I’m Jay Kent, managing director of SLB Performance, a consulting firm that helps companies reduce supply chain costs, implement BI tools, and improve in-stock and customer service. After 25 years of leading some of the most complex supply chains in the industry, I began advising companies in multiple industries and verticals. It’s important to understand the market to mitigate costs and improve efficiencies. So, twice a month, I’ll share parcel news and thoughts. Be sure to hit the subscribe button to receive the latest newsletter in your LinkedIn notifications.
Winter storms across the US are causing delivery delays while a last-mile delivery startup recently closed its doors. Shippers should not only monitor weather conditions but also monitor their basket of last-mile carriers…just in case.
Meanwhile…
- Pitney Bowes acquired the presort business of Royal Alliances, Inc.. According to the press release, this acquisition further strengthens the Pitney Bowes Presort Services network in the East, Central and West Regions. Following the effective closing date on January 20, the acquisition is expected to add more than 100 million First-Class™ Mail pieces annually to the Pitney Bowes Presort Services Network. Royal Alliances will continue to operate its technology driven freight brokerage business as Direct Logistics.
- Purolator announced it will launch Open Verify: a returns solution to help businesses combat fraud. Using the purpose-built, end-to-end returns management system from technology partner ReverseLogix, this new solution, launching in February, will streamline and add some safeguards to the returns process for both merchants and customers.
- Walmart will collaborate with IBM to integrate Walmart GoLocal, its white-label delivery service, into IBM Sterling Order Management.
- Symbotic acquires Walmart’s Advanced Systems and Robotics Business. Symbotic will also engage in a development program funded by Walmart to enhance current online pickup and delivery fulfillment systems as well as to design new systems to meet the needs of current and future customers.
- Cowboy State Daily – End Of USPS-UPS Deal Could Mean Faster Rural Delivery, But More Expensive – According to the article, rural packages are likely to get to where they’re going faster now that contract negotiations between the U.S. Postal Service and UPS have fallen apart for last-mile service. But it’s also likely to be more expensive.
- The United States Postal Service raised rates on parcel shipping services effective Sunday, Jan. 19 impacting shipping services such as Priority Mail services, Priority Mail Express services, USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select.
- Veho introduces Premium Economy service which aims to compete with the U.S. Postal Service as the agency increases rates on lightweight packages.
That’s it for now. For more, be sure to sign up for our twice a week email newsletter. Reach out if you’d like to learn how to lower or even possibly eliminate any parcel fees.
Stay tuned for the next newsletter on Feb 5. Don’t forget to hit the subscribe button to ensure you receive it in your LinkedIn notices. In addition, if you like what you’re reading, sign up to receive additional insights and analysis via emails twice a month – DM me for more info.
-Jay