I’m Jay Kent, CEO/Founder of SLB Performance, a business advisory group that helps companies, like yours, reduce supply chain costs, implement BI tools, improve in-stocks 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.
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I had a great time at PARCEL Forum (The #1 Package Fulfillment Event in the U.S.) meeting with partners, customers and potential customers. There was so much discussion about technology improving networks, parcel costs, etc. And yes, technology is great and needed, but a human being is still often needed as well.
So here are some interesting parcel articles I ran across…
Amazon
- Amazon will invest $1.9 billion in its Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program in 2027, helping DSPs increase DA pay to a national average of nearly $24/hour. Amazon is also investing in AI-based routing technology that dynamically adjusts for real-world conditions such as reduced visibility after sunset or the extra time a downtown delivery might need to find parking during busy lunch hours.
- Kuehne+Nagel signed a long-term agreement with Amazon that expands the logistics provider’s role in Amazon’s supply chain and data center business. The deal includes work for Amazon Web Services, covering data center construction, equipment deployment, maintenance, upgrades and future expansion projects writes Logistics Management staff.
FedEx
- FedEx and an Advent-led consortium secured more than 89% of InPost shares in a takeover offer according to Reuters. InPost operates across nine countries, including Poland, and has one of Europe’s largest networks of automated parcel lockers. It will continue to operate under the InPost name and maintain its management structure and headquarters in Poland.
- FedEx has signed a series of agreements to expand its procurement of sustainable aviation fuel across five airports — Newark Liberty International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Oakland International Airport and Miami International Airport writes ESG Dive’s Zoya Mirza.
- FedEx’s standard shipping rates for U.S. package shipping services, including import and export volume, will increase by 5.9% on average starting Jan. 4, 2027 writes Supply Chain Dive’s Max Garland.
- FedEx launched FedEx® Authenticated Delivery, a new premium delivery option that provides greater confidence for select shipments according to a press release.
UPS
- According to a survey from Roadie, the logistics and delivery platform that is a unit of UPS, delivery speed helps, but e-commerce shoppers value other aspects of home delivery more, including free or low-cost delivery (50%) and real-time tracking and updates (44%). Additionally, nearly one-third of shoppers most often choose a reliable delivery window, compared with just 14% who choose the fastest option regardless of cost.
USPS
- A report from the Government Accountability Office found the declining services are in part due to cost-cutting initiatives. In response, USPS officials said they have made some progress to modernize and improve services, but emphasized that a full solution would require significant structural reforms made by Congress and the White House writes Federal News Network’s Michele Sandiford.
- From October 2024 to April 2026, on-time delivery rates for services competing with FedEx and UPS, like Priority Mail and Ground Advantage, were lower on average for ZIP codes affected by the regional transportation optimization initiative versus those that weren’t, according to a report from the USPS Office of Inspector General writes Supply Chain Dive’s Max Garland.
Additional News
- DoorDash Inc. and Uber Technologies Inc. are expanding their delivery partnership with Costco Wholesale Corp. DoorDash users will be able to order same-day service from every U.S. Costco warehouse starting Sept. 17 for Costco members.
- An interesting read from Quartz — how DoorDash, Instacart and Uber Eats became retail’s delivery backbone.
That’s it for now. Stay tuned for the next newsletter Oct. 7.
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. 📦