Analyzing the 2025 General Rate Increases (ft. Mark Kolde)

<div>As the new year approaches, FedEx and UPS have once again announced their General Rate Increases (GRIs) for 2025—both landing at 5.9%. </div><div><br /></div><div>But as always, the devil is in the details, and shippers need to dig deeper to understand how these changes will impact their bottom line.  </div><div><br /></div><div>In this episode of LeaderShipping, new host Jeremy Lee, VP of Sales at Sifted, is joined by Mark Kolde, VP of Logistics Engineering at Sifted, to unpack the latest rate hikes and provide actionable insights for shippers. </div><div><br /></div><div>Together, they explore the trends behind the numbers and offer strategies to navigate the rising costs while keeping operations efficient.  </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Main Topics:</strong></div><div><br />- Why FedEx and UPS often align on GRIs and what it means for the industry  <br />- Key takeaways from UPS’s increases, including accessorial fees and weight-based changes  <br />- How FedEx’s updates compare and what shippers should prioritize  <br />- Proactive steps to prepare for the 2025 rate changes before they take effect  </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Other Resources:</strong></div><div><br />- <a href="https://sifted.com/podcast/">More episodes</a><br />- <a href="https://sifted.com/resources/2025-fedex-and-ups-gri-analysis/">2025 FedEx/UPS GRI Analysis blog</a><br />- <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kolde-8734949/">Mark on LinkedIn</a><br />- <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-lee-91429252/">Jeremy on LinkedIn</a><br />- <a href="https://sifted.com/">Sifted</a><br />- <a href="https://sifted.com/subscribe/">Sifted’s “Unboxed” newsletter</a></div>

00:25:30

Deliver Excellence: How Shipping Shapes Your Brand

<div>In a world where more purchases shift each year from in-store to internet, a package arriving on a customer’s doorstep is often the only physical interaction they’ll have with a brand.</div><div><br /></div><div>And while much of that process is in the carriers’ hands, there’s a lot shippers can do to make sure they nail the shipping portion of a customer’s experience. </div><div><br /></div><div>In this episode of LeaderShipping, Caleb Nelson is joined by Danna Nieto, M.S., Head of Agency Partnerships at ShipperHQ, to discuss the relationship between shipping and brand strategy, and how to ensure your customers love <em>every</em> step of their journey with your brand.</div><div><br /></div><div>Main Topics:</div><div><br />Why businesses should consider shipping a part of brand strategy<br />The importance of communication in the shipping process, before and after purchase<br />Should brands ship with unique packaging?<br />How to find the sweet spot between shipping speed and cost</div><div><br /></div><div>Other Resources:</div><div>- Other episodes: <a href="https://sifted.com/podcast/">https://sifted.com/podcast/</a></div><div>- Home Delivery Consumer Survey blog: https://sifted.com/resources/survey-consumer-home-delivery-preferences/</div><div>- Danna on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/danna-nieto/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/danna-nieto/</a></div><div>- Danna on Twitter/X: <a href="https://x.com/dannalnieto">https://x.com/dannalnieto</a></div><div>- ShipperHQ: https://shipperhq.com/</div><div>- Ship Talking: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ship-talking-pros/</div><div>- Caleb on LinkedIn:  </div><div> / caleb-nelson-57a2322  </div><div>- Sifted: https://sifted.com/</div><div>- Sifted’s “Unboxed” newsletter: <a href="https://sifted.com/subscribe/">https://sifted.com/subscribe/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>00:00 Intro</div><div>02:45 Why shipping strategy = brand strategy</div><div>04:25 Preventing cart abandonment</div><div>07:01 Communicating throughout the shipping process</div><div>15:11 Is custom packaging important?</div><div>18:01 Fast or free shipping?</div><div>22:55 Turn shipping into a competitive advantage</div><div>28:23 Get in touch with Danna and ShipperHQ</div><div>29:48 Conclusion</div>

00:29:38

Hot Topic: Cold Shipping (ft. Wesley O'Brien)

<div>Parcel shipping is inherently complex. Picking and packing orders, matching SKUs to box sizes, selecting the best carriers and services, and juggling ever-rising costs isn’t for everyone.</div><div><br /></div><div>But when an item has to arrive on-time AND at a correct temperature, things get even trickier.</div><div><br /></div><div>In our latest episode of LeaderShipping, Wesley O’Brien, Co-Founder and Chief Logistics Officer at Frozen Logistics, joins Caleb Nelson to discuss the challenges of shipping temperature-sensitive items, how continuous testing and optimization yields better results, and how they’re revolutionizing direct-to-consumer cold logistics.</div><div><br /></div><div>Main Topics:</div><div>- Factors to consider to ensure a product doesn’t spoil in transit</div><div>- The importance of testing, trial and error in cold chain</div><div>- Important data for cold chain shippers to track</div><div>- How DeliveredCold is rethinking D2C cold logistics</div><div>- Specific challenges for shipping temp-controlled products to consumers’ homes</div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Other Resources:</div><div>- Other episodes: https://sifted.com/podcast/</div><div>- Wesley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-o-brien-3179b4260/</div><div>- Frozen Logistics: https://www.frozenlogistics.com/</div><div>- DeliveredCold: https://deliveredcold.com/</div><div>- Caleb on LinkedIn:  </div><div> / caleb-nelson-57a2322  </div><div>- Sifted: https://sifted.com/</div><div>- Sifted’s “Unboxed” newsletter: https://sifted.com/subscribe/</div><div><br /><br /></div><div>00:00 - Introduction</div><div>01:36 - From meat processing to founding a cold-chain 3PL</div><div>05:23 - Keeping products cold in transit</div><div>08:35 - Data cold chain shippers should track</div><div>12:14 - DeliveredCold - a marketplace for cold chain consolidation</div><div>13:13 - Direct-to-consumer cold shipping complexities</div><div>17:03 - Finding the right cold chain partner</div><div>21:41 - Get in touch w/ Wesley & Frozen Logistics</div><div>22:41 - Conclusion</div><div><br /></div>

00:22:49

Shake Up the Status Quo (ft John McClymont)

<div>For high-volume shippers, smooth operations can feel like “success.” And as the old adage goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”</div><div><br /></div><div>But when shippers settle for “ain’t broke,” a LOT of opportunity is left on the table. </div><div><br /></div><div>In our latest episode of LeaderShipping, John McClymont, Founder and Principal of Operational Innovations, joins Caleb Nelson to share how shippers can shake up their status quo, and the benefits they can find from continuous optimization.</div><div><br /></div><div>Main Topics:</div><div><br />What is the “status quo” for shippers?<br />The dangers of settling for the status quo<br />Identifying areas for improvement<br />How shipping is a crucial part of customer experience<br />The benefits of continuously reviewing and improving operations</div><div><br /></div><div>Other Resources:</div><div><br />Other episodes: https://sifted.com/podcast/<br />John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mcclymont/<br />Operational Innovations: https://operationalinnovations.ca<br />Caleb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-nelson-57a2322/<br />Sifted: https://sifted.com/<br />Sifted’s “Unboxed” newsletter: https://sifted.com/subscribe/<br />Home Delivery World: <a href="https://www.terrapinn.com/conference/home-delivery-world/index.stm">https://www.terrapinn.com/conference/home-delivery-world/index.stm</a><br />Sifted’s Home Delivery World Preview: https://sifted.com/resources/sifted-at-home-delivery-world-2024-what-to-know/</div><div><br /></div><div>00:00 - Introduction</div><div>01:59 - What is the “status quo” in shipping?</div><div>04:02 - Customer experience in shipping</div><div>05:47 - The dangers of settling for the status quo</div><div>08:36 - The first step for improvement</div><div>12:09 - Common shipping/operations mistakes</div><div>15:55 - Innovating without fear of failure</div><div>17:28 - Accurately communicating shipping times to customers</div><div>22:17 - Auditing your own operational health</div><div>24:21 - Seeking out next-level opportunities</div><div>26:36 - Connect with John</div><div>27:25 - Connect with Sifted</div>

00:27:38

The New Age of Returns Management (ft. Kyle Bertin)

<div>eCommerce returns are a BIG problem.</div><div><br /></div><div>In fact, the value of items returned by consumers globally reached $1.8 trillion in 2022.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lots of shippers and 3PLs consider returns a necessary evil - often given little attention to and relegated to a disorderly corner of the warehouse. </div><div><br /></div><div>New innovations are unlocking the potential of better returns management, allowing for greater efficiency, insights, and competitive advantages.</div><div><br /></div><div>In this episode, Kyle Bertin, CEO and Co-Founder of Two Boxes, joins Caleb Nelson to discuss these innovations, and what better returns management looks like in the future.</div><div><br /></div><div>Main Topics:</div><div>- What makes returns a problem?</div><div>- How Two Boxes is simplifying and revolutionizing returns management</div><div>- The importance of returns data</div><div>- Detecting fraudulent returns activity</div><div>- The sustainability impact of limiting returns and waste</div><div>- How optimized returns can become a competitive advantage for brands and 3PLs</div><div><br /></div><div>Other Resources:</div><div>- Kyle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylebertin/</div><div>- https://www.twoboxes.com/</div><div>- Caleb on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-nelson-57a2322/</div><div>- Sifted: https://sifted.com</div><div>- Sifted's "Unboxed" newsletter: https://sifted.com/subscribe</div><div>- Home Delivery World: https://www.terrapinn.com/conference/home-delivery-world/index.stm</div>

00:41:02

What to Look For in a 3PL Partner (ft. Kathleen Sullivan Garman)

<div>Countless shippers use third-party logistics providers (3PLs). Their expertise in warehousing, packing, and shipping makes them great partners for eCommerce brands outgrowing the founder's garage, as well as enterprise-level shippers looking to diversify their network without building a facility of their own.</div><div><br /></div><div>But do all these shippers find the right 3PL partner for them? </div><div><br /></div><div>In this episode of LeaderShipping, we're joined by Kathleen Sullivan Garman, founder and CEO of SullyGarman & Associates, to talk about why 3PLs are a great option for businesses looking to grow and scale operations, and how to know they're the right fit.</div><div><br /></div><div>Main Topics:</div><div>- When a business should consider adding a 3PL, and when they should consider bringing fulfillment back in-house</div><div>- The steps to take when assessing potential 3PL partners</div><div>- Common mistakes made when choosing a 3PL</div><div>- How to proactively manage 3PL relationships</div><div><br /></div><div>Other Resources:</div><div>- SullyGarman & Associates: https://sullygarman.com/</div><div>- Kathleen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sullygarman/</div><div>- SullyGarman & Associates blog on finding 3PLs: https://sullygarman.com/how-to-find-a-new-3pl/</div><div>- 3PL rating rubric: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Czawh_2wh5PKJGNDpoACzQAT6GJJoTSIxNNjbUXOAQU/copy</div><div>- 3PL RFP scope document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13m8yDM7K0kgcWqg01Y6jM21TKroto3_nJR9yC5PgUs4/copy</div><div>- Caleb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-nelson-57a2322/</div><div>- Sifted: https://sifted.com</div><div>- Sifted's "Unboxed" newsletter: https://sifted.com/subscribe</div><div><br /></div>

00:33:42

2024 Parcel Shipping Outlook (ft Alan Amling)

<div>2023 was a year for the books in parcel shipping. But 2024 might bring even <em>more</em> uncertainty.</div><div><br /></div><div>What do shippers need to be on the lookout for?</div><div><br /></div><div>In this episode, Alan Amling, Professor of Practice at the University of Tennessee and CEO of Thrive and Advance, LLC, joins the show to discuss the outlook of the parcel shipping industry as we enter 2024.</div><div><br /></div><div>Main Topics:</div><div>- The return to a “shipper’s market”<br />- New fulfillment trends<br />- How FedEx and UPS are reversing course on COVID-era decisions<br />- Amazon’s challenge to FedEx and UPS<br />- How shippers can go on offense in 2024</div><div><br /></div><div>Other Resources:</div><div>- Alan and Thrive and Advance, LLC: https://www.alanamling.com/</div><div>- Alan  on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanamling/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanamling/</a></div><div>- Alan’s book, <em>Organizational Velocity</em> on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Organizational-Velocity-Turbocharge-Business-Ahead/dp/B0CQ335Z5T/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1S4YMD9C7MGY6&keywords=organizational+velocity&qid=1706131613&sprefix=organizational+velocity%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-1</div><div>- Caleb on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-nelson-57a2322/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-nelson-57a2322/</a></div><div>- Sifted’s 2024 Shipping Industry Outlook: https://sifted.com/resources/2024-shipping-industry-outlook-top-trends-driving-down-costs-how-to-capitalize/</div><div>- Sifted: https://sifted.com</div><div>- Sifted's "Unboxed" newsletter: https://sifted.com/subscribe</div><div><br /></div>

00:36:54

Finding the Right Alternative Carrier for You (ft. Timur Eligulashvili)

<div>One topic dominated parcel shipping news, conferences, and conversations in 2023: carrier diversification.</div><div><br /></div><div>The rapid changes eCommerce and parcel shipping have seen over the past few years have fueled a revolution in the carrier market. Regional/alternative carriers are gaining funding, expanding their networks, and earning customers as more and more shippers want to break away from the FedEx/UPS duopoly.</div><div><br /></div><div>In this episode, Timur Eligulashvili, Founder and President of Logistics Remix joins the show to talk about the rise of alternative carriers, and how shippers can best partner with them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Main topics:</div><div>- What's fueled the growth of regional/alternative carriers</div><div>- What businesses should diversify their carrier mix</div><div>- Navigating challenges shippers face when diversifying</div><div>- How Logistics Remix matches shippers to carriers</div><div>- Predictions for the future of the carrier market</div><div><br /></div><div>Other resources:</div><div>- Logistics Remix: https://logisticsremix.com/</div><div>- Timur on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timureli/</div><div>- Caleb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-nelson-57a2322/</div><div>- Sifted: https://sifted.com</div><div>- Sifted's "Unboxed" newsletter: https://sifted.com/subscribe</div><div>- Caleb Nelson and Kevin Miller's PARCEL Forum presentation on carrier diversification: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brAwBzrCduQ</div><div><br /></div>

00:34:08

Shipping Nightmares, and How to Avoid Them (ft. Jessica Windham)

<div>It’s a scary time of the year for everyone. But with peak season and the GRI around the corner, it’s especially spooky for shippers.</div><div><br /></div><div>How are they handling stress? </div><div><br /></div><div>It turns out, not so well. In fact, 69% of logistics pros are unhappy with their work.</div><div><br /></div><div>In this episode, Jessica Windham, founder and CEO of consultancy Solving Work, joins the show to talk about the burnout logistics professionals face, the most common causes of workplace terrors she sees, and what shippers can do to work better and still sleep at night.</div><div><br /></div><div>Main Topics:</div><div><br /></div><div>- Why logistics roles are primed for burnout<br />- The challenges logistics pros face within their own organizations<br />- Why poor tech implementations are a common “shipping nightmare”<br />- How prioritization can transform a logistics department, especially during peak season</div><div><br /></div><div>Other resources:</div><div><br /></div><div>- Solving Work: <a href="https://solvingwork.com/">https://solvingwork.com/</a><br />- Jessica on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-windham/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-windham/</a><br />- Jessica’s Oct. 27 “Personal Peak Prep” webinar: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/events/personalpeakprep7117150339123875841/comments/">https://www.linkedin.com/events/personalpeakprep7117150339123875841/comments/</a><br />- Sifted’s Peak Season Checklist: <a href="https://sifted.com/guides/peak-season-checklist/">https://sifted.com/guides/peak-season-checklist/</a><br />- Caleb on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-nelson-57a2322/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-nelson-57a2322/</a><br />- Sifted: <a href="https://sifted.com/">https://sifted.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Timestamps:</div><div><br /></div><div>00:00 - Intro</div><div>03:46 - Why Jessica found a passion for alleviating logistics stress</div><div>06:34 - Why logistics pros are unhappy at work</div><div>10:52 - Common “shipping nightmares”</div><div>15:30 - How Jessica addresses shippers’ pain points</div><div>20:27 - Staying sane this peak season</div><div>24:10 - How to get in touch with Jessica</div><div>25:28 - Conclusion</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>

00:26:35

Navigating the 2024 General Rate Increases (ft. Kevin Miller)

<div>2024 is just around the corner... and so are rate increases!<br /><br />Both FedEx and UPS have announced a 5.9% GRI for 2024. But as shippers know, the "G" stands for "general," and that 5.9% is just an average across base rates.<br /><br />In reality, each individual shipper will be impacted differently, and for most, rates will go up a lot more than 5.9%<br /><br />Kevin Miller, Sifted's VP of Data Insights, joins the show to break down these increases and offer advice to understanding how they might impact your business + how to mitigate that impact.<br /><br />Main topics:<br />- How rates are increasing more than 5.9%<br />- Increases to specific services to watch out for<br />- What does FedEx's GRI tell us about what kinds of packages they desire?<br />- Predictions for UPS' specific rate increases, which are yet to be announced<br />- Advice for shippers heading into 2024<br /><br />Additional resources:<br />- Sifted's 2024 GRI Analysis eBook: https://sifted.com/guides/2024-gri-analysis/<br />- FedEx shipping rate changes: https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/rate-changes.html<br />- How the UPS Teamsters agreement will impact shippers: https://sifted.com/resources/how-the-ups-and-teamsters-agreement-will-impact-shippers/<br />- Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-miller-b421874a/<br />- Caleb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-nelson-57a2322/<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>

00:25:08