Our very own Harry Centa, senior program manager for PartnerShip, had the pleasure of attending Summer NAMM 2014 in Nashville earlier this month. NAMM (one of over 120 associations that endorses PartnerShip for shipping services) supports businesses in the music products industry, and this annual show attracts some of the most fascinating and talented people around.

One of the biggest highlights of the show was the Top 100 Dealers Awards, which recognizes the industry's very best music product retailers and shares their stores' strategies for success. The —Dealer of the Year' and eight —best of' category winners are chosen from among NAMM's Top 100 Dealers, named earlier this year. Congratulations to The Candyman Strings & Things of Santa Fe, New Mexico for winning the top award of —Dealer of the Year.'

This year's Summer NAMM also proved to be another successful show for PartnerShip! It was a great opportunity for Harry to connect with NAMM members and educate them on the services and discounts available to them through PartnerShip. The NAMM Shipping Program provides members with discounts on their inbound and outbound, small and big package shipping, one of the many valuable benefits offered through the association. Harry also collected submissions for a drawing for a $100 Visa reward card. Congratulations to our lucky winner — Christie at Hell Creek Music & More!

Thank you to NAMM and all of the Summer NAMM attendees for helping us make it BIG in Nashville this year! Check out the slideshow below to see pictures from the show.

Sorting out all of the necessary steps for shipping internationally can be intimidating. Our small package alliance partner, FedEx, has the services and tools to simplify the international shipping process for small businesses.

FedEx Express International Services:
FedEx offers a variety of international service options to fit your delivery and budgetary needs:

• FedEx International Priority^® 
  Provides customs-cleared delivery typically in 1 to 3 business days to more than 220 countries and territories. You can import from more than 220 countries and territories too. 
• FedEx International Economy^®
  Provides cost-effective, customs-cleared delivery typically in 2 to 5 business days to more than 215 countries and territories. You get delivery in just 2 or 3 business days to Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. You can import from more than 100 countries and territories too. 
• FedEx^® International Next Flight
  The fastest-possible delivery to and from more than 220 countries and territories. Reach major cities in just hours depending on flight availability. It's available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 
• FedEx International First^®
  Reach many destinations in Belgium, England, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland as early as 9 a.m. in 2 business days. You can also take advantage of inbound delivery to select U.S. ZIP codes from more than 60 countries and Caribbean islands in just 1 or 2 business days by 8 or 8:30 a.m. 

FedEx Express International Shipping Tools:
Through the FedEx Global Trade Manager, you have several tools right at your fingertips to get everything ready for your international shipment:

• Find International Documents: Get help finding the necessary documents for your international shipment.  
• Estimate Duties and Taxes: Estimate the duties and taxes that will be levied against your international shipment. 
• Country Profiles: Get a snapshot of country information including demographics, business information and statistics. 
• Shipping Advisories: Get important regulatory information specific to your shipment. 
• Denied Party Screening: Identify individuals, companies, and other parties that have been denied international business transactions.
• Harmonized Code Search: Find the World Customs Organization (WCO) tariff classification for your product.

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.

Related articles:
FedEx and UPS Peak Season Surcharges: The Important Differences
Your Guide to the 2020 FedEx and UPS Rate Increases
How to Manage Customer Returns with FedEx
How to Schedule a Pickup with FedEx
Take Advantage of Simple, Flat Rate Shipping with FedEx One Rate®

FedEx recently announced that dimensional weight pricing will apply to all FedEx Ground shipments, effective January 1, 2015. This is a significant change from the rating structure in place today. Currently only FedEx Ground packages measuring at least three cubic feet (5184 cubic inches) are subject to dimensional weight pricing. 

UPS is likely to make the same changes, as FedEx and UPS have a history of matching one another's pricing strategies. Both of their general rate increases (GRI) have matched over the years, including similar accessorial fees and special handling charges.

Even though this change is still several months away, it's important to determine what this will mean for you and your business for future planning. So what can you do?

Educate yourself
Dimensional weight pricing is a common industry practice that sets the transportation price based on package volume, in relation to its actual weight. Carriers use dimensional weight in order to account for the space packages take up on their trucks and planes. This allows for a more precise way to charge for their services.

According to the 2014 FedEx Service Guide, FedEx Express calculates dimensional weight for shipments within the U.S. by multiplying the package length by width by height (in inches) and dividing the total by a DIM Factor of 166 (the DIM Factor represents the volume of a package allowed per unit of weight). Dimensions that measure one-half inch or greater are rounded up to the next whole number, dimensions less than one-half inch are rounded down, and the final number is rounded up to the next whole pound. If the dimensional weight exceeds the actual weight, the former becomes the billable weight. It is likely that the new FedEx Ground dimensional weight pricing will follow the same guidelines.

Determine the impact
Start by looking at the FedEx Ground packages you typically ship and their box sizes. For example, if you tend to ship 24x12x12 boxes, the dimensional weight is 21 lbs. Here is how that is calculated:

length x width x height = volume
24 in x 12 in x 12 in = 3,456 cubic inches

volume/dimensional divider = dimensional weight
3,456/166 = 21 lbs.

You then compare the dimensional weight to the actual weight, and the higher of the two becomes the billable weight. In this example, if your actual package weight is 15 lbs., you will instead be billed at the dimensional weight (21 lbs.).

The change in dimensional weight pricing for small package ground shipments is only part of the impact you'll see on your budget for 2015, but it will be an important one. Keep an eye out around the New Year for the PartnerShip Small Package Rate Increase white paper that will come out after all of the general rate increases are announced by the carriers.

Find ways to offset the rate increase
Be mindful when you select the packaging for your small package ground shipments. Make sure you're not using unnecessarily large boxes for lighter shipments.  If you don't currently have one, investing in a scale can be helpful when determining how to ship out your small packages and selecting box size, so you know exactly what you're working with and how much you can expect to pay.   

Securing discounts for your small package shipments is one of the best ways to offset this rate increase. PartnerShip offers association members discounts on select FedEx services. 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. Also, if you click the button below, we can provide you with a free, no-obligation shipping analysis to determine how much we can help you save on your small package shipping.

Through the vision of artist Anita Miller, The Eyes of Freedom: Lima Company Memorial was created and is traveling the country with the help of PartnerShip carrier, R+L Carriers. This powerful and moving exhibit contains 23 portraits that depict the fallen Marines from Lima Company 3/25, one of the hardest hit units in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Back in 2005, the Marine Corps deployed Columbus-based Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Regiment. Within the first two months overseas, Lima Company faced its first wave of causalities, including eight Marines who were killed as a part of seizing Al Qaeda weapons and explosives. On August 3, 2005, the largest IED blast ever recorded happened, devastating the unit.

Miller was understandably moved by their story and spent two and half years to create this memorial in their honor. In 2008 it was unveiled at the Ohio Statehouse Rotunda and viewed by one of the Lima Company survivors, Mike Strahle. Strahle became involved with the project and vowed to make it available to all in need of remembrance and healing. Working with R+L Carriers, Miller and Strahle are now able to share this memorial and the story of Lima Company 3/25 with people all over the country.

R+L Carriers is an alliance partner with PartnerShip, providing a variety of domestic and global shipping solutions, including LTL freight, tradeshow, truckload, and freight forwarding services.

At the end of 2013, PartnerShip customers were encouraged to participate in the $25,000 FedEx Advantage Sweepstakes, sponsored by FedEx. By enrolling and shipping through a PartnerShip-managed shipping program, association members were eligible to receive over 100 prizes totaling more than $25,000. PartnerShip would like to thank the customers that participated in this promotion and congratulate our winners.

Congratulations to the $2,500 first prize winner - NTEA member, Judy from Meridian SV!

Congratulations to the following PartnerShip customers who each won a $100 American Express^® gift card:

• ABA member, Clive from Changing Hands
• NSRA member, Lou from New Balance Charlotte
• NACS member, Coral from Randolph College
• NSRA member, Mark from Shoe Stop
• NSGA member, Rick from Sports World
• NACS member, Kathy from Zane State College
• ABA member, Rebecca from Greenlight Bookstore
• NSRA member, David from Stans Footwear
• ACS member, Chris from Bardwell Farm
• NACS member, Amanda from Arm Pocket
• NAEDA member, Judy from Riceland Intl
• NACS member, Michael from Grandview Ed
• NACS member, Jennifer from Iowa State University
• NSRA member, Loria from Chiapetta Shoes
• ANLA member, Kelly from Garden Genetics
• NACS member, Norm from Umpqua Oats
• MIA member, Lucille 

One of the biggest issues that keep exhibitors awake at night during the winter months is a trade show shipment that is delayed due to weather. If you plan on exhibiting at any upcoming trade shows, here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:

1. Build in one or two extra days for shipping, especially for cross-country shipping or shipping into cities that historically are affected by weather.
2. Work with a proactive shipping partner (like PartnerShip) that tracks your exhibit shipment EVERY day, and when issues arise, will work with you to come up with acceptable alternatives.
3. Always have a "Plan B". Most carriers will not honor delivery guarantees to trade shows when delays are caused by weather conditions. So it is important that you have contingency plans in place if your primary exhibit shipment is unexpectedly delayed (e.g., a secondary booth, experienced personnel who can expedite replacement materials, etc.).

PartnerShip has nearly 25 years of experience both as an exhibitor and as a shipper of exhibit materials. We stand ready to help exhibitors with our knowledge and know-how during this busy time of the year for trade shows, expos, and conferences. In fact, earlier this year PartnerShip helped nearly 300 exhibitors overcome nasty weather so they could have a successful CAMEX 2013 show in Kansas City, Missouri. Two crippling snow storms crashed over the Midwest affecting exhibit transportation during show move-in and move-out. Check out the video below to hear what these exhibitors had to say about working with PartnerShip to overcome the weather and still have a successful show.

Got questions? Give our Tradeshow team a call at 800-599-2902 option 3; or click the button below to request a free, no-obligation rate quote on your next exhibit shipment.

Online retailers know how important it is to streamline the shopping experience for their customers. They constantly strive to have a well designed website, a well managed inventory, and a simplified shipping process. That's why FedEx offers online retailers a way to improve their ecommerce space with the FedEx Web Integration Wizard.

The FedEx Web Integration Wizard is a great tool for online retailers that don't have a dedicated developer, or for anyone looking for a simple way to integrate FedEx functionality to their website. Once this functionality is incorporated into your website, your customers can compare FedEx shipping rates and transit times, create shipping labels, and track the status of their shipments - helping to create a more engaging website and improve overall customer satisfaction.

How to get started:

1. Create or locate a page on your site where shipment information will be featured, such as an order status page for tracking.

2. Open the FedEx Web Integration Wizard.

3. Enter your FedEx account information and set up a merchant account profile.

4. Select which services you would like to appear on your website (shipping, tracking, rating, or returns).

5. Answer a few questions about your shipping characteristics.

6. Select a design to match your website needs.

7. Click "Get Code" to automatically generate HTML code based on your input.

8. Copy and paste the HTML code into your website files where you would like the shipment information to appear.

The best part of this FedEx integration is that it can help you save money. Through a PartnerShip-managed shipping program, you receive significant discounts on select FedEx services. 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. Also, if you click the button below, we can provide you with a free, no-obligation shipping analysis to determine how much we can help you save on your small package shipping.

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.

Businesses are gearing up for the inevitable increase in traffic that comes with the busy holiday season. Luckily for shoppers, they no longer have to face long lines and crowded parking lots to get their shopping done during this busy time — they can choose to do it all online.

In the past several years, Cyber Monday has been catching up to Black Friday in popularity, offering consumers an alternative way to get the best deals while crossing names off their —nice list.' Online retailers have undoubtedly already begun preparing for Cyber Monday by ramping up marketing efforts and making sure their websites can handle the increased traffic.

If you're one of the businesses gearing up for Cyber Monday and the rest of the holiday season, it's important to not forget the basics of optimizing the online shopping experience for your customers. Shipping is a very important component of the online sale process and a key part to your ecommerce success. Here are some shipping best practices to keep in mind:

• Be transparent. Include shipping costs on the product page, instead of hiding them behind a login page, and give extended information on what the customer can expect from each shipping option.

• Consider a free shipping strategy. You could provide free shipping at a minimum order price, offer free or reduced shipping to your best customers, or offer it for a limited time. For more ideas, check out How to Effectively Offer Free Shipping.

• Keep your customers in the loop. Arguably one of the biggest downfalls of online shopping is the waiting game, so let your customers know their order is in good hands. Email them a receipt confirmation of their order once they place it, notify them when it has shipped, and most importantly provide them with the tracking number.

• Make returns easy. There is an increased element of risk when shopping online. Consumers often worry What if it doesn't fit? or What if it doesn't work like I thought it would?. Give your customers the reassurance they need by presenting them with a simple and hassle-free return policy. Better yet, make that policy clear early on in the sale process to ease their nerves and ultimately help secure the sale.

• Reduce your overall shipping costs. Work with your shipping partners or 3PL (like PartnerShip) to ensure you are saving as much as possible on your shipping. You can pass on any savings you garner to your customers or use it to re-invest in your business. 

Implementing these basic best practices for shipping will provide you with a good foundation for the success of your online sales during this holiday season and beyond. PartnerShip can help you in all facets of your shipping and logistics — not only outbound to your customers, but also inbound from your suppliers. For a free shipping analysis click the button below.

FedEx recently announced a general rate increases (GRI) of 3.9%, on average, for domestic and international FedEx Express services. These new rates will take effect January 6, 2014 along with the FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery general rate increases that will be announced later this year (historically, FedEx will match Ground increases set by UPS). In previous years, FedEx has had higher rate increases but offset them with a fuel surcharge reduction. This year they have not announced plans to modify the fuel surcharge indexes and instead have lowered the rate increase compared to previous years (3.9% vs. 5.9% in 2013).

List Rates
For a full listing of the 2014 FedEx Express rates, click here. Below is a snapshot of average rate increases for commonly used FedEx Express services.

Source: http://www.parcelindustry.com/Media/PublicationsArticle/fedex1.pdf 

Surcharges
2014 will also see changes to surcharges and fees for FedEx Express services, with a 7.6% average increase.

• Declared Value. Declared value charges for FedEx Express services will increase from $0.85 to $0.90 per $100 of value. For U.S. package services, the charges apply to shipments valued in excess of $100, and the minimum charge will increase from $2.55 to $2.70. For international services, the charge applies to the value in excess of $100 or $9.07 per lb., whichever is greater.

• Delivery Area Surcharge. For applicable FedEx Express U.S. package services, a delivery area surcharge applies to shipments destined to select ZIP codes.

• Collect on Delivery (C.O.D.). For applicable FedEx Express U.S. package services, the charge for FedEx C.O.D. will increase from $11 per package to $12 per package. The cap for FedEx Express Multiweight shipments will increase from $77 per shipment to $84 per shipment.

• Residential Delivery Charge. For FedEx Express U.S. and international package services, a residential delivery charge applies to shipments to a home or private residence.

• Saturday Delivery. For applicable FedEx Express U.S. package services, the charge for Saturday delivery will increase from $15 per package to $16 per package. For applicable FedEx Express international package services, the charge for Saturday delivery will increase from $15 per shipment to $16 per shipment.

• Saturday Pickup. For applicable FedEx Express U.S. package services, the charge for Saturday pickup will increase from $15 per package to $16 per package and the maximum charge will increase from $105 per shipment to $112 per shipment. For applicable FedEx Express international package services, the charge for Saturday pickup will increase from $15 per shipment to $16 per shipment.

If you've ever done any online shopping, you're probably familiar with those two little magical words — —free shipping!' As a consumer, it's great — who doesn't love free? But as a small business trying to find your place in the wide world of e-commerce, it can be a little intimidating. As free shipping becomes more common, many customers are now coming to expect it; creating a wide range of costs and benefits for retailers. However, many retailers have experienced benefits, including increases in sales and customer retention, that outweigh the costs.

There are several ways you can offer free shipping to your customers without sacrificing profits. Here are some options to consider:

• Provide free shipping at a minimum order price. Try providing free shipping at a minimum price point that's above your average order size. If you offer free shipping on orders over $50 for example, a customer who has $49.99 or less in their shopping cart is likely to purchase an additional item to reach that benchmark for the deal.
• Offer free shipping on orders for a limited time. With the holidays fast approaching, customers are looking for the best deals. Providing a short window of time for free shipping could be just the right trigger for a sale.
• Target your best customers. Instead of presenting the masses with free shipping, target a select group of customers you can email to increase lifetime value.
• Create a flat shipping rate. Customers like knowing what costs to expect when shopping online. There's nothing worse than filling up your shopping cart, expecting to pay a certain price, and getting slammed with higher-than-expected shipping costs at checkout.
• Use a one-time fee. Shipping clubs with an annual fee can be a great way to entice customers and drive customer loyalty. A good example of this is Amazon Prime. Customers pay an annual fee to shop on Amazon.com and receive unlimited free two-day shipping.
• Offer free shipping on special products. You can offer free shipping on products with higher profit margins, on products where you have excess inventory, or any special item you're looking to promote.
• Reduce your overall shipping costs. Work with your freight carriers or a 3PL (like PartnerShip) to ensure you are saving as much as possible on your shipping. Any additional savings you can garner will ensure you're overall profit margin is not negatively impacted by any free shipping promotions or offers.

Once you've decided how you want to offer free shipping to your customers, it's important to promote it. Use email marketing to announce it to your customers and advertise it on your website so when your customers are shopping, they can't miss it. Also, be sure to be very transparent about how to receive free shipping if you're not offering it on everything outright. If the customer has to complete an action (i.e. order at least $50, sign up for a shipping club, etc.), make it clear in the beginning what that action is.

Once you've implemented your free shipping strategy, make sure to measure it. Take a look at the costs including increased IT expenses, customer service issues, and your shipping expenses. If these costs outweigh the benefits (increased revenue and an increased customer lifetime value) you should re-evaluate. You may need to experiment with your tactics to find the one the works best for you.  

Through a PartnerShip association shipping program, you can save on select FedEx^® services for small package shipping and with LTL freight carriers for large shipments — savings that can be used to fund a free shipping offer to your customers. Want to learn how another business used free shipping to improve their bottom line? Click here to read a case study featuring a PartnerShip customer that used its PartnerShip savings to implement a free shipping strategy. To find out how PartnerShip can help you save on your shipping costs, click on button below for a free, no-obligation shipping analysis.