parcel shipping delivery scan

Uncertainty the Watchword Heading Into UPU Congress

| Mike O'Brien

With a showdown looming over international postal rates at a Sept. 24 congress of the Universal Postal Union, uncertainty reigns in terms of the United States’ continued participation in the organization, leaving merchants wondering about parcel shipping rates heading into peak season. Consolidators are making contingency plans.

UPS, shipping, financial results, operations and fulfillment, FedEx, TNT

UPS Announces 2016 General Rate Increase of 4.9% to 5.2%

| Rob Martinez

Effective December 28, UPS Ground rates and accessorial charges will increase by an average net 4.9%, and UPS Air and International services and accessorials, including UPS Air Freight rates within and between the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, will increase an average net 5.2%.

Amazon, Amazon Prime, omnichannel retail, two-day delivery, same-day delivery

Amazon Price Hike to Have Limited Effect on Subscribers

| Erin Lynch

Amazon announced late last week during its fourth quarter conference call to investors that it was planning on raising its Amazon Prime annual subscription of $79 to potentially $99 or even $119. Even though the increase may seem steep, many experts are saying the move will not hurt business.

Amazon Sunday Delivery Offers USPS New Revenue

| Daniela Forte

Amazon’s recently-announced partnership with the U.S. Postal Service, which expands delivery offerings for Amazon Prime members to include Sundays, offers a promise of much needed revenue for the USPS and improves its relevancy in the parcel delivery business.