U.S. Postal Service, USPS, UPS, Parcel Select, shipping and delivery

U.S. Postal Service Again Posts Parcel Gains, But Overall Loss

| Mike O'Brien

The U.S. Postal Service reported operating revenue of $17.7 billion in Q2, up $788 million or 4.7% from 2015. The increase was primarily due to an 11.4% gain in shipping and package volume and pricing changes. While the USPS keeps posting double-digit parcel gains, it continues to drown in pension-driven red ink, with a $2 billion quarterly net loss, up from $1.5 billion a year ago.

8 Steps to Improving Inventory Management and the Bottom Line

| Gary C. Smith

Even the most efficient multichannel merchant often struggles with managing excess inventory. Common practices such as discounting or liquidation devalue products and undermine sales. And ecommerce makes it easier for shoppers to find cut-rate products. Here are 8 steps to help you avoid the biggest inventory management mistakes and come out on top.

UPS Follows Suit With FedEx, Charges More for Large Parcels

| Mike O'Brien

Following on the heels of FedEx’s move earlier this year, UPS plans to update its fee structure for larger parcels, decreasing the size of items that incur an extra $10.50 handling charge. Under the new rule, packages with a long side of 48″ or more will be subject to the charge as of June 6. The previous threshold was 60″.

Amazon Strikes Deal with Atlas Air, Takes Stake in Company

| Mike O'Brien

Continuing its relentless push into logistics to shore up carrier network capacity issues, Amazon has struck a deal with major air transport firm Atlas Air of Purchase, NY, leasing 20 of its Boeing 767-300 jets and taking up to a 30% stake in the company. Atlas is also a supplier of transport planes to UPS.

Build or Buy Best of Breed Software – What’s Right for You?

| Curt Barry

At the recent Operations Summit 2016, a panel on warehouse software strategy was effective because each participant articulated a radically different approaches to order management and warehouse management functionality. Learn about each one and why it clicked for the organization.