FedEx to Increase Fuel Surcharges Effective Feb. 2
As it is losing money from fuel surcharge revenue due to falling oil prices, FedEx plans to increase its fuel surcharge rates on Feb. 2, effectively putting them in line with rates from rival UPS.
Operations & Fulfillment
USPS Exceeds Holiday Delivery Projections
The U.S. Postal Service exceeded its holiday delivery projections for 2014. See what steps the USPS took for both retailers and customers.
Automating the Web of Shipping Options
Shipping cost and speed is reliant upon a number of factors like distance, package weight and size, so determining the fastest, cheapest way to ship an item is not a straightforward task. But there are features that you can look for in your ecommerce platform that simplify the process by doing much, or all, of the work for you.
Step Up Your Returns Experience
Handling returns appropriately will do wonders for your reputation and build trust in the long run, and falling behind can become a customer service nightmare. Here are some suggestions to make your returns experience a positive one for both you and your customers.
USPS Inspector General Says Sunday Delivery Inefficient
The USPS OIG said the USPS has been inefficient in handling Sunday deliveries for major customer Amazon, leading to over $350,000 in additional costs.
Google Express Seeing Holiday Gains in Battle with Amazon
Google is seeing gains in its Google Express same-day delivery service this holiday season, as it looks to claw back ecommerce search traffic lost to Amazon.com because more consumers are going there for product research.
According to Google, as cited in an article by Bloomberg, Google Express handled 50% more toys in the two weeks after the Thanksgiving holiday, while sales of books rose more than 30%.
An eBay Local Pilot Grows in Brooklyn
eBay said 83 businesses – including online merchants as well as retailers with physical stores – have joined its eBay Local pilot program in Brooklyn, NY., offering a range of delivery options, including $5 same-day and in-store pickup, to consumers through eBay’s website and mobile apps.
The Brooklyn trial is taking place as the company shifts the focus of Amazon Local more toward its core marketplace sellers, with less emphasis on major retailers.
Down to the Wire for Seasonal Shipping Peak 2014
As the 2014 retail seasonal shipping peak roars to a close, the major carriers are seeing their numerous upgrades and investments put to the test.
Belk Renews Contract with eBay Enterprise for Customer Service Management
eBay Enterprise announced an extended multiyear agreement with department store chain Belk Inc. to provide Belk with multi-site customer support.
Free Shipping Day No Longer a Big Deal
The idea of Free Shipping Day used to be a bigger deal. Now it’s more the exception than special. Amazon has trained people that they’re going to get not just free shipping, but fast free shipping, all the time. And that’s why Free Shipping Day has become a thing of the past.