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.
In addition, on those weeks that Parcel Notes does not go out, we send a market update and analysis email to subscribers. ***If you would like to be added, please DM me***.
FedEx and UPS have said in recent earnings calls that they expect a modest peak season. ShipMatrix confirms those expectations and estimates that 2.3 billion packages will be delivered in the United States during the peak season, 5% higher than the same period of 2024, mostly because of an extra shopping day this year.
Amazon
- Shifting to Amazon Shipping – Children’s subscription box company, KiwiCo switched to Amazon Shipping for “more reliable last-mile delivery” and its ground shipping cost on a per package basis was more economical compared with other national parcel carriers. Bark is also using Amazon for U.S. deliveries as a means to boost shipping speed and limit rising costs
- Amazon Shipping will levy peak season surcharges from Oct. 26 through Jan. 17, 2026
- Amazon has launched next-day delivery for some orders shipped from the Hawaiian mainland.
- Amazon Prime Air will provide drone delivery service for certain orders to eligible addresses within an eight-mile radius of the Ruskin, Florida facility.
- Amazon announced the expansion of its grocery offerings in Florida through a partnership with Winn-Dixie, now available for grocery delivery on Amazon.com.
UPS
- Supply Chain Dive – UPS buyouts: Experts weigh impacts, risks
- UPS abandoned its acquisition of Estefeta because not all of the closing conditions could be satisfied, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission
FedEx
- FedEx pilots issued a formal vote of No Confidence in FedEx President and CEO Rajesh Subramaniam. The vote is the latest move in a back-and-forth contract dispute that dates back to May 2021.
- FedEx has started a new flight linking Dublin and Indianapolis, the second largest air hub in the company’s network, to speed transport of healthcare and other high-value freight products for shippers in the United States and Ireland.
New Video
A new video is out that includes thoughts on FedEx’s Q1 earnings and what it means to shippers.
That’s it for now. Stay tuned for the next newsletter Oct 15. 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. In addition, be sure to check out our growing number of videos on our YouTube channel and our website for more information.
Most important though, reach out if you’d like to learn how to lower or even possibly eliminate any parcel fees. 📦
-Jay.