The Gray Area Between Parcel and LTL Shipping: How to Make the Right Shipping Decision
Discover the variables that influence shipment mode selection and how to avoid costly mistakes For years, shippers have relied on a simple rule: if the package is under 150 pounds, ship it parcel. If it’s over, ship it less-than-truckload (LTL). While that guideline still influences shipping decisions today, it’s become less of a reliable indicator […]
The Hidden Cost of Freight Reclassification: Why Accurate Product Data Matters
Discover how inaccurate product data drives costly freight reclassifications and what shippers can do to prevent them What if we told you that the biggest cost driver of your freight reclassification costs isn’t the carrier, but the data behind your shipments? Freight reclassification remains one of the most persistent and costly challenges in less-than-truckload (LTL) […]
Regional vs. National: Building a Carrier Mix for Cost, Service, and Resilience
Learn how to evaluate carrier types, design the right mix, and create a more resilient shipping strategy without sacrificing cost or service If you were to ask most shippers why they use national carriers, many would admit it’s because of habit. National carriers came first; they cover the most ground, volume is concentrated, and the […]
Controlling Rising Residential Delivery Costs Without Sacrificing Customer Experience
Discover where rising residential delivery costs originate and what shippers can do to balance costs and customer experience Residential delivery surcharges have always been part of the parcel cost structure. But over the past several general rate increase (GRI) cycles, they have stopped behaving like predictable accessorials and have started functioning more like variable costs […]
Why Shipment Visibility Is a Customer Service Strategy, Not Just a Tracking Feature
Discover how shipment visibility impacts customer service, operational efficiency, and the overall delivery experience Shipment visibility has traditionally been viewed as a logistics function that tracks an order from shipment through delivery. As shipping volumes have increased and customer expectations have shifted, it has become critical for customer service. In high‑volume shipping environments, customer service […]
Why Dimensional Weight Isn’t the Problem, Bad Carton Data Is
Discover how inaccurate carton data drives unexpected shipping costs across parcel and freight Dimensional (DIM) weight has become a major source of shipping frustration across parcel and freight shipments alike. As logistics costs continue to rise, unexpected invoice charges are common, and dimensional pricing is frequently one of the first things shippers blame. But in […]
Auditing Carrier Invoices in 2026: How to Stay Ahead of Dynamic Pricing
Discover how shippers can audit smarter, reduce cost leakage, and maintain financial accuracy Carrier invoices have become increasingly difficult to predict and even harder to validate as dynamic pricing reshapes how carriers adjust rates and fees. In 2026, both parcel and freight carriers are adjusting pricing structures, surcharges, and contract terms more frequently and with […]
How Real-Time Rate Shopping Saves Thousands Per Month
Discover how Varsity’s real-time rating helps shippers control transportation spend Although the supply chain industry evolves constantly, shipping costs continue to be one of its biggest sources of uncertainty. Major national carriers like UPS and FedEx have shifted towards dynamic pricing models that adjust based on real-time network conditions, causing shipping rates to fluctuate more […]
Smarter Planning, Bigger Gains: Off‑Season Enhancements Every IBM i Shipper Should Make
Learn how to take advantage of the off-season to future-proof your supply chain strategy In the shipping industry, nothing remains predictable for long. While we may find consistency on the calendar marked by familiar cycles such as holiday surges, back-to-school season, and slower demand in the summer, the one consistent variable is change. Because market […]
2025 Recap: Key Shipping Insights for IBM i Shippers from Our Top 3 Blogs
Explore a roundup of this year’s top three blogs, packed with essential insights to help you navigate the shifting logistics landscape As we close the chapter on another year, one thing remains certain: the logistics landscape is evolving at a record pace. Increasing shipping costs, surcharges, and shifting carrier strategies have challenged shippers to rethink […]