The first half of this year has been filled with a number of challenges and new opportunities for supply chains. The pandemic has changed the volume and pace at which consumers are purchasing products. As a result, logistics professionals have been identifying ways they can pick up the pace of their operations without sacrificing quality. Technology has been at the forefront of possible solutions.
Here are some challenges to keep an eye on as we head into the remainder of 2021:
Challenges
Changing Consumer Demand
Consumer preferences and priorities have changed significantly this year. Shoppers are looking to make practical purchases with a fair price tag. While the occasional splurge isn’t out of the question, consumers need to feel like the product is genuinely worth it. Online reviews are especially important when it comes time to make a purchase decision. Detailed videos of product overviews and opinions from people who actually own and use the product are available online in a number of forms, making them easy to watch.
Faster Delivery Pace
Nearly all companies are sensitive to the speed of their final mile delivery process. Consumers have grown to expect a quick turnaround after placing an order online. Access to detailed tracking information with real-time status updates is also important. Quick deliveries and accurate status information that’s available to customers is essential.
Supply Chain Strength
Both of the challenges described above feed into the need for a strong supply chain with seamless operations. In order to keep up with heightened expectations, higher order volumes and faster shipping requirements, supply chains must work efficiently while maintaining quality. With so many moving parts involved, improving supply chain operations can be difficult.
Leveraging Technology to Overcome Obstacles
Luckily, there is a technology platform with the ability to answer these challenges and more. A transportation management system (TMS) makes it possible for shippers to save time and money while improving operational efficiencies. By implementing Kuebix TMS into their logistics operation, shippers can ensure their supply chains are running as smoothly as possible. Kuebix TMS is cloud-based and can scale to accommodate the size of any growing business. Users can leverage the rate comparison feature to view their options side by side and make the best informed decision. Detailed reports and dashboards help users take a closer look at their business and identify areas with potential for improvement. Kuebix TMS users can seamlessly integrate with Trimble Visibility to access real-time tracking information down to the SKU level and actionable analytics.
New challenges and trends will always exist in the supply chain. It’s up to logistics professionals to respond in a way that not only helps them adapt, but accelerates their growth into the future. The best way to do this is by implementing a TMS into your supply chain!
https://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/SC-Tech-Blog-Image-Screenshot.png8081133Sammi Guillenhttp://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FW-Kuebix-Web-Logo-300x138.pngSammi Guillen2021-05-26 10:02:292021-05-26 10:30:14Overcoming Challenges in the Supply Chain with Technology
Keeping freight costs down while maintaining efficient logistics operations is no small task. Consumers are relying heavily on e-commerce in the wake of Covid-19 and aren’t sacrificing their heightened expectations. The transportation industry is struggling to keep up with the surge in order volume with a limited number of truck drivers. Supply chains are one of the largest cost centers for businesses, so finding ways to save on truckload freight is a top priority.
Here are 9 ways to save money on truckload shipping:
1. Improve Internal Efficiency
One of the easiest ways to save money is by streamlining logistics operations. Leveraging a transportation management system will help save time rating, booking and tracking orders. Replacing traditional methods with a transportation management system will eliminate tedious and repetitive tasks, cutting labor costs and saving time that can be reallocated into other areas important for operations
2. Increase Lead Time
Increasing the lead time of full truckload shipments will help companies save on shipping costs. Working a few days in advance helps companies avoid higher rates for last-minute capacity and gives them a wider selection of carriers to choose from. Carriers will be able to better manage their time and plan routes more effectively, all of which contribute to meeting consumer expectations.
3. Eliminate Manual Entry and Paper Trails
Recording everything by hand and calling carriers for every truckload shipment is old-fashioned and inefficient. Additionally, these traditional processes hold a higher risk for mistakes made due to human error. If the incorrect order quantity or weight is recorded, paperwork is likely to get messed up and getting paid gets complicated.
Instead, companies who implement a transportation management system (TMS) can integrate it with an ERP system like Microsoft Dynamics or NetSuite. An integration between a TMS and an ERP allows information to travel automatically between the systems and ensure that BOLs are correct every time. With an ERP integration, logistics professionals can avoid wasting time bouncing back and forth between systems and re-keying information.
4. Treat Carriers Well
It’s important for companies to treat carriers with the same level of respect as they would any other partner. Getting carriers in and out of the yard quickly by clarifying expectations (i.e. who is unloading the truck) and paying bills on time should be a priority.
5. Monitor Accessorials
Accessorials are a tricky thing for most companies to manage. They are difficult to budget and often have spend that goes unnoticed until it’s too late. In order to keep overall truckload costs down, companies should constantly monitor and evaluate their accessorial charges. Find the root cause of carriers being told the wrong weight and address it. Communicating about any complications ahead of time will result in lower charges than if the carrier discovers them mid-trip.
6. Leverage Volume
Truckload shippers are in a unique position to leverage volume. Instead of working with dozens of different carriers and only giving each one a small percentage of their volume, truckload shippers should identify preferred carriers and establish routine, reliable lanes with them. Preferred carriers may be able to offer truckload shippers a discounted rate based on the fact that it’s repeat business. This strategy is a win for everyone involved – truckload shippers maintain enough capacity to ship their routes more efficiently, resulting in better service to the end customer.
7. Leverage Kuebix Community Load Match
Circumstances where regular or preferred carriers can’t fulfill a truckload that needs to be shipped will always exist. Maybe it’s a last-minute shipment or maybe it’s going to a new destination. Whatever the case, sometimes companies need to find truckload capacity fast. A situation like this works best when a full truckload spot market is available. Spot markets are places where companies can go to have different carriers bid on their freight. From there, they can select the best bid and book their freight.
Kuebix Community Load Match connects users with its extensive carrier community from Trimble’s network of 1.3 million commercial trucks, digital freight matching services and brokers to satisfy every truckload need. Users can input their shipping parameters and freight information and view carriers with available capacity in the lanes they requested. By comparing every option on a single platform, users can be sure they’re getting the best rate for their freight and maintain control over their logistics operations.
8. Stay Flexible
The supply chain industry requires teams to be ready for anything, including unforeseen circumstances like inclement weather or mechanical failure. Visibility down to the SKU level for orders helps companies react to situations they can’t plan for. Having all of the information regarding shipments in one place helps make answering questions like ‘Where’s my order?’ or ‘When is the truck arriving?’ easy.
Staying flexible goes beyond handling negative situations. Companies should aim to always be flexible when booking their truckload shipments. Orders with specific due dates are often flexible in terms of what time they get dropped off. Companies who work with all available options are able to discover the best rates for each and every shipment!
9. Leverage Analytics
Analytics on truckload shipments empower companies to make strategic decisions that will benefit their operations. Reports can reflect important information about carriers like their OTD percentage. Analytics down to the SKU level also help companies calculate their freight cost per item and determine if they are making enough of a profit. With a TMS, all of these different metrics and more are captured in one place for easy analysis.
https://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Save-Money-on-Truckload-Shipping-Kuebix.jpg13652048Sammi Guillenhttp://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FW-Kuebix-Web-Logo-300x138.pngSammi Guillen2020-08-11 08:31:362020-08-11 11:48:009 Ways to Save Money on Truckload Shipping
Food and beverage companies produce and distribute essential products every day. The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in food shoppers buying supplies for a longer period of time (ex. shopping for 2 weeks at a time instead of 1) and purchasing products such as toilet paper, paper towels and disinfectant wipes in bulk. Practicing new skills like baking banana bread and sourdough bread have become popular ways to pass time. A recent study by Acosta revealed that 50% of respondents are spending more on groceries than they did pre-pandemic. Below are just a few of the elements challenging food and beverage supply chains as they race to keep up with heightened consumer demand.
Temperature Control Needed for Freshness
Not all products are able to travel in a standard truck responsible for the delivery of many different types of freight. Some food and beverage products must be stored at a specific temperature. Failing to meet the optimal conditions can result in the degradation of the quality of food and render products unsellable. To meet the needs of these products, shippers have to use refrigerated trucks. Making sure that a temperature-controlled truck is available and able to fit all of the required products is an added process for logistics professionals to consider.
Products Sensitive to Expiration Dates
Nearly all food and beverage products have an expiration date on their label. While non-perishable items offer more flexibility in terms of when they hit the shelves, products like fresh produce and vegetables are not as forgiving. Time-sensitive products must be moved efficiently to ensure they reach their final destination in a condition that’s prime for selling. Shoppers want fresh vegetables and produce that will remain fresh for a period of time even after purchasing. It’s up to food and beverage companies to make sure their perishable products are in the right place at the right time.
Rapidly Expanding Product Variety
Consumers are starting to gravitate towards healthier products made of fewer ingredients. However, they are not interested in compromising on taste. Manufacturers are constantly adjusting to consumer taste and preferences which creates a wider variety of products. For example, a product as simple as yogurt now dominates the refrigerated aisle of grocery stores to accommodate different flavor preferences and dietary restrictions (oat, almond and soy bases to substitute for dairy). With each new product comes new storage and transportation specifications, making it even more complex for supply chains to keep stores stocked.
How Technology Can Help Keep Food & Beverage Supply Chains Moving
Food and beverage businesses are juggling unique challenges within their industry and those brought on by Covid-19. Implementing technology like Kuebix TMS into their supply chains gives power back to the shipper and lightens their workload. With Kuebix TMS, food and beverage companies can rate, book and track their shipments in a single system. Kuebix TMS gives users complete visibility and control over their logistics operations, making it easier than ever to keep even the busiest supply chains moving. Real-time tracking information and detailed analytics empower shippers to improve their customer service and make better informed decisions.
The terms less-than-truckload (LTL) and full-truckload (FTL) get thrown around often within the shipping and logistics community. However, newcomers may find themselves at a loss for what these terms actually mean. To clear this up, we are breaking down each term individually before directly comparing them so that you can choose the best shipping modes for your freight. Understanding the difference will help you make better freight choices.
Freight Shipping
First and foremost, it’s important to know what freight shipping actually is. The term freight shipping refers to the paid process of shipping goods by ground, sea, or air. Freight is typically composed of goods that are being transported to another location in bulk. Two subcategories that fall under the umbrella of freight shipping are less than truckload (LTL) shipments and full truckload (FTL) shipments.
Less Than Truckload (LTL) Shipping
Less than truckload freight shipments, commonly abbreviated as LTL, are shipments that exceed the size limit required to be able to ship as a single package through the mail (a parcel shipment). Despite being too large for a parcel carrier, less than truckload shipments are too small to fill an entire semi-truck trailer, leaving lots of wasted space and contributing to “empty miles.” In order for shipping to be mutually beneficial between the shippers and trucking companies, carriers often ship multiple LTL shipments together to make the trip economically sensible. This way trailers aren’t traversing our highways carrying only air.
Benefits
• Lessen environmental impact
This method of ‘carpooling’ with LTL shipments from other companies reduces the impact transportation has on the environment. Less fuel is used when fewer trucks are needed to transport the same number of total shipments.
• Decrease warehouse expenses
By adopting LTL shipping, companies relieve themselves of the stress that comes with having too much product built up in their warehouse or staged at their docks. Through shipping consistently, companies are able to keep less in their warehouse and also keep a more accurate inventory as a result.
• Minimizes costs on smaller shipments
Traditionally, the lowest rates are reserved for shippers that can fill the entire semi-truck trailer and qualify for full truckload rates. LTL shipping gives companies that aren’t able to fill an entire truck the opportunity to minimize costs by consolidating their freight with other company’s freight. With LTL shipping, companies only pay for the weight of their freight and the space it uses on the trailer.
Full Truckload (FTL or TL) Shipping
Conversely, full truckload shipments (abbreviated FTL or TL) are large enough to fill up an entire semi-truck trailer. Unlike LTL shipments which might ride alongside other shipments, FTL freight is contracted to one carrier and rides alone, meaning there don’t need to be extra stops along the way. This reduces the number of “touches” and reduces the likelihood of damages. When there is enough freight to qualify for a full truckload rate, this is usually the most economical choice.
Benefits
• Save money on larger shipments
If you have enough freight to fill an entire trailer, a FTL shipment will be the most efficient mode. It’s less expensive to ship a single FTL shipment when compared to splitting up the freight into multiple LTL shipments.
• Lower risk of damage
Shipping a full truckload means that from start to finish, your freight will remain in the same semi-truck trailer. This simplifies the transportation process and eliminates the potential risks associated with LTL shipments being handed off to other trucks along their route. Decreasing the number of “touches” freight undergoes during transport reduces risk.
• Ship products faster
When shipping FTL, the only factors considered in the truck’s route are the origin of the freight and its final destination. With LTL, there may be multiple origins and final destinations involved that can lengthen the travel time and impact delivery times as a result. FTL shipments ensure that freight is arriving as quickly as possible by traveling from point A to point B.
Which Should I Choose, LTL or FTL?
LTL and FTL shipping are both beneficial types of freight shipping. For smaller shipments that are too big to be shipped parcel, LTL shipping is often the best choice. For larger shipments that are able to completely fill or almost fill an entire truck, FTL is less expensive. Both are acceptable options when thinking about how to ship your freight, but each has specific scenarios in which they are most beneficial to the shipper.
It is always a good idea to compare the freight rates of multiple LTL or FTL carriers to choose the carrier with the best rate and service level for your shipment.
Why Should You Compare Your Freight Rates?
Comparing rates is the best method to avoid overpaying. Whether shipping LTL or FTL, different carriers will offer different freight rates and service levels and it’s important to shop around. Looking into what’s available often makes way for the discovery of less expensive rates or particular lanes that have the ability to speed up delivery. Prices constantly fluctuate and what initially seems like the better option may not be best in the end.
How Can a Transportation Management System Help?
Leveraging technology is the easiest way to ensure that you are shipping your freight most efficiently. By utilizing a transportation management system like Kuebix TMS, shippers can compare all of their negotiated and spot rates within a single platform. With the ability to compare rates instantly, shippers have the power to book confidently and quickly.
Kuebix TMS users can also leverage Community Load Match which provides complementary truckload rate assessments to ensure they’re making strategic truckload shipping decisions. Kuebix Community Load Match provides shippers with an alternative source of truckload capacity and allows carriers to fill their trucks!
Apart from acting as a vehicle for finding and booking better FTL rates, transportation management systems also simplify everyday shipping operations. Users can integrate ERP systems such as NetSuite and Microsoft Dynamics to increase operational efficiencies and remove the risk of human error. With an ERP integration, orders flow seamlessly between Kuebix and the external platform to reduce manual error and speed up operations.
Many companies also use optimization technology in their TMS to combine LTL shipments into FTL shipments for greater efficiencies and cost savings. Kuebix TMS offers a variety of advanced functionalities including Order and Route Optimizer, which optimizes shipments for maximum rate and route efficiency.
Check out this case study with Hanover Foods to learn how their utilization of Kuebix saved over $1 million in freight spend!
https://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/shutterstock_428151925.jpg30006000Sammi Guillenhttp://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FW-Kuebix-Web-Logo-300x138.pngSammi Guillen2020-06-11 12:00:042020-06-11 16:54:37LTL and FTL Shipping: What’s the Difference?
This year’s Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Mondayretail sales broke records. According to Shopify, over 25.5 million consumers made a purchase from a Shopify merchant on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or in between. Shoppers spent an average of $83.05 per order and focused heavily on makeup, mobile phone accessories and jackets. Cell phones dominated the holiday shopping season with 69% of sales made on phones or tablets.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales reached over $2.9 billion, a huge success in comparison to last year’s $1.8 billion. It’s estimated that at the peak of the shopping frenzy, shoppers were spending over $1.5 million per minute!
The Aftermath
Now that orders have been placed, they must be delivered. As a shipper, you should ask yourself the following questions:
• Can your logistics operation keep up with the velocity of orders speeding through your e-commerce engine?
• Will you have to pay expedited freight charges to make sure customers get their orders on-time?
• Can you quickly find capacity with your contracted carriers to stay ahead of demand?
• Can you easily contract with carriers for any mode to book a load?
• Can you effortlessly compare your contracted rates to the spot market to find a better rate?
• Once the holiday rush is all over, can you look historically at shipment data to find areas for improvement?
With Kuebix’s transportation management system (TMS), shippers can do all of the above – and more!
Kuebix Shipper is a free TMS that allows shippers of any size to rate, book and track shipments via LTL, TL and Parcel – all in about the time it takes to purchase an airline flight online. Join our online global community of shippers to help match demand with capacity during this busy holiday season.
Kuebix Business Pro is a full-service TMS for multiple users with advanced analytics and carrier scorecards, freight bill audit and pay, claims management and integrations with other solutions. Using Kuebix Business Pro during the busy holiday season allows you to uncover rate exceptions and discrepancies for added savings; integrate your order management system for streamlined transport planning; and leverage analytics to reduce freight spend.
Kuebix Enterprise is a configurable TMS that offers advanced applications to meet your logistics operation’s needs. Managed services provide shippers partnerships with Kuebix freight experts to uncover even greater efficiencies and savings, with full-tracking and visibility of your freight from the dock to your customer’s doorstep.
By choosing the right TMS, retailers can keep up with the exponential growth of their e-commerce operations during this holiday season and beyond!
https://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/cybermondayfeaturedimage.png13554167Sammi Guillenhttp://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FW-Kuebix-Web-Logo-300x138.pngSammi Guillen2019-12-16 17:09:152019-12-16 17:10:28Did Black Friday/Cyber Monday Tax Your Logistics Operation?
Have you ever been driving on the highway and wondered what kind of freight was on the truck beside you? Unless it’s a clearly defined Coca-Cola or retail branded truck, you probably have no clue. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top ground freight commodity types shipped by truck in each of the 50 states! Check out the top three commodity types in your state to guess what you might be passing on the highway.
Curious about other types of freight? Check out this dashboard from explore.dot.gov
Top Three Ground Freight Commodities Transported via Truck Between Oct 2018 – September 2019 (by value & weight)
Alabama
By Value
Mineral Fuels
Vehicles Other than Railway
Electrical Machinery
By Weight
Mineral Fuels
Iron and Steel
Salt; Sulfur; Plaster and Cement
Alaska
By Value
Iron and Steel
Vehicles
Electrical Machinery
By Weight
Salt; Sulfur; Plaster and Cement
Iron and Steel
Vehicles
Arizona
By Value
Electrical Machinery
Vegetables and Roots
Computer Parts
By Weight
Vegetables and Roots
Fruit and Nuts
Inorganic Chemicals
Arkansas
By Value
Electrical Machinery
Vehicles
Computer Parts
By Weight
Iron and Steel
Electrical Machinery
Computer Parts
California
By Value
Vehicles
Electrical Machinery
Computer Parts
By Weight
Mineral Fuels
Vegetables and Roots
Fruit and Nuts
Colorado
By Value
Computer Parts
Electrical Machinery
Vehicles
By Weight
Computer Parts
Electrical Machinery
Vegetables and Roots
Connecticut
By Value
Pearls; Stones; Metals and Imitation Jewelry
Zinc
Electrical Machinery
By Weight
Zinc and Articles
Copper and Articles
Sugars and Confectionery
Delaware
By Value
Works of Art and Antiques
Measuring and Testing Instruments
Electrical Machinery
By Weight
Salt; Sulfur; Plaster and Cement
Mineral Fuels
Electrical Machinery
Florida
By Value
Vehicles
Electrical Machinery
Computer Parts
By Weight
Salt; Sulfur; Plaster and Cement
Fruit and Nuts
Vehicles
Georgia
By Value
Electrical Machinery
Vehicles
Computer Parts
By Weight
Beverages
Sugar and Confectionery
Computer Parts
Hawaii
By Value
Computer Parts
Measuring and Testing Instruments
Electrical Machinery
By Weight
Beverages
Computer Parts
Electrical Machinery
Idaho
By Value
Vegetables and Roots
Vehicles
Electrical Machinery
By Weight
Fruit and Nuts
Preparations of Vegetables; Fruits and Nuts
Vegetables and Roots
Illinois
By Value
Beverages
Electrical Machinery
Computer Parts
By Weight
Beverages
Mineral Fuels
Electrical Machinery
Indiana
By Value
Computer Parts
Electrical Machinery
Vehicles
By Weight
Computer Parts
Electrical Machinery
Vehicles
Iowa
By Value
Vehicles
Computer Parts
Electrical Machinery
By Weight
Vehicles
Computer Parts
Furniture
Kansas
Aircraft
Electrical Machinery
Special Classification Provisions
By Weight
Iron and Steel
Computer Parts
Rubber and Articles
Kentucky
By Value
Computer Parts
Vehicles
Electrical Machinery
By Weight
Computer Parts
Salt; Sulfur; Plaster and Cement
Vehicles
Louisiana
By Value
Mineral Fuels
Vehicles
Iron and Steel
By Weight
Mineral Fuels
Salt; Sulfur; Plaster and Cement
Iron and Steel
Maine
By Value
Aluminum and Articles
Vehicles
Not Knitted or Crocheted Apparel
By Weight
Aluminum and Articles
Vehicles
Vegetables and Roots
Maryland
By Value
Vehicles
Electrical Machinery
Computer Parts
By Weight
Sugars and Sugar Confectionery
Salt; Sulfur; Plaster and Cement
Vehicles
Massachusetts
By Value
Electrical Machinery
Measuring and Testing Instruments
Computer Parts
By Weight
Paper and Paperboard
Measuring and Testing Instruments
Electrical Machinery
Michigan
By Value
Vehicles
Computer Parts
Electrical Machinery
By Weight
Vehicles
Computer Parts
Salt; Sulfur; Plaster and Cement
Minnesota
By Value
Computer Parts
Measuring and Testing Instruments
Electrical Machinery
By Weight
Fruit and Nuts
Computer Parts
Iron and Steel
Mississippi
By Value
Electrical Machinery
Vehicles
Computer Parts
By Weight
Iron and Steel
Organic Chemicals
Electrical Machinery
Missouri
By Value
Electrical Machinery
Vehicles
Computer Parts
By Weight
Electrical Machinery
Computer Parts
Glass
Montana
By Value
Vehicles
Tobacco
Computer Parts
By Weight
Vehicles
Tobacco
Computer Parts
Nebraska
By Value
Vehicles
Computer Parts
Electrical Machinery
By Weight
Iron and Steel
Vehicles
Inorganic Chemicals
Nevada
By Value
Electrical Machinery
Beverages
Toys; Games and Sport Equipment
By Weight
Beverages
Miscellaneous Articles of Base Metals
Electrical Machinery
New Hampshire
By Value
Computer Parts
Electrical Machinery
Measuring and Testing Instruments
By Weight
Computer Parts
Electrical Machinery
Measuring and Testing Instruments
New Jersey
By Value
Electrical Machinery
Measuring and Testing Instruments
Cereals and Flour
By Weight
Cereals and Flour
Fruit and Nuts
Electrical Machinery
New Mexico
By Value
Measuring and Testing Instruments
Computer Parts
Electrical Machinery
By Weight
Vegetables and Roots
Live Animals
Plastics and Articles
New York
By Value
Computer Parts
Electrical Machinery
Beverages
By Weight
Electrical Machinery
Computer Parts
Salt; Sulfur; Plaster and Cement
North Carolina
By Value
Computer Parts
Electrical machinery
Plastics and Articles
By Weight
Plastics and Articles
Organic Chemicals
Vehicles
North Dakota
By Value
Vehicles
Electrical Machinery
Computer Parts
By Weight
Vehicles
Iron and Steel
Computer Parts
Ohio
By Value
Computer Parts
Vehicles
Electrical Machinery
By Weight
Computer Parts
Vehicles
Electrical Machinery
Oklahoma
By Value
Vehicles
Computer Parts
Electrical Machinery
By Weight
Vehicles
Article of Iron and Steel
Iron and Steel
Oregon
By Value
Vehicles
Electrical Machinery
Computer Parts
By Weight
Salt; Sulfur; Plaster and Cement
Iron and Steel
Vehicles
Pennsylvania
By Value
Vehicles
Electrical Machinery
Computer Parts
By Weight
Vehicles
Electrical Machinery
Computer Parts
Rhode Island
By Value
Vehicles
Measuring and Testing Instruments
Computer Parts
By Weight
Vehicles
Computer Parts
Articles of Iron and Steel
South Carolina
By Value
Vehicles
Electrical Machinery
Computer Parts
By Weight
Vehicles
Electrical Machinery
Computer Parts
South Dakota
By Value
Vehicles
Computer Parts
Paper and Paperboard
By Weight
Salt; Sulfur; Plaster and Cement
Paper and Paperboard
Computer Parts
Tennessee
By Value
Vehicles
Computer Parts
Electrical Machinery
By Weight
Vehicles
Computer Parts
Electrical Machinery
Texas
By Value
Computer Parts
Electrical Machinery
Vehicles
By Weight
Mineral Fuels
Salt; Sulfur; Plaster and Cement
Vehicles
Utah
By Value
Pearls; Stones; Metals and Imitation Jewelry
Vehicles
Electrical Machinery
By Weight
Vehicles
Cocoa and Cocoa Preparations
Plastics and Articles
Vermont
By Value
Electrical Machinery
Computer Parts
Meat and Edible Offal
By Weight
Electrical Machinery
Meat and Edible Offal
Vehicles
Virginia
By Value
Vehicles
Computer Parts
Electrical Machinery
By Weight
Vehicles
Vegetables and Roots
Computer Parts
Washington
By Value
Vehicles
Computer Parts
Electrical Machinery
By Weight
Salt; Sulfur; Plaster and Cement
Vehicles
Wood and Articles
West Virginia
By Value
Computer Parts
Vehicles
Special Classification Provisions
By Weight
Articles of Iron and Steel
Computer Parts
Vehicles
Wisconsin
By Value
Electrical Machinery
Measuring and Testing Instruments
Computer Parts
By Weight
Electrical Machinery
Computer Parts
Vegetables and Roots
Wyoming
By Value
Computer Parts
Vehicles
Iron and Steel
By Weight
Computer Parts
Articles of Iron and Steel
Iron and Steel
https://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/The-Top-3-Commodities-Shipped-By-Truck-in-all-50-States.jpg36006000Sammi Guillenhttp://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FW-Kuebix-Web-Logo-300x138.pngSammi Guillen2019-12-05 09:59:392019-12-05 13:13:39The Top 3 Commodities Shipped By Truck in all 50 States
Many companies are currently gearing up for the holiday shopping season. Whether they are brick-and-mortar businesses or e-commerce companies, the peak season for many sellers begins in mid-November and ends in early January. This year, the National Retail Federation (NRF)’s annual shopper survey revealed that more than half of consumers said they would shop online.
To keep up with rising customer expectations about home delivery, even traditional brick-and-mortar companies are branching out with e-commerce platforms so as not to lose business. In order to keep up with the pace of holiday shopping, retailers need to be aware of several parcel shipping best practices.
Best Practices for Any Company Shipping Parcel During the 2019 Holiday Season
Know Important Dates During the Holiday Season
The first thing shippers need to be aware of when planning their shipping strategy for the holidays is important shopping dates. These are days when consumers will be expecting to see discounts and when many shoppers will make significant purchases ahead of the holidays. The unofficial holiday shopping season begins on November 11 and ends January 1 (though returns strategies must continue well past then).
Here is a breakdown of important shopping dates to be aware of this year:
• November 11 – Veterans Day
• November 29 – Black Friday
• November 30 – Small Business Saturday
• December 2 – Cyber Monday
• December 14 – Free Shipping Day
These dates are days that many retailers expect heavy shopping volume and consumers expect discounts and promotions. Black Friday and Cyber Monday may be the most well known of all of these days, but Small Business Saturday and Free Shipping Day can be important to businesses holiday revenue as well.
Free Shipping Day, in particular, is gathering steam and may present an opportunity for retailers to win back market share from competitors who offer free shipping year-round. This unofficial holiday is a one-day event that retailers who are shipping parcel can participate in with a pledge to their customers to have products delivered for free ahead of Christmas day.
By offering specific promotions around any of these important shopping days, retailers can capture new business and continue to delight their customers. However, just advertising around important shopping days isn’t enough if the company fails to deliver products in time for specific days. Be aware of these important shipping deadlines when evaluating your logistics process prior to the holiday season.
• November 28 – Thanksgiving
• December 22-30 – Hanukkah
• December 25 – Christmas
• January 1 – New Year’s Eve
These are the most common days consumers expect to receive their parcel deliveries by. If a retailer cannot deliver in time for a specific holiday, the shopper is likely to abandon their cart and look elsewhere to make their purchase.
Leverage a TMS for Greater Parcel Shipping Flexibility
In order to keep up with deliveries ahead of specific holidays, retailers need to have a strategy to keep up with demand and deliver orders on time. This means doing the work ahead of time to have a concrete parcel shipping strategy in place. For many companies, this means connecting with several parcel shipping services.
Being able to quickly access different carriers’ parcel shipping rates through a single platform is essential for companies looking to optimize operations during the holidays. By leveraging a transportation management system (TMS) retailers can quickly and easily compare different parcel rates to ensure that orders are being delivered to customers before holiday deadlines at the lowest rate. This practice also helps companies organize increased order volume and provide their customers with different self-serve delivery options.
Companies with large e-commerce presences may find it beneficial to set up a direct integration between a TMS and e-commerce platform. By doing so, they give their customers the ability to select the shipping rate and delivery length that best suits their needs. This cuts down on the workload for teams and ensures that customers are always satisfied with their parcel delivery experience.
Consider Offering Free Shipping
According to an NRF quarterly Consumer View report, “75 percent of consumers surveyed expect delivery to be free even on orders under $50, up from 68 percent a year ago (2018).” That’s a big deal for retailers looking to see positive growth in online sales this holiday season. The decision to buy or not to buy can easily hinge on whether or not the retailer offers free parcel shipping.
While many may assume that younger consumers are the ones shifting the expectation of free shipping as an e-commerce norm, that assumption is incorrect. The report goes on to state:
“Baby boomers (born 1946-1964) demand free shipping the most, with 88 percent expecting it. That compares with 77 percent for Generation X (1965-1980), 61 percent for millennials (1981-1994) and 76 percent for Generation Z (1995 and later).”
This proves that no matter which segment of the marketplace your company targets, it’s likely a good idea to offer some form of free shipping. Whether it’s free shipping on orders that pass a certain threshold or free shipping on orders with longer lead time.
Insure Yourself Against Poor Service Levels
One pitfall that companies who ship final mile to their customers’ homes face is the missed delivery. Whether the delivery is simply late, it gets damaged in transit, or worst of all, lost, companies run the risk of disappointing their customers and eating the cost of shipping. This can be a lose-lose situation if a plan isn’t put into place ahead of time.
Shipping partners like Pitney Bowes offer 3-day guaranteed delivery that retailers can take advantage of when shipping products via USPS over the holidays. This Guaranteed Delivery program provides shippers with a full refund if their parcel isn’t delivered within the three-day window. This level of security helps companies confidently expand their e-commerce presence without worrying about the possible negative effects that can arise from unpreventable missed deliveries.
Have a Solid Returns Strategy
Even when the major shopping days and holidays are through, logistics and customer service teams across the country will still be hard at work managing the returns process. Pitney Bowes’ 2019 Holiday Readiness Guide details how companies can best manage post-holiday returns with three tips:
Make Returns Fast and Easy
Challenge Your Real Motivations
Make the Label Easy to Find
Essentially, the returns process for parcel orders shouldn’t be something for companies to shy away from. Consumers will appreciate a fast and efficient returns process and are more likely to turn into repeat customers if their returns experience is treated as a priority by the company. Instead of making the process difficult by hiding returns information in the fine print or charging exorbitant shipping fees, companies can win customer loyalty and positively impact their businesses long term by making the process simple.
The 2019 Holiday Shopping Season is Here
As we approach Veteran’s Day on November 11th this year, retailers should keep in mind these parcel shipping best practices so that they can delight their customers and grow their businesses. Any company that ships parcel during the holidays can benefit from being more informed, having plans and strategies ahead of time, connections with different parcel carriers, and a strategy for post-holiday returns. By following these best practices, companies can position themselves for the best chance of success during the 2019 holiday shopping season.
https://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Parcel-Shipping-Best-Practices-for-Companies-Preparing-for-the-2019-Holiday-Shopping-Season.jpg41376225Sammi Guillenhttp://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FW-Kuebix-Web-Logo-300x138.pngSammi Guillen2019-11-06 17:39:172019-11-06 17:39:17Parcel Shipping Best Practices for Companies Preparing for the 2019 Holiday Shopping Season
October is almost here and with it comes seasonal favorites such as apple cider, candy corn and pumpkin spice. With every brand that tries to stay on this theme comes additional supply chain complexities. The chaos of keeping up with consumer demand is already heating up despite holiday season still being a month away!
Data from Grubhub shows the three most popular months for pumpkin and pumpkin-spice-flavored dishes are October, November and September, respectively. Other flavors such as apple cinnamon, pear and maple grow in popularity around this time as well. The five states with the highest number of pumpkin-related orders are California, Oregon, Washington, Ohio and Utah.
While the most common forms of pumpkin treats are baked goods like cakes and cookies, nonconventional businesses are getting in the spirit as well. Spam launched its own Pumpkin Spice Spam this year and sold out within seven hours. Last year Buffalo Wild Wings offered customers a limited-edition pumpkin ale sauce to accompany their infamous chicken wings.
The most challenging part of pre-holiday season is making sure that inventory is in the right place at the right time. Companies who struggle with this face out-of-stocks and missed chances for sales. It can be difficult to predict which seasonal products will resonate with consumers and drive business. It’s important to be able to move product efficiently and minimize operational delays.
Visibility throughout the supply chain also allows shippers to provide accurate and real-time information to retailers and customers alike. Retailers will have accurate information about when they will be restocking and consumers will know when they can expect to receive their product. This additional information allows retailers to provide better customer service and leaves pre-holiday shoppers more satisfied.
Implementing technology into supply chains creates a smoother shipping process for all involved and provides complete visibility throughout the supply chain. Transportation managementsystems (TMS) eliminate operational inefficiencies while providing benefits to all parties. Customers, suppliers and carriers can collaborate on a singular platform with real-time tracking information and side-by-side rate comparisons to save time and money. This is especially important as retailers and distributors gear up for the busy holiday season and start introducing seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice flavors to store shelves!
https://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/shutterstock_478895236.jpg25693853Sammi Guillenhttp://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FW-Kuebix-Web-Logo-300x138.pngSammi Guillen2019-09-27 13:49:312019-09-27 13:51:08Seasonal Flavors Like Pumpkin Spice Add Complexity to Supply Chains Before the Holidays
The growing popularity of e-commerce has led to exponential growth in number of returns. While they have always been an integral part of shopping, online orders are significantly increasing their presence in the retail and e-commerce industries.
E-commerce platform Yotpo reported that 88% of fashion shoppers surveyed have returned fashion items purchased online in the past year. Of those shoppers, 51% have returned between $50 and $500 worth of merchandise. Consumers often order the same product in multiple sizes or a few options with the intention of only keeping one.
Consumers are making more subjective and less-predictable purchases online. Fit and quality are the top two reasons for returns. When looking at an article of clothing online, it’s often hard to tell how it will look and what size is best. The number of returns is expected to increase steadily with the volume of online orders. Businesses are starting to think of ways to make returns an opportunity for profit rather than a traditional expense.
Many retailers are starting to accept the returns of their competitors. Nordstrom recently announced it will now be taking returns from other stores including its competitors Macy’s and Kohl’s. Popular retail stores are starting to realize that returns don’t have to be viewed as a negative. The origin of the return doesn’t diminish Nordstrom’s opportunity to sell to incoming customers.
Kohl’srecently launched a similar program in which it accepts returns for Amazon orders. Amazon’s popularity is often seen as a threat and this unique approach allowed Kohl’s to use it to their advantage. Their pilot stores in Chicago and Los Angeles saw a 9% increase in new customers and an 8% increase in revenue at participating locations. In response, Kohl’s launched the program worldwide. Returns are providing retail stores losing business to e-commerce a second chance at drawing in customers and selling their products.
Happy Returns, a relatively new startup, is offering to ease the operational burden of returns. The company processes, evaluates and batches returns together at several return bars. Consumers are able to make their return in-person and receive an instant refund. Through implementing Happy Returns businesses can stabilize the cost of their returns and easilyreceive and process them.
Businesses driving profit through returns can also benefit from implementing technology into the operational side of their supply chains. A transportation management system (TMS) gives shippers complete visibility through their supply chain with real-time information on the locations of their shipments. ERP integrations, such as those with NetSuite or Microsoft Dynamics, can save logistics professionals the increased time as orders are shipped or returned, simultaneously eliminating the risk of human error. All-in-all, modernizing norms surrounding returns are creating opportunities for companies to generate additional revenue.
https://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Blog_9.20.19.png3251000Sammi Guillenhttp://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FW-Kuebix-Web-Logo-300x138.pngSammi Guillen2019-09-20 13:52:282019-12-18 16:39:40How E-Commerce is Changing Returns
The United Kingdom carried out its largest-ever heroin bust at the Port of Felixstowe last week on August 30. Officers from the Border Force as well as the National Crime Agency (NCA) discovered a shipping container loaded with 1.3 tons of the drug stowed aboard the Maersk Gibraltar. This record-setting bust had a street value of £120 million ($148 million).
News of this discovery was kept silent until authorities could follow the shipping container’s planned path to Antwerp in an attempt to discover more details about those behind the shipment.
“The smugglers had hidden the drugs within a cover load of towels, stitching the 1 kg blocks of heroin inside some of the towels,” said Jenny Sharp, Border Force assistant director at Felixstowe. “In total, it took my officers nearly six hours — working in the early hours of Saturday morning — to remove the drugs.”
Authorities returned the shipping container to the Maersk vessel after removing all of the hidden heroin and proceeded to track the ship’s progress until it docked in the Belgian port city on September 1st. Working collaboratively, the British and Dutch authorities were able to track the container after it made landfall. The shipping container made its way by truck to a warehouse located in Rotterdam where police arrested four people unloading the now empty container.
By foiling the shipment, organized crime syndicates have been denied tens of millions of pounds of profits, marking an impressive win for Europe in the war against drugs.
Is Globalization to Blame?
The world has gotten smaller with the advent of the internet and increased international trade. This phenomenon, often referred to as globalization, has had a marked impact on nearly every economy. As more and more businesses start to operate on an international scale, efficiencies law-abiding shippers receive from moving larger shipments across oceans provide the same cost-saving opportunities to drug smugglers.
According to the report, “Containerization provides trafficking with the same cost- and time-saving transport mechanisms that have allowed the world’s multinational companies to deliver their products quickly and cheaply, penetrate new markets and expand their global customer base.”
Blockchain and Tracking Technologies Can Help Curb Illegal Activity
New technologies like blockchain and advanced tracking systems may make drug smuggling via containers harder for organized crime groups. As technology like RFID, GPS tracking, gate check, and connections through transportation management systems make tracking easier for companies (and by extension the police), it will be harder for smugglers to hide their activity.
Container tracking is still a new frontier for many companies who have been accustomed to limited or zero visibility to their inbound shipments across the ocean. As more and more companies adopt tracking technologies, it becomes easier for everyone to understand exactly where individual containers originated from, stopped, and may have potentially had their contents altered.
The level of international trade we see in 2019 is still a relatively new occurrence. For example, international trade with China was practically non-existent in the 1980’s. Now, China represents trillions of dollars’ worth of global trade. Many manufacturers have moved production offshore to countries with cheaper labor costs as well. Increasing international trade will undoubtedly result in an increase of international smuggling. As technology continues to advance, however, there is hope that new tools will become accessible to every company to help fight drug smuggling.
https://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/UK-Drug-Bust-Port-Shipping-Containers.jpg26593988Sammi Guillenhttp://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FW-Kuebix-Web-Logo-300x138.pngSammi Guillen2019-09-06 14:45:592019-09-09 10:38:39Is Globalization Causing an Increase in Illegal Shipping Container Activity?
Almost every online order fulfilled means another cardboard box shipped to a consumer. It should come as no surprise that cardboard boxes are contributing an unprecedented amount to overall cardboard waste. As environmental concerns grow, companies are beginning to look for sustainable alternatives to ship their products.
Why Cardboard Has Been a Popular Choice for Retailers
The classic cardboard box has dominated the shipping industry since 1890. Retail stores are filled with products encased in dyed paper and plastic packages, but it’s cardboard boxes that got them there. Cardboard boxes started out plain and practical to play their part in the supply chain. However, the rise of e-commerce changed the perspective of companies. Cardboard boxes quickly became an opportunity for establishing a brand.
Popular businesses that support online shopping including Amazon and Target started incorporating their brand name and even playful images or slogans onto their cardboard boxes. These new designs were created with the intention of making an impression on consumers and representing the brand’s purpose to those who didn’t come face-to-face with their store.
New Options for More Sustainable Packaging
Companies are presently being challenged to come up with an environmentally friendly alternative to shipping product in cardboard boxes that still represents their brand. 3M, a manufacturing company operating out of Minnesota, has redesigned bubble wrap to contribute to this change. Their effort is geared towards reducing the amount of packaging needed to ship smaller items. Plastic envelopes lined with bubble wrap are perceived as a better alternative to boxes because they take up less space. Even though the packages are smaller, these envelopes are limited to specific sizes that are sometimes too big for what’s being shipped.
To eliminate these barriers associated with making smarter shipping choices, 3M released its Flex & Seal Shipping Rolls. The material is a padded envelope that is sold on a roll instead of assembled packages. The new design gives consumers the ability to personalize the size of their envelopes to an appropriate size for what they’re shipping. Eliminating the use of oversized envelopes and unnecessary cardboard boxes with Flex & Seal Shipping Rolls will drastically reduce the waste oversized packaging creates.
Happy Returns, a consumer retail and e-commerce return service, is taking a different approach by eliminating boxes and single-use packaging altogether. The company is adopting the use of totes made of recycled plastic to reduce the cardboard waste they create by packaging and shipping return items for consumers. The new reusable container will minimize the amount of cardboardrequired for return shipments by 73% in weight and 92% in area.
Happy Returns and 3M are frontrunners in the effort to reduce packaging waste. E-commerce businesses and retail stores dependent on online sales will follow suit as environmental concerns continue to grow. The next time you order something online, be sure to keep your eye out for a more sustainable form of packaging upon delivery!
https://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/New-Trends-in-Sustainable-Packaging-May-Shake-Up-E-Commerce-Shipping-Kuebix-TMS.jpg36484941Sammi Guillenhttp://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FW-Kuebix-Web-Logo-300x138.pngSammi Guillen2019-08-27 14:50:412019-08-30 14:58:30New Trends in Sustainable Packaging May Shake Up E-Commerce Shipping
Subscription boxes are captivating the attention of consumers all over the globe. They satisfy almost every want and need imaginable (cheese, wine and beer, razors, clothes and makeup, etc.) in an innovative and entertaining way. Box subscribers typically pay a monthly fee for a box that is either ‘curated’ for them, meaning they have no control over what’s inside, or one that is based on their responses to a series of questions.
While the process of signing up and receiving a package monthly is simple for consumers, the supply chain side of subscription boxes is a different story. Traditional e-commerce calls for shipping unique orders from individual customers off as they are received. With subscription boxes, companies have to send up to hundreds of thousands of nearly (if not completely) identical orders within a tight timeframe.
Entrepreneurs adopting this business model often fulfill orders in their homes until their subscriber count outgrows their available space. Options for completing orders of a larger size are dependent on the type of subscription. The popular choice is outsourcing fulfillment and inventory to a third-party logistics company (3PL). Businesses selling monthly subscriptions of alcoholic beverages have to deal with extensive industry subscriptions that can make outsourcing complicated. Conversely, businesses selling feminine hygiene products have no choice but to outsource in order to ensure that they are filling orders in an FDA-compliant factory.
Subscription boxes “don’t change what consumers want, subscriptions get consumers to look at existing products in a new way,” explains Forbes. The element of surprise makes subscription boxes exciting, but they can easily lose subscribers if their products disappoint. Technology has been essential in helping the subscription box industry understand what their customers want from them through questionnaires and discussion forums. Boxes that are ‘curated’ are the safer approach because consumers know exactly what they are signing up for. Those that are at least partially customized face greater risk because they have to convince consumers that they want what’s inside.
Many subscription services offer free returns or even encourage subscribers to only “keep what they want.” Popular subscription boxes like Stich Fix, a fashion box, let buyers try the items on in the comfort of their own home before deciding what to buy and what to return. This means return labels need to be pre-printed and included with every box. Keeping track of which returns belong with which orders puts additional pressure on retailers.
Grocery and meal subscription boxes have also risen in popularity, with varieties to fit every schedule, diet and need. Companies offering subscription services on refrigerated products face the challenge of timing, as they need to keep products fresh in special cooler-like packaging. Knowing ahead of time the total number of orders is helpful for logistics professionals, but juggling thousands of individualized orders presents a new challenge for an industry that traditionally only shipped to grocery stores.
Beyond helping gage customer interest, technology plays a huge part in keeping the unique supply chain of subscription boxes organized. Adopting a transportation management systems (TMS) can help parcel shippers gain visibility over their supply chains. Detailed tracking information makes it easier for companies to ensure that their subscription boxes are being delivered on time. Not to mention keep subscribers informed as they eagerly await the arrival of their next subscription box!
https://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/shutterstock_380086414-1.jpg32664899Sammi Guillenhttp://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FW-Kuebix-Web-Logo-300x138.pngSammi Guillen2019-08-22 14:53:012019-08-22 14:53:01Subscription Boxes are Changing Supply Chains
FedEx is breaking up with Amazon as the e-commerce giant continues to make waves in the shipping industry. The carrier announced that it will choose not to renew its ground freight contract with Amazon for any final mile delivery, effective September 2019. This comes only 2 months after FedEx announced that it would end Express air shipments with the e-commerce company. Amazon made up roughly 1.3% of FedEx’s total sales in 2018.
Here’s what you need to know about why FedEx and Amazon have officially parted ways.
Amazon’s Bid to Transform the Shipping Industry
It’s no secret that Amazon has ushered in an era or super-fast, super-convenient online shopping. The company has become the #1 e-commerce platform, bringing in close to $232 billion U.S. dollars in 2018 net sales. By promising Prime members free, 2-day shipping on thousands of items, Amazon has built consumer loyalty and changed the way shoppers think about shipping. Customer expectations have changed and 2-day, or even faster, delivery is now expected. In fact, Amazon plans to make 1-day delivery standard for Prime members in 2020.
In order to meet these pie-in-the-sky delivery promises, Amazon has decided that a ‘go-it-alone’ strategy is needed for their logistics operations. Instead of solely relying on established parcel carriers like FedEx, UPS, or the United States Postal Service (USPS), the company is increasingly developing their own shipping networks. This includes building out their own fleet to fulfill final mile deliveries. Most recently, Amazon announced that they will pay their employees $10,000 and 3 months’ pay to quit and start their own Amazon delivery service.
In addition to expanding their ground fleet operations, Amazon has also added hundreds of fulfilment centers to its logistics network, announced its groundbreaking drone delivery program, and added next-day air capacity with leased jets. It’s not surprising that FedEx feels the need to distance itself from a company that appears to be stepping into their territory. The company is taking short-term pain over the possibility of continuing a potentially damaging relationship long-term.
FedEx Bets On Wal-Mart and Other E-Commerce Businesses
Amazon officially surpassed Wal-Mart as the world’s largest retailer earlier in 2019. That isn’t to say that Wal-Mart doesn’t pose a threat to Amazon’s monopoly in the e-commerce world. Wal-Mart has some 2.2 million workers, a number roughly 4 times the number Amazon employs. It also already owns a vast amount of real estate, strategically dispersed across the USA. Not to mention that Wal-Mart owns one of the largest private fleets in America. By building upon this base, Wal-Mart has ramped up efforts to compete with Amazon in the e-commerce sector. This includes plans to roll out a 1-day delivery program that shoppers can take advantage of without any membership fees.
To make up for the short-term loss of 1.3% of their business, FedEx also announced in May that they would begin seven-day ground freight services at the beginning of 2020. This move will likely make them an even more desirable carrier for companies like Wal-Mart, Walgreens, and other retailers in the e-commerce space.
The Future of Final Mile
The breakup of Amazon and FedEx is just another example of the battle lines being drawn between Amazon and the rest of the retail industry. As companies seek to differentiate themselves from the e-commerce behemoth, changes as small as choosing a different carrier can be important. FedEx appears to already be taking steps to compete against Amazon’s 2-day and 1-day delivery promise. The future of final mile delivery is still uncertain, but the main competitors are just now entering the ring.
https://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/FedEx’s-Breakup-with-Amazon-Draws-Battle-Lines-in-the-Fight-for-Shipping-Kuebix-TMS.jpg33335000Sammi Guillenhttp://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FW-Kuebix-Web-Logo-300x138.pngSammi Guillen2019-08-14 15:22:422019-08-14 15:22:42FedEx’s Breakup with Amazon Draws Battle Lines in the Fight for Shipping
Today marks the start of the fifth-annual Amazon Prime Day – a 48-hour marathon of discounts on a wide array of products offered exclusively to Amazon Prime members. Since the first installation of the unofficial holiday in 2015, Amazon has extended the event through products launched exclusively at the start of the sale and $10 to spend on Prime Day for any members who spend $10 at Whole Foods within a certain period beforehand.
2018 Amazon Prime Day sales are estimated to have hit $4.19 billion, increasing nearly 74% in comparison to 2017’s sales of $2.41 billion. With this year’s event scheduled to run for a full 48 hours in comparison to 2018’s lasting for 36 hours, sales are expected to continue to trend upward.
Participating in Amazon Prime Day
For brands utilizing the promotional frenzy, having a successful Amazon Prime Day is far more complicated than discounting a product and crossing their fingers. The first (and arguably most important) key to success is accepting and aligning yourself with the focus on Prime-eligible products. Most shoppers prefer and seek these products out, so shipping inventory to ‘FBA’ (fulfilled by Amazon) locations ahead of time is crucial. Preparing supply chains well ahead of time is necessary for many e-tailers to be successful during this important event. Brands are also encouraged to use Amazon’s discount coupons, a self-serve feature that can be set up by any vendor or seller on Amazon.
However, driving sales isn’t the only way to take advantage of Amazon Prime Day. Many brands use this day as an opportunity to increase awareness about what they have to offer and also test how their audience will receive products they are considering launching. Products that have consumers leaving rave reviews and purchasing backups make them all the more likely to remain popular once the sale is over. Consumers will also be more willing to try new products since a discounted price makes buyers more comfortable because there’s less financial risk attached with the possibility of disliking the product.
Competition
As the popularity and overall awareness about this event grows, more and more retailers are stepping up to the plate and offering their own discounts in an attempt to compete. RetailMeNot estimates that in 2019, 250 retailers will take part in the unofficial holiday by offering discounts of their own. This is a significant increase from 2018’s 194 retailers, which can be attributed to the steady incline of consumer engagement and timeline of the event.
Walmart is offering deals for a longer period of time than Amazon Prime Day in an attempt to compete, while Target is echoing the exact dates and placing a heavy emphasis on the fact that there’s no membership required to participate in their biggest summer sale.
It’s clear that whether you are a vendor, Prime member, or regular customer, opportunity is about to pour in from every direction. Gear up and get ready – ‘Christmas in July’ is officially upon us!
https://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Amazon-Prime-Day-2019-Kuebix.jpg40006000Sammi Guillenhttp://www.kuebix.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FW-Kuebix-Web-Logo-300x138.pngSammi Guillen2019-07-15 08:00:272019-07-11 11:15:18Amazon Prime Day 2019 - ‘Christmas in July’ for E-Commerce
News of this discovery was kept silent until authorities could follow the shipping container’s planned path to Antwerp in an attempt to discover more details about those behind the shipment.
