How AI Powers Distribution, Logistics
Artificial intelligence is a list of instructions and rules that a computer needs to complete a task. Ecommerce examples include site search, product recommendations, and chatbots — all increasingly...
View ArticleSustainable Packaging Is a Competitive Advantage
Consumers concerned about waste in landfills and oceans are demanding sustainable product packaging. Environmentally responsible packaging can be just as cost-effective as conventional methods but may...
View Article17 Sustainable Packaging Providers
Recycled cardboard, cornstarch peanuts, containers made from mushrooms or seaweed, minimal reusable mailers — there are plenty of sustainable packaging options to limit your business’s carbon footprint...
View ArticleWarehouse Automation Starts with Picking, Sorting, Packaging
Your fulfillment warehouse is growing fast. More orders are arriving in increasingly varied dimensions and quantities. You may be considering additional employees and space. An alternative is improving...
View ArticleSmart Lockers Are Upending Parcel Delivery
The growth in ecommerce has fueled the demand for sophisticated delivery options. Consumers are not always at home or at work to accept packages. Many seek contactless alternatives. Smart lockers are...
View ArticleLast-mile Delivery Attracts New Services, Providers
With the holiday shopping season approaching, retailers and carriers are rolling out new delivery services. Smaller third-party providers are also entering the market, as last-mile delivery remains the...
View Article3 Ways to Reduce Shipping Costs
Lowering shipping costs is a surefire way to improve profits. Same-day delivery, free shipping, standard transit, click-and-collect — all are candidates for cost reductions. The post 3 Ways to Reduce...
View ArticleGetting Started with In-house Fulfillment
Many emerging ecommerce businesses start in someone's garage or kitchen. They store, pack, and ship from a home base and control all the activities. But even established sellers sometimes opt for...
View ArticleIs Last-mile Delivery Ripe for Disruption?
Competition, profit-taking, and emerging technologies may contribute to rapid and disruptive changes in last-mile package delivery worldwide. For online sellers, the "last mile" describes the final leg...
View ArticleCharts: Supply Chain Disruption Worldwide, U.S.
In its October 2021 World Economic Outlook report, "Recovery During a Pandemic," the International Monetary Fund highlighted how supply bottlenecks are key contributors to inflation and economic...
View ArticleCharts: Shipping Backlogs; Container Prices
Increased demand for consumer goods, Covid-induced disruptions in container ship schedules, and a labor shortage at ports have produced longer wait times and supply-chain disruptions. The post Charts:...
View ArticleTake a Side in the Future of the USPS
In the last 15 years, the United States Postal Service has lost around $90 billion. It has often failed to meet delivery expectations. And yet, the USPS is vital for many ecommerce companies. By law,...
View ArticleReturns Take a Toll on Online Retailers
Many merchants that have softened return policies during the pandemic are starting to feel the financial pain. Some have pulled back entirely. The post Returns Take a Toll on Online Retailers appeared...
View ArticleMaterials behind Sustainable Mailers, Boxes
Consumers increasingly seek merchants who use sustainable packing and shipping materials. But recyclable or biodegradable products are not equally helpful. We explain. The post Materials behind...
View ArticleCharts: Global Parcel Shipping Volume, Transit Times
Parcel shipping volume worldwide will grow dramatically. Statista estimates the volume to double by 2026. We chart that growth, transit times, and more in this piece. The post Charts: Global Parcel...
View ArticleDaily Drone Deliveries Surpass 2,000 Globally
Drone deliveries have taken off. Here is a list of companies leading the advancement, from drone technology and logistics companies to retail brands. The post Daily Drone Deliveries Surpass 2,000...
View ArticleShopify Buys Logistics Company Deliverr
Shopify's acquisition of fulfillment company Deliverr will help it compete with Amazon and will otherwise jumpstart stalled growth. The post Shopify Buys Logistics Company Deliverr appeared first on...
View Article7 Reasons to Consider USPS Flat Rate Shipping
Merchants in North America have many carrier choices for delivering goods to customers. The U.S. Postal Service's flat-rate shipping boxes can save money in certain instances. We compare prices in this...
View ArticleHow to Offer Free Shipping without Going Broke
Online consumers expect free shipping. But small and mid-size merchants sometimes struggle with the cost. Here are innovative approaches to meet shopper expectations without losing money. The post How...
View ArticleHow to Price Shipping and Handling Fees
Today's consumers expect free shipping for most items. But it's not always obvious for merchants to know when and how to offer it. Here's our all-new update for analyzing shipping costs and free...
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