During the holidays and the harsh winter months it's more important than ever to protect yourself against weather delays for your FedEx^® small-package shipments. Here are a few tips to keep in mind this season when using FedEx:

• Build in extra days for shipping. The best way to be proactive about potential service delays is to give yourself more time. You might not always have the luxury of being able to send your shipment a few days early, but try not to wait until the last minute in case Mother Nature decides to strike. 
• Sign up for shipment email notifications. When you create a FedEx shipment you have the ability to sign up for email notifications. These notifications can tell you when your package has been tendered to FedEx, has been delivered, and everything in between. It’s a good way to keep an eye on the status of your shipment. 
• Bookmark the FedEx Service Alerts page. FedEx updates this page with the latest service alerts to keep you informed on any potential service interruptions.
• Subscribe to the FedEx email list to get the latest service alerts via email. That way you can receive real-time alerts right in your inbox.
• Utilize FedEx InSight^®. When you register for this helpful tool, you can proactively check the status of your shipments without a tracking number, receive email notifications, and monitor all your shipments simultaneously. If you’re a high-volume shipper, this is great way to manage the status-tracking of all of your individual shipments.

Through an association shipping program managed by PartnerShip, you can receive exclusive discounts on select FedEx services. If you belong to an association we work with, take advantage of our free shipping benefits today. If you’re not sure if you qualify for one of our FedEx small-package shipping programs, contact us and we’ll find the solution that’s right for you.

Every year small package carriers FedEx and UPS evaluate their shipping rates and make adjustments that can have a substantial effect on you and your business. The UPS rate increases will be effective December 28, 2015, while the new FedEx rates take effect on January 4, 2016. As always, how much more expensive your particular small package shipments will be in the new year largely depends on many factors, including shipment volumes, sizes, weights, and modes.

Here are some quick facts: 

• FedEx Express package rates are increasing an average of 4.9% for U.S., U.S export, and U.S. import services. 
• UPS Air and International package rates are increasing an average of 5.2%. 
• FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery rates are increasing an average of 4.9%. 
• UPS Ground rates are increasing an average of 4.9%.

The important takeaway when thinking about your shipping expenses in 2016 is that the announced average increases paint an inaccurate picture of the true impact these new rate increases could have on your business. If you find yourself confused by rate bases, average increases, surcharges, and DIM weight pricing — rest assured that PartnerShip is here to help. Our small package shipping experts have dug into the details and analyzed the new rate tables to assess the true impact to shippers and help you make sense of these increases. Learn more about how the 2016 rate increases will affect your shipping costs by downloading the free white paper at PartnerShip.com/RateIncrease.

Download: Understanding the 2016 Small Package Rate Increases

As you may have heard, small package carriers FedEx and UPS recently announced their general rate increases for 2016. As you prepare for these adjustments in the next couple of months, it’s important to take notice of a couple changes coming before the New Year.

Beginning November 2, 2015, shippers will see a significant increase in the charge assessed for oversized packages. The FedEx Unauthorized Packages surcharge and the UPS Over Maximum Limits surcharge are jumping from $57.50 to $110. These changes come just in time for the holiday rush, where the carriers see a significant increase in shipment volume. This charge applies to: 

• Any package measuring more than 108 inches in length
• Any package measuring more than 165 inches in length and girth combined
• Any package weighing more than 150 lbs.

Another change shippers will see from FedEx and UPS before the holiday rush pertains to fuel surcharges. Effective November 2, 2015, FedEx and UPS will update their fuel surcharge tables for Ground, Express/Air, and International. This is the second time FedEx will be increasing fuel surcharge tables this year. However, UPS fuel surcharges will be higher than their competitor. Next month the fuel surcharge rate for Ground services will increase from 4.75% to 5.25%, while the fuel surcharge for Air services will increase from 3% to 4.5%. In comparison, the FedEx fuel surcharge for Ground services will jump from 3.5% to 4.25%; and from 1% to 2.75% for Express services. To view the updated tables, click the links below:

• FedEx Fuel Surcharge Table
• UPS Fuel Surcharge Table

Every year, PartnerShip conducts a full analysis of the FedEx and UPS small package rate increases to help shippers assess the true impact. Be on the lookout for this informative white paper, coming soon! In the meantime, it's important to start evaluating how you can combat these rises in shipping costs. Through a PartnerShip-managed shipping program, you receive significant discounts on select FedEx services - resulting in savings that can offset these rate increases. If you're not sure if you qualify for one of our small package shipping programs contact us and we'll find the solution that's right for you.

This week, FedEx announced its general rate increases (GRI) for 2016. Effective January 4, 2016, FedEx Express will increase shipping rates by an average of 4.9% for U.S. domestic, U.S. export and U.S. import services. FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery will increase shipping rates by an average of 4.9%. FedEx SmartPost^® rates will also increase and FedEx One Rate^® pricing will change.

Shipping fees and surcharges will also be changing. Here are a few examples of surcharge changes that will apply in 2016:

A couple of changes are coming ahead of the New Year and will be in effect starting on November 2, 2015. Fuel surcharge tables will be updated for FedEx Express and FedEx Ground, with full details becoming available on fedex.com by September 23, 2015. Also, the FedEx Ground Charge for Unauthorized Packages will increase from $57.50 per package to $110 per package. This charge applies to: 

• Any package measuring more than 108 inches in length
• Any package measuring more than 165 inches in length and girth combined
• Any package weighing more than 150 lbs.

If you ship small packages these rate increases will likely affect your business. When FedEx and UPS provide the full details of their GRIs, you can count on PartnerShip to provide you with a breakdown of what these new rates will mean to you and your business in 2016. 

In the meantime, it's important to start evaluating how you can combat these rises in shipping costs. Through a PartnerShip-managed shipping program, you receive significant discounts on select FedEx services - resulting in savings that can offset these rate increases. If you're not sure if you qualify for one of our small package shipping programs contact us and we'll find the solution that's right for you. 

This week, PartnerShip joins the American Trucking Association (ATA) in celebrating a group of workers playing a large part in the American economy – truck drivers. National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, September 13-19, 2015, is when America takes the time to honor all professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment in tackling one of our economy’s most demanding and important jobs. These 3.4 million professional men and women not only deliver our goods safely, securely and on time, they also keep our highways safe.

If you would like to learn more about National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, visit trucking.org for more information on the event and the ATA. Also, watch the short video below from ATA that salutes America’s truck drivers.

The National Truck Driving Championships are here again and the country’s top truckers are ready to compete for the right to be crowned the Bendix National Truck Driving Championships Grand Champion! More than 400 top professional truck drivers from across the country will head to St. Louis for the 78th annual “Super Bowl of Safety,” the 2015 National Truck Driving Championships and National Step Van Driving Championships, hosted by American Trucking Associations.

“Safety is the trucking industry’s top priority,” said ATA Chairman Duane Long, chairman of Longistics, Raleigh, N.C., “and each year, the industry’s commitment to safety is displayed at the NTDCs. The competitors here are the safest drivers on the highway and an example for us all.”

Over three days, 431 competitors from all 50 states, including 39 first-time participants, representing 85 different companies will vie for honors in one of eight different classes and the title of Bendix National Truck Driving Championships Grand Champion.

The festivities begin on August 13 with the Breakfast of Champions, followed by three days of competition behind the wheel on a challenging driving course and other tests of their knowledge of safety and of the industry.

Competition concludes on August 15 with the crowning of the Bendix National Truck Driving Championships Grand Champion, as well as with awards for drivers in every vehicle class and for the top state delegation.

The Allied Committee for the Trucking Industry is premiere sponsor of the 2015 National Truck Driving Championships and National Step Van Driving Championships, taking place August 11-15 at the America’s Center Convention Complex and Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

Many of the PartnerShip core carrier partners have drivers competing this week and PartnerShip is proud to maintain alliances with some of the most safe and reliable carriers in the industry!

Thinking about checking out the competition first-hand? Click here to take a look at the schedule of events for the competition. We’ve also included the video below of highlights from the 2014 National Truck Driving Championships in Pittsburgh to give you a better idea of the competition makeup and what to expect.

PITT OHIO, one of the PartnerShip carrier alliances, plans to expand service to Kentucky, specifically the Louisville market, starting Monday, August 17^th.

PITT OHIO is headquarted in Pittsburgh, PA and services the mid-Atlantic and Mid-West regions. PITT OHIO has continuously grown over the last 35 years and is expanding into the Louisville market to increase their services and direct coverage area.

"Our focus on providing customer-centric solutions to shippers has lead PITT OHIO to expand our core service area to include the metro Louisville market," said Geoffrey Muessig, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President. "Customers tell us that we can enhance their supply chains by providing reliable and dependable LTL service between the Mid-Atlantic states and Louisville."

"Current PITT OHIO clients and new customers can anticipate the same level of performance in Louisville expected from PITT OHIO elsewhere," Brad Caven, Vice President of Operations remarked. "Our Cincinnati terminal is well-equipped to exceed expectations to and from these markets in Kentucky."

Standard service times will be 1-2 days in most areas of PITT OHIO’s direct service area. Service to Louisville Kentucky will start Monday, August 17. Customers with freight in PITT OHIO´s current direct coverage area destined for Louisville can begin scheduling pickups on Friday, August 14.

If you are interested in receiving a PITT OHIO rate quote for an upcoming freight shipment, log on to PartnerShip.com, or create a web account if you haven't already done so.

When you think about shipping internationally there are probably a lot of things running through your head. How do I know what documents I need? What regulations do I need to follow? Am I doing this right? We get it – it can be daunting. Luckily, you have us to put your mind at ease. When you use our alliance service partner, FedEx, and follow these 5 simple steps for your international small package shipment, you won’t have to worry.

1. Research your destination country
Check out the country snapshots on fedex.com to find detailed shipping requirements and service availability for the country you’re shipping to. These snapshots provide a great summary that includes general clearance information, standards, and restrictions that could affect what you’re trying to ship.

2. Pick your service
There are several international shipping services to choose from with FedEx. Whether your shipment is time sensitive or you have more time, there is a service that’s right for you. The best way to determine which one you should use is to find your rates and transit times. When you put in your shipment information this tool provides you with a list of service options with their costs and delivery times.

3. Find and prepare your documents
Using the FedEx Global Trade Manager you can find and print copies of the documents that will have to accompany your international shipment. All you have to do is fill out some information about your shipment and about the product you are shipping. Once you enter that in, the results will show you exactly what documents you need to complete.

4. Prepare your shipment
Packing and preparing your shipment correctly is imperative when you’re shipping internationally. FedEx offers a number of packaging options as well as a how-to guide so you don’t have to worry about wasted costs or issues.

5. Ship and track
Once you’re ready to ship, you can schedule a pickup or drop it off at a nearby FedEx location. After that you can easily track the status of your shipment until it reaches its destination.

Through an association shipping program managed by PartnerShip, you can receive discounts on your international shipments with select FedEx^® services. PartnerShip works with over 120 major trade associations, across many industries, to provide their members with the money-saving tools to help them be successful. If you belong to an association we work with, take advantage of our free shipping benefits today and save on your international shipping. If you're not sure if you qualify for one of our FedEx small package shipping programs contact us and we'll find the solution that's right for you.

You have a small FedEx® package that's ready to be shipped, but you aren't able to drop it off at a FedEx location. Just schedule a one-time pickup. It's easy and convenient. Here is what you need to do to get started:

1. Go to the Pickups page on fedex.com. You can find this page by clicking on Schedule and Manage Pickups in the quick access section of the homepage or under Ship in the top navigation bar.

2. From here you’ll want to log in to fedex.com to access your account. If you don’t currently have a fedex.com account, you can easily register here.

3. Confirm or update your account number in the Account Details section. If you have multiple account numbers you’ll be able to select the one you want to use from the drop down menu.

4. Your account address will be pre-populated in the Pickup Address section. Look it over to make sure it is correct, and fill in any missing information. You can also use a different address by clicking the Change pickup address link at the top of the section.

5. Specify your pickup details like number of packages, ready time, or special instructions in the Package Information section.

6. If you’d like to set up notifications you can also do that by entering your email address in the optional Email Notifications section.

7. Once you’re ready, click Schedule pickup to submit your information.

You're all set! You can also manage your scheduled pickups under the My Pickups tab on the same page. Here you can view, edit, or cancel your pickups in one easy place.

Through an association shipping program managed by PartnerShip, you can receive exclusive discounts on select FedEx services. If you belong to an association we work with, take advantage of our free shipping benefits today. If you’re not sure if you qualify for one of our FedEx small package shipping programs, contact us and we’ll find the solution that’s right for you.

FedEx and UPS rates are increasing in 2020! Make sure you know what to expect so you can mitigate the impact to your bottom line. Our free white paper breaks down where you'll find the highest increases and explains some of the complicated changes you need to be aware of.

If you have a small package shipment that is time-sensitive – domestic or international, FedEx Express is your best bet. At PartnerShip, our goal is to help you get the most out of these services. Here are a few things you can do to take full advantage of FedEx Express services.

Establish discounts
Through a PartnerShip managed shipping program, you can receive discounts with FedEx, including select FedEx Express services. If you belong to an association we work with, you simply need to enroll. To find out if you qualify, contact us and we’ll find the solution that’s right for you.

Order free shipping supplies
You can order supplies for your FedEx Express shipments for free through fedex.com. Supplies include envelopes, boxes, tubes, shipping label pouches, and more. Getting free shipping supplies means one less cost for you to worry about.

Take advantage of FedEx One Rate^® options
Select FedEx Express services are available with FedEx One Rate. These flat rate options can be very cost-effective for envelopes up to 10 lbs and boxes or packs up to 50 lbs. The best way to see if using FedEx One Rate makes sense for your shipment is to start by comparing the pricing. Click here to enter in your shipment information and generate your rate.

Utilize international tools and resources
If you ever have international shipping needs, FedEx Express services can help you get it there fast, with time-definite delivery in 1 to 5 days, to more than 220 countries and territories. With access to country snapshots, documentation preparation help, and more, the FedEx^® Global Trade Manager is a great place to start if you have an international small package shipment.

PartnerShip discounted small package shipping services are completely free to eligible businesses participating in one of our association shipping programs. If you are currently a member of a professional association or trade group, ask them if they have a discounted small package shipping program through PartnerShip. You can also give us a call at 800-599-2902, or send an email to sales@PartnerShip.com, and we'll find out for you.