In this episode of Parcel Perspectives, Glenn unpacks why a new tentative agreement between USPS and UPS—one that could restore DDU access—might reshape lightweight residential delivery.

He explains what changed when that access was cut, how gig carriers rushed in, and why Amazon is stepping back from sub-1-lb shipments. With delivery models under pressure, USPS may be regaining relevance in ways that matter to shippers right now.

Listeners will learn:
• Why DDU access changes the last-mile game
• How USPS’s posture impacts gig carriers
• What volatility in light parcels means for strategy
• Where smart brands are building resilience

For brands chasing long-term stability, Glenn offers a grounded take on where parcel strategy might go next.

Jordan walks through a real-world test that lifted exchange rates 30%, explains how brands are cutting support volume 15–20%, and argues that rigid policies often alienate first-time shoppers who could become loyal buyers. Along with Glenn, he also digs into the psychology behind returns—why transparency builds trust, how AI restores the “helpful associate” feeling online, and why flexible policies protect revenue better than blanket rules. 

For logistics and eCommerce leaders, this episode offers a new playbook: treat every return as a chance to re-sell, re-engage, and rebuild loyalty.

Jeremy explains why outdated legacy platforms and a fragmented WMS market have created costly inefficiencies—and how Trackstar’s universal API acts as a “Rosetta Stone” for supply chain data. From enabling new software adoption to streamlining order editing, Trackstar helps software providers, shippers, and 3PLs work together seamlessly.

Listeners will learn:

•  Why shippers struggle to evolve their tech stacks as their business grows
•  How universal APIs unlock innovation for software providers
•  Why now is the best time to invest in logistics technology

Packed with insights, this episode shows how Trackstar is driving flexibility and resilience across the logistics ecosystem.

Rather than dissecting every carrier rule, Glenn focuses on what businesses can do: quantify their exposure, revisit shopping cart thresholds, and align more effectively with carriers through forecasting, earlier releases, and added shifts. He also stresses the importance of quid pro quo—if you help carriers operationally, you can ask for relief in return.

Finally, he highlights the need to understand contract commitments, explore alternatives like gig or regional carriers, and ensure tech readiness so shippers enter peak season with options.

Listeners will learn:

• Why surcharges such as fuel, delivery area, and additional handling keep changing
• How carriers “claw back” margin despite discounts
• The compounding effect of rising fuel surcharges
• Practical steps: invoice audits, analytics, and multi-carrier strategies
• How tech platforms and 3PLs can unlock new delivery options

Glenn’s key message is simple: visibility and collaboration are essential, and the smartest shippers focus on total landed cost, and not just base rates.

Glenn explains how structural labor costs, the end of USPS DDU access, and the collapse of the SurePost workshare model are placing low-margin parcels back onto the backs of UPS’s highest-paid drivers. He outlines how this is raising the company’s cost to serve, just as its network flattens and competition heats up.

With market share shrinking and margin pressure rising, shippers are seeing pricing strategies become more volatile — including unpredictable cost add-ons that are difficult to anticipate or quantify. Glenn closes with clear takeaways for shippers: diversify your carrier base, understand your true parcel costs, and be ready to adapt as UPS leans harder into revenue recovery.

They explore:

• Why most 3PL churn starts with a breakdown in trust
• What the “four acts” of startup growth reveal about operational risk
• How brand honesty helps 3PLs plan around volatility
• When it makes sense to renegotiate before contracts expire
• Why fulfillment isn’t hard, but it's complicated

Aaron shares how brands can avoid common mistakes, from overbuilding infrastructure to skipping SLAs in contracts. Glenn adds perspective on how strong relationships—built on fit and transparency—outlast any pricing model.

If your operations feel like they’re holding back your growth, this episode offers a framework to fix it before it breaks.

He explores how UPS, FedEx, and USPS are responding to a shrinking market share, the rise of gig carriers and regionals, and why now might be the time to rethink your carrier mix.

📦 Key topics include:

• Amazon’s 25% market share in U.S. parcel volume
• The shrinking value prop of legacy carriers
• The role of 3PLs in navigating this fragmented landscape

Don’t miss this essential breakdown for shippers navigating 2025.

Instead of applying the fee based on length and girth, UPS will now use volume: any package over 8,640 cubic inches, or five cubic feet, will automatically trigger AHC. That means even lightweight, efficiently packed boxes may see significant cost increases.

Glenn walks through how this affects shippers in real terms, including a pricing example where transportation costs jump nearly 200%. He also explains why many businesses may not be able to quantify the impact -- UPS invoices often lack the dimensional data needed to catch these charges in advance.

The episode closes with broader considerations, including how other carriers might respond and what this shift could mean for packaging strategy, bundled shipments, and shipping subsidies.

Using the framework of value creation, credibility, and trust, Chad shares how 3PLs can create more leverage by thinking less transactionally and more strategically. From understanding package-level detail (PLD) to managing how your volume aligns with carrier networks, Chad outlines the avoidable missteps that erode negotiating power and how to shift toward long-term growth.

They also dig into how over-diversification can hurt rate positions, why contracts are signals, and what real commitment looks like to a carrier. With examples from NXTPoint’s national delivery network, the episode offers practical insight into building resilient, scalable logistics programs that serve both the brand and the carrier.

Glenn breaks down how the loss of a key USPS pricing agreement has put UPS MI in a tough position: paying higher rates, taking losses, and potentially pricing itself out of the market. With limited paths forward due to internal product overlap and labor restrictions, Glenn suggests the service may be approaching a shutdown.

The episode also walks through practical next steps for affected shippers, including USPS Ground Advantage, gig delivery networks, and traditional parcel carriers, each with trade-offs to consider.

In this episode of Parcel Perspectives, Glenn Gooding sits down with logistics strategist John McClymont to unpack how market fragmentation, shifting consumer expectations, and the rise of micro-influencers are changing the game for 3PLs.

They explore:

• What’s fueling the fragmentation of the 3PL space
• How leading 3PLs are shifting from vendors to consultative partners
• Why SKU rationalization and automation are essential to scaling
• The real role of data in driving smarter logistics strategies

Whether you're a brand looking to scale or a 3PL navigating industry change, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay competitive.

Jamin shares practical strategies for brands looking to adapt, from renegotiating contracts and diversifying carriers to leveraging technology for smarter shipping decisions. The conversation also dives into the impact of USPS reforms on service and pricing, and how traditional carrier relationships are evolving. Glenn and Jamin emphasize the growing importance of partnerships built on collaboration and shared innovation, rather than just cost-cutting.

With Glenn’s deep roots in the parcel industry and Jamin’s leadership experience at companies like IBM, Target, and Alibaba, this episode offers expert insights for businesses aiming to stay agile, competitive, and customer-focused in a rapidly changing market.

Glenn discusses how these developments compel businesses to revise their strategies, emphasizing the critical role of technology and diversified carrier partnerships in staying competitive.

Learn how embracing change and strategically navigating commercial terms with carriers can prepare your business for the dynamic future of shipping, ensuring resilience and growth in a complex landscape.

Glenn and Ian dive into how data-driven strategies have reshaped Ian's operations, from eliminating unnecessary address correction fees to refining supplier shipment processes. Beyond cost reduction, the consultancy has leveraged business intelligence to enhance operational efficiencies and support acquisition synergies, providing Ian with invaluable industry insights.

Glenn leverages his 37 years of industry expertise to provide a deep dive into the financial burdens these surcharges impose, illustrating how they now account for 25-40% of total shipping expenses. Through analysis from 2021 to 2024, uncover how these costs stack up and explore effective strategies to mitigate their impact. Whether you're a seasoned shipper or new to the industry, Glenn’s insights will equip you with the knowledge to navigate these turbulent waters and secure a competitive edge.

Tune in to Episode 12 of Parcel Perspectives for essential strategies on staying informed and proactive in the face of rising shipping costs.

Through clear explanations, Glenn breaks down key elements like tariffs and deviations, offering a solid foundation for effective negotiations. He also uncovers hidden fees, ambiguous terms, and overlooked costs—such as fuel surcharges, residential delivery fees, and delivery area surcharges—that can significantly impact shippers’ bottom lines.

Drawing on real-world examples, Glenn exposes practices like manipulating fuel surcharge tables and using unclear discount methodologies. He stresses the importance of understanding your total shipping spend and avoiding emotional attachments to specific cost elements during negotiations.

The episode culminates in a teaser for an upcoming webinar on December 12th at 1:00pm PT, where Glenn will explore these concepts in greater depth using detailed case studies from two long-term clients.

To register for this free webinar, click HERE.

They also break down the difference between shipping insurance (like UPS Capital’s InsureShield) and carrier liability, highlighting how SMBs can improve customer satisfaction and stay competitive—especially during periods of inflation.

With over 20 years of supply chain expertise, Eduardo shares actionable strategies to help SMBs protect shipments and streamline shipping workflows. To learn more about InsureShield, visit: https://bit.ly/3CJkR6G. 

They explore carrier solutions like UPS’s Happy Returns, FedEx’s local return focus, and USPS’s cost-effective options, while highlighting strategies for oversized items and the rise of startups tackling return complexities. Topics include trends like "bracketing," sustainable practices, and using AI to streamline returns and cut costs.

Discover how businesses can balance cost, customer satisfaction, and sustainability in today’s returns-driven world

Glenn sheds light on the limited options available to shippers, given the UPS-FedEx duopoly, and why regional carriers aren’t viable alternatives for larger volumes. However, with lower daily volumes and available capacity, now is a prime time for shippers to negotiate better deals. His advice? Analyze your shipping patterns and costs to navigate this changing landscape effectively.

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. 

In this repurposed "Q&A" session, TJ Roberts and host Glenn Gooding break down the complexities of the General Rate Increase (GRI) in the small parcel shipping world. They begin by tracing the evolution of GRIs and how pandemic-driven changes, like the surge in residential deliveries, have reshaped rate structures and surcharges - impacting eCommerce shippers more than ever before.

The discussion highlights the often-overlooked role of surcharges, revealing how they can drive up shipping costs even more than base rate hikes. Glenn and TJ share strategies to manage these costs, from optimizing carrier mixes to leveraging regional carriers. They also dive into the power of data analytics, showing how granular insights can help shippers make smarter, cost-saving decisions. 

Looking ahead, they stress the importance of regularly re-evaluating supply chains to stay competitive, especially with challenges like the upcoming 2023 UPS Teamster negotiations on the horizon. This episode, filled with expert insights, is a must-listen for shippers needing to navigate the complex and expensive world of small parcel logistics effectively. 

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.

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.

He discusses the future of subsidized shipping programs, predicting that popular free shipping options for low-cost orders may face challenges by 2025 due to increasing shipping costs. These changes could reshape the residential market and affect pricing strategies for carriers like UPS, FedEx, and regional couriers.

Drawing on over 37 years of experience in the small parcel shipping industry, Glenn offers expert insights and strategies for businesses to secure favorable contract terms and maintain a competitive edge. His experience spans a range of clients, from Fortune 50 companies to startups, providing actionable advice for navigating the evolving shipping landscape.

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.