Smarter Shipping, Volume 73: 2025 Parcel Carrier Rate Hikes

In this week’s edition of Smarter Shipping, we’re sharing updates and insights to help you stay informed and prepared for the challenges ahead. From details on our recent webinar to the latest White Paper, industry news, and practical tips, Volume 73 of Smarter Shipping offers a clear look at what’s happening in logistics right now.

Here’s what you’ll find:

1. This weeks Industry Insights
2. New White Paper Release: Why a Freight Audit Partner is Essential in the Modern Logistics Ecosystem
3. Missed the Webinar? Get your copy of the recording
4. Happy Hour at RILA

Learn more about Intelligent Audit by Clicking Here

Week of January 13th, 2025 Industry Insights

The logistics industry is navigating significant changes, as highlighted by recent developments. Pandion, a logistics startup, announced its immediate closure due to unsuccessful funding and acquisition attempts, leaving employees without severance pay and reflecting broader market challenges. Meanwhile, a tentative six-year labor agreement between East and Gulf Coast dockworkers and port employers has averted potential strikes, offering wage increases and new restrictions on automation to balance job security with technological advancements. In parcel delivery, UPS has shifted its SurePost service away from USPS, reintegrating millions of packages into its network, a move that may increase delivery fees for remote areas and reflects broader operational adjustments. Additionally, FedEx and UPS are intensifying competition with steep discounts aimed at attracting small business customers, though the more profitable B2B parcel segment remains subdued due to weak manufacturing demand. These developments underscore the evolving dynamics of the logistics sector, with companies adapting to financial, technological, and competitive pressures. Read the top stories of the week

Why a Freight Audit Partner is Essential in the Modern Logistics Ecosystem

Intelligent Audit announces the release of a new white paper, "Why a Freight Audit Partner is Essential in the Modern Logistics Ecosystem."

?This resource is a must-read for shippers navigating today’s complex logistics landscape. It explores how Freight Audit Partners (FAPs) address critical challenges that Transportation Management Systems (TMS) alone cannot solve, including:

• Identifying billing discrepancies and recovering overcharges
• Enriching data for better decision-making
• Streamlining operations and reducing resource strain

By integrating FAPs with a TMS, shippers can save costs, enhance efficiency, and gain strategic insights to stay competitive in an ever-evolving industry.

?Access the white paper here: Get your copy here

Essential Insights for Shippers: Q1

Thank you to everyone who joined our webinar featuring Bart De Muynck and the Intelligent Audit Leadership Team!

?Here’s a quick recap of what was covered:

1. Navigating 2025 Supply Chain Risks: From talent shortages and geopolitical tensions to weather disruptions, the discussion highlighted key risks and strategies to build resilience and optimize operations.
2. The Growing Role of AI: Attendees learned how AI is transforming supply chains by enabling real-time decision-making and automation. The importance of data quality, skilled talent, and cybersecurity was emphasized.
3. Carrier Diversification: The panel explored the impact of recent market changes, including USPS work-share updates, and why shippers need diversified carrier strategies to stay agile.
4. Emerging Trends in Parcel and Nearshoring: Insights into parcel rate dynamics and the growing trend of nearshoring were shared, with a focus on overcoming infrastructure and workforce challenges.

These discussions provided actionable insights and practical strategies for shippers navigating an increasingly complex supply chain landscape.

Access recording: Click Here

We are ready for some warmer weather! If you are attending RILA, we would love to have you join us at our Happy Hour on Tuesday, Feb 18th! Join Intelligent Audit, Veho, and ClearJet for what is sure to be the highlight of your Tuesday evening!

Click here to RSVP

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend!