Parcel Perspectives with Glenn Gooding

Glenn Gooding
Parcel Perspectives with Glenn Gooding

This podcast is your guide to navigating the ever-changing world of small parcel shipping. Each episode, join host Glenn as he unpacks expert tips, insightful data, and the latest news to help you succeed.

Episodes

  1. Winning Peak Season with Expert Strategies from a 3PL Owner

    OCT 16

    Winning Peak Season with Expert Strategies from a 3PL Owner

    In this episode, host Glenn Gooding sits down with Mark Taylor, CEO and founder of Warehouse Republic, to explore how businesses can navigate the challenges of peak season logistics from a 3PL's perspective. From preparation to post-peak adjustments, Mark shares his insights on keeping systems running smoothly during high-demand times, especially during key periods like the Chinese New Year. Key highlights include: Proactive Communication: Why staying transparent with your team and customers is essential for managing expectations and maintaining strong relationships.Efficient Returns Management: Tips for handling returns effectively to prevent customer dissatisfaction and disputes.Carrier Strategies: The advantages of using multiple carriers for better rates, unless you're locked into a highly favorable contract.Labor Management: How to plan ahead to meet peak demand surges without missing a beat. Mark also discusses customer experience strategies, like offering guarantees based on order dates and delivering a premium experience for first-time buyers. He shares lessons from his journey since founding Warehouse Republic in 2018, emphasizing the importance of simplicity in working with 3PLs and using slower periods for experimentation and improvement. The episode wraps up with practical tips for scenario planning and building strategic partnerships to optimize logistics during peak seasons. Don't miss these valuable insights—subscribe for more shipping and logistics strategies here: https://www.idrivelogistics.com/podcasts.

    35 min
  2. Navigating the New Normal: UPS & FedEx Demand Surcharge Explained

    SEP 25

    Navigating the New Normal: UPS & FedEx Demand Surcharge Explained

    In this episode of Parcel Perspectives, Glenn Gooding and Brett Haskins, COO of iDrive Logistics, dive into the sweeping changes set to reshape the shipping industry following the recent UPS and FedEx demand surcharge announcements. They break down how major carriers are shifting from temporary "peak season surcharges" to more permanent "demand surcharges," a response to growing e-commerce pressures and market demands. This change is critical for all shippers to understand as they prepare for future logistics and pricing strategies. Key highlights include an expected rise in shipping costs for 2025, driven by fuel price increases and strategic changes from UPS, FedEx, and the US Postal Service. Glenn and Brett discuss the end of subsidized shipping, the impact of hyperinflation, and how brands can adjust pricing without losing their competitive edge. They also stress the importance of Q4, where efficient shipping and fulfillment are essential for customer acquisition and retention during the holiday season. The episode offers practical tips for navigating the new demand surcharge landscape. Glenn and Brett highlight the importance of accurate demand forecasting, building strong relationships with carriers, and adopting multi-sourcing strategies to reduce reliance on a single carrier. Brett shares actionable insights on aligning operational strategies with carrier requirements, enhancing customer shopping experiences, and using expert advice to minimize the financial and operational impacts of these surcharges. This conversation equips listeners with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in an ever-evolving shipping market.

    37 min
  3. Mitigating the Impact of Fuel Surcharges on Your Logistics Budget

    SEP 9

    Mitigating the Impact of Fuel Surcharges on Your Logistics Budget

    In this episode of Parcel Perspectives, host Glenn Gooding tackles the complex topic of fuel surcharges in the small parcel shipping market. He begins by explaining why shippers might experience cost increases even after careful planning for general rate increases (GRIs). Glenn breaks down fuel surcharges into three main aspects: their definition and purpose, their impact on logistics budgets, and strategies to mitigate or negotiate these expenses effectively. Glenn provides a detailed analysis of how carriers like UPS calculate fuel surcharges using Department of Energy fuel price indexes and adjust these surcharges weekly. He highlights historical trends to show how carriers subtly increase surcharges over time, likening it to the analogy of "boiling a frog"—where incremental changes can go unnoticed. An illustrative example is given to demonstrate the financial impact on shippers, emphasizing that the cost of shipping a typical parcel has significantly increased due to fuel surcharge adjustments over the past few years. Wrapping up, Glenn discusses negotiation tactics for shippers to handle fuel surcharges better. He stresses the importance of a holistic approach in carrier negotiations, cautioning against focusing solely on one aspect like fuel surcharges while neglecting others such as accessorial fees. Glenn's extensive experience in the industry validates his insights and strategies, as he has worked with a diverse range of clients, from Fortune 50 companies to startup e-commerce businesses, guiding them through the intricacies of the small parcel shipping market.

    18 min
  4. Navigating USPS Parcel Select Rate Increase: What Sellers Need to Know

    JUL 10

    Navigating USPS Parcel Select Rate Increase: What Sellers Need to Know

    In this episode of Parcel Perspectives, host Glenn Gooding, delves into the imminent changes looming over the small parcel shipping industry, with a specific focus on the proposed parcel select rate increase by the United States Postal Service (USPS), set to take effect on July 14, 2023. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has proposed rate hikes ranging from 23-70%, a move that could significantly impact postal aggregators such as DHL eCommerce, UPS Mail Innovations, and others. Glenn provides a detailed explanation of parcel select, its current operational dynamics, and the key role it plays in the shipping market. The potential effects of these increases on e-commerce shippers, particularly those shipping lightweight products to residential destinations, are scrutinized, with an emphasis on the double-digit cost increases they may face. To help shippers navigate these challenges, Glenn outlines several mitigation strategies. He suggests exploring alternate carriers, such as FedEx Ground Economy and UPS SurePost, which could offer more favorable terms and help cushion the financial blow. The potential of regional carriers is also discussed as a viable alternative, provided shippers have the requisite volume and geographic alignment. Additionally, Glenn highlights the necessity for proactive communication with carriers like DHL eCommerce, UPS Mail Innovations, and others to understand their plans and develop contingency strategies in anticipation of the upcoming changes. Glenn Gooding, the episode's host, is the President of iDrive and has a rich history in the small parcel shipping industry, spanning 37 years. His career began with a major carrier where he worked as an operator and industrial engineer, eventually managing pricing at high levels for large, complex shippers. Recognized as a national thought leader, Glenn has helped shape strategies for clients ranging from Fortune 50 companies to startup e-commerce businesses. This expertise positions him well to provide insightful analysis and actionable advice, aimed at helping shippers stay competitively aligned in an increasingly complex and costly market.

    17 min

About

This podcast is your guide to navigating the ever-changing world of small parcel shipping. Each episode, join host Glenn as he unpacks expert tips, insightful data, and the latest news to help you succeed.

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