Get ready for a chance to win! FedEx is giving PartnerShip customers a chance to win up to $10,000, or over 100 other prizes, in the $25,000 Get Ready Sweepstakes. By enrolling in a PartnerShip-managed shipping program, association members will be automatically entered in the sweepstakes. If you are already enrolled in one of our programs, you simply have to join My FedEx Rewards. Then you’ll have a chance to earn up to 51 additional entries.*

Imagine how you could invest in the success of your business with these prizes:

• $10,000 Grand Prize (1) 
• $1,000 First Prizes (10) 
• $50 Second Prizes (100)

Get started. Keep saving.
PartnerShip customers enjoy significant savings on select FedEx® services. The program is free to join and there are no minimum shipping requirements. What’s more, you may be eligible for other special offers and promotions.

PartnerShip works with over 120 major trade associations, across many industries, to provide their members with time- and money-saving tools to help them be successful in all facets of shipping and logistics. If you belong to an association we work with, take advantage of our free shipping benefits today and get in on the $25,000 Get Ready Sweepstakes. If you're not sure if you qualify for one of our association shipping programs contact us and we'll find the solution that's right for you.

*Limit 52 total entries. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. The $25,000 Get Ready Sweepstakes is sponsored by FedEx Corporate Services, Inc. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and Washington, D.C., age 18 or older who are members of an eligible FedEx Advantage affiliate as of 9/11/16. Begins 9/12/16; ends 11/4/16. For rules, go to smallbusiness.fedex.com/get-ready-rules.

FedEx recently announced changes to its shipping rates for 2017. In a surprising move, these new rates do not match the increases that UPS announced earlier this month. FedEx and UPS typically announce similar rate increases annually, making this year rather unique.

The new rates for FedEx will take effect on January 2, 2017. FedEx Ground services will increase an average of 4.9%, matching the announced average increase for UPS Ground that will take effect on December 26, 2016. However, while UPS Air services will be increasing an average of 4.9%, FedEx Express rates will only be increasing an average of 3.9%. This is the first of many differences between the announced changes from the two major carriers.

FedEx will also be lowering the dimensional (DIM) divisor to 139 for domestic shipments, matching the divisor currently used for international shipments. Many shipments that were not previously charged at the DIM weight will now be affected, which will have a significant impact on overall shipping costs. In 2011, the dimensional divisor decreased from 194 to 166, and in 2015 both FedEx and UPS began applying DIM weight pricing to all ground shipments. At this time, UPS hasn’t announced any changes to its DIM weight pricing.

In addition, FedEx announced a change to its fuel surcharges. Effective February 6, 2017, the fuel surcharge percentage will be subject to weekly adjustment, rather than monthly. There’s currently a two month lag time between the US government fuel indexes and the fuel surcharges. This change will better align them by reducing the lag time to two weeks.

As a shipper, it’s important to understand how these changes will affect you and your business. As we’ve done in past years, Partnership will conduct a full analysis to help you make sense of these changes. Be on the lookout for our white paper on the topic before the New Year!

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.

FedEx currently applies an additional handling surcharge to packages with a length greater than 60 inches, but after June 1 the threshold will be lowered to 48 inches. This announcement came during the FedEx third-quarter earnings call and is in response to recent e-commerce trends. More consumers are shopping online, which has led to an increase in home deliveries and an increase in non-traditional items being shipped, such as big screen TVs, mattresses, and swing sets.

The additional handling surcharge currently costs $10.50 per package, so it’s important to take a look at the size of packages you send and receive. If a lot of your packages are greater than 48 inches in length, you will see a significant jump in your costs.

It’s also important to note some of the other criteria from the FedEx service guide that would cause a package to be charged the additional handling surcharge. This surcharge also applies to any Express or Ground package that: 

• measures greater than 30 inches along its second-longest side
• has an actual weight of greater than 70 lbs
• is not fully encased in an outer shipping container
• is encased in an outer shipping container made of metal or wood
• is cylindrical, including (without limitation) cans, buckets, barrels, drums or pails that are not fully encased in an outer shipping container made of corrugated cardboard

The rise of e-commerce has caused a considerable amount of change in small package shipping in the past few years. Carriers are constantly adjusting service costs to address market trends. In 2015, FedEx and UPS began applying DIM weight pricing to all ground shipments as opposed to just those three cubic feet or larger. Prior to the 2016 rate increases and just in time for the holiday volume, the charge for oversized packages nearly doubled to $110. In addition, UPS instituted a 2.5% surcharge for third party billing service in response to the growing popularity of drop shipping. As the e-commerce sector continues to thrive we can expect to see more changes like this in the future.

Update: On May 6, 2016 UPS announced it will follow suit with FedEx and reduce its maximum length for the Additional Handling charge. Effective June 6, 2016, UPS Ground packages exceeding a length of 48 inches will be assessed the fee.  

It's important to start evaluating how you these changes will affect your shipping costs. Through a PartnerShip-managed shipping program, you receive significant discounts on select FedEx services - resulting in savings that can help to offset cost increases like these. 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.

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.

If you’re in the e-commerce game, you know that a certain amount of returns is inevitable – especially around the holidays. FedEx^® return shipping services make it easy to manage customer returns. Here are a few of the return services you can take advantage of:

FedEx Print Return Label
With this option you can create and print a return label with FedEx Ship Manager^®, and then include it either in the original shipment to your customer or in a separate correspondence. No charges are assessed until the label is used. 

FedEx Email Return Label
Instead of printing the return label and sending it to your customer, you can simply have it emailed. The customer receives an email with a link and barcode which allows them to access the label and print it themselves if needed. 

FedEx Express® Billable Stamps
FedEx Express Billable Stamps take the place of airbills and the recipient's information is conveniently preprinted on the stamp. No charges are assessed until the stamp is used. 

FedEx Express^® Prepaid Stamps
These prepaid labels allow you to allocate shipping costs and specify a FedEx delivery service upfront, letting you control and plan for return costs.

FedEx Ground^® Package Returns Program
FedEx Ground Package Returns Program simplifies returns for your customers. You provide your customer with a preprinted return label and they can schedule the pickup, without being charged a pickup fee. 

FedEx Express Tag^®
For express shipments, FedEx will create and deliver return shipping labels to your customer and collect the item for return. You can then schedule the express return pickup. 

FedEx Ground^® Call Tag
With this ground return pickup option, FedEx creates and delivers the return label to your customer, and then collects the item for the ground return pickup.

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.

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. 

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.