedEx and UPS can be very costly. Over the last year, prices have risen substantially. However, there are some simple things that budget-conscious customers can do to discount FedEx and UPS shipping costs without sacrificing delivery speed. Use Third Party Insurance FedEx and UPS Shipping charge $.0.70 for each $100 of Declared Value that they insure.
- [FedEx and UPS Carrier Exceptions: This is the Way to Save Money](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-and-ups-carrier-exceptions):FedEx and UPS Carrier Exceptions Can Save You Money: Alright, today we'll be talking about the different carrier exceptions. In particular, I'm going over carrier exceptions for both FedEx and UPS. They're very similar so I'll kind of go over them all in the same bucket. First, we'll talk about pick up exceptions. Sometimes no packages were picked up and pick up is not rescheduled.
- [How to Leverage Freight Management Services This Year](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/leverage-freight-management-services):Today we're going to talk about freight management services. First, what does that mean? Freight management services can cover a wide range of specific offerings. From a third-party provider like Lojistic, freight management services include helping you secure better rates, managing traffic and shipments from point A to point B, and technology. And in Lojistic’s case, that also extends to auditing freight bills.
- [FedEx Network 2.0 Launches Streamlined Pickup Pricing](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-network-2-launches-streamlined-pickup-pricing):FedEx’s Network 2.0 unifies Express and Ground pickups in the U.S. and Canada, introducing streamlined pricing starting August 18, 2025.
- [Prime Day 2020: How Will It Impact Your Shipping Network?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/prime-day-2020-how-will-it-impact-your-shipping-network):Amazon recently announced that Prime Day 2020 will be Prime Day(s)…as in plural. Set an alert and mark your calendar because Prime Day 2020 is Tuesday, October 13 AND Wednesday, October 14. The annual shopping holiday will grow from a one-day event to a two-day spending spree for millions of global deal seekers. That’s great news if you’re hunting for a bargain or trying to get a head start on your holiday shopping list.
- [Reduce Shipping Costs by Looking at your Shipping Invoice](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/reduce-shipping-costs-by-looking-at-your-shipping-invoice):The economy is still slowly recovering, and many businesses are still trying to do their best and make the most profit as possible. Some businesses are contending with harsh decisions like cutting personnel or services that may be very crucial and difficult to move on without. The good news is that there are efficient and guaranteed ways to go about creating savings without having to make these types of harsh decisions.
- [Comparing FedEx & UPS Shipping Rates](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/handy-shipping-comparison-tool):Compare shipping rates between UPS and FedEx to find out which is best for your company for ground, international, overnight, and more from Lojistic.
- [Optimize UPS and FedEx Shipping Service Level Usage](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/optimize-ups-and-fedex-shipping-service-level-usage):Did you know that nearly all UPS and FedEx service levels have time in-transit delivery guarantees? Even ground services have a guarantee to be delivered within a certain time frame. Many shippers can significantly reduce shipping costs by improving their organization’s policies and practices related to carrier service level selection for any given shipment. A primary goal for all shippers looking to reduce costs should be to maximize a short zone distribution model.
- [Accessorial Charges and How To Get Past Them](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/accessorial-charges-and-how-to-get-past-them):There are a number of erroneous charges that can appear on your shipping invoice, the number one complaint of carriers being accessorial charges. But what exactly are they?  These charges are supplemental to transportation charges and calculated using a number of minuscule, but important variables including pick-up and delivery criteria.  There are many accessorial charges just for one package and they can make up a hefty portion of your shipping fees.
- [A Complete Guide to USPS Insurance](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/usps-insurance-guide):Whether you ship one package per day or a hundred, every international and domestic shipment reaching its destination is paramount to your customer happiness and business growth. Generally, you can rely on your carrier to transport your goods without issue. Still, accidents happen. And that’s where shipping insurance comes in. Shipping insurance is your protection against the unknown and your countermeasure for when packages go missing, arrive damaged, or suffer any mishap that would harm your customer experience.
- [What Is Inbound Logistics?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-is-inbound-logistics):When you make a product for sale—whether it’s software or drill sets—it requires materials and components that go into constructing its final form. This could include raw ore, processed metal or lumber, semi-finished electronics, or even completed items that you’re adding to a larger unit or set to prepare for sale under your business. Inbound logistics refers to all of the steps involved in getting those raw materials and products from their original source to their place of finished state.
- [FedEx and UPS Discounts: Rebates](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-and-ups-discounts-rebates):In today's tough economy, you need all the discounts and rebates you can get to reduce shipping costs. The major shippers know this, which is why, to keep long-time, loyal customers happy, they commonly offer rebates. But these carrier discount rebates vary with the shipper, the volume of packages and many other factors. Last year, UPS' Import Control Service helped many companies reduce shipping costs.
- [FedEx and UPS Discounts: Negotiate Accessorial Fee Waivers](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-and-ups-discounts-negotiate-accessorial-fee-waivers):Accessorial fees refer to shipping costs that are additional to the base transportation charge. These charges seem to go up every year with new ones being added constantly. Recent fuel service charges for FedEx and UPS recently shot up a "wallet- emptying" 25 percent. Accessorial surcharges for extra, supplemental or special services can easily account for up to 40 percent of your overall freight costs.
- [UPS Customer Service: Never Again Pay Full High Charges](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-customer-service):UPS Customer Service Basics: The first thing you need to do is actually call UPS's billing department. Now, there's a particular number for UPS billing department. You can actually get to the billing department through the normal UPS customer service number. You press a number and they'll transfer you to the billing department. But there is a specific number in case you are doing a lot of credits so you don't have to go through that extra step.
- [FedEx Customer Service: Behind the Scenes to Save the Most](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-customer-service):FedEx Customer Service Avenues for Refund: To get a refund from FedEx, the first thing you do is call the FedEx Revenue Services. That's the billing department. They do have a normal FedEx customer service number that you can call. There is a billing department that you can call as well for FedEx Revenue Services.
- [What Are Peak Season Shipping Demand Surcharges?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-are-peak-season-shipping-demand-surcharges):Find out what peak season shipping demand surcharges are, how to predict when they typically occur, and how to plan for them from Lojistic.
- [How Much Does Freight Insurance Cost?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-insurance-cost):Find out what freight shipping insurance is, why you need it as a distributor, what it costs, and what types of insurance you can obtain, from Lojistic.
- [Top 3 UPS and FedEx Billing Errors & the Need for Freight Auditing](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/top-3-ups-and-fedex-billing-errors-the-need-for-freight-auditing):Freight auditing services have become critically important since FedEx and UPS errors are present in virtually every invoice. They are often the result of late deliveries, invalid residential delivery charges, and/or incorrect address correction charges. Sometimes packages are manifested but not shipped, or the dimensional weight charges are inaccurate. In other instances, UPS and FedEx may assess duplicate charges or delivery area surcharges without merit.
- [What the Recent UPS Earnings May Mean for Your Shipping](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-the-recent-ups-earnings-may-mean-for-your-shipping):For all businesses that ships a constant amount of items, it’s important to note the changing fluctuations of the shipping world, whether it be the updates in new competitors, as we previously noted in our Amazon blog post, or the quarterly earnings calls.  These changes are important because they can help to prepare for and predict certain trends within future pricing and possible action the carrier or competitors might take and in turn, affect your shipping.
- [Comparing FedEx and UPS Services](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/compare-fedex-and-ups-services):If you ship anything on a regular basis, you probably know that the two biggest competitive small parcel package carriers in the U.S. are UPS and FedEx services. Both have earned quite a reputation in the small parcel shipping business. And both have pulled out all the stops to gain your trust and your business.  If you want to compare FedEx and UPS services, here are some things that may help you decide: UPS SERVICES They try to live up to their slogan: “What can Brown do for you?
- [Negotiating a FedEx Discount](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/negotiating-a-fedex-discount):Shipping costs are going up, especially with the global crises in Japan and the Middle East affecting oil prices. But you can negotiate lower rates with FedEx. When negotiating for discount FedEx rates, work with the manager at the local distribution center and request a lower rate. Ask him or her to analyze your account.
- [What Is a Delivery Exception From FedEx?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-shipment-exceptions-what-you-need-to-know):Learn all about what shipment exceptions are when you move freight with FedEx and how to navigate these delays, from Lojistic.
- [How to Reduce Shipping Costs](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-reduce-shipping-costs):Wondering how to reduce shipping costs? It is important to cut transportation costs in order to make your supply chain agile and ensure that your logistics efforts are sustainable. Many small and medium-sized businesses do not always realize the magnitude of cost savings as applied to logistics costs. When logistics costs are streamlined, a savings of even a few fractions of a penny per transaction can lead to extraordinary savings over time.
- [How Beauty & Grooming Suppliers + Retailers Increase Profit Through Optimized Shipping](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-beauty-grooming-suppliers-retailers-increase-profit-through-optimized-shipping):Like so many other industries, beauty, cosmetic, personal care, grooming and health suppliers and retailers are feeling the effects of the global pandemic.  For many, mandatory store closures and in-person shopping restrictions have accelerated the shift from brick-and-mortar sales to online sales. While predictions vary, it’s estimated that online sales will increase by $10B industry-wide [lumping together beauty, cosmetic, grooming and personal care] by 2023.
- [Guaranteed Deliveries: How to Get Guaranteed Deliveries and Shipping Credits](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/guaranteed-deliveries):There's been lots of conversation about guaranteed deliveries and a shipper's ability to file for credits in 2020 and this year. And if that doesn't quite make sense right now, it will. UPDATE March 29, 2021: Shippers still do not have the ability to file for refunds for late deliveries. Both UPS and FedEx have given no indication or timeline for when delivery guarantees will be reinstated.
- [UPS Quantum View: When You See It Keep So Much of Your Money...](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-quantum-view):UPS Quantum View Keeps Your Money: UPS is now the world’s largest transportation company. According to this Forbes article, UPS recently passed FedEx for the top spot. In fact, UPS is now the 100th largest company in the world. FedEx sits at 162.  So what’s contributed to the big jump for UPS? One is the huge increase in ecommerce (which accelerated tremendously throughout 2020 and 2021) and UPS’s role in delivering all those packages for companies that have increased their online sales.
- [Types of Freight & Shipping Contracts](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/types-of-freight-contracts):Read how freight & shipping contracts are created to cover the details of every shipment throughout the supply chain to manage risks, from Lojistic.
- [Send Costs Packing: The Ultimate [and free] Shipping Cost Reduction Resource](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/send-costs-packing):The Send Costs Packing method outlines a number of cost savings strategies and tactics that any shipper can apply to control and reduce what they’re paying for shipping services. We’ll be rolling out this ten-part series (!) over the course of a few weeks, so be sure to check back regularly for new and updated information.
- [UPS and FedEx Announce New Surcharges](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-and-fedex-announce-new-surcharges):FedEx and UPS both recently announced new surcharges. Depending on your shipping profile, these new surcharges may impact your business. FedEx has continued the trend of applying surcharges to all International Services originating in Asia. UPS announced several new seasonal surcharges applicable to all Air Residential, Ground Residential and SurePost packages for all U.S. Origins and destinations.
- [Service Level Optimization - Getting the Best Bang for Your Buck](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/service-level-optimization-getting-the-best-bang-for-your-buck):Not many shippers know that almost all UPS and FedEx service levels have time in-transit delivery guarantees. Crazy, right? Even ground services have a guarantee to be delivered within a certain time frame.  If a shipment is even one minute late, you are most likely entitled to a refund. While a parcel audit will find and recover these on-time delivery failures, many shippers can significantly reduce shipping costs by improving their organization’s policies and practices related to carrier service level selection for any given shipment.
- [2019 Holiday Shipping Guide](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/2019-holiday-shipping-guide):Peak shipping season is here and to ensure your packages are delivered in time for the Holidays, download our Holiday Shipping Deadline Calendar below. In addition, please be aware of this year’s Peak Season surcharges. On October 1, 2019, UPS implemented the following Peak Season surcharges: Peak Season Large Package Surcharge* = Additional $31.45 per package Peak Large Package Surcharge (Domestic Commercial) = $126.
- [Parcel Shipping Insurance From Lojistic Can Lead To Monumental Savings!](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/parcel-shipping-insurance-from-lojistic-can-lead-to-monumental-savings):From lost packages to damaged shipments, shipping insurance is a great way to protect against everything that could happen when a package leaves a warehouse on its way to a destination. The shipping insurance provided by UPS and FedEx is pretty darn expensive, though. And the coverage isn’t that comprehensive. Usually, shippers will gravitate to the shipping insurance provided by their carrier because of the convenience or because they are unaware that there are other, better options in the market.
- [How to Write a Freight Claim](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-write-a-freight-claim):Freight claims can be very complex and even a freight claim form itself can present challenging issues to an enterprise, compounding the problems such a form is meant to address in the first place. If a freight claim form is filled out incorrectly, the end result can be difficulty making and supporting your freight claims, which can cost your business a great deal of money.
- [A Guide to Freight Accessorial Charges](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-accessorial-charges):Freight shipping costs are complex on a standard level — requiring knowledge of certain fees, the time and ability to review contracts, and the wherewithal to negotiate with carriers. But add accessorial charges to that complexity, and shipping costs are enough to overwhelm any shipper.  Accessorial fees are important for shippers to understand so they can control costs.
- [The Impact and Implications of a Potential UPS Strike](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/navigating-the-potential-ups-strike-and-fedexs-opportunistic-sales-tactics):In recent weeks, there has been significant discourse around a potential UPS strike. It's not the first time the shipping industry has faced such a situation. Historically, Teamsters have been instrumental in standing up for the rights of UPS workers, negotiating improved wages, working conditions, and other critical benefits. Their involvement becomes particularly apparent during times of labor disputes and potential strikes.
- [What is a Freight Audit?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-is-a-freight-audit):Freight Audit Essentials: What Every Business Should Know: No matter how big or small your business’s shipping needs are, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on your freight costs so that you can dispute any errors that may pop up and identify ways to make the most of your shipping budget.  You can do this by performing a freight audit—the process of analyzing and managing shipping invoices to ensure correctness, recover erroneous payments, and achieve maximum cost savings.
- [Five Tips for Negotiating Anything From Cars to Parcel Carrier Contracts](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/five-tips-for-negotiating-anything-from-cars-to-parcel-carrier-contracts):These five rules apply to everything from negotiating the price you’ll pay for your next car to getting a better deal on the donuts you’re bringing into the office on Friday.  When applied to negotiating your parcel carrier contracts however, following these rules may save you enough to buy a fleet of cars, or enough donuts for your whole office building.
- [Impact of USPS 8% Fuel Surcharge on the Shipping Industry](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/impact-of-usps-8-fuel-surcharge-on-the-shipping-industry):Learn how the new USPS 8% fuel surcharge on the shipping industry as a whole, and your logistics company, from Lojistic.
- [2012 UPS and FedEx Rate Increase Analysis](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/2012-ups-and-fedex-rate-increase-analysis):UPS and FedEx announced their January 2012 general price increases (GPI). Why is this important? For any company that ships parcels, the GPI will affect your overall shipping costs! As the 2011 GPI showed, there can be substantial impacts on shipping costs resulting from changes to accessorial charges and dimensional weight formulas. The 2012 increases are only announced as averages and can vary greatly from one shipper to the next.
- [Innovation in the Supply Chain](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/innovation-in-the-supply-chain):Although supply chains may seem like a quiet space and resistant to traditions, there are many different innovations from all sorts of industrial and technological changes that are aimed at improving and optimizing supply chains worldwide.  These different advances range from the transportation sector to the cloud, giving a wide range of disciplines a chance to improve supply chains and logistics for the future.
- [How to Optimize Your Supply Chain Costs](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-optimize-supply-chain-costs):Effective supply chain management is an essential step in enhancing your business performance. To reduce the burden of these complex systems and optimize your supply chain costs, there are essential strategies and innovative approaches to consider.  This guide will explore beyond traditional methods, introducing fresh perspectives and technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce expenses across your supply chain operations.
- [Money Saving Shipping Tips and the Importance of a FedEx & UPS Rate Comparison](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/money-saving-shipping-tips-and-the-importance-of-a-fedex-ups-rate-comparison):In order to flourish in today’s tough, hyper-competitive business climate, you need an edge. The place to start, naturally, is by cutting back on expenses. If your business is a major shipper, the fastest (but maybe not most obvious) way to do this is to reduce your shipping costs. If you use either UPS or FedEx, which chances are you do, it’s important to perform a FedEx/UPS rate comparison.
- [Parcel Carriers: Know the Opportunities to Help Your Profit](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/parcel-carriers):Parcel Carriers: Breaking it Down: The two primary parcel carriers offer some innovative billing tools on their websites. And I'm speaking specifically about FedEx and UPS. I'll talk about them one at a time. For FedEx, they offer a program available on their website that you need to sign up for. They call it FedEx Billing Online.
- [FedEx vs UPS Ultimate Shipping Carrier Comparison](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-vs-ups):Discover the key differences between FedEx and UPS. Compare services, costs, and which carrier is right for your e-commerce or small business shipping strategy.
- [Maximize Your Shipping Discounts](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/maximize-your-shipping-discounts):Contrary to what some may think, carriers do not have a uniform system for determining the level of shipping discounts and incentives offered to one shipper versus the next. Numerous variables contribute to the carrier’s process of extending any price better than their tariff rates. Certainly there are shipper characteristics that are commonly considered when a carrier is evaluating the level of discount to offer; however, carrier pricing agreements are in large part custom and unique to the specific shipper for which they were created.
- [Logistics Technology to Help Reduce Shipping Costs](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/new-technology-announcements-to-help-reduce-shipping-costs):There are many different ways to help reduce shipping costs.  Using a third party company can help not only showcase a different perspective but also bring in both an experienced team and new technology, such as with Source Consulting.  Source has a bevy of different and guaranteed methods to helping shippers watch their freight expenses while helping to bring down the cost of shipping through both our experienced employees, many who had worked previously with major carriers, and our great technology for our clients.
- [Making Sense of Shipping Reports: Ship Date vs. Invoice Date](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/making-sense-of-shipping-reports-ship-date-vs-invoice-date):Shipping data can get messy—fast. One shipment can generate multiple charges, which may appear on different invoices issued at different times. And because carriers invoice in different ways, building clean, accurate reports becomes a challenge. Understanding the difference between Ship Date and Invoice Date is essential for accurate reporting. This article explains the differences, how each date type is used, and when to use them in reporting.
- [UPS & FedEx Take a Hardline Stance With Their Customers](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-fedex-take-hardline-stance):UPS and FedEx have always been willing to meet their customers’ expectations - or at a minimum - they’ve always been willing to hear them out and address certain customer requests for discounts or better rates as a means to maintain a solid client-vendor relationship.  But the dynamic between carriers and shippers has changed drastically in the past few months.
- [Guide to New Package Size Handling Charges for UPS and FedEx](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/guide-to-new-package-size-handling-charges-for-ups-and-fedex):Learn about the new package size handling charges instituted by FedEx and UPS, and how to navigate them with the full suite of shipping tools from Lojistic.
- [Mobile Apps to Ease Shipping Troubles](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/mobile-apps-to-ease-shipping-troubles):Shipping solutions can sometimes feel like more trouble than they’re worth. We know it, and so do you; but this doesn’t have to be the case for the upstart or the entrepreneur. Since the world has grown into an increasingly digital marketplace, more and more solutions to shipping woes are emerging. The legacy shipping giants (FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.
- [UPS and FedEx Service Guarantees and Your Shipping Audit](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-and-fedex-service-guarantees-and-your-shipping-audit):I was dumbfounded last week to learn a prospective client, spending millions of dollars each year on shipping, was unaware that UPS and FedEx ground services are guaranteed…just like air and international shipments.  “Yeah, we perform our own internal shipping audit but are you sure ground packages are guaranteed?” he asked.  Really?!! This particular shipper is the exception, as most anyone who uses UPS and FedEx typically knows that all standard small parcel shipments come with a money back service guarantee.
- [UPS vs USPS: Comparing Services & Pricing](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-vs-usps-an-in-depth-comparison):When it comes to comparing parcel shippers, an extra “S” makes a world of difference. UPS (aka United Parcel Service) and the USPS (aka United States Postal Service) have overlapping services, but they’re vastly distinct in structure, mission, and primary consumer audience, especially when it comes to shipping rates and international shipping. What do these differences mean for your business?
- [Understanding FedEx Dimensional Weight](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-make-the-fedex-dimensional-weight-the-most-cost-effective):FedEx Dimensional Weight Explained: FedEx dimensional weight can cause a lot of problems for customers. As a company that processes a tremendous amount of shipping data, we see a lot of issues with this. Dimensional weight, also known as volumetric weight, is a pricing method employed by shipping carriers, including FedEx, that takes into account the size of a package in determining its shipping cost.
- [LTL vs FTL: Key Differences](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ltl-vs-ftl):LTL vs FTL: Key Differences: To understand the difference between LTL (less than truckload) shipping and FTL (full truckload) shipping, consider escorting a large group of people from a hotel to a wedding venue. As the wedding planner, you could choose to rent out an entire bus and fill all the spots (FTL), or you could use the city bus system and send smaller groups at a time based on available seats (LTL).
- [Comparing Shipping Costs Amid A Problematic Industry](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/the-problematic-shipping-industry):Most freight bill auditing companies would tell you that things were going well for their customers until the summer's end in 2008. That's when the credit crisis and worldwide recession hit, causing the commodity and freight markets to collapse. Shipping line operators suffered due to decreased trade, shipyards were inundated with order cancellations, banks tightened loan procedures, and shipping companies' stocks took a nosedive.
- [How to Make the Most out of Your Shipping Discounts](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-make-the-most-out-of-your-shipping-discounts):When carriers determine discounts and incentives for their customers, they may utilize some similar tactics, but overall, they do not have a singular system to differentiate between one company to the next.  Therefore, they create custom, specific shipper strategies for pricing agreements and makes negotiating carrier discounts highly subjective. There are many different factors that the carriers utilize to try and extend a price that is better than the tariff rates.
- [D.I.Y. UPS & FedEx Refund Recovery Guide](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-fedex-refund-recovery-guide):“Transparency” and “carrier pricing.” Two terms you’ll likely never see used together in the same sentence. It’s no secret that UPS and FedEx mystify their pricing: invalid charges, hidden fees, buried costs, rate increases, inconsistent pricing and dozens of “negotiables” within every carrier agreement mean that most shippers operate in the dark. In no other industry is the phrase “you don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate” more applicable.
- [Negotiating UPS Discounts](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/negotiating-ups-discounts):Gas prices are up and so are UPS rates. But you can negotiate with UPS if you know how. When negotiating discount UPS rates it's important to establish a rapport with the manager at the local distribution center. After you have asked them to reduce shipping rates they and their pricing department will analyze your account.
- [UPS Announces 2015 DIM Price Increase](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-announces-2015-dim-price-increase-2):Six weeks ago FedEx announced what will likely be the single largest rate increase on record for many shippers.  As predicted, UPS announced that they are following FedEx’s lead.  Effective Monday, December 29, 2014, UPS will impose dimensional weight (DIM) pricing on all Ground packages. To varying degrees, this change will increase transportation cost for virtually all US shippers.
- [FedEx 2021 Rate Increase Announcement + Record Quarterly Profits](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-2021-rate-increase-announcement-record-quarterly-profits):This week, FedEx announced their 2021 rate increase, which will be made effective January 2021. OFFICIAL FEDEX ANNOUNCEMENT This announcement came a day before they released their first quarter results for fiscal year 2020, in which they posted record profits. “FedEx Destroys Earning Estimates. Things Are Getting Really Good.” This begs the question: if earnings are at an all-time high, why are rates continuing to skyrocket?
- [Are Freight Claims The Shipper or Receiver's Responsibility?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/are-freight-claims-the-shipper-or-receivers-responsibility):Here's a question we get asked often: Are freight claims the shipper or receiver's responsibility? Let's explore. Editor's Note: This post has been updated with new links and content. Original Publication Date: April 19, 2013 If you are involved in logistics or related fields, or in an industry that depends upon logistics in order to be successful, you are well-served by knowing as much as you can about the basics of freight claims.
- [2026 UPS General Rate Increase](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-rate-increase):Find out all of the details you need ot know about UPS's plans for a 5.9% average general rate increase (GRI), effective December 22, 2025, from Lojistic.
- [Dimensional Weight Mistakes Result in Overpayment to Shipping Carrier](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/dimensional-weight-mistakes-result-in-overpayment-to-shipping-carrier):Editors note: This post was originally published July 23, 2011 and most recently updated August 2020. Dimensional weight (DIM) is a volumetric standard that is calculated by multiplying the length by width by height of a package and then dividing by a factor/divisor. Via dimensional weight charges, carriers like UPS and FedEx have the ability to rate lower density shipments at a higher weight…thus increasing the charge for the shipment.
- [Holiday Shipping Guide: Shipping Deadline Dates](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/holiday-shipping-guide-shipping-deadline-dates):It’s a modern-day Christmas morning dilemma. You found the perfect gift online. You’re excited to see their reaction when they open it on Christmas morning. You place the order and keep your fingers crossed that it’ll be delivered on time. There’s no guarantee, but you take the chance. Then doubt starts to kick-in and you second guess your decision.
- [Freight Audit Services Can Help Your Business Save on Shipping](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-audit-services-can-help-your-business-save-on-shipping):Besides helping you get the available discounts, a freight audit services provider can assist you to lower your shipping costs. Though FedEx and UPS are reliable, there are instances when they make erroneous billings because of certain factors. Late deliveries, incorrect accessorial charges and address correction charges are some of the causes of these errors.
- [Freight Audit Differences: How to Make the Most of Your Audit](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-audit-differences):Freight Audit Differences to Keep in Mind: Now, there aren't a lot of differences between a freight audit from one carrier to another. But there are subtle differences in the rules that each carrier adds to their tariffs. For example, Old Dominion Freight Lines will allow up to 20 linear feet of space on the truck.
- [30-DAY SHIPPING AUDIT TRIAL](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/30-day-shipping-audit-trial):Virtually every carrier invoice received by your company contains erroneous charges that should be refunded to you. Most carrier billing errors are the result of human error and oversight, which occur regularly and continuously. These overcharges amount to much more than mere “chump change”! Your carrier deserves to be paid for services rendered and you deserve to be billed accurately.
- [Understanding FedEx Carrier Commercial Invoices](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/understanding-fedex-carrier-commercial-invoices):Sometimes, there can be an overwhelming amount of forms to recognize and remember, when you are shipping items.  One of these forms is the FedEx commercial invoice when you ship packages internationally and will help clear the item through customs.  Here, we’ll better try to understand what the commercial invoice is and some tips on how to best fill it out.
- [10 Tips for Negotiating The Best UPS and FedEx Contracts](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/10-tips-for-negotiating-the-best-ups-and-fedex-contracts):If you’re reading this, you’re likely looking for answers to some very common questions: How do your competitors afford to ship at free/reduced rates? Is it possible, at this time, to lower your shipping costs? (hint: yes)  Is your UPS or FedEx contract rates competitive with other shippers like you? How should you approach drastically improving your UPS or FedEx contract rates?
- [What is a Green Supply Chain?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-is-a-green-supply-chain):Are you wondering about greening the supply chain? As time goes on, greening the supply chain becomes a more and more important consideration for ensuring that your brand offers your clients the sense of ecological soundness that will motivate them to expand their business with you. Customers are increasingly influenced by social consciousness when making buying decisions between services that they feel are otherwise similar – a green supply chain can make the difference if you are able to integrate it effectively into your marketing collateral.
- [How A Shipping Audit Can Verify Residential Delivery Charges](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-verify-residential-delivery-charges-using-shipping-audit-services):There are shipping audit services that help reduce shipping costs by verifying whether your delivery is residential or commercial. 91 percent of the 140 million Postal Service delivery points fall into the residential category. Most shipping companies charge a higher rate for delivery to a residence. Shipping audit services, like those offered by Lojistic, are able to help streamline shipping operations and implement systems to validate costly residential surcharges.
- [UPS and FedEx Peak Holiday Shipping 2021](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-fedex-peak-holiday-shipping-2021):Shipping with UPS and FedEx continues to get more and more expensive - especially during the holidays.   Editor’s Note: We’ll continue to keep this post updated with new information as it’s released by UPS and FedEx throughout the peak holiday season. Bookmark this page and check back often to stay informed.  Original post date: September 9, 2021 | Updated: November 8, 2021.
- [Shippers Use The Air vs Ground Dashboard To Reduce Costs](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/shippers-use-air-vs-ground-dashboard-to-reduce-costs):UPS and FedEx have made it increasingly expensive to get your packages to your customers quickly. So, how do you strike the perfect balance of cost-effectiveness and fast delivery? Often, shippers make transportation purchasing decisions based on the branded carrier service levels (ie. UPS 2nd DayAir, FedEx Standard Overnight, etc).  Most shippers have a misconception that the faster the delivery speed, the more it’ll cost.
- [Most Important Things You Need to Know About Shipping Prices and the Holiday Peak Season](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/holiday-peak-season):Holiday peak season is the time of the year when there's a large uptick in shipments for the small parcel carriers. FedEx and UPS typically waive their service guarantee, which provides recourse if the shipments aren't delivered, because of the stress on their networks, during this time. They hire seasonal workers to help with this issue, but unfortunately, there will still be late deliveries, which is why they waive that guarantee.
- [Parcel Negotiation: Saving Money and Smart Results](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/parcel-negotiation-2):Parcel Negotiation: Saving Money is Smart: So, today, I'm talking about parcel contract negotiation. More specific is the role that analytics play in that process. And of how it can be helpful to help you get the best possible contract with UPS and FedEx and other carriers. There's an importance of analytics. The process of negotiating your contract is understanding where you are now.
- [Find Out How To Get The Best Negotiated Rates Possible This Year](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/find-out-how-to-get-the-best-negotiated-rates-possible-this-year):Negotiated Rates Affect Your Business: Negotiated rates with UPS and FedEx could help your business and I am here to explain why that is. What I'm answering is the question of, what is a negotiated rate with UPS and FedEx? Inconsistent pricing from FedEx and UPS is something many companies are dealing with. This is because of the negotiation skills or the experience each company has with UPS and FedEx.
- [Comparing Shipping Rates: How to Get the Best Contracts](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/comparing-shipping-rates):Comparing shipping rates, or performing a shipping rate comparison, is essential for shippers who want to maximize their budgets. Why Comparing Shipping Rates Matters: Let's say two people operate similar companies. They have a similar product and they're located in the same geographic area. But after comparing shipping rates, we discover that they are not the same.
- [What is Multimodal Shipping?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-is-multimodal-shipping):To keep up with the rapidly shifting world of logistics, understanding the varied nuances of different shipping methods is tantamount to optimizing supply chain efficiency. Multimodal shipping is one of the most prominent and versatile logistical tools available to businesses for its cost-effectiveness and reliable blending of transportation methods. This blog will trace multimodal shipping back to its routes to demystify exactly what it is, explain its benefits, and compare it to other popular shipping methods.
- [What is Reverse Logistics?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-is-reverse-logistics):It’s a very common question these days: What is reverse logistics? In many different industries, reverse logistics is becoming more and more important to building brand loyalty and safeguarding the bottom line. Reverse logistic operations can be complex, but they are truly worthwhile to those enterprises who engage in them in an appropriately methodical way.
- [Source Consulting and Global Logistics Media Partnership](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/source-consulting-and-global-logistics-media-partnership):Source Consulting is proud to announce a partnership with Global Logistics Media (GLM) in providing blog posts on cost-saving shipping advice along with discussions on the freight and transportation industry.  GLM is a premiere destination website for worldwide logistics news, information and opportunities.  Along with an in-house team of writers, a host of various industry experts help provide different perspectives and industry knowledge about the logistics community.
- [Making Sure Accessorial Fees Don't Suck Money Out Of Your Bottom Line](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/making-sure-accessorial-fees-dont-suck-money-out-of-your-bottom-line):Accessorial fees are like vacuums. They suck. They (usually) suck to see on your invoices and they can suck money out of your company’s pockets. Accessorial charges are assessed while a shipment is in transit or upon its delivery and can present an important cost management issue for shippers. Since many shippers charge their customer when an order is placed, it is problematic when the actual shipping charges exceed expectations due to accessorial fees.
- [Peak Season Pressure Intensifies: What Shippers Should Know This Summer](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/peak-season-pressure-intensifies-what-shippers-should-know-this-summer):Peak season for freight and parcel shipping is heating up earlier than usual this year. Maersk reports that North American ocean imports are already full through July, while inland congestion and equipment shortages are mounting¹. Tight drayage capacity and chassis availability are pushing inland delays higher, just as spot ocean rates remain elevated heading into Q3².
- [UPS Next Day Air Residential Delivery Commitment Time Change](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-next-day-air-residential-delivery-commitment-time-change):Businesses that rely on UPS and/or FedEx have ridden a roller coaster of change over the past 18+ months. In that time, both carriers waived their service guarantees, implemented a number of new surcharges and fees, and raised their rates.  By now, shippers know that using UPS and Fedex services will continue to get more expensive.
- [Addressing Address Correction Fees](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/addressing-address-correction-fees):$13 can buy you a lot of things. Like lunch, a movie ticket, a couple beers, or a large pizza. $13 also happens to be the amount you’re charged for an address correction fee on your shipping invoices. And if you’re a high-volume shipper, those $13 charges can add up really quick. The good news is that there are ways to prevent these charges from being incurred.
- [Freight BIll Payment is the Best Boost for Your Business](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-bill-payment):Freight Bill Payment Improved with Lojistic Software: Lojistic helps with freight bill payment in different ways. The primary way is how it consolidates all your invoices. It combines them from all your carriers into one spot. There's also often the difficulty of timing. Not to mention when bills are coming in, who they're coming in from.
- [On Time Performance (Not So) Well Done](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/on-time-performance-not-so-well-done):Editor's Note: This post has been updated with new links and content. Original Publication Date: April 14, 2016 Today we’re going to explain and provide a better understanding of service guarantees. Let’s start with an explanation of UPS and FedEx’s service guarantees. UPS and FedEx Service Guarantees: In the small parcel world, UPS and FedEx have different service levels.
- [Billed Weight, Actual Weight, and Dimensional Weight: What's the Difference?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/billed-weight):What’s the difference between actual weight, dimensional weight, and billed weight? It seems like a simple question, but the details can have a real impact on your shipping costs. What is Actual Weight?: Actual weight is pretty self-explanatory. If a box weighs 10 pounds, that is the actual weight of the box. The dimensions of a given box are irrelevant to actual weight.
- [UPS Peak Surcharges](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-peak-surcharges):UPS Peak Surcharges Arrives in the Parcel World *Updated with SurePost Peak Surcharge After experimenting on several high-volume peak shippers last year, UPS announced on Monday that it is implementing Peak Surcharges on select packages tendered between November 19th and December 23rd of this year for all its shippers. The explanation for these new charges is their need to offset additional costs incurred to “flex its delivery network” when volumes effectively double between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- [Upcoming FedEx Surcharges: Here We Go Again (2021 Edition)](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-surcharges):New FedEx surcharges are rolling out... again. First, some backstory. At the beginning of the year, FedEx announced that they were implementing peak season surcharges. And in June, they announced increases to those surcharges. What FedEx Surcharges Are Going Up Now?: FedEx is increasing the peak surcharges on things like the residential surcharge for high-volume residential shippers.
- [Pay FedEx & UPS Invoices Easily](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-pay-ups-and-fedex-invoices-by-credit-card):Paying your UPS and FedEx invoices isn’t always as easy as it should be.  There's various payment methods to choose from, each with different rules that you're forced to follow. It's important to understand which payment method is the best for your business.  Because if you're not using an optimized payment method, you could be missing out on cost savings opportunities.
- [UPS Contracts: Latest Important Updates Noted for 2019](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-contracts):UPS Contracts: Changes to Know: UPS contracts changed in 2019. I would say some of the most notable impacts have been in some of the surcharges. So, in 2018, UPS took a massive increase in their over-max fee. That's when you're shipping very large packages, whether it be long or heavy. That fee went from $300 to $650 by the end of the year.
- [UPS vs FedEx: Rates](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-vs-fedex-rates):These days, cheap shipping rates are scarcer than feathers in a cuckoo clock. Recent changes to both FedEx rates and UPS rates were bitter to swallow. Both companies announced increases to small package shipping rates that began with the New Year. Adding salt to the wound was a key change in how both FedEx and UPS now calculate dimensional weight for oversize packages, which may significantly impact your shipping costs.
- [Understanding Freight & Shipping Basics](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/understanding-freight-shipping-basics):Learn basic shipping and logistics terms and processes, and answers to key questions like “what is freight?” and the different types of freight, from Lojistic.
- [Why Billing Errors Happen & What You Can Do to Combat Them](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/why-billing-errors-happen-what-you-can-do-to-combat-them):Billing errors on your shipping invoice may be a surprise to some companies. With the advancements in technology and the automated process of shipments, why would there be errors on UPS and FedEx invoices?  The problem is that mistakes do happen and are slipping by those companies that do not realize it. Why do billing errors happen?
- [The Greening of the Shipping Industry](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/the-greening-of-the-shipping-industry):The tides are turning again for the shipping industry, this time in regards to energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. In the past, there hasn’t been much incentive for any of the world’s major shipping agencies to improve the performance of their ships. Now though, with ship owners being heavily scrutinized on the eco-efficiency of their vessels, and activist groups like RightShip and ShippingEfficiency.
- [UPS Service Guarantee: An Expert Reveals Insider Tips](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-service-guarantee):UPS Service Guarantee: What You Need to Know: There are some important things to know about a UPS service guarantee. Editor's note: This post was updated on September 28, 2023. Most notably, UPS and FedEx have announced a service guarantee suspension for some of their more economical services.  Shippers are currently only able to file for refunds for late deliveries for overnight air and international priority shipments.
- [Business to Business Logistics](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/business-to-business-logistics):Is your business challenged by the day-to-day difficulties of business to business logistics? If so, you are not alone. Business to business or “B2B” logistics planning is very distinct from the business-to-consumer or “B2C” landscape that many companies have a greater level of familiarity with. The “B2B” arena of business logistics management comes with all the challenges of “B2C” endeavors combined with several that are fundamentally different.
- [Freight Bill Audit: Tested as the Sure Fire Way to Success](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-bill-audit):Freight Bill Audit Benefits: There is a primary benefit of using a freight bill audit. That is to understand exactly where you are spending your money. Your more reputable auditors will offer GL coding as well. So within your accounting, you can make sure that you divide your costs. That provides perfect insight from financial statements to your operations.
- [Reducing Costs Through Shipping Comparison Tools](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/reducing-costs-through-shipping-comparison-tools):Shipping rates can vary quite a lot among carriers for any given package whether you ship few or many packages.  For this reason, you should be utilizing a comparison tool to reduce your shipping costs! When you use these shipping comparison tools, they make it easier to save on shipping costs.  For example, one tool will let you compare different sets of UPS or FedEx rate schedules for domestic shipping.
- [Optimizing Your Parcel Contracts Will Get You Results](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/optimizing-your-parcel-contracts):Optimizing your parcel contracts will not leave you feeling uncertain. No one wants to feel like their contract is anything less than the most efficient in the market. Contracts can be very complex and cumbersome. And if you're not a contract expert with a parcel, there's a chance some money is being left on the table.
- [What is the Difference Between a Freight Bill and Bill of Lading?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-a-freight-bill-and-bill-of-lading):Editor's Note: This post has been updated with new links and content. Original Publication Date: March 15, 2013 In the parcel world, the terms freight invoices and bills of lading are used frequently. But what is the difference? Defining Freight Bills vs. Bills of Lading: Just like any other invoice, freight invoices are when a company tells you that you owe them money, and how much you owe.
- [What Is a 3PL: Third Party Logistics](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-is-third-party-logistics):Shipping, inventory management, returns, warehousing—there are a lot of moving parts to keep track of in the logistics game. This has made it rare to find wholly in-housed supply chain management today, even in small local businesses.  The majority of businesses now contract outside shipping companies and other service providers to get their products from the point of manufacturing to the end user.
- [FedEx Announces July 14, 2025 FedEx One Rate Pricing Update](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-announces-july-14-2025-fedex-one-rate-pricing-update):FedEx updates its One Rate® Special Pricing Program effective July 14, 2025. Learn about new flat-rate shipping rates for Express Saver® & 2Day®.
- [The Consequences of the USPS Fallout](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/the-consequences-of-the-usps-fallout):News headlines are always full of doom and gloom when concerning the US Postal Service (USPS) and with probably good cause.  The USPS’ revenue has steadily been declining since 2001 with the advent of email and technology.  Even with more optimization and efficiency measures along with layoffs and office closings, the USPS lost nearly $3 billion per quarter in 2011 and even more in 2012 as they are currently unable to pay $5.
- [A Guide to Freight Analytics](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-analytics-guide):Approximately 90% of all goods sold fall under the category of freight prior to reaching customers’ hands. That equals an endless number of data points and decisions along supply chains that affect the on-time, on-budget final delivery of each product.  Freight analytics helps businesses cut through the noise. The use of technology, including AI, to collect, interpret, and apply shipping data allows companies to make informed decisions that improve operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and their ability to succeed throughout changing times.
- [On the History of Logistics and Supply Chains](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/on-the-history-of-logistics-and-supply-chains):Although we should always be aiming at the future, what is equally as important is to understand our past history and progression of how a concept has evolved and the lessons we can learn of it.  A historical outlook of supply chains and logistics, however, seems relatively difficult to pinpoint down to key moments.  Luckily, Supply Chain and Observer created an intuitive and clean visual timeline infographic, which you can view below.
- [Freight Audit & Payment Explained: How Automation Eliminates Cost Leakage](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-audit-payment-explained-how-automation-eliminates-cost-leakage):If you’re a distributor struggling with cost leakage, automating your freight audits and payments can effectively kill those additional costs with Lojistic.
- [Free Lunch? How About A Free Parcel Audit?!](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/free-lunch-how-about-a-free-parcel-audit):There’s no such thing as a free lunch, but there is such thing as a free parcel audit; and chances are, you need one. Virtually every carrier invoice your company receives contains erroneous charges that should be refunded to you.  Most billing errors are the result of human error and oversight, which happens more often than you’d think.
- [Two Digital Giants and Their Effects on the Digital Supply Chain](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/two-digital-giants-and-their-effects-on-the-digital-supply-chain):The supply chain has stayed fairly traditional in most businesses for a long time as many can easily chart how their supply chain moves about.  However, on the digital front, the concept has constantly been evolving as technology and user interfaces continue to change at a rapid pace.  As we discussed in previous blog posts, these digital players are quite notable players in the supply chain, affecting nearly every aspect of the supply chain from the customer researching information for a product to the purchase and shipment of the item.
- [Everything You Need to Know About Regional Parcel Carriers](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/regional-carriers):In the vast and intricate world of logistics, choosing the right regional carriers is crucial. These unsung heroes play a vital role in the supply chain and logistics industry. Utilizing regional parcel carriers can effectively reduce your UPS, FedEx, and DHL costs, fill gaps in your parcel shipping network, and enhance parcel delivery. If you need help in determining whether or not regional parcel carriers would benefit your business, create a free Lojistic account or schedule a time to connect with one of our shipping experts.
- [Why It's Time For Reevaluating Sourcing Options and Operations](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/reevaluating-sourcing-options-operations):Reevaluating sourcing options is an important topic today. Many shippers who have come to rely on UPS and FedEx are feeling a bit handcuffed. The carrier networks are completely overwhelmed right now because of the market changes related to Covid-19. We've seen a huge shift in package characteristics. Prior to March, for example, a UPS or a FedEx driver would be able to pull up to a building and make 100 commercial deliveries efficiently and quickly.
- [UPS & FedEx Just Raised Fuel Surcharges—On Top of the GRI](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-fedex-just-raised-fuel-surcharges-on-top-of-the-gri):UPS and FedEx have quietly implemented a new round of fuel surcharge increases, separate from, and in addition to, their 2025 General Rate Increases (GRIs).FedEx changes took effect December 1, 2024.UPS changes take effect January 5, 2025.Most shippers will see the impact only when invoices start arriving, but by then the increases will already be
- [Freight & Parcel Optimization Software](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-parcel-optimization-software):Learn how freight audit parcel optimization software from Lojistic helps with cost savings, billing discrepancies, assessing carrier performance, and more.
- [Source Consulting Named One of Best Places to Work in Orange County](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/source-consulting-named-one-of-best-places-to-work-in-orange-county):Irvine, CA - Source Consulting is pleased to announce its placement as one of the 2014 Best Places to Work in Orange County. Source Consulting is ranked #11 amongst all small companies in Orange County, CA. The ranking of the winning companies was released via a special section of the Orange County Business Journal’s July 28th issue.
- [All Freight Audit Companies Are NOT Alike](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/all-freight-audit-companies-are-not-alike):The goal of any freight auditing service is to help companies with high shipping volumes reduce shipping costs and streamline their distribution processes. Ideally, the audit firm should provide sufficient shipping rate analytics and logistics auditing technology to optimize your small parcel shipping. Best-in-class freight audit companies will be equipped to provide expert shipping contract negotiation and freight auditing services to reduce your shipping costs.
- [Why is the Lojistic Refund Recovery Process Unique?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/refund-recovery-process):Lojistic helps companies track, manage and reduce their shipping costs, and an important part of that is the Lojistic refund recovery process. The Lojistic Refund Recovery Process: At Lojistic, our client support and audit recovery teams work hard to meet our clients' requests and needs. Making sure that the audit recovery process is running as expected is a big part of that.
- [Freight Shipping Cost Management & Reduction Strategies](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-shipping-cost-management-reduction-strategies):Learn some helpful tips and tactics to manage freight shipping costs and strategies to reduce fees and additional expenses with software tools from Lojistic.
- [Freight Audit Services: Learning About Standard Carrier Alpha Codes](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-audit-services-learning-about-standard-carrier-alpha-codes):The transportation industry devised the Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) system to help identify competing companies. Each SCAC identification code ranges between 2 and 4 alphabetical characters long. During the 1960s, The National Motor Freight Traffic Association developed the SCAC system in order to help convert their paper-based documents into computerized records. Freight carriers must use the SCAC system when filing tariffs with the Surface Transportation Board.
- [A Few Easy Ways to Discount UPS and FedEx Shipping Costs](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/a-few-easy-ways-to-discount-ups-and-fedex-shipping-costs):Most shippers are aware that it is possible to discount shipping costs. But, what most might not know is that there is a multitude of ways to do so. The savviest shippers are aware of contract optimization, the practice of negotiating better shipping carrier rates. Chances are they also know about implementing a parcel and freight audit, the process of seeking out credits and ensuring invoice accuracy.
- [How To Become a FedEx & UPS Power User](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-become-a-fedex-ups-power-user):Publisher's Note: This post has been updated with new links and content. Original Publication Date: May 1, 2017 In this post, we’ll help you understand how to become a FedEx and UPS power user. Let's start at the beginning with what FedEx and UPS power users are. What Are FedEx and UPS Power Users?: A power user is someone who understands the strengths and weaknesses of FedEx and UPS and how to tap into those strengths and weaknesses.
- [Model Cargo Ships and More!](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/model-cargo-ships-and-more):Since the dawn of mankind's exploration of the water, ships and other watercraft have been a prominent feature of daily life. They embody both the tangible economic benefits of transportation and commerce and the promise and excitement of travel and discovery. Throughout history craftsmen have sought to capture these qualities by making model representations of ships and boats.
- [How do shipping and supply chain issues impact your business?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/shipping-supply-chain-issues):Supply chain issues were well documented in 2021. The most famous - and literal - example of a supply chain bottleneck was the Suez Canal blockage in March. It was the inspiration for millions of memes. Even a Wikipedia page was created in dedication to the event.  While the freight vessel was ultimately dislodged and the canal cleared, some lingering issues from 2021 still persist.
- [2015 FedEx & UPS Rate Increases Announced](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/2015-fedex-ups-rate-increases):In the wake of the dimensional weight announcements earlier this year, both carriers have recently announced their General Rate Increases for 2015.  The high level changes are as follows:   FedEx - Effective January 5, 2015 Express (package and freight) standard list rates will increase an average of 4.9% Ground and Home Delivery rates will increase an average of 4.
- [Compare UPS to FedEx: Customer Service](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/compare-ups-to-fedex-customer-service):Customer service can be subjective, depending on the circumstances and the specific area of the country you happen to be located. Unlike a comparison of UPS vs FedEx rates, when you compare UPS to FedEx customer service, you'll find some real and some anecdotal differences. While the UPS vs FedEx rates battle ensues, UPS claims that its high employee pay and benefits package provides incentive for more consistent and better customer service.
- [UPS Sets Record Profits for a Year...in 9 Months](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-sets-record-profits-for-a-year-in-9-months):UPS recently announced they had their most profitable year ever - and there’s still a quarter of the year remaining! In just 9 months, “UPS has generated more operating profit than any full year in our history,” according to UPS CEO Carol Tome. Let that sink in the next time you’re paying your UPS invoices.  But just because UPS is having a historically lucrative year doesn’t mean price breaks are coming any time soon for their customers.
- [Freight Audit Benefits And Pricing](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-audit-pricing-and-benefits):Freight auditing is an all-encompassing term for a broad mix of service models, modes covered, and pricing structures that are chosen to serve your particular freight shipping situation. No two shippers are completely alike so no two freight audit solutions will work the same for all shippers. Knowing your overall freight shipping spend, what modes you primarily ship, what pricing model you prefer, and what other benefits your potential freight auditor can provide are all key factors in deciding what kind of freight audit will best serve you and your company.
- [How To Lower Shipping Costs and Maintain Customer Expectations](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-lower-shipping-costs-and-maintain-customer-expectations):Though you may want to reduce your company's shipping costs, you don't want to diminish your customer's experience in the process. When packages arrive on-time, customers recognize, appreciate, and reward such efficient operations in the form of repeat purchases and word-of-mouth promotion. This all sounds great for your business, but how can you slash your shipping costs while maintaining customer expectations?
- [Free Online Tools to Help Save on Shipping](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/free-online-tools-to-help-save-on-shipping):There are many methods to helping to save money for your company, especially in reducing shipping costs that are very efficient and doable.  However, one well over-looked area that could help many companies out is simply a few clicks away - online shipping tools that are many times free to use.  These tools are available from numerous the carriers themselves to companies like Source Consulting, which provides a free shipping calculator and free shipping comparison tool.
- [Reduce Shipping Costs with an Audit Trial](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/reduce-shipping-costs-with-an-audit-trial):There are many ways to reduce shipping costs, but many companies are intimidated by the amount of work that they perceive to be necessary for such savings.  However, one solution is very easy-to-find that these same companies may not be aware is right in front of them - their carrier invoice.  Why?  Nearly every carrier invoice sent to your company contains mistakes in the list of charges you receive.
- [A Guide to UPS Shipping Insurance](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-shipping-insurance-guide):You’ve just ordered some coveted, expensive new tech from an online retailer. But excitement turns to horror as you open the box and realize that the stresses of transportation have damaged your new gadget. Or maybe you’ve been on the other end, a business owner unsure of how to manage a customer’s lost package—a fate entirely beyond your control.
- [Ready to Take Control of Your Controllable Shipping Fees?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/controllable-shipping-fees):What are controllable shipping fees? Fees in the small parcel industry are often referred to as accessorial fees. There are literally dozens of accessorial fees. And the carriers keep coming up with new accessorial fees. Controllable shipping fees are the ones that are avoidable. Uncontrollable fees, in contrast, are fees that are essentially unavoidable. For example, fuel surcharges are accessorial fees that are added to every single shipment.
- [UPS Shipping Rates Plummet Thanks to Expert Advice](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-shipping-rates):UPS Shipping Rates Versus FedEx: UPS shipping rates are similar when you compare them to FedEx shipping rates. There aren't any certain rates that are different between UPS and FedEx. This is unless you are looking at some of the surcharges. UPS and FedEx are different in: Residential surcharge Delivery area surcharge Any oversize fees Large package fees Over-max fees You can look at those and compare FedEx and UPS to each other.
- [5 Ways Business Intelligence Software Can Help Businesses Overcome Shipping Challenges](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/5-ways-business-intelligence-software-can-help-businesses-overcome-shipping-challenges):Are you a parcel shipper feeling overwhelmed by the shipping industry's complexities, difficult-to-work-with carriers, and the always-rising costs to ship a package? You're not alone! Businesses are often left in the crossfire of balancing rising costs and ever-increasing customer expectations. In this article, we'll discuss 5 shipping-related headaches that businesses face and how Business Intelligence (BI) software can help you confidently navigate these challenges.
- [Companies Discount Freight Services and Help Save the Environment](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/companies-discount-freight-services-and-help-save-the-environment):Many companies will discount freight services on slower, ground shipments to save customers money and protect the environment. Whether companies discount freight services or charge their regular fees, shipping by seas can pose a threat to the world’s oceans and waterways. Shipping contracts for packages to and from the USA are projected to double by 2020.
- [Parcel Audit: Savings Emerging from Hidden Sources](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/parcel-audit):Parcel Audit Defined: Parcel audit is auditing your weekly carrier invoices to make sure they're righteous. It also makes sure you're paying the right amount every week. The three things you need to look for in a parcel audit are: Results Visibility Analytics The audit itself is a pretty commoditized service. A lot of folks do it.
- [FedEx, UPS, and the FAARB](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/godzilla-vs-sea-monster-federal-express-and-ups):When Federal Express, usually a play yard buddy of UPS, found out that if the Federal Aviation Administration’s Reauthorization Bill [FAARB], now in its 16th temporary extension, gets the presidential sign-off, Federal Express may lose out on a highly cost-effective advantage over UPS.  The bill commands a shift of drivers and other non-airline workers from the National Railway Labor Act [RLA], where they currently reside within FedEx’s structure, to the National Labor Relations Act, the law governing UPS drivers.
- [GL Coding: A Guide to Automation](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/gl-coding):At Lojistic, we consider GL coding to be a soft cost savings. We offer it to all of our clients for free. But before we get into that, let's clarify what GL coding is. What is a GL Code?: A GL Code, or general ledger code, is a unique identifier used in accounting to classify and record all business transactions within an organization's general ledger.
- [Frequent and Costly UPS & FedEx Billing Errors](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/frequent-costly-ups-fedex-billing-errors):Given the advanced technology and automated systems, it is a common (invalid) assumption that the customer billing systems of carriers such as UPS and FedEx are infallible and afford little to no room for billing errors. Shippers subscribing to this line of thought are committing a considerable oversight. Although many components of a carrier’s billing process are automated, there are dozens of human inputs that occur between the time a shipping label is created and the time a package is delivered.
- [What is the Job Outlook for Freight Agents Since the Recession?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-is-the-job-outlook-for-freight-agents-since-the-recession):If you have been thinking about becoming a freight agent or a freight broker agent, you may be wondering how freight agent jobs have been doing since the recession. Luckily, logistics is very much a recession-proof industry: Although logistics activity can be dampened in certain areas and at certain times, there will always be a need to move goods from one place to another.
- [Should You Commit To An Agreement with Early Term Language?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/agreement-early-term-language):It’s important for shippers to understand early term language and how it works in our industry. What is Early Term Language?: Early term language is a contractual language that the carriers include in their pricing agreements. When it’s included, they can assess an early termination fee if, for example, the customer breaches the contract. A contract breach usually means the customer diverts their business to another carrier, and that includes USPS.
- [A Carrier Rate Comparison Can Uncover Hidden Saving Opportunities](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/a-carrier-rate-comparison-can-uncover-hidden-saving-opportunities):When it comes to small parcel shipping, most shippers face the choice of choosing to ship with FedEx or UPS. Many shippers feel pretty strongly (usually based on a prior negative experience) that the service of one carrier is better than the other.  On the other hand, some shippers remain relatively neutral in comparing UPS and FedEx service levels.
- [FedEx Labor Shortages Cause For Concern](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-labor-shortages-cause-for-concern):In a recent post from Business Insider, FedEx said that it’s rerouting more than 600,000 business packages every single day.  Why are so many packages being rerouted?  According to FedEx - one of the largest parcel handlers and employers in the US - packages are being rerouted because they’re experiencing a major labor shortage. Simply stated, FedEx doesn’t have the workforce to manage the volume of packages it’s receiving daily.
- [Will The Carriers Pass On Savings From Today's Low Oil Prices? Probably Not, And Here's Why.](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/will-the-carriers-pass-on-savings-from-todays-low-oil-prices-probably-not-and-heres-why):It’s a bummer that by now we’re all used to near-constant price increases from FedEx and UPS. Just last February, UPS announced it would be increasing their fuel surcharge indices, despite a barrel of crude oil being at a near 10-year low. Well, as of today, a barrel of US crude oil has hit a 12-year low, briefly trading at $29.
- [FedEx Announces 8.3% SmartPost Rate Increase](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-announces-8-3-smartpost-rate-increase):Update: The USPS has postponed its rate increase that was scheduled for 4/26/2015, and FedEx has followed suit.  FedEx has just announced the second SmartPost rate increase of 2015. Effective April 27, SmartPost rates will increase by 8.3%. The increase was brought about by a recent postage increase announcement by USPS. Shippers who have negotiated a general rate increase (GRI) cap will still be affected, but to a lesser extent.
- [What to Look for in Third Party Logistics Providers](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-to-look-for-in-third-party-logistics-providers):When it comes to 3rd party logistics, not every company is familiar with the considerations involved. There are many major third party logistics advantages, but capturing them means first finding the right 3rd party logistics company for you. In a field that is growing very fast, getting a handle on the world of 3PL is not necessarily easy.
- [Lessons from the Apparel Industry to the Supply Chain](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/lessons-from-the-apparel-industry-to-the-supply-chain):Innovation is a constant topic of debate within logistics and supply chains as businesses continue to try and find more efficient and innovative ways to ease the workflow and create a tighter, more cooperative environment.  Linked with this challenge is the impact of the way business has changed, going from the physical space of an actual store to the unlimited space of the digital realm.
- [How to Hire a Parcel Audit Company: Top Questions to Ask](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-hire-a-parcel-audit-company-top-questions-to-ask):Let's start right at the beginning. Most people don’t know what a parcel audit is. A parcel audit is the task of going through each and every shipping invoice to look at carrier service errors you can be refunded for. The process is extremely tedious and time consuming. This is where 3rd party parcel auditing companies can come in handy.
- [What is FedEx One Rate?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-is-fedex-one-rate):FedEx One Rate is a simplified, flat-rate shipping option designed to maximize business performance while enhancing customer satisfaction.  This guide will delve into what makes FedEx One Rate a compelling choice for businesses and individuals alike, offering insights into its structure, benefits, and how it stands out from traditional shipping solutions. Understanding FedEx One Rate: FedEx flat rate shipping allows for predictable pricing and ease of budgeting as it eliminates surprise fees when it comes time for checkout.
- [Freight Audit: Proven Way to Check Your Bottom Line](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-audit):Freight Audit Explained: A freight audit looks at all your bills and notes from transportation carriers. Then it makes sure that they're accurate. And by accurate we mean that you have a contract with each of these carriers. Were your charges correct? The invoice suggests that it delivered on a certain date, did it? You may have bought certain things like lift gates, inside deliveries, or limited access fees.
- [The Ups and Downs of Carrier Fuel Surcharges](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/the-ups-and-downs-of-carrier-fuel-surcharges):Changes are afoot once again with the FedEx and UPS fuel surcharges. On March 7th, the FedEx fuel surcharge for Air and International will be 0% (yes, you read that right!) and Ground will decrease from 3.75% to 3.25%. On that same day, the UPS fuel surcharge for Air and International will go from 3.0% to 2.
- [Freight Audit: Behind the Scenes of Marked Down Expenses](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-audit-2):Freight Audit Basics: First, you should never pay a free bill without a freight audit. Now whether you do that yourself or whether you hire a third party to do that, they should audit every bill. The reason for that is: errors happen. In the case of freight, the errors are usually big dollar amounts.
- [2026 FedEx General Rate Increase](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-rate-increase):Find out all of the details you need ot know about UPS's plans for a 5.9% average general rate increase (GRI), effective December 22, 2025, from Lojistic.
- [Controlling Shipping Expenses in a Carrier’s Market](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/controlling-shipping-expenses-in-a-carriers-market):If your business relies on UPS & FedEx, chances are your ‘spidey’ senses are tingling. With demand (packages needing to be shipped) far exceeding supply (UPS’s and FedEx’s ability to deliver packages while honoring service guarantees), limited options, and a lack of competition, the small parcel industry is in the throes of a carrier’s market.
- [Reflecting Back on The State of U.S. Logistics](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/reflecting-back-on-the-state-of-u-s-logistics):Earlier in June, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals released their annual State of U.S. Logistics report to their members, reporting on the general trends and observations about US logistics and supply chains in general.  Their findings reflect an interesting intersection between improvement along with obstacles and trouble spots still in the way.  See how the overall report may affect your business.
- [2020 UPS & FedEx Rate Increase](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/2020-ups-fedex-price-increase):It's that time of year once again. UPS & FedEx are dishing out another costly general price increase to small parcel shippers effective December 29, 2019 for UPS and January 6, 2020 for FedEx. It is important to understand that the announced UPS & FedEx rate increases are only averages and the impact on your company could vary greatly.
- [What is a Routing Guide?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/routing-guide):When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, it revealed that the global economy had some serious supply chain issues that needed to be addressed. The complexities of modern shipping and logistics became apparent to ordinary consumers, not to mention the businesses that were struggling to meet demand during that tense time. That said, the tools used to navigate them are still lesser known.
- [Lojistic’s Total 20/20 Campaign Contributions reach $14,740 after Q4 Donation](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/lojistics-total-2020-campaign-contributions-reach-14740-after-q4-donation):Exciting news! The team at Lojistic has just posted a $14,740 (to date) donation to CHARITY: WATER as a continuation of our 20/20 Campaign. So far, the campaign contributions have helped fund clean water projects in Rwanda and Ethiopia. The 20/20 Campaign is our giving plan that specifically benefits CHARITY: WATER and their stellar effort to see that everyone in the world has clean safe drinking water.
- [How to Ship Domestic and International Parcels Faster](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-ship-domestic-and-international-parcels-faster-2):Fast shipping is one of the keys to making a logistics organization successful. Speed often translates directly into savings, as long as the work is undertaken with due efficiency. Of course, if there were “secrets” to fast shipping, then everyone would know them by now. However, there are certain due diligence steps that you can take to expedite your parcel shipping.
- [How Apparel & Footwear Suppliers + Retailers Increase Profit Through Optimized Shipping](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-apparel-footwear-suppliers-retailers-increase-profit-through-optimized-shipping):Like so many other industries, apparel and footwear suppliers and retailers are feeling the effects of the global pandemic.  For many, mandatory store closures and in-person shopping restrictions have accelerated the shift from brick-and-mortar sales to online sales. While predictions vary, it’s estimated that online sales will increase by 50% industry wide [lumping together apparel + footwear] by 2024.
- [Win a Free Month of UPS/FedEx Shipping For Your Business Plus $500 For Yourself](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/free-month-of-shipping-july-2021):Everyone who creates a new Lojistic account by July 31, 2021 automatically has a chance to win a free month of UPS/FedEx shipping for their business and $500 for themself. Why are we giving everyone who creates a free Lojistic account the chance?  Because shipping rates are at an all-time high.  And, current global supply chain demand challenges and bigger fees and surcharges make getting packages from point A to Z with UPS and/or FedEx really expensive.
- [A Brief USPS History Timeline](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/parcels-packages-and-more-the-history-of-the-us-postal-service):In the United States, hundreds of millions of pieces of mail are sent every single day. Often taken for granted, this impressive system of mailing by the U.S. Postal Service is an integral part of communication and delivery. The U.S. Postal Service's importance has grown throughout its history, and the way mail has been delivered over the years has evolved since its conception in the late 18th century.
- [Lowering FedEx Shipping Rates: Had Enough of High Charges?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/lowering-fedex-shipping-rates):Lowering Shipping Rates: Some Basics to Remember: Here are some things to keep in mind about lowering FedEx shipping rates. The clearest, easiest way is to renegotiate the contract. So, to do to lower your FedEx rates is to take account the timeframe in which you last negotiated your contract. As long as it's within a six-month to nine-month timeline, you can go back into your contract.
- [Methods to Manage Problems within Your Supply Chain](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/methods-to-manage-problems-within-your-supply-chain):We’ve previously discussed risk management in the supply chain and the importance of understanding globalized disasters and the best preparation for it.  In this blog post, we wanted to explore some of the more minute details supply chain managers have their hands full with, not only, the day-to-day operations and efficiency of the supply line but also quicker problems that crop up on a daily basis along with bigger issues as well.
- [Easy Freight Discounts With the Lojistic Wholesale Rate Marketplace](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/easy-freight-discounts-with-the-lojistic-wholesale-rate-marketplace):Freight shipping costs can add up quickly, and as a big shipper, we’re sure you already knew that. But what most freight shippers don’t know is that there is a super easy way to achieve potentially huge freight cost savings with basically no operational costs required. Oh, and there’s no additional manpower required to secure the savings.
- [Basic Costs of Transportation - How to Save](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/basic-costs-of-transportation-how-to-save):No matter how simple or relatively complex your logistics operations may be, there are certain logistics costs that you will have to be concerned with. Luckily, professionals in most industries will have the opportunity to turn these costs over to various carriers and other logistics services and will not have to concern themselves directly with things like the cost of fuel, long haul trucks, training and maintaining drivers, and so on.
- [Declared Value Coverage: 5 Things to Know](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/5-dirty-secrets-about-carrier-declared-value-insurance):In this post, we’ll cover declared value and declared value coverage. Here's 5 Dirty Secrets About Declared Value Coverage There's a minimum charge once you go over $100 in value. The carrier will add $1.05 on top of the minimum charge at a certain level. Not all packages should be insured. You don't have to use UPS's or FedEx's insurance options Carrier insurance options can be combined with 3rd Party insurers.
- [FedEx Waivers Exposed By Fooled Customers This Year](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-waivers-exposed-by-fooled-customers-this-year):FedEx Waivers Cause The Company To Lose Customers: FedEx waivers are something that people often overlook and can cause you to lose money. For those of you shipping with FedEx, I want to inform you of a recent contractual trend that's on the rise. It jeopardizes your right to late delivery refunds when FedEx misses their commitment.
- [CBM Meaning: Shipping Definition](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-is-cbm):A quick search engine query for CBM meaning will yield Curriculum-Based Measurement, Comic Book Movie, and Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (no luck on Candied Bacon Morsels, unfortunately).  But if you’re talking shipping, the meaning of CBM is “cubic meter". It’s a critical measurement used by carriers to effectively price, plan, and execute the movement of goods and materials.
- [UPS Drops Bomb on Drop Shippers](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-drops-bomb-on-drop-shippers):Editor's Note: This post has been updated with new links and content. Original Publication Date: October 26, 2015 This post will explain a fee that UPS and FedEx rolled out a few years ago. As a matter of fact, what they really did was drop a bomb on drop shippers. But before we get into what that is, let’s discuss the three billing types for sending a package via UPS and FedEx.
- [FedEx Announces 2016 General Rate Increase](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-announces-2016-general-rate-increase):On Wednesday, September 16, FedEx announced its annual general rate increase (GRI). Effective January 4, 2016, rates will be impacted as follows: FedEx Express will see a 4.9% average increase for US domestic, export, and import services FedEX Ground and Home Delivery will also see a 4.9% average increase – with SmartPost rates changing as well FedEx Freight shipping rates will increase 4.
- [Freight Payment Guide: Types, Strategies & Shipper Choices](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-payment-guide):To the customer, the concept of “freight” means little more than how the goods they order arrive on their doorstep. The package’s journey may have spanned mere miles or entire continents, and it may have taken an hour or days of transit time. For all the customer knows, their order arrives by effortless magic. Freight managers and deliverers know the disillusioning reality: the shipping process is complex, expensive, and riddled with opportunities for error.
- [FedEx Late Payment Fee Rises to 9.9%](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-late-payment-fee-rises):Starting June 1, 2025, FedEx will increase its Late Payment Fee from 8% to 9.9% on overdue invoice balances. At nearly a 25% increase, this represents a significant cost hike—especially for businesses managing large shipping volumes and thin margins. This move reinforces FedEx’s efforts to encourage faster payments. Companies that aren’t vigilant with invoice management
- [How to Become a Freight Broker](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-become-a-freight-broker):Are you considering becoming a freight broker? Do you want to know how to become a freight broker and embark on a journey that's both rewarding and challenging? Freight brokers are an extremely important part of the logistics landscape around the world. A freight broker has important duties that help to ensure cargo transactions go as planned for everyone involved in the process.
- [How to Master Freight Rate Negotiation](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-master-freight-rate-negotiation):Land, air, sea—the shipping networks sprawled across the world are what make it go round. As a business leader with cargo of your own, you’ll spend more time than the average person contemplating freight shipping logistics and rates. These rates can pack a punch—especially if you’re unfamiliar with the freight logistics territory. Fortunately, you can often find wiggle room through negotiation.
- [UPS and FedEx Rates Increase Analysis](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-and-fedex-rates-increase-analysis):Every year, UPS and FedEx announce their respective general price increases (GPI). Shippers, both large and small, scramble to determine the effective impact on their shipping costs. Since the announced increases are only averages, the true impact for any given business can vary greatly. In January 2011, the carrier’s GPI had a very substantial impact on accessorial charges, such as: Residential Surcharge, Delivery Area Surcharge, and Address Correction Fees.
- [Address Correction Charges Can Add Up Fast](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/address-correction-charges-can-add-up-fast-2):To reduce shipping costs, you need to be mindful of address correction charges. These bill-backs can quickly add tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to your freight cost. Major carriers like UPS or FedEx will impose address correction charges for incorrectly-formatted or improperly addressed mail and packages. This covers the shipping company for incorrect or late deliveries.
- [Staying Mindful of Unexpected Regulations Affecting Supply Chains](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/staying-mindful-of-unexpected-regulations-affecting-supply-chains):There are many factors to constantly check as a supply chain manager or owner, especially in regards to risk management.  These can include natural disasters to international crises, both of which have made headlines in the past year.  One variable that may not be commonly thought of is domestic regulation.  Many may think that regulations are much more steady and less prone to drastic change, making most people pay less attention to them.
- [UPS and FedEx Discounts: Revenue Based Incentives](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-and-fedex-discounts-revenue-based-incentives):You'll find revenue-based incentives in most small parcel shipping contracts. UPS uses the term Portfolio Tier Incentives. FedEx refers to them as Earned FedEx Discounts. Basically, they amount to nothing more than a quantity or volume discount. Some shippers don't like revenue-based incentives; yet, managed properly, they can be fairly advantageous. Carriers like them because in decades past, incentives were either based on zones or weights.
- [FedEx and UPS Discounts: Small Parcel Weight and Zone Incentives](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-and-ups-discounts-small-parcel-weight-and-zone-incentives):Every January UPS and FedEx tariff rates change. When comparing FedEx vs UPS rates, one has to consider contracted incentives relative to the carrier’s annual price increase. Your contract incentives will more than likely carry over from one year to the next; however, the incentives will now be applied to your carrier's higher list rates.
- [DHL vs FedEx: 2024 Shipping Comparison](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/dhl-vs-fedex):Choosing a dedicated carrier to transport goods for your business is no easy decision. There are several factors you need to weigh in order to secure a provider that will save you money, ensure customer satisfaction, and foster a reliable, long-term partnership. Two of the biggest global shipping giants in the world are DHL and FedEx.
- [What Is a Bill of Lading in Shipping?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-is-a-bill-of-lading):If your business relies on shipping goods or materials, you need to know your way around documents like bills of lading to ensure your shipments survive and arrive as planned. What is a bill of lading? Put simply, a bill of lading, often referred to as the ‘original bill’, is a binding legal document that plays a significant role in freight shipping, logistics, and international trade.
- [Top Misconceptions Keeping Shippers from a Best-In-Class Carrier Agreement](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/top-misconceptions-best-in-class-carrier-agreement):Today we’re discussing some of the top misconceptions keeping shippers from a best-in-class carrier agreement. Let’s start by defining what a best-in-class carrier agreement is. What is a Best-in-Class Carrier Agreement?: The easiest way to define a best-in-class carrier agreement is that it's specific to your characteristics. It's not the same pricing that your neighbor has, even if your neighbor is shipping out the same exact product.
- [FOB Shipping Point Vs. FOB Destination](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fob-shipping-point-vs-fob-destination):Learn about Free On Board (FOB) in shipping, how it relates to your logistics decisions, and scenarios of responsibility for issues in transit, from Lojistic.
- [Freight In vs Freight Out: Key Differences](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-in-vs-freight-out):One of the primary goals of supply chain management is to ensure the seamless flow of goods from suppliers to companies to consumers. Freight in and freight out play a pivotal role in this process. Freight in and freight out are occasionally used interchangeably but there are critical distinctions between the two—and understanding how they differ (and the nuances of each) is essential to controlling costs while also meeting ever-growing consumer demands and staying a step ahead of your competition.
- [Is The "Annual" Rate Increase A Thing Of The Past?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/is-the-annual-rate-increase-a-thing-of-the-past):Publisher's Note: This post has been updated with new links and content. Original Publication Date: December 10, 2015 Today we’re going to take a look at the details of annual rate increases. Let’s begin with how rate increases are typically rolled out. How Are Annual Rate Increases Rolled Out?: Typically, and historically, rate increases come out at the end of the year.
- [What's The Problem with UPS Contract Optimization & Negotiation Right Now?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-contract-optimization):Recently, UPS has taken a hardline position on contract optimization and negotiation. We’ve heard about shippers going to UPS to negotiate their contracts and UPS taking a hard stance on not negotiating. They’re actually increasing some large customers rates. They’re pulling their contracts and saying that they can't afford to do that anymore. And they’re giving them new contracts with 30-day clauses and other changes.
- [Lojistic Surpasses $18,100 In Donations To Charity:Water](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/lojistic-surpasses-18100-in-donations-to-charitywater):Huzzah! Lojistic has just surpassed $18,100 in total donations to CHARITY:WATER as part of our 20/20 Campaign. The campaign contributions have already been put to work in countries all over Africa, with most of the funds benefiting clean water projects in Rwanda and Ethiopia. A $20 donation is triggered for every 20-minute introductory conversation that we have with a prospective client.
- [UPS Rate Changes and Surcharge Increases June 2025](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-rate-changes-and-surcharge-increases-coming-june-2-2025):UPS recently announced several updates that will take effect on June 2, 2025, impacting surcharges, zone designations, and certain fees. These updates follow closely on the heels of the carrier’s earlier changes to late payment fees, invoice processing, and billing policies.Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing:Zone Chart AdjustmentsUPS will revise the zone assignments for select
- [Top 4 Reasons To Use A Parcel Audit Company](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/top-4-reasons-to-use-a-parcel-audit-company):You have the achy feeling that somehow, someway, your parcel shipping is draining your company of valuable revenue. Every month you see profits melt away with ever increasing shipping invoice bills that you have no idea if they are correct or just plain filled with mistakes and lost saving opportunities. What are you missing in terms of savings and knowledge about your shipping?
- [7 Steps to Achieve Better Freight Cost Optimization](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-achieve-freight-cost-optimization):The transport of goods for U.S. businesses totaled $1.2 trillion in 2021, including $32.4 billion for ocean freight, $52.7 billion for air, $88.3 billion by rail, and $830.5 billion by road.  How big a slice is freight taking from your company’s budget? On average, transportation comprises 60% of the supply chain dollar. Even if you’re nowhere near a number that ends in “illion,” it’ll be worth your time to reduce supply chain costs with a mix of the freight optimization tips below.
- [Shipping Freight Classes Explained](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/shipping-freight-classes-explained):Lojistic walks you through freight classes, how to determine freight class, common challenges, and some tips for accurate freight classification.
- [Parcel Forum 2017 Conference Line-Up Announced](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/parcel-forum-2017-conference-line-up-announced):Parcel Forum 2017 has just announced their conference line-up. Our very own parcel analytics gurus Bryan Van Suchtelen and James Matthews will be proudly representing Lojistic at the Forum this year. Bryan and James will be presenting, "HOW TO PREDICT & ANALYZE THE IMPACT OF CARRIER ACCESSORIAL INCREASES" As hard as it is to imagine today, once upon a time, surcharges didn’t even exist except for a few accessorials (e.
- [How to Calculate Air Freight](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-caculate-air-freight):The Complex Topic of Air Freight Calculations and Dimensional Weight If you need to calculate freight, especially air freight, you might find it’s a little bit more complex than it appears at first. That’s because you need to calculate freight shipping using something called volumetric weight, dimensional weight, or DIM weight. This type of weight is not necessarily equal to the actual weight of the package.
- [Parcel Negotiation: Savings Delivered from Focused Technology](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/parcel-negotiation):Parcel Negotiation Basics: Parcel negotiation is the time of the year when you enter into a negotiation with a parcel carrier. It could be with a carrier like UPS or FedEx. What you're trying to do is get the best of what you can get out of the carrier from a rate perspective. Within that rate perspective, you've got several key components.
- [UPS and FedEx Announce 5.9% General Rate Increase for 2022](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-and-fedex-announce-5-9-general-rate-increase-for-2022):Both UPS and FedEx are raising their rates by 5.9% for 2022. The general price increase (GPI) aka “General Rate Increase” or “GRI” is an annual carrier “tradition,” so it should come as a surprise to absolutely no one that shippers will once again be forced to adjust to even higher shipping costs. If you’re a UPS or FedEx customer, the only constant is change - in the form of paying more.
- [Lowering UPS Shipping Rates: Awesome Tips That Will Make You Save Money](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/lowering-ups-shipping-rates):Lowering UPS Shipping Rates: First Steps: The best way for lowering UPS shipping rates is to get detailed reports on your current shipping. This should include all the relevant characteristics. It should be things like your average cost is by service level and your average discounts. Take a look at those, especially if your last negotiated contract was about six to nine months ago.
- [Lojistic Platform Feature Update: Account Number Nicknames](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/account-number-nicknames):We recently added the ability to nickname each carrier shipper number in your Lojistic account. Why is that a nice little update? For starters, it makes organizing and recognizing your carrier account numbers really easy. If you're just looking for the "how-to", check out the quick video below. There's also a step-by-step guide at the end of this post.
- [Source Consulting to Donate $100,000 to Charity: Water](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/source-consulting-to-donate-100000-to-charity-water):Irvine, CA - Source Consulting, a strategy and solutions provider that helps companies reduce shipping costs, has announced the “20/20 Campaign”, a new charitable initiative through which it intends to donate $100,000 to charity: water, a non-profit organization that brings clean, safe drinking water to impoverished communities in developing countries. The campaign is funded entirely by Source Consulting, and 100% of the donations will be used for clean water projects.
- [How a Parcel or Freight Audit Can Help Clarify Shipping Liabilities](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/a-freight-audit-can-help-clarify-shipping-liabilities):The global economy has increased trade across borders and many businesses have outsourced production to other countries. This has increased the demand for international transport services. While transport safety has improved over the years, goods can still be damaged during transport. Bearing the brunt of this liability is the carrier performing international transports. To avoid liability, a carrier must prove that he and his agents took all reasonable measures to avoid the occurrence and related consequences of a loss.
- [A Parcel Audit Can Reveal the Costs of a Late Package Delivery](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/a-parcel-audit-can-reveal-the-costs-of-a-late-package-delivery):Determining the actual cost of a package not delivered on time can get pretty complicated, since there are so many aspects to this "failure in service." A parcel audit using an experienced parcel auditor can help identify some of these costs. A parcel auditor can help recover the economic loss of a late package. A parcel audit will identify packages delivered late, itemize the transportation costs, and file the refund claim.
- [Going Green: Giving Back for the #GreaterGood](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/going-green-giving-back-for-the-greatergood):At Source, we set our standards high when it comes to corporate and community responsibility. As residents of Orange County, we are neighbors to some of California’s most beautiful beaches and coastal reserves.  This October, we are giving back to the Newport Beach community and helping take a stand for the Greater Good by volunteering to rehabilitate the Upper Newport Bay.
- [Is Small Parcel Insurance Worth it?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/is-small-parcel-insurance-worth-it):Shipments under 150 lbs are typically considered small parcel. Most shipping companies like FedEx and UPS will insure such packages up to $100 of product loss or damage. This is one reason many e-commerce sellers ship low cost items without insurance. If you're shipping something fragile, or if you just need more protection, you can opt for "declared value" insurance, which both FedEx and UPS offer.
- [FedEx International Services Peak Surcharge Update](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-international-services-peak-surcharge-update):FedEx has updated its peak surcharges. Again. This time it’s for international services.  If you’re looking for the surcharge details, click here. Or read below for more information on how you can determine the impact surcharges have on your business.  From FedEx (view on FedEx's website here):  Beginning March 7, 2022, the Peak Surcharge amount for FedEx Express parcel and freight shipments and TNT shipments will increase for some shipments moving between APAC and countries in APAC, Europe, LAC and MEISA.
- [FedEx Service Guarantee Revisited: A Wealth of Refunds](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-service-guarantee):FedEx Service Guarantee Basics: FedEx service guarantee agreements work similarly to those from UPS. They actually call their FedEx service guarantee clause, "The Money Back Guarantee." That means that if you ship a package with FedEx in the United States, it should come with a guarantee. For example, if I'm shipping a package from Los Angeles  to New York, I want that package delivered tomorrow.
- [What is Global Logistics?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-is-global-logistics):Global Logistics Definition: Global logistics refers to the process of managing the flow of goods, information, and other resources, including energy and people, from the point of origin to the point of consumption on a global scale.  It involves the integration of information, transportation, inventory, warehousing, material handling, and packaging, often in a multinational network.
- [FedEx Rebrands SmartPost to Ground Economy](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-rebrands-smartpost-to-ground-economy):FedEx SmartPost has been rebranded as FedEx Ground Economy. There’s more to this rebranding effort than just a simple name change. The naming evolution also means that FedEx will no longer use the US Postal Service (USPS) to fulfill its last mile delivery volume, in most cases. By making this change, FedEx is replicating the model that UPS currently uses with its SurePost service.
- [Why Does Shipping and Handling Cost So Much?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/why-does-shipping-and-handling-cost-so-much):Cost is a perennial concern in everything to do with logistics. Shipping and handling costs make up a major part of the money spent on logistics by most companies in a given year, and so, many efforts are undertaken to reduce shipping and handling costs by improving contract terms and optimizing carrier relationships. However, controlling these costs is easier said than done for a number of reasons.
- [LTL Rates & Audit: The Best Tips for Shippers](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ltl-rates-audit-tips):Today we're talking about all things less-than-load, and more specifically, LTL rates and audits. But first, since shipping terms can quickly become ‘acronym soup,’ let’s discuss what LTL really means. What are LTL Rates?: When you have a full truckload of things to ship, you essentially ‘buy’ a whole truck. It moves across the country, and that's what you pay for.
- [What is a Freight Carrier?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-is-freight-carrier):The logistics industry serves as the backbone of the global economy, enabling the movement of goods across the planet. And the beating heart of this industry is freight carriers, companies that transport cargo from point A to point B.  For businesses involved in shipping, manufacturing, and supply chain operations, understanding what freight carriers are and how they operate is essential.
- [UPS 2021 Rate Increase Announcement](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-2021-rate-increase-announcement):UPDATE: Use this link if you're looking for 2022 rate increase information.  This week, UPS announced their 2021 rate increase, which will be made effective in January of 2021. OFFICIAL UPS ANNOUNCEMENT This announcement comes almost two months after FedEx announced its 2021 rate increase. See the details of FedEx’s rate increase here. Both carriers continue to increase rates and roll out new surcharges/fees despite posting record earnings over the past several months.
- [Freight Contract Negotiation: How to Avoid International Shipping Problems](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/your-shipping-contract-and-how-to-avoid-international-shipping-problems):You can avoid many of the most common international shipping problems if you follow a few simple steps. Keep in mind that it's not easy to compare services and prices when you're dealing with an international shipper. When you negotiate freight rates for international shipments… "let the buyer beware" when signing a shipping contract. A few suggestions: Number one: If you negotiate freight shipping strictly on price, you're sure to run into problems.
- [FedEx Contracts: Changes You Need to Know](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-contracts):FedEx Contracts Have Changed: FedEx contracts have changed like UPS. In fact, FedEx calls it over-max fee while UPS calls it unauthorized charge fee. It's the same thing. It's for packages that are heavy and large, and with FedEx, that charge went from $300 up to $675. So they're more expensive than UPS now, but both fees are exorbitant.
- [How To Offer Free Shipping For Your Business](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-companies-can-afford-to-offer-free-shipping):Is offering free shipping to your customers worth it? Absolutely! Does free shipping increase sales? Yes. But there’s a lot to take into account before you offer free shipping to your shoppers. We’ll explore what that looks like in this post. Need help assessing whether or not free shipping is right for your business?  We've all heard the term "there's no such thing as a free lunch.
- [Social Media in the Supply Chain](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/social-media-in-the-supply-chain):Digital technology is an integral part of any business, especially in the supply chain.  Fairly obvious inclusions, as we discussed previously, include tablets and smart devices for easier visibility and tracking.  However, one interesting area of digital technology that has been murky for supply chain managers and shipping oriented businesses is the concept of social media.
- [FedEx Announces Consolidation: What Shippers Need to Know](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-announces-consolidation-what-shippers-need-to-know):On Wednesday, April 5th, FedEx announced that they will be consolidating all their opcos (FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Services, etc.) under the parent’s leadership umbrella, which is expected to be completed by June of 2024.  The operational efficiencies created by the mergers are estimated to save the company $4B in operating costs.  These savings projections and operational changes created a favorable reaction in the markets, with FedEx stock rising on the announcement.
- [Use Compare Mode to Know What Shipping Decisions Are Costing Or Saving You](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/compare-ups-fedex):Every year, millions of people vow to make changes that’ll improve their lives. Maybe it’s learning a new language, being better with their budget or managing their time better. One of the most common resolutions is to lose weight and get in shape.  “I want to be a healthier version of myself by this time next year.
- [Carrier Discounts vs. Rising Shipping Costs](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/carrier-discounts-vs-rising-shipping-costs):Shipping costs are headed higher than a New York City skyscraper. No thanks to the high price of energy, which contributes to rising transportation costs.  Record high oil prices have offset decades of trade liberalization efforts. When you consider the rising cost of shipping raw materials and finished goods, distance to market and carrier discounts will play an increasingly larger role in business decisions.
- [UPS and FedEx Fuel Surcharge History](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-and-fedex-fuel-surcharge-rate-history):UPS Fuel Surcharge History and FedEx Fuel Surcharge History are linked. That's because both carriers have been playing a game of cat and mouse for a long, long time. Unfortunately for UPS and FedEx customers, that typically means when one carrier raises their rates, or increases a surcharge, the other does the same. How Often Do UPS and FedEx Change Their Fuel Surcharge?
- [7 Ways to Improve Your Shipping Processes](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-improve-shipping-processes):Contemporary shopping is defined by e-commerce and online retailers—both of which rely heavily on commercial shipping services to send their packages. Modern logistics partners, however, can be more expensive and less reliable than in the past. The United States Postal Service, for example, noted a nearly 5% spike in late deliveries between 2022 and 2023, despite general services costing 24% more than they did just three years ago.
- [DHL vs UPS: Best Carrier Comparison for 2024](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/dhl-vs-ups):DHL vs UPS: Which is Better?: In today's fast-paced world, the need for efficient and reliable shipping services is constant, regardless of the season. Whether you're a business owner managing regular shipments, an individual sending gifts, or simply needing to transport goods, selecting the right courier service is essential for both time and cost efficiency.
- [Service Level Optimization Is What Happens When You Target Profit](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/service-level-optimization):Service Level Optimization Defined: Service level optimization is a powerful tool for a business that relies on shipping. There are a few opportunities that a lot of businesses who are shipping often have the opportunity to do. In particular, to reduce their shipping costs. To do this, they must approach service level optimization on a tactical level.
- [How to Reduce Shipping Costs without Skimping on Customer Service](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-reduce-shipping-costs-without-skimping-on-customer-service):Many businesses are hesitant to complain to the shipping giants responsible for getting their customers’ orders delivered to them on time. They may be aware of the fact that auditing their invoices for mistakes or attempting to renegotiate their carrier contract may save them some money, but they’d rather not experience any customer service fumbles due to delays in shipping along the way.
- [Using Freight Auditing Companies to Unravel Parcel Shipping Contract Complexities](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/using-freight-auditing-companies-to-unravel-parcel-shipping-contract-complexities):Parcel shipping contracts are becoming increasingly complex. Many of these contacts are written to confuse shippers and protect the carrier. The wording, created by lawyers, is designed to obfuscate the reader to the point where they simply give up, trust the oral explanation and the promised impact of any proposed freight discounts. It's no wonder so many shippers have engaged freight auditing companies.
- [Should You Pay for Premium Services Without a Guarantee?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/premium-services-guarantee):Guarantees for premium services used to be a given for shippers who work with FedEx and UPS. But things have changed in 2020. What Do UPS and FedEx Guarantee for Premium Services?: Most services, with the exception of parcel hybrids, come with time and transit guarantees. That includes a promise from UPS and FedEx to refund your money for a package if they deliver it late.
- [A Decade Of Parcel Rate Increases](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/a-decade-of-parcel-rate-increases):Carrier shipping rates have been on the rise for years. Quickly compare their increase to common household goods with our super helpful infographic.
- [FedEx Announces Peak-Season Demand Surcharges for 2025–2026](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-announces-peak-season-demand-surcharges-for-2025-2026):FedEx updates U.S. international and domestic Demand Surcharge rates for 2025. Learn how peak shipping charges affect costs and planning.
- [Comparing UPS and FedEx in the Global Economy](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/compare-ups-and-fedex-in-the-global-economy):UPS and FedEx are among the world’s largest small-package carriers, both by revenue and volume. When you compare UPS and FedEx, both offer ground, air, and ocean freight shipping and shipping-related services. FedEx and UPS ship over 10 million packages daily for businesses and individual customers worldwide. A consideration of UPS vs. FedEx rates can be a relative competition “see-saw”.
- [What Does a Freight Broker Do When a Truck Doesn't Show as Promised?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-does-a-freight-broker-do-when-a-truck-doesnt-show-as-promised):Hopefully, you’ll never have to worry about what to do when a truck doesn’t show as planned. However, this is part of business, and any freight broker or freight shipper should be prepared for this eventuality while dealing with the demands of freight shipping. Human error can result in trucks arriving late or not at all.
- [Parcel Auditing, Late Delivery Visibility, and Smart Service Selection](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/the-world-on-time-via-small-parcel-shipping):To ensure your business prospers during these tough economic times, parcel auditors will tell you to seek out reliable, multimodal freight services that provide accurate import and export documentation and up-to-date customs clearances. Whether you need to ship small parcel or palletized freight, you'll need a global shipping solution to meet your needs, time schedule and budget.
- [FedEx Expands Weekend Delivery: What It Means for Shippers](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-expands-weekend-delivery-what-it-means-for-shippers):FedEx expands weekend delivery, offering faster, broader coverage and Sunday service. See how it outpaces UPS and benefits shippers.
- [(April) Fool Me Once, Shame On You](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/april-fool-me-once-shame-on-you):You know that it’s coming. It happens every year without fail. No, I’m not talking about parcel rate increases (not this time, at least). Nope, this time I’m talking about April Fools’ Day. Maybe it’s just me (though I suspect not), but I am keenly aware of and anticipate April Fools’ Day. I expect to be pranked.
- [2014 General Price Increase (UPS and FedEx)](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/2014-general-price-increase-ups-and-fedex):FedEx and UPS rates have increased 28%(+) over the past 5 years!! What are you doing to offset this year’s increase? This document summarizes the UPS and FedEx General Price Increase (GPI) from 2009 – 2014. Click Here To Download This Free Report So, how does this affect you? The impact to you will vary according to service level usage, zone density, package characteristics, and distribution model.
- [UPS and FedEx 2020 Rate Increases: Let's Look at the Damage](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-and-fedex-2020-rate-increases):UPS and FedEx 2020 rate increases were recently announced. And as in years prior, it's an average 4.9% rate increase across the board. That's for the service level rates themselves. If you look at the UPS and FedEx 2020 rate increases, however, you'll see a different impact that you may not be so happy about.
- [How to Determine Shipping Cost](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-determine-shipping-cost):Are you wondering how to determine shipping costs? Shipping costs are, of course, among the most important factors involved in determining the costs of your entire logistics operation. In order to make sure that you understand your costs and can plan for them in the future, you should standardize them to the extent possible. This requires a thorough, point-by-point review of the most basic operational factors impacting your logistics.
- [Integrating Transportation Software and Technology to Reducing Shipping Costs](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/integrating-transportation-software-and-technology-to-reducing-shipping-costs):Technological innovations grows at a quick rate with new announcements and progress happening nearly every single week.  However, integrating new transportation software is difficult at times, especially in industries that have been in business for quite a while and more averse to changes.  The shipping industry seems very straightforward and the technological innovations readily apparent; however, there is more than just an online tracking code and digital orders that can help you reduce your shipping costs.
- [Why Is It Important to Compare Shipping Options?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/why-is-it-important-to-compare-shipping-options):Shipping comparison is one of the most important ways that you can save money on your logistics needs, but that does not mean it is easy to do an enterprise-wide shipping cost comparison. When you compare shipping costs, it is important to be methodical and ensure that you are taking all the pertinent factors into account.
- [FedEx Shipping Rates That Will Make Your Head Explode](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-shipping-rates):FedEx Shipping Rates: Important Tips to Keep in Mind: There aren't unique shipping charges or surcharges in FedEx shipping rates compared to UPS. They actually both have very similar charges and surcharges. The main thing that you want to take into account are the differences in those charges. UPS might call something a large package surcharge.
- [FedEx Freight Spinoff: The Impact on the Shipping Industry](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-freight-spinoff-the-impact-on-the-shipping-industry):FedEx will spin off its LTL unit by June 2026. See how separate parcel/LTL contracts and discount changes could impact your costs, and how to prepare.
- [5 Things You Need To Look For In Your Parcel Bill](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/5-things-you-need-to-look-for-in-your-parcel-bill):Understanding What to Look for In A Parcel Bill: If you’re starting to get the feeling that UPS and FedEx are taking on the personalities of the Airlines and are charging fee after fee on top of the actual shipping charges, you’re right! Anyone who ships frequently with UPS or FedEx already knows how difficult it is to make sense of the carrier invoices.
- [Lojistic Poised to Eclipse $20,000 in Donations to Charity:Water!!!](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/lojistic-poised-to-eclipse-20000-in-donations-to-charitywater):With the recent Q1 2016 donation to Charity:Water, Lojistic is set to surpass $20,000 in total donations. The quarterly donations to the charity come as part of Lojistic’s 20/20 Campaign. For every 20 minute introductory conversation with a new prospective client, Lojistic will donate $20 to bring clean water to those who need it most.
- [FedEx Delivers An Empty Guarantee and Its Brilliant!](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-delivers-an-empty-guarantee-and-its-brilliant):FedEx business customers spending around $60,000 or more annually can expect to see a waiver of their “Money Back Guarantee” in their next FedEx Agreement revision, assuming a waiver isn’t already there.  A waiver of the FedEx Money Back Guarantee eliminates a customer’s right to a refund when FedEx fails to meet their time in transit commitment (aka guarantee).
- [FEDEX ANNOUNCES MASSIVE RATE INCREASE](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-announces-massive-rate-increase):FedEx just announced what will likely be the single largest rate increase on record for many shippers.  Effective Thursday, January 1, 2015, FedEx will impose dimensional weight (DIM) pricing on all Ground packages.  Currently, FedEx only applies DIM pricing to Ground packages measuring three cubic feet (5184 cubic inches) or greater.  Come January 2015, FedEx is eliminating this rule, enabling their ability to apply dimensional weight pricing to EVERYTHING (including Ground packages measuring less than three cubic feet).
- [Shipping Jargon Secrets: What are Free Audits, Really?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/free-audits):If you're in shipping, it's important to understand industry jargon and what the meaning of "free audits" really is. Shipping Jargon and the Meaning of "Free Audits": We speak to people often about our services or technology. Usually, they're shopping around for optimization or auditing services. Lots of potential clients we speak to say that another company is offering to audit their bills for free.
- [Tips to "Green" Your Shipping Strategy](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/tips-to-green-your-shipping-strategy):No matter which method you use for package shipping (sea, land or air), each of them is coupled with an inherent and uncertain amount of pollution. However, with an assortment of services and programs in existence today, you can rest easy knowing that you're doing your part to keep the planet healthily. Here are a few that tips to get your business on the road to carbon neutrality: Eco-Friendly packing material This is the first thing we could think of since styrofoam can be hazardous to the environment in more ways than one.
- [Where Is the Risk? - A Look into Supply Chain Risk Management](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/where-is-the-risk-a-look-into-supply-chain-risk-management):Risk management has been a constant supply chain topic this year, and it’s no surprise-- cataclysmic events have affected many countries in recent times, like the earthquake that shook Japan and the tsunami in Thailand. Natural disasters happen, and they tend to put companies with part of their supply chain in those nations to the test.
- [What is Freight Class?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-is-freight-class):The shipping industry is a well-oiled machine—and, quite frankly, it has to be. After all, everyone in the world uses shipping in some capacity, from personal mail and same-day delivery to large cargo ships transporting goods across oceans. Just think, USPS alone delivers 23.8 million packages every day. As a business stepping into larger scale shipping, you’ll need to understand the term National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC), or “freight class.
- [The Art and Science of Negotiating a “Best in Class” Carrier Agreement](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/the-art-and-science-of-negotiating-a-best-in-class-carrier-agreement):“I’m a really bad negotiator”, said no one ever.  Especially in logistics. Case in point, I was on a sales call last week and the gentleman responsible for negotiating the existing UPS and FedEx contracts for his company was VERY confident in his shrewd negotiation skills.  “My new parcel rates are amazing. I just negotiated a 9% savings with my incumbent parcel carrier” he proudly shared.
- [What You Need To Know About The FedEx Weekend Advantage](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-weekend-advantage):FedEx has been making some significant investments into its infrastructure. Today we'll examine how those investments will (or won't) create a “FedEx weekend advantage” over the competition. What is the FedEx Weekend Advantage?: A lot of those investments have been in automated regional sortation facilities. And they've expanded the facilities that handle their large packages to better sort things like TVs and furniture, which has been huge because of the increase in online shipping.
- [2021 UPS & FedEx General Price Increase](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/2021-ups-fedex-general-price-increase):UPS and FedEx announced a General Price Increase (GPI) of 4.9% for 2021, which means your shipping rates with both carriers will be more expensive come January. This increase comes after a turbulent year for shippers – and a historically profitable year for UPS and FedEx. Get the details on the 2021 GPI with Lojistic’s UPS & FedEx General Price Increase History Whitepaper.
- [How Some Companies Get Free Superbowl Advertising](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/interesting-social-media-marketing-perspective):As CEO of a logistics agency (Lojistic) I am continually looking for new, unique, creative, and exciting ways to communicate the “sexy” factor of our brand and the solutions we offer. Not easy, given the palpable “un-sexiness” of the transportation and logistics industry. Nonetheless, we, just like virtually every business in existence, are strategically and wistfully looking for more brand exposure.
- [LTL is a Practical Shipping Solution with Superior Savings](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ltl):LTL Basics: Have you ever had a bunch of shipping that you needed to do? It was more than would fit inside of a small box, and it's not so much that you could buy an entire truck? LTL fits that middle need. It is a type of shipping that does run full trucks across the country.
- [What Are UPS and FedEx Address Correction Fees?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-are-ups-and-fedex-address-correction-fees):Freight and parcel carriers, especially the UPS/FedEx duopoly, are really clever in how they squeeze profit from their customers. Accessorial fees are one of the largest profit generators for the carriers. Every UPS or FedEx invoice is littered with costly add-ons otherwise known as accessorial fees. And most customers simply pay it. It’s accepted as the cost of doing business.
- [UPS, FedEx & DHL Invoicing Costs](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-fedex-dhl-invoicing-costs):Looking for ways to reduce shipping expenses but not sure where to start? Lojistic’s free cost savings automation and shipping analytics platform automatically identifies cost reduction opportunities  for UPS, FedEx and DHL shippers. Whether it's through Audit & Refund Recovery, optimizing Air vs Ground shipments, mitigating surcharges, getting better shipping rates, eliminating errors and overspend or others, Lojistic provides a clear path to shipping cost reduction.
- [2025-2026 UPS & FedEx Peak Season Demand Surcharges](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-fedex-peak-season-surcharges):Learn how FedEx and UPS peak season surcharges are calculated for 2025-2026, who’s impacted, and how to prepare for them with the Lojistic line of products.
- [The Importance of Dimensional Weight for FedEx’s Weight Calculation](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/the-importance-of-dimensional-weight-for-fedexs-weight-calculation):There are many ways to reduce your shipping costs, but to do this, you need to be knowledgeable about smaller aspects of shipping you may have not been privy to before.  One of the more immediate ways to save on shipping is by focusing on large packages you ship.  Here, we’ll hone in on FedEx specifically, although the general lessons here can be applied to UPS as well.
- [Importance of Parcel Shipping KPIs](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/importance-of-parcel-shipping-kpis):Learn how Lojistic offers a full suite of analytics to track important KPIs to streamline your parcel and freight shipping business and keep costs low.
- [FedEx Insight Will Make You Lose Money in Comparison](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-insight):FedEx InSight: Why They Made It: Hey guys. So as you can imagine, FedEx looks down on the parcel auditing industry. Now, why might that be? Well, auditing services like what Lojistic provides put money back in the shipper's pocket. FedEx Insight would otherwise allow FedEx to keep this money. So, as you can imagine, FedEx does everything that they can to deal with this.
- [Lojistic Platform Tutorial Video: UPS, FedEx & DHL Cost Savings Opportunities](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/lojistic-platform-tutorial-video-ups-fedex-dhl-cost-savings-opportunities):If your business is struggling to control growing shipping costs, or you’re looking for ways to reduce your UPS, FedEx and/or DHL expenses, but you don’t know where to start, use Lojistic. The Lojistic platform was developed for all UPS, FedEx and DHL shippers.  One of the biggest problems plaguing businesses that ship is, they don’t know what their issues are.
- [Reducing Shipping Costs Through Optimizing Carrier Services](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/reducing-shipping-costs-through-optimizing-carrier-services):There are many ways to reduce shipping costs.  One efficient way of accomplishing this task is by improving one’s organization policies related to carrier service level selection for shipments. Why? Because nearly all UPS and FedEx service levels have in-transit delivery guarantees, in which packages will definitely be delivered in a certain time frame. Thus, shippers should look to maximize a short zone distribution model in order to reduce overall shipping costs.
- [Freight Payment as the Hack to Big Payback on Shipping Costs](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-payment):Freight Payment Issues Explained: It is primary to ensure that all your freight payment invoices are being audited. Much of it starts with negotiating the carrier pricing that you received to begin with. Everything that follows is a result of that contract. What you need to make sure is that all your carriers adhere to that contract too.
- [UPS Has Announced Their 2017 Rates](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-has-announced-their-2017-rates):A detailed analysis of the rate increases from our experts will be coming next week. In the meantime, check out the news straight from rates.ups.com: Effective December 26, 2016*, the published rates for our services will increase. This supports the ongoing investments we continue to make in the speed, scope and coverage of our transportation network.
- [2025 Holiday Shipping Guide for On-Time Delivery](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/2025-holiday-shipping-guide-for-on-time-delivery):Explore carrier deadlines, shipping best practices, and strategies to avoid delays and reduce costs this holiday with Lojistic’s free Holiday Shipping Guide.
- [Shipping Rate Comparison Tools & Strategies](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/shipping-rate-comparison-tools-strategies):Learn about shipping rate comparison software from Lojistic, and how its robust features can help you control costs and anticipate spend.
- [The Importance of Optimizing Your Supply Chain with Risk Management](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/the-importance-of-optimizing-your-supply-chain-with-risk-management):What is risk management?  It is the process of looking at potential sources of disruption to your supply chain that can create financial and physical damage.  The next step would involve the business and supply chain leaders evaluating the assessment and fix the weaker points and preemptively doing their best to prevent the risk from happening in the future.
- [What We Know About FedEx Service Guarantees Now](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-service-guarantees):The future of FedEx service guarantees and delivery policies are in flux right now. And it's important for shippers to know what's happening to leverage that information to make good business decisions. The Future of FedEx Service Guarantees Policy: Recently, a client shared an email with us that they received from FedEx, which said guaranteed deliveries may never be reinstated.
- [The Effects of the USPS Losses](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/the-effects-of-the-usps-losses):2012 has been a busy year for the shipping industry both in big news items.  Such events as the 2012 shipping rate increase has already affected many businesses’ budget plans for the year while floods and earthquakes in 2011 has shaken up many companies to look deeper into their risk management programs to create a viable Plan B.
- [2018 Holiday Shipping Guide](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/2018-holiday-shipping-guide):It's that time of the year again! Gather ye e-commerce retailers and all happy package senders...For the holiday shipping season is upon us. But to get those presents or boxes of coal to all the little boys and girls on time, we have to ship them by these deadlines! Also, we have to be mindful that service level guarantees will be suspended according to the schedule below.
- [Logistics Software: Expenses Marked Down and Profit Increased](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/logistics-software):Logistics Software and What It Does: One of the things about the logistics software is the easy way that we allow people to sign up for audit. One of the things we allow you to do from our website is sign up create an account. You can then connect your carriers. And from that point on we begin auditing all your parcel carriers.
- [History of Freight Transportation](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/history-of-freight-transportation):Throughout the centuries there have been many modes of freight transportation. For many years, goods traveled to their destinations by way of horse drawn wagons. This mode of moving freight was slow and often dangerous. Later, with the introduction of the railway system, business owners could send goods across the country in a faster, safer way.
- [Why Delivery Guarantees, Not Service Levels, Matter Most](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/why-delivery-guarantees-not-service-levels-matter-most):When booking a shipment, it makes sense to assume that two-day air would be the best choice to get a package where you need it in two days. And the carriers are probably happy that overnight air would be your first choice! But, depending on what zone you’re shipping to/from, other, cheaper options may be available to get your shipment where you need it, when you need it.
- [What is Logistics?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-is-logistics):Learn the answer to the question 'what is logistics?' and how Lojistic can help you manage a vast network of suppliers while maintaining cost efficiency.
- [Helping the Supply Chain with Sustainable Ideas](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/helping-the-supply-chain-with-sustainable-ideas):As the world continues to evolve with new technology, it also brings forth new challenges to businesses and their supply chains.  Luckily, there are many interesting methods and ideas to help the supply chain become more efficient and cost-effective as well as forward-thinking in terms of it’s impact on the world.  One way to be both helpful and cost-savings is to make sure to think of sustainable solutions that may not bring out short-term profits but can give long-term savings as well as helping the planet.
- [In Parcel Shipping, Size Matters](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/in-parcel-shipping-size-matters):Editor's Note: This post has been updated with new links and content. Original Publication Date: April 1, 2016 Dimensional weight - also known as DIM weight - is an important topic for shippers and anyone involved in the supply chain. Here's what you can gain from this post: Variables in shipping rates How weight is calculated (hint: it's more than just how heavy a package is) Dimensional weight formula (and calculator) Common DIM mistakes Free resources to help solve your DIM issues Unlike the weight of the package that you see on a scale, dimensional weight measures package density and how much space the package will fill.
- [Lojistic Has Donated Over $22,000 to charity: water!](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/lojistic-has-donated-over-22000-to-charity-water):With the recent donation covering Q2 and Q3 of 2016, Lojistic has now donated over $20,000 to charity: water! Donations to charity: water are given as part of our 20/20 Campaign. For every 20-minute intro chat we have with a prospective client, Lojistic will donate $20 to funding clean water projects though charity: water. In total, Lojistic has now raised $22,540 to help provide clean water to those most in need.
- [Freight Rate Forecast 2024](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-rate-forecast-2024):In recent years, the freight and logistics industry has experienced continual and significant fluctuations. The lingering effects of pandemic-era shutdowns and scarcity continue long after the astronomical rates began normalizing again in 2022 and 2023. But, rather than hitting an equilibrium, excess carrier inventory led to continually falling rates throughout the last year, creating an industry recession.
- [UPS Mail Innovations Explained](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-mail-innovations-explained):According to an October 2023 Reuters report, the package delivery industry is getting increasingly competitive for big players like UPS and FedEx. As the pool of potential ground-based customers shrinks due to the growing favor of air-based services, UPS and its rivals are employing new strategies to fight for a larger market share. Despite announcing its plans to increase UPS rates in 2024, UPS still has one attractive solution to sway potential customers to use its service—UPS Mail Innovations.
- [Helping Reduce Shipping with Your Help](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/helping-reduce-shipping-with-your-help):Source Consulting is always striving to help businesses reduce their shipping costs. We accomplish this through both our guaranteed money-saving work and the innovative software to help businesses with their shipping. Our work includes freight auditing carrier invoices, which checks for carrier errors that populate nearly all invoices for guaranteed savings, and carrier rate analysis and negotiation solutions, which will have our experienced employees with prior carrier experience analyze your carrier agreements for the best discount opportunities.
- [What are the Benefits of Using Regional Carriers and Couriers?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/regional-carriers-couriers):Many shippers think that they have to rely on one or both of the big two carriers, UPS or FedEx, but there are other regional carriers and courier options available. Benefits of Contracting with Regional Carriers and Couriers: One of the benefits is time and transit. A lot of the regionals and the couriers, especially the couriers, are ones close to the shipper.
- [What is UPS Surepost?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-is-ups-surepost):With increasing amounts of customers shopping from home, affordable shipping services are growing more competitive. According to UPS, 74% of US shoppers consider free shipping as a top consideration when making an online purchase. UPS’s answer to consumers’ expectations of affordable delivery is UPS SurePost, a low-cost shipping solution that collaborates with the USPS to ensure consistency, reliability, and timeliness of deliveries.
- [2016 Holiday Shipping Deadline Guide](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/2016-holiday-shipping-deadline-guide):The holiday season is upon us! That means you need to get your shipments to your customers (or family!) on time. So whether your business or personal shipments are on your mind, be sure to take note of the following Christmas delivery deadlines for UPS, FedEx, and the USPS, broken down by service level. From our family at Lojistic to yours, Happy Holidays!
- [UPS Waiver Makes Sense if You Have Had Enough of High Charges](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-waiver):UPS Waiver Basics: There are a few things to remember about a UPS waiver. For those of you shipping with UPS, you're aware that they guarantee their services. This excludes their hybrid services. For example, let's say that you're shipping a package from Southern California to New York. Based on the service that you select, that package should arrive on a certain day and at a certain time.
- [Shipping Costs: The Good, The Bad, and The Best](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/shipping-costs-the-good-the-bad-and-the-best):In a global economy you have internal/external pressures to maintain high levels of performance at the same time managing the costs between customers and carriers. The challenge is managing your parcel shipping costs while continuing to reflect the capabilities that makes your company truly unique and drive its value. These capabilities stand out as true differentiators that are hard to mimic and difficult to replicate.
- [The Necessity of Logistics & Freight Auditing Companies in a Global eCommerce World](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/the-necessity-of-logistics-freight-auditing-companies-in-a-global-ecommerce-world):In a span of less than two decades, the Internet has managed to completely change the way we buy and sell goods and services. Can you recall a time when you couldn’t just hop on your computer and buy tickets to an event, apply for a job or even calculate shipping costs? If it seems like a hazy memory, that’s probably because we are all completely enveloped in the world of eCommerce.
- [Parcel & Freight Auditing Companies Needed in Global eCommerce](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-auditing-companies-needed-in-global-ecommerce):In today's global eCommerce world, logistics encompasses the planning, implementation and efficient movement of goods and information from originator to consumer. Modern logistics has evolved as more value-added services are embraced by shippers who increasingly rely on outsourcing to cut shipping costs and help improve their bottom line. The goal is to call on experts like freight auditing companies, rather than expand staff and overhead by adding more internal systems and technology.
- [Rate Negotiation Helps Compare and Bargain for Best Prices](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/rate-negotiation):Rate Negotiation Considerations: Rate negotiation is an important thing for customers to understand. Customers ask, "What's the difference between the different types of negotiations?" And there is one specific term that we like to use sometimes and that's a rate negotiation. When you take a look at a rate negotiation it can take many different forms.
- [7 Common Misconceptions About Parcel Auditing](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/7-common-misconceptions-about-parcel-auditing):Chances are that if you’re reading this, you are already familiar with parcel auditing. If you’re not, feel free to brush up on your knowledge on our parcel audit page. Regardless of your level of familiarity, we thought it pertinent to help inform the general public on some of the common misconceptions about parcel auditing.
- [What is Freight Forwarding?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-is-freight-forwarding):If you're in a logistics-intensive enterprise, you'll likely need to choose a freight forwarder or even multiple ones for your company. Additionally, if you've been in a regional or international logistics leadership role, you might consider advancing your career as a freight forwarder. Understanding freight forwarders is crucial to ensure a beneficial partnership. Essentially, a freight forwarder manages the logistics of transporting your goods without actually moving them, selecting the best carriers and vendors to optimize your supply chain.
- [Everything You Need to Know About the 2021 FedEx Price Increase](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/2021-fedex-price-increase):Have you heard about the FedEx price increase for 2021? On September 14th, 2020, FedEx announced their annual rate increase. As usual, it goes into effect the first week of the New Year. In this case, that’s January 4th, 2021. Now that we know they're going into effect in early January, what can a shipper do to calculate their true costs?
- [Audit Recovery Is The Best Option For Your Business This Year](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/audit-recovery-is-the-best-option-for-your-business-this-year):Audit Recovery Saves You Time And Money: Audit Recovery and Audit Recovery Bill pay are both topics that you should know about. Let's talk about the Audit first. Right now, if you went onto UPS or FedEx website, you would find the data that you're looking for will be cumbersome. What the Audit does is it turns that information into actual items on our site.
- [DHL Express Suspends Canadian Operations Amid Labor Dispute](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/dhl-express-suspends-canadian-operations-amid-labor-dispute):DHL Express suspends U.S.-Canada shipping from June 20, 2025, due to labor issues and legislation, affecting cross-border business shipments.
- [ReadyPay: Is the World Ready?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/readypay):Are you ready for ReadyPay? What is ReadyPay?: ReadyPay is a Lojistic service for auditing bills and paying carriers for shippers. Most often, companies that need a service like this and can benefit from it have reasonably high volumes of shipping. In the case of parcels, for example, that would be around $250,000 a year in spend.
- [Greater Good Initiative Announcement](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/greater-good-initiative-announcement):We’re proud to announce the start of our new corporate program, the Greater Good Initiative.  At Source Consulting, we have a high standard of corporate and community responsibility, in which we believe of the need to place a sincere value in people and the environment.  This initiative is the next step in our company’s corporate philosophy.
- [TMS Promises a Competitive Edge with Ease](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/tms):Lojistic TMS Platform Offers Better and Faster Shipping Solutions: TMS is an acronym that means Transportation Management System. It makes sure that all your shipping goes with the right carrier to the right place for the right price. That's the primary reason for it. So it takes a lot of setup. It's complex. What distinguishes ours from most is the ease of use.
- [Inspiration in the Logistics & Supply Chain Community](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/inspiration-in-the-logistics-supply-chain-community):Although the supply chain industry is fairly traditional, there is constant opportunity for innovation and further education as both the community and the technologies around us continue to change at a rapid rate.  Sometimes, the best education can come from those who have themselves learned from prior experience.  In this blog post, we’ll explore a few different companies that have been able to create good and positive developments in the supply chain community.
- [Key Shipping Metrics & KPIs](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/key-shipping-performance-metrics):When evaluating the success of your sales, you don’t just take a blind estimate of how well you think your product is performing. You dive deep to analyze your business’s numbers and identify areas for improvement so that you can tweak your brand’s strategy to perfection.  You should take the same approach when it comes to your shipping operations.
- [What Shippers Should Know About Refund Recovery](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/shippers-refund-recovery):Refund recovery is an extremely important topic for shippers. What is Refund Recovery?: Refund recovery involves reaching out to the carriers to request money back for any carrier invoice errors discovered during an audit. At Lojistic, we perform this process on behalf of our clients. After Lojistic audits UPS and FedEx invoices and identifies errors, one of two things can happen.
- [Your Carrier Relationship, Your Parcel Audit, and You](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/your-carrier-relationship-your-parcel-audit-and-you):Shipping costs are über-important. For an expense that makes up (on average) 10% of your top line, they definitely deserve your undivided attention. Maintaining a solid relationship with your carrier reps can lead to improved discounts, incentives, and more. No doubt you’ve worked hard to negotiate a competitive pricing agreement and it behooves you to protect against any outside factors from impacting what you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
- [2023 UPS and FedEx Rate Increase](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/2023-ups-and-fedex-rate-increase):Curious about 2024 rates? Check out the 2024 UPS Rate Increase Guide and 2024 FedEx Rate Increase Guide. UPS and FedEx are increasing rates by 6.9% for 2023. For FedEx, this is the biggest year-over-year increase in its history! UPS hasn’t increased its rates this much in over a decade! That's why we keep ending sentences with exclamation points!
- [FedEx Announces A New Peak Surcharge Increase](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-announces-a-new-peak-surcharge-increase):A number of FedEx's services will be impacted by their most recent surcharge announcement. Effective June 21, 2021 – Peak Surcharges will increase and for some shippers, the increase will be stark. See below for peak surcharge increase details. According to FedEx’s official announcement, the Peak Residential Delivery Charge is increasing by 100% (from $0.30 to $0.
- [UPS SurePost 2025 Rate Increase: What Shippers Need to Know](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-surepost-2025-rate-increase-what-shippers-need-to-know):UPS SurePost 2025 rates are rising. Learn how shippers can minimize costs with key updates and actionable strategies to stay ahead.
- [Frequent, Frustrating, and Costly Carrier Billing Errors... And How to Correct Them!](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/frequent-frustrating-and-costly-carrier-billing-errors-and-how-to-correct-them):Contrary to what you may think, the moon isn’t made of cheese, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and UPS and FedEx are not infallible. Despite the advanced technology and automated systems the carriers may use to process your invoices, there are still dozens of human inputs that occur between the time a shipping label is created and the time a package is delivered.
- [Third Party Logistics - Is It Worth It?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/third-party-logistics-is-it-worth-it):It’s reasonable to wonder if third party logistics services are truly worth it for your business. After all, you might have concerns that it will take some time to start up third party logistics for your organization. Third party logistics companies vary in quality and in terms of what they have to offer your bottom line.
- [Data Visualization is a Powerful Breakthrough in Shipping Technology](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/data-visualization):Data Visualization Explained: Data visualization is the graphical representation of information and data. Using visual elements like charts, graphs, and maps data visualization tools is valuable. They provide an accessible way to understand trends, outliers, and patterns in data. In the world of big data, data visualization tools and technologies are essential. We need them to analyze massive amounts of information and make data-driven decisions.
- [The Power of Leveraging Shipping Data](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/the-power-of-leveraging-shipping-data):Your product is the heart of your business, which makes your shipping and delivery system its vital pathways.  The data held within those pathways holds the power of logistical optimization—and it goes largely untapped by many organizations. Shipping data can illuminate opportunities for increased customer satisfaction, cost savings, workflow efficiencies, and more.  With thorough data analysis, these supply chain optimizations are within reach.
- [2019 UPS and FedEx General Rate Increase](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/2019-ups-and-fedex-general-rate-increase):It's that time of the year again...you know the time when UPS and FedEx rolls out their annual general rate increase! Happy holidays indeed! Over the past decade (2009-2019), UPS and FedEx ground tariff rates have increased 76.6% while air tariff rates have increased 81.6%. As usual, these numbers do not take into account the accessorial increases or the impact of the size-to-weight related charge changes both carriers continue to make.
- [7 Strategies for Reducing Freight Costs](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/strategies-for-reducing-freight-costs):If you think your hefty freight costs are doomed to stay sky-high forever, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Freight costs account for up to 10% of total logistics costs. Many businesses assume their freight expenses are pretty much set in stone. However, a few easy adjustments could cut these costs by as much as 50%.
- [How to Prepare for the FedEx Mid-Year Rate Increase](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-the-fedex-mid-year-rate-increase):If you haven’t heard yet, FedEx announced a mid-year rate increase by 6.9% on July 9th, 2012.  This rate increase is not uncommon, happening already at the beginning of the year with rate increases from both major carriers.  However, the question that is sure to appear on many people’s mind is how this rate increase will affect their business.
- [Freight Analytics vs. Parcel Analytics: Key Differences, KPIs, and Cost Reduction Strategies](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-analytics-vs-parcel-analytics-key-differences):Learn the differences between freight analytics vs. parcel analytics and how they utilize KPIs and aid cost reduction strategies, from Lojistic.
- [Economic Slump and Higher Shipping Costs](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/economy-slump-and-higher-shipping-costs):Shipping companies like UPS and FedEx are caught between a "rock and a hard place."  The rock is ever-rising fuel prices, which some economists say will top $4 per gallon for diesel and gas.  The "hard place" is eating that cost or passing it on to clients and customers who are themselves fighting a prolonged recession.
- [Is The UPS Billable Weight Costing You More Important Money?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-billable-weight):UPS Billable Weight Is Important To Understand: UPS billable weight is an important topic worth talking about. There are a couple of variables that go into determining UPS billable weight. So, shipping rates depend on three variables. You have the service you are using such as Next Day Air versus 2 Day Air versus Ground.
- [Applying Newton’s Laws to Parcel Negotiations](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/sir-isaac-newton-the-carriers-and-you-applying-newtons-laws-to-parcel-negotiations):Editor's Note: This post has been updated with new links and content. Original Publication Date: January 18, 2016 Everyone's heard of Newton's Universal Laws of Motion. Today we’re discussing Lojistic's laws of parcel negotiation. The Three Fundamental Laws of Parcel Negotiation: Like Newton’s laws, we’ve found that there are also three universal laws of parcel negotiations.
- [Manage User Permissions Within Your Lojistic Account](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/manage-user-permissions-within-your-lojistic-account):As the industry’s leading cost savings automation and analytics platform designed to help businesses control and reduce shipping costs, we’re constantly updating and improving the Lojistic platform based on the feedback we receive from platform users.  Editor's note: this post was originally published on September 23, 2021. It's been updated with new content and links.
- [UPS and FedEx Billing: Improved Discounts is the Breakthrough You Need](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-and-fedex-billing):UPS and FedEx Billing Insights from the Pros: Hey, guys, Rich with Lojistic here. I'm here to talk about UPS and FedEx billing with any of you that are still on paper invoices. Federal Express and UPS both offer online services. This will allow you to build in some efficiencies and streamline the bill pay process.
- [The Great Recession and What’s Stimulating Shipping Stocks](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/the-great-recession-and-whats-stimulating-shipping-stocks):Even with the brunt of the Great Recession behind us, the global shipping industry has still seen companies slip into the deep blue of nonexistence. However, in the most recent month of market trading, some have bounced back with the best figures seen in years; we’re thinking about Ultrapetrol, whose stock soared 79.75% in the last 30 days, along with Star Bulk Carriers who were up about 20%.
- [Freight Audit Reporting Tools Can Reduce Shipping Costs](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-auditor-reporting-tools-can-reduce-shipping-costs):Using a qualified freight auditor to monitor your parcel carrier services can help reduce shipping costs. Logistic reporting can provide a wealth of valuable information that you can use day-in and day-out to improve the efficiency of your business’s distribution practices. For example, reporting from a freight auditor can reveal details of your carriers' on-time performance for everything you've shipped.
- [FedEx 6% Late Payment Fee](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-late-payment-fee):In June 2021, FedEx implemented a new late payment fee of 6% for all U.S. FedEx Express and FedEx Ground customers who don’t pay their invoice within their agreement’s stated payment terms (which has historically been 14 days). So, any Express or Ground customer that is past due on a payment will be charged an additional 6% of the amount past due.
- [Why Analytics Matter for Improving Parcel Rates](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/why-analytics-matter):Today we are talking about improving parcel rates and why analytics matter for shippers. More specifically, why shipping analytics are so important for allowing shippers to improve their parcel rates. One of the most effective ways a shipper can reduce their rates is by improving their contracted rate. But how can a shipper improve their contracted rate?
- [6 Best Practices To Prevent Shipping Costs From Eroding Your Margins](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/6-best-practices-to-prevent-shipping-costs-from-eroding-your-margins):Over the past decade, UPS & FedEx have increased their Ground tariff rates 54.9% and their Air tariffs 61.8-66.1%. Those aren’t exactly small numbers. Adding insult to injury, these figures do not include the infamous Dimensional Weight pricing changes of 2011 and 2015… ouch! With the 2016 General Rate Increase right around the corner, equip yourself with these best practices to help mitigate the carriers’ seemingly never-ending price hikes.
- [Top 5 Hidden Costs of Logistics](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/top-5-hidden-costs-of-logistics):Wondering about your true logistics costs? Logistics costs are mutable, not fixed, so any one category of logistic cost is subject to your enterprise’s own efforts. Logistic cost analysis is a crucial first step to finding any logistic cost that is out of step with the needs and expectations of your business. In fact, it is the first thing that you need to do in order to implement a truly comprehensive logistics cost management strategy.
- [Shipping Rate Negotiation Tactics](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/shipping-rate-negotiation-tactics):Editor's Note: This post has been updated with new links and content. Original Publication Date: December 2, 2011 Today we’re discussing one of our favorite topics, shipping rate negotiation tactics and negotiating carrier agreements. Let’s begin with how most companies approach carrier negotiations. Common Approaches to Shipping Negotiations: Lots of companies just call up their carrier and say something like, our costs are going up and we need better rates.
- [FedEx Reinstates Limited Money Back Guarantees for Express Services](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-reinstates-limited-service-guarantees-for-express-services):FedEx announced a limited reinstatement of its Money Back Guarantee effective April 6, 2021.: This comes days after UPS’s limited delivery guarantee reinstatement that went into effect April 5, 2021. The timing isn’t the only similarity. FedEx’s ‘reinstatement’ only applies to select Domestic and International Express services. The details are as follows: Domestic: FedEx First Overnight FedEx Priority Overnight* FedEx Standard Overnight International: FedEx International First FedEx International Priority FedEx International Priority Freight *FedEx Express Priority guarantees are extended by 90 minutes.
- [What is OS&D?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-is-osd):OS&D, meaning Over, Short, and Damaged, is a type of claim filed in response to shipping mishaps—specifically deliveries of incorrect quantities of goods and/or damaged goods. This article will explore causes and real-world examples of Overages, Shortages, and Damages as well as provide strategies to prevent and better manage OS&D.  The Basics of OS&D: The U.
- [How Transparent Shipping Containers Could Impact Port Operations](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-transparent-shipping-containers-could-impact-port-operations):Westbound Shipping Services have unveiled the latest in container-tech, a transparent shipping container. This container is an industry first, and is on the forefront of freight industry technology. The container is made from a high density, scratch-resistant Perspex cast acrylic. It is then fitted with a small power pack that is charged by solar panels and kinetic movement.
- [Freight Auditing Services and Your Shipping Invoice Nightmares](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-auditing-services-and-your-shipping-invoice-nightmares):Keeping track of endless shipping charges can be a nightmare. If you ship thousands or even hundreds of small packages every month, it's time you looked into freight auditing services. Dealing with an avalanche of invoices and mountains of data can make it very challenging to keep your shipping costs under control. If you're buried under piles of paperwork, you don’t have time to perform UPS or FedEx shipping refunds auditing, exploit parcel discount opportunities, or boost your shipping efficiency.
- [UPS Fuel Surcharge Increase - Spring 2026](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-fuel-surcharge-increase-spring-2026):Learn about the latest fuel surcharge rolling out this year from UPS and how to minimize the impact on your shipping and logistics services, from Lojistic.
- [What Is Outbound Logistics?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-is-outbound-logistics):Outbound logistics encompasses all the steps and roles involved in getting a finished product out the door (or warehouse) into the hands of its end user, whether it's a local, national, or global logistics operation. This includes everything from moving packages across country to moving packages across town, and when done correctly, it's nearly invisible to the consumer.
- [Freight Trade and Shipping History](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/freight-and-shipping-the-history-of-the-transcontinental-railroad):The act of trading, or bartering, involves exchanging one thing for another. For instance, one person may trade a treasured baseball card in his collection for one he likes even more. The people in a bartering transaction must be satisfied with what they will receive in return for what they give. Trading and bartering can be traced back to ancient societies.
- [UPS & FedEx Suspends Service Guarantees Amid Global Pandemic](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-fedex-suspends-service-guarantees-amid-global-pandemic):The global novel coronavirus pandemic has created great uncertainty all over the world. The disruptions to travel and commerce has led UPS and FedEx to suspend all service guarantees for Express, Ground and Freight for both Domestic and International shipments immediately and until further notice. This means that UPS and FedEx will no longer honor their promise to give you a refund when your shipments are delivered late.
- [The Hidden Benefits Of A Parcel Audit](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/the-hidden-benefits-of-a-parcel-audit):A parcel audit is a great risk-free way to find out if you’re overpaying your carriers for invoicing errors and late shipments. They are easily implemented, take little to no operational effort to set-up, and can generate significant savings. But what most shippers don’t know is that a parcel audit (or freight audit) can play a huge role in uncovering other, much larger inefficiencies in your supply chain.
- [The Confusion of UPS and FedEx Discounts](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/the-confusion-of-ups-and-fedex-discounts):There are discounts available from UPS and FedEx for both small and large businesses.  These deals, however, are not standardized.  A company often must be knowledgeable of what level of discount is possible if they are to receive great shipping rates.  Many companies negotiating with shipping carriers will not successfully achieve best-in-class shipping rates due to a lack of information.
- [UPS Reinstates Limited Service Guarantees for Next Day Air and Worldwide Express Services](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/ups-reinstates-limited-service-guarantees-for-next-day-air-and-worldwide-express-services):UPS just announced its plan for a (limited) reinstatement of service guarantees effective April 5, 2021. Although it’s a step in the right direction, don’t cheer just yet. According to the fine print, this ‘reinstatement’ is only applicable to UPS Next Day Air and UPS Worldwide Express services, and it comes with extended delivery times.
- [How the Battle Between FedEx and UPS Affects Your Business](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-the-battle-between-fedex-and-ups-affects-your-business):Whether you are a business that frequently ships parcels all across the country or an individual shipping small parcels to people in your state, you’re most likely to be using one of two major shipping forces - UPS and FedEx.  They have both controlled and been a part of a long-standing oligarchy in the small parcel delivery services industry with few competitors in their way.
- [What are the Steps to Audit Freight Bills?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-are-the-steps-to-audit-freight-bills):If your organization is serious about capturing true value from logistics, lifting it out of the service role and making it a true profit center for your business, you will have to take steps that many more conventional organizations would not bother with. In so doing, you stand to capture millions in savings and contribute to significant gains in your sales and revenue figures based on the excellent performance of your logistics – one of your most important public-facing functions.
- [Modern Day Oligopoly - UPS and FedEx](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/modern-day-oligopoly-ups-and-fedex):Editor's Note: This post has been updated with new links and content. Original Publication Date: March 19, 2011 FedEx and UPS are a modern-day oligopoly. Let’s explain what that means. What Is an Oligopoly?: An oligopoly is essentially a state of limited competition, where a select few sellers or suppliers control a market. You can call it an oligopoly or a duopoly, but the small parcel industry in the US, which is more than one hundred billion dollars a year, is controlled primarily by UPS and FedEx.
- [FedEx 2014 Rate Hikes](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/fedex-2014-rate-hikes):In advance of the 2014 General Price Increase, FedEx Express has announced a 3.9% average increase for US Domestic, US Export and US Import services, effective January 6, 2014.  The FedEx Ground, FedEx Home Delivery and FedEx Smartpost increase will be announced in 4th quarter of this year.  FedEx Freight has already imposed a 4.5% general rate increase, which took effect July 1, 2013.
- [Supply Chain Consulting is the Best Way to Improve Margins](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/supply-chain-consulting):Supply Chain Consulting Defined: Supply chain consulting is a wide range of things, so it varies. This includes understanding how to manage your packaging. It means managing your inbound transportation. Also, this means your own fulfillment, warehousing, and carrier negotiations. So everything from how to make your product to how does it get to where it needs to go.
- [Optimize Freight & Parcel Spend with Logistics Analytics](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/optimize-freight-parcel-spend-with-logistics-analytics):Cut shipping costs, negotiate better carrier agreements, and eliminate inefficiencies with freight logistics analytics reporting tools from Lojistic.
- [Why A Parcel Audit Can Help Your Company Reduce Shipping Costs](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/why-a-parcel-audit-can-help-your-company-reduce-shipping-costs):Reducing shipping costs has become an important point of discussion for many businesses with the recovering economic situation.  However, although it may seem easy to accomplish at first, the actual practice is much tougher to implement as businesses must question whether they need to cut services or shipment options.  The great news is that there are some tried-and-true practices to reducing the final balance on an invoice without having to necessarily cut back services to your customers, which should only be used when completely necessary.
- [The 2016 UPS & FedEx GRI is Live!](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/the-2016-ups-fedex-gri-is-live):The 2016 Fedex and UPS General Rate Increases are now in effect, and we’ve updated our GRI Whitepaper to reflect the changes to come. Need a quick refresher? We’ve got you covered. On Wednesday, September 16, FedEx announced its annual general rate increase (GRI). Effective January 4, 2016, rates will be impacted as follows: FedEx Express will see a 4.
- [Accounting Guide To Freight Charges & Costs](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/when-should-freight-costs-be-recorded-in-accounting):Learn why accounting for freight costs and transportation expenses is such an important part of what it means to monitor your shipping charges, from Lojistic.
- [What is a Parcel Audit?](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-is-a-parcel-audit):Parcel Auditing 101: Take Control of Your Invoices: Shipping invoices frequently contain errors, and if you’re not analyzing yours for accuracy, you could be overlooking some serious savings. Smart businesses conduct regular parcel audits to optimize their shipping operations and ensure they’re not paying carriers a dollar more than they’re due.  Whether you send out a couple of packages a week or a couple thousand, parcel auditing can positively impact your business in a big way.
- [Parcel Auditing Can Provide Visibility Over Small Parcel Carriers](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/shipping-distribution-visibility-for-small-parcel-carriers):If your company ships a significant amount of small parcel packages, it is a good idea to utilize excellent shipping distribution visibility tools. Ideally, that means real-time shipment status, as well as having location and delivery time information available to customers, suppliers and third-party logistics providers. Some parcel audit companies can help here. There are shipping management applications that provide reliable, efficient small parcel and LTL shipment manifesting for your distribution operations.
- [The Truth About UPS SurePost And FedEx SmartPost Destiny](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/the-truth-about-ups-surepost-and-fedex-smartpost-destiny):UPS SurePost And FedEx SmartPost Pros vs Cons: UPS SurePost and FedEx SmartPost both have their pros and cons and I'm here to talk about that today. A key advantage of using UPS SurePost and FedEx SmartPost lies in their affordability. When compared to traditional ground shipping methods, you will notice that these two services are noticeably more cost-effective.
- [Mastering Logistics, Shipping Costs & Freight Optimization: A Comprehensive Guide](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/mastering-logistics-shipping-costs-freight-optimization-a-comprehensive-guide):Explore the booming global logistics industry—worth €8.4T in 2021 and set to surpass €13.7T by 2027—and learn how to master logistics management.
- [LTL in Freight: Definition & Implications](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/what-is-ltl-shipping):Carpooling and LTL shipping have a lot in common. With carpooling, you save on gas, reduce your carbon footprint, and even contribute to breaking up traffic jams. Sure, the drive might take a little longer, considering there’s an extra bladder to account for and a detour here and there. But the cost of gas is split and that carpool lane is a savior on long road trips.
- [How to Find New Shippers for Moving Freight](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/how-to-find-new-shippers-for-moving-freight):Freight shippers vary a great deal in what they can offer your organization, and you might find yourself replacing old shippers or looking for new ones for a wide variety of reasons. A freight shipper may have a great record of performance, but may be unable to meet all of your needs as your business grows.
- [Learn How to Become a FedEx and UPS Power User!](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/learn-how-to-become-a-fedex-and-ups-power-user):Two of Lojistic’s finest, Bryan Van Suchtelen and James Matthews, will be appearing as speakers at this year’s Parcel Forum in Dallas, Texas! They are speaking on September 14 from 8:00 – 8:50AM and will guide attendees through unique ways of using UPS and FedEx to reduce shipping costs. Some key learning objectives will be zone skipping, hybrid solutions, GPOs and more.
- [The Final (DIM) Countdown (194…166…139…???)](https://www.lojistic.com/blog/the-final-dim-countdown-194166139):During a discussion about the various iterations of dimensional weight in our presentation at the 2016 Parcel Forum in Dallas, I made the (ahem… dare I say ‘bold’) prediction that at some point the carriers will align the domestic and international dim divisors rather than having unique divisors for each. Little did I know that just one week later, FedEx would proclaim that very change in their 2017 rate announcement (mental note – buy a lottery ticket tonight).