The Amazon Order Defect Rate (ODR) is a key performance metric used to measure the health of a seller’s account. A high ODR can result in account suspension, while a low ODR can improve a seller’s chances of winning the Buy Box. What is the Amazon Order Defect Rate (ODR)? The Order Defect Rate (ODR) is a performance metric by Amazon to evaluate a seller’s ability to provide a positive buying experience. It measures the percentage of orders that have defects, including: Negative feedback: Unsatisfied customers who leave negative feedback on a seller’s product or service. A-to-Z Guarantee claim ..read more

In the world of shipping and logistics, efficiency and reliability are paramount. For businesses seeking a dependable and cost-effective solution for their shipping needs, USPS Ground Advantage emerges as a compelling option. Announced in July 2023, this service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) provides businesses with benefits that can streamline shipping processes and improve customer satisfaction. In addition, this service replaced USPS First-Class Package Service, USPS Parcel Select Ground service, and USPS Retail Ground service. Benefits of USPS Ground Advantage One of t ..read more

If your company ships to remote or rural destinations, you have seen additional fees tacked on the shipment charges called UPS delivery area surcharges (DAS) and extended delivery area surcharges (EDAS). UPS applies these additional charges to packages either picked up or delivered to specific predetermined ZIP codes. Therefore, let’s look at the different costs you could experience.  Estimated reading time: 4 minutes How much do these DAS surcharges cost? Delivery Area Surcharge (DAS) 2023 2024 Air Commercial $3.70 $3.95 Air Commercial Extended $4.50 $4.90 Ground Commercial $3.7 ..read more

Get ready to see your FedEx and UPS bills increase. The carriers are adding 82 new delivery area surcharge zip codes to the existing Delivery Area Surcharge list this April 2024. The surcharge will take effect on April 8, 2024, for UPS deliveries and April 15, 2024, for FedEx deliveries. The delivery area surcharges range from $3.95 to $5.85, depending on the service and delivery location.  FedEx and UPS already have a DAS in place in numerous ZIP codes across the country, but the additions will particularly sting shippers, given the dense urban areas they cover. The 82 ZIP codes impact a ..read more

Shipping delays are never fun, but they don’t have to spell doom for your business. Fortunately, the correct shipping delay email template can reassure customers and maintain brand loyalty. Reassurance can prevent profit loss and order cancellations. Estimated reading time: 6 minutes Being hit with shipping delays is every company’s worst nightmare, and many panic. Panic often leads to premature refunding or ignoring customers on the details about their order. Lowering your level of communication or transparency is never the best route for business. Therefore, we want to provide shipping delay ..read more

Expecting a delivery from UPS but missed it? Did you receive a UPS delivery notice on your door? Don’t worry. You can still get your package by tracking it and requesting UPS to release it. UPS will deliver your package for free up to three attempts before sending it back to the sender as undeliverable. This article will reveal the exact steps to get your missed UPS package fast and easily. The UPS delivery notice your driver left can help guide you in the right direction to getting your package where it needs to go. Track Your PackageTracking the package is the easiest way to know where your ..read more

Here’s a quick tip: Be Sure the Driver Scans Every Package when they pick up your packages. Instruct the driver to scan every package and then the UPS end-of-day report slip. This will reduce risk on your part and may save you money in the long run. How? Read on … The UPS driver often loads your packages onto their truck and continues on their route. Never even scanning the UPS End of Day. This saves some time, but what are the side effects? There are many risks, and you, the shipper, will all bear them. What is a UPS Origin Scan? A UPS origin scan is an event in the tracking process of a pack ..read more

Dimensional (DIM) weight pricing is the carriers’ way of encouraging parcel shippers to optimize box sizes. This discourages wasted space inside the boxes, which destroys room in their trucks. The package’s DIM weight replaces the billable weight if it’s higher than the physical weight. Standard FedEx DIM weight calculation, the DIM weight divisor is 139 for ground and express domestic shipping and international shipments. Estimated reading time: 3 minutes What is Dimensional Weight? All shippers must now think about FedEx’s dimensional weight. Ultimately, this negatively affects e-commerce bu ..read more

Hardly a day goes by that I do not log into my Amazon Prime account to place an order or research prices. I turn to Amazon Prime for everyday items, gifts, and special purchases. For $139/year, I get free 2-day shipping and free video/music streaming; I use everything they offer. Does Amazon Give Refunds? I recently purchased an item and received an update from Amazon informing me that my package was delayed and, thus, I would receive it after the promised time. Since we are in the business of auditing UPS and FedEx packages, if I had paid the carriers directly for that package, I know I would ..read more

FedEx demand surcharges were traditionally only implemented during seasons with high shipping volumes. Unfortunately, FedEx demand surcharges are being applied on a year-round basis. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to reshape transportation all across the world. FedEx has kept commerce moving and delivered shipments throughout this trying time. Since we are entering another holiday peak season, FedEx expects extended high demand for capacity and increased operating expenses. Additionally, FedEx expects the swell in residential volume to transfer into 2024. These adjustments are significant and ..read more