This blog will give you the details on upcoming changes and ensure you’re always getting the best deals on your shipments.

September 2024 Rate Case

Effective September 16th, USPS is making changes to shipping rates that will affect some of your Priority Mail® and Ground Advantage packages. Depending on where you’re shipping, you may notice slightly higher prices. 

The good news? Even with these changes, your rates will continue to be better than what you would pay at the Post Office. Through ShippingEasy, you’ll enjoy up to 42% off USPS Priority Mail® and 49% off USPS Ground Advantage when shipping to these impacted ZIP Codes.

If you want to check if a specific ZIP code falls under the rate change please reach out to our customer support team.

For more information on the rate change please check our help center article.

Upcoming October 2024 rate change

In addition to the rate increases that take effect on September 16th, the USPS is also planning to temporarily increase rates starting October 6th to help cover the cost of shipping during the busy holiday season.

Make shipping easy

Despite changes, ShippingEasy continues to offer substantial savings on shipping costs, with discounts of up to 89% through our partnership with USPS and other carriers. Our goal is to streamline your shipping operations, providing discounted rates for a seamless sending process.

Stay informed about the evolving shipping landscape, make data-driven decisions, and confidently navigate the 2024 USPS shipping rate adjustments with ShippingEasy.

The post USPS 2024 Shipping and Service Changes appeared first on ShippingEasy.

Understanding this shift is essential for both businesses and consumers. As shipping grows more complex, knowing when to ship, how pricing works, and what tools you can count on can greatly affect your spending. Let’s look at how this change reflects our daily experiences and what it means for the future of shipping.

What is dynamic pricing in shipping?

You might not be familiar with the term “dynamic pricing,” but you’ve likely experienced it. For instance, think about how ticket prices fluctuate based on demand as a flight or concert date approaches. If you try to buy tickets one day, you might be surprised to find that the price has changed when you look again a few days later. 

Similarly, in the shipping world, rates can change in real-time based on factors like demand, capacity, and even the time of year. Understanding these shifts helps shippers plan ahead, securing better rates and avoiding those last-minute surprises.

Dynamic pricing in shipping refers to a flexible pricing model where shipping rates adjust based on various real-time factors. These can include demand, shipment volume, distance, fuel costs, and desired delivery speed. Unlike traditional fixed rates, dynamic shipping rates fluctuate to reflect current operational costs and market conditions, enabling carriers to optimize revenue and efficiency.

With this in mind, shipping companies are changing how they set prices. Instead of keeping prices the same for the majority of the year, they’re adjusting prices based on what’s happening in the market. This helps them stay competitive.

How dynamic shipping rates work for carriers

Dynamic shipping rates utilize automated rate calculation tools to adjust prices in real-time. Here’s how this process works:

• Real-Time Rate Adjustments: Carriers monitor various factors that can influence shipping costs. For instance, a sudden increase in demand during the holiday season may prompt carriers to raise rates temporarily.
• Distance and Package Size: The further a package needs to travel, or the larger its size, the higher the shipping cost may be. 
• Shipping Speed: Customers often pay more for expedited shipping. Dynamic pricing models enable carriers to adjust rates based on the speed of delivery requested, balancing demand with available capacity.

Dynamic pricing vs. traditional fixed rates: What’s the difference?

Traditional fixed rates offer predictability but can sometimes lead to inefficiencies, as customers might end up paying more than necessary for certain shipments. 

In contrast to fixed rates, dynamic pricing models:

• Offer Flexibility: Prices adjust according to real-time data, allowing customers to benefit from lower rates during off-peak times.
• Reflect Current Market Conditions: Customers receive prices that accurately represent the costs involved in shipping at any given moment.

The primary motivation for carriers to adopt dynamic pricing is competition. With numerous shipping options available, carriers must remain agile to attract customers. This flexibility enables them to offer competitive rates that reflect the current market situation, ensuring they don’t lose business to competitors.

Dynamic pricing also benefits customers, as carriers can adjust their pricing to pass on savings when demand is lower or operational efficiencies are realized. This approach promotes a healthier competition among carriers, ultimately providing more value to customers.

The future of dynamic pricing for shipping carriers

As the logistics industry continues to evolve, dynamic pricing is likely to become the norm for shipping carriers. The trend toward automated and flexible pricing structures will not only improve operational efficiencies but also enhance customer experience.

In the future, we can expect:

• Increased Automation: More sophisticated algorithms will enable carriers to fine-tune their pricing strategies rapidly.
• Enhanced Customer Tools: Customers will benefit from improved tools that help them navigate these changes and select the best shipping options for their needs.
• Greater Market Responsiveness: Carriers will continue to adapt their pricing in response to fluctuations in demand, ensuring they remain competitive and cost-effective.

How we help

At ShippingEasy, we understand that as shipping rates become more dynamic, staying informed can be challenging for businesses. We compare rates across carriers and services so you automatically get the best rate. You can even set up automation so that every time an order imports, you automatically get the best rate for your intended delivery window. This not only saves money, but also creates operational efficiency that cuts time and clicks when shipping.

 Here’s how we support our customers:

• Real-Time Access to Competitive Pricing: Our platform offers up-to-date shipping rates as carriers adjust them, ensuring you always get the best deals.
• Variety of Carrier Options: We provide discounted shipping rates across all the leading carriers, with rate shopping and automation tools to help you choose the best rates and services for your shipping needs.

At ShippingEasy, we’re committed to supporting you through these changes, making sure you stay informed and have the tools you need to help successfully ship. 

The post How Carriers Like FedEx, UPS, and USPS Are Turning to Dynamic Pricing appeared first on ShippingEasy.

If you aren’t sure what holiday shipping deadlines are or need a refresher, here’s the gist: 

The TL;DR on Shipping Deadlines: Holiday shipping deadlines are the last possible date a package can be shipped with a carrier and arrive at its destination in time for the holidays. 

For example, a specific carrier service may require you to ship a package by December 16th to ensure your shipment arrives at its destination by December 25th due to high shipping volumes. Shipping deadlines provide your business and your customers with delivery cutoffs so that Aunt Susan can unwrap her new sweater on Christmas morning. 

Additionally, having holiday shipping deadlines before the holiday season is in full swing helps your business make big decisions like whether or not to offer free and/or expedited shipping options. The earlier your customers can find their available shipping options for the holiday season, the more likely they’ll have a great impression of your business. With Christmas falling on a Monday this year, it’s easy to let the weekend before the holiday slip away. This means offering customers overnight shipping options could benefit your business more than it has in the past. 

Table of Contents

1. USPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines 2024
2. FedEx Holiday Shipping Deadlines 2024
3. UPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines 2024

USPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines in the US

• USPS Ground Advantage: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 
• First-Class® Mail: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 
• Priority Mail®: Thursday, December 19,  2024 
• Priority Mail Express®*:  Saturday, December 21, 2024 

FedEx Holiday Shipping Deadlines in the US

• FedEx Ground Economy: Friday, December 13, 2024
• FedEx Ground®:  Visit FedEx’s website for more information about shipping deadlines for FedEx Ground^® 
• FedEx Home Delivery: Visit FedEx’s website for more information about shipping deadlines for FedEx Ground^® 
• FedEx Express Saver: Thursday, December 19, 2024
• 2Day & 2Day AM: Tuesday, December 24, 2024

UPS^_® Holiday Shipping Deadlines in the US

• UPS 3 Day Select®: Thursday, December 19, 2024 (UPS 3 Day Select® packages picked up Dec. 20 will be scheduled for delivery on Friday, Dec. 27)
• UPS 2nd Day Air® services: Friday, December 20, 2024 
• UPS® Ground: Check ups.com/ctc for details
• UPS® Ground Saver: Check ups.com/ctc for details
• UPS Next Day Air® services: Monday, December 23, 2024 

Need a quick reference for upcoming shipping deadlines? Print out our calendar and share it with your team and customers.

Unwrap the gift of a 30-day free trial today!

The post 2024 Holiday Shipping Deadlines for the US appeared first on ShippingEasy.

What are demand surcharges?

Demand surcharges are additional fees imposed by shipping carriers during periods of peak demand. These surcharges are designed to help carriers manage increased volume, labor shortages, and other factors that can strain their resources. This is a common practice that helps carriers deliver your packages on time, even during the busiest times of the year.

Why do carriers implement demand surcharges?

1. Peak Seasons: During holidays like Christmas or Black Friday, carriers experience a surge in package volume. To handle this increased demand, they may impose surcharges to offset additional costs.
2. Fuel Surcharges: Fluctuations in fuel prices can directly impact carrier operating costs, so fuel surcharges are added to shipping rates to offset these increases.
3. Congestion Surcharges: In regions with high shipping volumes carriers may implement congestion surcharges to cover the extra costs associated with delays and inefficiencies.
4. Remote Area Surcharges: Deliveries to remote or hard-to-reach areas can be more expensive for carriers, so remote area surcharges are applied to cover the additional costs of delivering to these locations.
5. Additional Handling Surcharges: An additional handling surcharge applies to packages that require extra resources for delivery due to their weight, unusual shape, or special packaging.
6. Large Package Surcharge: Packages that specifically have oversized dimensions will receive a large package surcharge to offset the resources needed to deliver.
7. Over Maximum Limit Surcharge: Packages that exceed a carrier’s maximum weight or size limits, will receive a surcharge to cover the extra costs and resources needed to deliver these oversized items. 

Holiday 2024 demand surcharges and shipping deadlines

Demand surcharges are temporary and occur during high-demand times, like the holidays, but they typically only last until the demand subsides. As we approach the holiday season, it’s important to keep an eye on shipping costs and potential surcharges from carriers during peak times. Staying informed on how these temporary demand surcharges can affect your shipping rates is crucial, and that’s where ShippingEasy can help. 

ShippingEasy is here to keep you informed about the ever-changing shipping carrier landscape, whether it be demand surcharges or dynamic pricing. We understand that navigating this complex industry can be challenging, which is why we are dedicated to ensuring you have the knowledge and tools you need. 

With ShippingEasy, you can:

• Access real-time rates: Stay informed about the latest pricing trends.
• Choose from a variety of carriers: Compare rates and select the best options for your needs.

In addition to managing costs, it’s essential to pay attention to holiday shipping deadlines to ensure your customers receive their gifts on time. As the holidays draw nearer, offering expedited shipping may become necessary, often at a higher price. Be sure to communicate the last shipping days clearly to your customers to avoid any disappointment.

As always, we’re here to help make this busy season your best one yet!

The post What Are Demand Surcharges and How Do They Affect Your Shipping Costs? appeared first on ShippingEasy.