Unboxing Logistics

EasyPost
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This vodcast is for getting to know the fun side of our industry leaders, staying updated with the latest trends, and leveling up your shipping processes. If that sounds like your jam, this is the place for you. Every episode of Unboxing Logistics is stuffed full of insights, innovations, and real-life stories from the people who have been on the front line for years.

  1. 12/11/2025

    Unboxing the Trends: Season 5 Highlights With Tim Ranagan and Lori Boyer From EasyPost

    It’s a wrap! As season five of Unboxing Logistics concludes, Tim Ranagan and Lori Boyer look back at the issues that mattered most to ecommerce and operations teams this year.  They revisit the standout conversations on peak season, AI, cross-border shipping, and rising costs before sharing what listeners can expect in season six. Season five’s big ideasMuch of season five centered on two ideas that kept surfacing across conversations: cost awareness and the human element.  Lori noted that several experts described teams “not always sure and [not having] visibility into where they might be losing their money.”  At the same time, even the most technical discussions pointed back to people and how real teams work, reinforcing that logistics decisions only succeed when the human side stays front and center. A major theme—dealing with uncertaintyAlmost every guest emphasized how much uncertainty logistics teams are managing right now. And while that can be scary, it’s also exciting. Lori describes the moment as “a stage that’s primed for opportunity and creativity,” especially for companies looking to close cost gaps or adopt new technology.  What’s coming in season sixBig things are in store for next season! Lori shares that season six will feature a new carrier series designed to help businesses understand “where different carriers might fit well for your particular business model.”  Additionally, listeners can expect even more human-centered conversations and timely discussions tied to industry events. LinksConnect with Lori on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loribboyer/ Connect with Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-ranagan-mba-2717bb125/ Visit EasyPost’s website: https://www.easypost.com/

    16 min

  2. 12/03/2025

    Tips for Finding the Best Suppliers With Mattia Miglio From Alibaba.com

    Have a great idea for a new product? To turn the vision into a reality, you need to partner with reliable suppliers. But finding suppliers you can count on is easier said than done. If sourcing has been giving you grief, this is the Unboxing Logistics episode for you! Mattia Miglio from Alibaba.com joins Lori to share tips for finding suppliers, making sure they’re a good fit for your business, and building partnerships that last. How to find the right suppliersWhen you’re on the hunt for a new partner, Mattia recommends using a platform like Alibaba.com to find vetted suppliers from across the globe. For the most accurate picture of their performance, make sure to read customer reviews and check how long they’ve been active on the platform. Once you’re ready to move forward, Mattia says, “Always ask for samples. … If you are a beauty brand, for example, you can ask for [un]customized samples. Then you can go to customized samples, and then you place the first order with minimal quantities. Then if you're happy, you can scale up.” Why supplier diversification mattersAccording to Mattia, the safest course for a small business is to always have at least three suppliers.  If one partner runs into manufacturing or shipping delays, you’ll be able to rely on your others. He also notes, “Logistics costs are a big component. So if you find another supplier [that] can reduce your logistics costs, that will have an impact.”  Building long-term partnershipsSourcing is a careful balance; while you want to build trusting, long-term partnerships, you also have to be open to change.  “I always recommend [finding] the right partner, not [just] a supplier. … These relationships should go for the long term. But always compare prices. Always have a backup plan.” LinksConnect with Mattia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattiamiglio/ Visit Alibaba.com’s website: https://www.alibaba.com/

    37 min

  3. 11/12/2025

    EasyPost Insider: Automate USPS Claims Filing With Tyler Diestel From EasyPost

    Are you taking advantage of the $100 of shipping insurance included for select USPS labels? Most businesses aren’t. They don’t file claims, leaving thousands of dollars on the table.  Fortunately, there’s a way to recoup lost funds without the filing hassle. In this EasyPost Insider episode, Tyler Diestel joins Lori to share everything you need to know about EasyPost’s USPS Claims service.  What is USPS Claims?Tyler explains, “USPS Claims is an amazing product that makes it easy for shippers to get money back … from [USPS]. Because we have a treasure trove of data, we can tell when a package is lost or damaged. … We're able to file claims … to help our shippers recoup [their money].” Why automate claims filing with EasyPost?Many merchants don’t file insurance claims because they don’t realize that shipping insurance is included in the label price. But for others, it’s simply a matter of time.  “They don't have time to figure out which of their shipments are actually eligible. They don't have time to go in and file a claim for each of those shipments. They don't have time to follow up on the progress of those claims.” For these busy logistics teams, USPS Claims is a huge time saver. How the process worksGetting started with USPS Claims is easy—you can enroll in the program right from the EasyPost dashboard.  While the process is almost entirely automatic, Tyler does note that if you don’t provide product values at label purchase, you’ll need to add that information after the fact. “As we go through our claims process and identify shipments that can be filed, we will send you an email saying, there are 20 shipments that need additional info … please log into the portal [and] fill it out.” When claims are approved, the funds go back into your EasyPost Wallet for future label purchases.  LinksConnect with Tyler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tdiestel/ Learn more about USPS Claims by EasyPost: https://www.easypost.com/usps-claims

    22 min

  4. 11/06/2025

    From First to Last Mile: A New One-Stop Shipping Partner With Keith Somers From FAST Group

    In August 2025, three innovative carriers announced a merger that will allow them to better serve their customers. ACI Logistix, First Mile, and Sendle are now FAST Group, an integrated logistics ecosystem.  What does the merger mean for their customers? In this episode, Lori sits down with Keith Somers, the new CEO of FAST Group, to answer that question and get a behind-the-scenes look at FAST Group’s operations, culture, and values. What is FAST Group?The beauty of FAST Group is that it brings together three companies with different strengths, giving their customers access to more specialized shipping services. Keith explains, “Legacy ACI focused on the enterprise segment. [They] had high-volume sortation systems [and a] really efficient middle and last mile. … First Mile, their segment was SMB clients, so they had a really amazing first-mile pickup infrastructure. … Sendle had … built this amazing consumer experience platform.” Now that the three brands have joined forces, they’re a “one-stop shop for customers and clients of any size … [to] get customized pickup [and] delivery [from] anywhere to anywhere.” A shipping partner that grows with your businessFAST Group’s services are perfect for small businesses, major enterprises, and anything in between.  Keith puts it like this: “Clients of any size can enjoy this now. And we [can] grow with a client. They could start in their garage, and maybe they're selling yoga pants and they're going to be the next lululemon. They could stay with us the entire journey.” Behind the scenes of the mergerWith the merger happening so close to peak season, it’s reasonable that shippers using ACI Logistix, First Mile, or Sendle might worry about service disruptions. But Keith shares several strategies FAST Group is implementing to keep things running smoothly. One key to their success? Staying focused.   “Integration can take 18 months or more. So you might think you're done, and you're not. … [You need to] ignore all the shiny objects, because there's a lot of opportunities, and you really stay focused and true to what that core mission is until that box is checked.” Links:Connect with Keith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-somers-71273b6/Learn more about FAST Group: https://fastgroup.co/

    29 min

  5. 10/15/2025

    The Power of Neurodiversity With Dylan Telford and Jarlath Phelan From Summit Advisory Team

    Neurodiverse people have amazing talents that help them shine in logistics roles, but they also face unique challenges that can make it difficult to thrive in the workplace.  In this Unboxing Logistics episode, Dylan Telford and Jarlath Phelan from Summit Advisory Team share their personal experiences with neurodivergence. They and Lori discuss what neurodivergent people bring to the table, how they can be themselves, and what coworkers and leaders can do to foster inclusivity. Neurodivergence in the logistics industryLori starts the episode with a surprising statistic. According to a recent study, 58% of people in the logistics and supply chain industry identify as neurodivergent—more than double what you’d see in other industries! Jarlath’s reaction to the stat? “It makes a lot of sense. There's a lot of pattern recognition [in logistics]. There's a lot of creative thinking required …  it makes total sense that that's what neurodivergent people are drawn to.” The importance of being openAccording to Dylan, the best way for neurodivergent people to work well with neurotypical coworkers—and avoid misunderstandings or conflicts—is to communicate openly. He says, “When I got my diagnosis, I learned that the more open I was, the easier it was … to be part of a community of people that's all trying to make work … as easy as it can be for everybody.”  For example, after hearing feedback about talking too much, Dylan began asking coworkers to interrupt him if he was getting off track, telling them, “You need to stop me when you have enough [information].” Leadership tips for creating an inclusive workplaceJarlath and Dylan both weigh in on what logistics leaders can do to help neurodivergent employees have great experiences at work.  Jarlath’s request is simple: “Just treat me as an individual.”  Dylan adds that while leaders should definitely make an effort to be inclusive of neurodivergent individuals, they also need to recognize that inclusive workplaces benefit everyone. “You're not creating quiet places to work in the office for people who are neurodivergent. You're creating quiet places in the office for people who may need time that is quieter … for what they do. And that could be anybody.” LinksConnect with Dylan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-telford-b7404769/ Connect with Jarlath on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarlathphelan/ Visit Summit Advisory Team’s website: https://summitadvisoryteam.com/

    44 min

  6. 10/01/2025

    Time To Rethink Returns? With Tim Robinson From Blue Yonder

    Blue Yonder recently released their 2025 Global Consumer Retail Returns Survey, and it’s jam-packed with insights.  In this episode of Unboxing Logistics, Lori sits down with Tim Robinson, senior vice president and general manager at Blue Yonder, to talk through the survey’s findings and offer practical suggestions for handling returns effectively. What to do with returned itemsAs Tim points out, most businesses automatically equate returned items with lost profits, assuming they’ll never be able to resell the products that customers send back. But with the right tools and strategies, this doesn’t have to be the reality. Tim explains, “The philosophical shift is [that] you have to consider these items assets. This is real-life inventory, which can be resold for full value on Wednesday.” He continues, “If you use technology to treat returning items in exactly the same way you would a brand new outbound item—i.e. you use technology to know where it is, what it is, when it's coming, to forecast [how] to sell it, to fulfill it, to ship it—then actually, [there’s] a very high likelihood that you'll be able to resell that item … for the vast majority of its [original] sale price.” The downside of “keep-it” returnsOne of the survey’s findings is that 2025 had fewer “keep-it” returns than 2024. Tim shares a possible reason why brands are avoiding this type of return. When a business lets someone keep an item, they’re sending a subtle message that the item is low-value. “It basically means it costs them more money to deal with it than its value. If you are the consumer, how does that make you feel about that item?” Should you tighten your returns policy before peak?With some shoppers taking advantage of generous return policies, many businesses have added stricter rules. Should you do the same?  According to Tim, the months leading up to peak season aren’t the time to make changes. Instead, it’s best to focus on creating a great customer experience. “I definitely feel like this is not a time to tighten your policy. … This is not a time to … make it harder for people to shop, because ultimately we all survive and grow and thrive if consumers still feel compelled to shop at this time of year.”  LinksConnect with Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-robinson-ceo/Visit Blue Yonder’s website: https://blueyonder.com/ The Global Consumer Retail Returns Survey: https://blueyonder.com/media/2025/blue-yonder-survey-stricter-returns-policies-deter-global-consumer-spending Survey infographic: https://blueyonder.com/resources/consumer-data-from-blue-yonder-can-help-retailers-optimize-returns

    41 min

  7. 09/18/2025

    The AI Conversation at Parcel Forum With Tom Butt From EasyPost

    Last week, Lori Boyer and Tom Butt attended Parcel Forum, where EasyPost was the official AI in logistics sponsor. In addition to presenting on AI tools, Lori and Tom got a chance to talk with shippers about the problems they’re facing—and how artificial intelligence can help.  They share their takeaways in this episode of Unboxing Logistics. The AI conversationTom noticed a pattern at Parcel Forum: businesses were curious about adopting AI logistics technology, but they weren’t sure whether to make the leap. He says, “Everyone … was talking and comparing notes and saying, ‘This AI thing, is it a buzzword? How are you guys using it? When is the starting gun going to go off?’” How AI helps with shippingAI is a powerful tool for collecting and analyzing data, but its capabilities go way beyond data analysis. For example, AI tools like Luma by EasyPost can identify weak areas in your shipping operations and suggest improvements. Tom gives an example. “[You can] see if there are … delays within your carrier network. Where are those occurring? Is it pre-transit exceptions, [where] you're printing a label, but it's not scanning into the carrier network?” “AI is going to help you identify where those exceptions are and potentially make some recommendations on how to address those things.” When to get started with AIOne of the biggest mistakes Tom sees shippers make is not getting started with AI now. By waiting for other businesses to lead the way, these hesitant players risk getting left behind.  On the other hand, being an early adopter gives you a competitive edge. He says, “I can tell you right now, there's not going to be a starting gun. And those that adopt AI and start to build it into some methodologies, build it into frameworks, are going to have a head start and a leg up.” LinksConnect with Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tombutt/Visit EasyPost’s website: www.easypost.com

    31 min

  8. 09/11/2025

    Transforming Your Supply Chain With AI With Benjamin Gordon From Cambridge Capital

    AI has taken the world by storm, with top companies using it to optimize every part of their operations—including shipping and logistics. But it can be tricky finding an AI solution that actually solves your business problems.  In this episode, Benjamin (Ben) Gordon, managing partner and CEO at Cambridge Capital, sits down with Lori to break down what AI can do, where it might fall short, and how to choose tools that work. The transformative power of AIBen believes that AI has the “capacity to totally transform not just logistics, but everything.” But when it comes to logistics, AI is particularly valuable. He explains, “AI is outstanding in areas that are process-intensive and … document-intensive.” Ben continues, “In the end, [AI will] be a tremendous source of productivity gain for companies that use it well.” Improving the brand experience with AIOften, Ben explains, “The supply chain is the weak link in the consumer brand experience.” AI can help change that. First, it’s a powerful tool for customer communication. “There's no excuse in the world of AI today to not have an instant answer to a customer question. ‘Where's my stuff?’ should never be [answered] with, ‘You know, we'll get back to you in two business days.’”  Additionally, AI is one of the best ways to optimize shipping for reliability and timeliness. “What [businesses are] increasingly doing is using AI to look for patterns. For example, wouldn't it be good to know … that whatever ships out on Tuesdays tends to be faster than what ships out on Fridays? Maybe … you want to push more promotions on a Tuesday than a Friday, because that way the customer gets [their order] faster, then they're happier.” What to consider when choosing an AI solutionSome AI technology claims to do it all, while other solutions offer more specific capabilities. In Ben’s opinion, all-in-one tools aren’t necessarily the best bet right now.  “In the early stages of innovation, the point solutions are almost always better. … But there will come a time in the next three to five years where [AI] evolves, and then you'll be able to find integrated platforms that can do it all.” LinksConnect with Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bengordon18/Visit Cambridge Capital’s website: https://cambridgecapital.com/

    46 min
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This vodcast is for getting to know the fun side of our industry leaders, staying updated with the latest trends, and leveling up your shipping processes. If that sounds like your jam, this is the place for you. Every episode of Unboxing Logistics is stuffed full of insights, innovations, and real-life stories from the people who have been on the front line for years.

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  • Creator
    EasyPost
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    79
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 EasyPost
  • Show Website
    Unboxing Logistics