What is Reverse Logistics?

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Retail product returns account for an estimated $183 billion in loss a year.1 Through reverse logistics, companies can regain some of the value of the returned product, its parts and materials by reintroducing them into the market or selling its recyclable parts. The challenge is the process needs to be done quickly to mitigate any…

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9 Tips on How to Become a Shipper of Choice

A smiling person wearing an orange safety vest and white hard hat stands indoors at a small-business-shipping-hub. To the left, a green circle with a white checklist icon. The background features industrial elements, highlighting the efficient operations underway.

Wonder why you’ve had an unusually hard time finding carriers to move your freight shipments lately? True, we’re in a freight capacity crunch, but you’ve been through the ups and downs of those over the last 10-plus years and still your freight got delivered. It could be you didn’t make the carriers’ “shipper of choice”…

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Shipping From U.S. to Canada and Mexico

Image of a stylized blue map of North America on a brown background. An orange circle with a white box icon and a checkmark is in the bottom left, partly overlapping the map. A small blue dot appears on the map near central USA.

Mexico and Canada are the first- and second-largest trade partners with the United States, totaling $614.5 billion and $612.1 billion1,2 in goods exchanged in 2019, respectively. Simply put: cross-border trading is good business. If you’re exploring international shipping, starting with our neighbors to the north and south is a smart move. But while getting yourself there…

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6 Key Tips for Safe Hazmat Shipping

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Keeping all the compliance rules, documentation requirements and internal processes for hazardous material (hazmat) shipping straight is no easy task. The rules are there for a reason, though, and it’s critical to master hazmat to keep your team, handlers, drivers and your items safe. In our guide, 6 Keys to Safe Hazmat Shipping, we break…

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Supply Chain Resilience Guide

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They say that luck favors the prepared. We’ve seen how quickly industries and the world can change. It’s important for businesses to build a plan and be ready to keep people safe and business flowing when the unexpected becomes a reality. Supply chain resilience guide for business shippers A disaster recovery plan should cover all…

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Shipping Budgeting Tips

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So often, businesses set their shipping budgets only to find they’ve missed the mark. Many factors contribute to blown budgets – unpredictable surcharges, unforeseen market conditions and poor planning being a few examples. Even the best-laid budgets can fall apart. But, if you want to turn your shipping operations into a profit center, you need…

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Time Management Tips for Small Business Shipping

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Does it feel like you’re always chasing the clock to get shipments out the door? For many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), shipping isn’t a high priority – leading to a lack of processes and efficiency. When businesses work without a shipping strategy, they create more work, hassle and leave room for mistakes. In the…

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5 Ways to Prep for the Holiday Shipping Rush

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The holiday shipping season is the busiest time of year for you. That’s great news if you sell goods online for your bottom line and profitability. The flip side: You need to develop a game plan to get those goods to consumers on time during the peak season. And the sooner you develop a plan…

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Common Third-Party Logistics Misconceptions

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The legendary business manager and consultant Peter Drucker once said: “Do what you do best and outsource the rest.” Most business owners didn’t take a second mortgage or borrow money from friends and in-laws to focus on shipping. They discovered an opportunity, followed a passion or maybe both. But oftentimes that passion requires shipping. So…

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Understanding Shipping Claims

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Filing claims is, unfortunately, a fairly standard part of a shipper’s job. But, that doesn’t make the carrier claims process easy or pleasant. Thankfully, with the right processes and documentation, receiving compensation from carriers can be a fair process that takes minimal time out of your day. Swinging shipping claims in your favor often depends…

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