Behind every successful business is more than just their own internal operations – it's a network of systems, providers, and technologies working in sync. As logistics becomes more interconnected and technology-driven and customer expectations grow more demanding, successful supply chain strategies rely on collaboration. The reality is that no one can go at it alone; partnerships have emerged as one of the most critical forces shaping the future of shipping.

From software integrations and platform compatibility to strategic alliances and service providers, these partnerships aren’t just about convenience – they’re about unlocking new value for shippers. High-quality partner ecosystems empower businesses to build flexible, scalable shipping operations. This allows them to adapt confidently to new demands and disruptions – while maintaining a competitive advantage.

In This ParcelCast EpisodeJoining our host and ProShip’s Content Marketing Manager, Katy Schroedl, on this episode of ProShip ParcelCast Unwined is industry experts Justin Cramer, Co-Founder of ProShip, and Andrew Sulak, Head of Partnerships at ProShip. This episode is full of insightful conversation, diving deep into the importance of supply chain partnerships in growth and success. Tune into this episode to learn more about:

• Partnerships are the foundation: Many leading companies’ growth has been powered by strategic partnerships, especially technical integrations. These enable shippers to create comprehensive, agile, and tailored solutions without having to rely on a single vendor. A strong partner ecosystem brings better visibility, smarter automation, and real-time decision-making. Together, these advantages lead to faster delivery times, lower costs, and a more satisfying customer experience.

• Buy, build, or partner: When shippers seek new functionality, choosing whether to build in-house, buy off-the-shelf, or partner with a specialized provider depends on what they're limited by (time, money, internal capabilities, etc.). Partnerships often represent the most flexible and strategic choice. They enable companies to focus on their core competencies while still gaining access to innovation and industry expertise.
• Strong partners share goals: A good partner goes beyond technical compatibility; they should align strategically and prioritize customer outcomes as well. When partners work in sync, they’re more likely to deliver smoother implementations and stronger post-purchase experiences. This alignment also helps reduce risks and ensures businesses can keep their promises – even in high-pressure situations.

This Episode’s Cocktail: Guest’s ChoiceDuring this episode, our experts enjoy the cocktail or beverage of their choice. While Katy sips her Athletic Brewing Co. NA sour beer and Justin sticks with his go-to whiskey, Andrew enjoys his negroni with a special purpose. Made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, it is the perfect drink for this partnership episode – each ingredient pulling its weight to deliver a balanced and delicious experience.

Andrew’s Perfect Partnership Negroni:

Ingredients: gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, orange peel

In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine equal parts of the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Stir until well combined and chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube and garnish with an orange peel. Enjoy!

Tune in to our next ProShip ParcelCast Unwined episode for more insightful conversations on industry trends and expert tips to improve your supply chain and logistics strategies.

Historically, returns have been the Achilles' heel of e-commerce – costly, inefficient, and frustrating for both retailers and consumers. The traditional process of returning unwanted items to distribution centers raises costs and causes logistical problems. It also leads to another issue that is often ignored: sustainability. This means more transportation emissions, more packaging waste, and an even bigger environmental footprint. But what if there was a better way?

Peer-to-peer returns is a concept that’s changing the way we think about reverse logistics. Instead of sending items back through a costly and unsustainable loop, this approach enables returns to be processed more efficiently – often by connecting buyers directly to one another, eliminating the distribution center as the middleman. By cutting down on unnecessary shipping, reducing costs, and streamlining the process, peer-to-peer returns offer a glimpse into the future of e-commerce logistics.

In This ParcelCast Episode

Joining our host and ProShip’s Content Marketing Manager, Katy Schroedl, are two experts from the supply chain and logistics space. Justin Cramer, Co-founder of ProShip, and Manish Chowdhary, Founder and CEO of Cahoot, dive into an insightful conversation on how a peer-to-peer strategy is transforming the process of returns as we know it. In this episode, the three discuss:

• The Current State of Returns: Traditional returns are costly and inefficient, with brands often paying for shipping twice – once to send the item to the customer and again to take it back. In industries like apparel, 20-40% of returns can take a direct hit on the company’s bottom line, putting a major strain on profit margins. Additionally, existing return solutions prioritize customer convenience at the brand’s expense, leading to significant financial losses in an already challenging economy.

• The Concept of Peer-to-Peer Returns: This revolutionary concept eliminates a full leg of shipping by enabling customers to send unwanted items directly to another buyer, rather than back to the retailer. Peer-to-peer returns cut costs by up to 64%, while making the process four times faster. This results in a reduced carbon footprint by more than half.

• The Importance of Trust: For peer-to-peer returns to work, trust is key. AI-powered screening verifies item quality, and a rating system – similar to Airbnb or Uber – ensures both the sender and recipient are accountable. As more brands adopt this model, the network strengthens. This reduces fraudulent returns and makes the process more seamless and cost-effective.

This Episode’s Cocktail: The Peer-fect Return Old Fashioned

In this insightful ProShip ParcelCast Unwined episode, our experts sip on the Peer-fect Return Old Fashioned – a cocktail that blends the classic charm of an Old Fashioned with the bold twist of coffee. Just as this drink reinvents a timeless favorite, the episode delves into how peer-to-peer networks are transforming traditional return methods, creating a smarter, more efficient return experience – one that’s truly peer-fect.

Enjoy the Peer-fect Return Old Fashioned with our shipping experts:

Ingredients: cafecito syrup, chocolate bitters, aromatic orange oil, coffee beans, rum

In a mixing glass, combine the cafecito syrup, chocolate bitters, and rum, stirring well to blend the flavors. Fill the glass with ice and continue stirring until the mixture is well chilled. Strain into a lowball glass over a large ice cube, then finish with a spritz of orange oil for a bright, aromatic touch. Garnish with a few coffee beans and enjoy your Peer-fect Return Old Fashioned!

Join us for our next ProShip ParcelCast Unwined episode for more expert discussions on hot industry trends and all things shipping and logistics.

The shipping industry never stands still, and the year 2024 has been no exception. From evolving carrier strategies to the rapid adoption of AI and the annual challenges of peak season, this year has tested the adaptability and innovation of businesses everywhere. While some familiar challenges persist, new opportunities have emerged, making it a year of transformation. With changing pricing models, improved tracking, and new solutions focused on streamlining operations and securing data, the landscape is becoming increasingly dynamic. By understanding the significant challenges the shipping industry has faced in 2024, we can better prepare ourselves to navigate the year ahead with success. In this ParcelCast episode Typically, the star running the show behind the scenes, ProShip’s Content Marketing Manager, Katy Schroedl, hosts our final podcast episode of the year. She is joined by two seasoned ProShip experts, Jeff Lukaszewski, Sr. Director of Technology, and Justin Cramer, Co-Founder of ProShip. This episode takes a deep dive into everything that’s affected the supply chain and logistics landscape this past year as well as what we can expect looking forward. Tune into this year’s final episode to discover more about: • Carrier Landscape Evolution: Justin begins the discussion by stating, “Everything has changed, but very little has changed.” While the four major carriers still handle over 97% of all shipments, the landscape is shifting, with nearly 30% of ProShip customers exploring alternative carriers. The elimination of postal consolidators has reduced shipping options, and carriers are now making pricing and service updates multiple times a year instead of at year-end. To stay competitive, they’re enhancing tracking capabilities to meet Amazon’s real-time standards, including detailed updates and delivery photos. • Artificial Intelligence in Shipping: AI is revolutionizing shipping by automating key processes like cost algorithms and document production, while also enhancing tasks like pick planning, cart recommendations, and transit day predictions. Though powerful, AI comes with limitations, such as occasional inaccuracies, emphasizing the importance of strategic implementation. The rise of AI agents showcases their expanding role in improving efficiency and decision-making across the industry. • Peak Season Challenges: Successfully navigating peak season requires careful planning and readiness testing to handle last-minute changes. Avoiding carrier-specific business rules simplifies adding or switching carriers, while having a backup plan ensures flexibility and resilience during high-demand periods. • Future Security Priorities: Data security is a growing focus for ProShip, with enhancements such as OAUTH authentication, OpenID, and updated APIs and UIs. Our processes now emphasize retaining only necessary data for as long as needed, while changes to our ticketing systems redact files and attachments after closure, reflecting a strong commitment to protecting the sensitive information of our customers. This Episode’s Cocktail: Guest’s Choice To finish off this year’s run of ProShip ParcelCast Unwined, our expert guests were given free rein to enjoy the cocktail or beverage of their choice. While Jeff and Justin stuck with a glass of their go-to's – Ardbeg Scotch and Southern Comfort – Katy took the festive route, mixing up a Cranberry Fizz Mocktail to ring in the holiday season. Katy’s Cranberry Fizz Mocktail: Ingredients: Cranberry Fizz Poppi Prebiotic Soda, Cranberry Juice, Fresh Cranberries, and a Rosemary Sprig In a lowball glass, add ice. Pour in equal parts cranberry fizz prebiotic soda and cranberry juice. Garnish your drink with some fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch. Cheers and happy holidays! Tune into our next ProShip ParcelCast Unwined episode for more insightful discussions on industry trends and key tips to improve your supply chain strategy. See you in 2025!

Being misled by myths and misconceptions is like navigating with an outdated map – it can lead you off course and cause you to miss out on the best routes. The same concept applies to myths around the world of parcel shipping management. Just as general misconceptions can deceive you, when it comes to the shipping industry, they can prevent your business from thriving.

By debunking the myths around small parcel shipping software, companies can fully understand its true value and appreciate the benefits it provides for shippers, from streamlining processes, to reducing operational costs and enhancing customer satisfaction.

In This ParcelCast Episode

Our fantastic host, Jerri Dixon, is back again for another ProShip ParcelCast Unwined episode, joined by two special expert guests, Justin Cramer, Co-Founder at ProShip, and Jeremy Hudson, VP of Client Services at Open Sky Group. Jumping right into an engaging conversation with an Efficiently Fashioned in hand, the three discuss:

• Myths in Parcel Management: Explore common misconceptions such as rate shopping only within a service class, getting the best deal while utilizing only one carrier, and that Enterprise Software Stack (ESS) integrations are simple. Also, addressing the misconception that your Warehouse Management System (WMS) can handle all your parcel needs.
• Experience and Adaptability: Understand the importance of experience in adapting to rapid industry changes like carrier restructuring and new service developments. Companies need to focus on effective planning to manage growth, scalability, and exceptions, with the execution of solutions being comparatively straightforward once the planning is done.
• Going Beyond Best Practices: Discover how deviating from outdated best practices can be beneficial. In logistics optimization, it's essential to customize solutions based on specific needs and leverage technology for efficiency through add-on software and automation. As technology evolves, understanding and implementing deviations can be beneficial and having a knowledgeable partner helps determine which practices will truly support your goals.

“If everybody only followed best practice, there would only be one company.” - Justin Cramer

This Episode’s Cocktail: The Efficiently Fashioned

Throughout this insightful ProShip ParcelCast Unwined episode, our experts indulge in a refreshing Efficiently Fashioned cocktail. A twist on the classic Old Fashioned, this cocktail uses just the right amount of each ingredient to create a balanced and satisfying experience – much like a successful small parcel shipping strategy, which involves finding the perfect balance between cost, efficiency, and service.

Enjoy the Efficiently Fashioned with our shipping experts:

Ingredients: bourbon, simple syrup, aromatic bitters, and dried orange slices.

In a lowball glass, combine your simple syrup, aromatic bitters, and bourbon. Stir the ingredients until well combined. Add in 1 to 2 large ice cubes and stir again until the drink mixture is chilled. Garnish with a dried orange slice and enjoy!

Don’t forget to tune into next month’s ProShip ParcelCast Unwined episode for more exciting discussions on the hot supply chain and logistics industry topics!

According to a recent study by Statista, global e-commerce sales reached about $5.8 trillion U.S. dollars in 2023 and are projected to surpass $8 trillion dollars by 2027. It is no secret that the modern, fast-paced e-commerce landscape is booming, also causing customer trust to become a crucial determinant of business success. As consumer expectations continue to rise, shippers’ ability to deliver on promises – particularly regarding delivery times and order accuracy – plays a crucial role in building and maintaining customer trust. However, the traditional separation between e-commerce and logistics operations often leads to miscommunication and inefficiencies, undermining customer satisfaction. Seamless coordination between these functions is not just a competitive advantage but a necessity. Understanding how logistics impacts customer trust is essential for any business looking to thrive in the modern market, where efficiency and reliability are key to winning and retaining customers. In This ParcelCast Episode

In this episode of ProShip ParcelCast Unwined, our host, Jerri Dixon, is joined by two industry experts: Justin Cramer, Co-founder of ProShip, and Ninaad Acharya, Co-founder and CEO of Fulfillment IQ. As the episode commences, these three knowledgeable professionals dive into an insightful conversation about the future of e-commerce and the intricate world of logistics and the promise economy. Tune in to this episode to learn more about:

• Bridging the Gap Between E-Commerce and Logistics: Understand the need to move away from the traditional siloed approach where commerce and logistics operate separately. This disconnect leads to unrealistic delivery promises and poor customer experiences.
• Leveraging Technology for Accurate Delivery Promises: Discover how using technology for early, accurate delivery promises enhances the customer experience. Integrating commerce, order, transportation, and warehouse management into a unified platform improves data sharing and decision-making.
• The Role of AI in the Promise Engine: Explore how AI can transform logistics by analyzing network-wide data, including warehouse and transportation details, for real-time delivery predictions and accurate promises. This enhances efficiency, meeting customer expectations and ensuring high satisfaction.

This Episode’s Cocktail: The “Precisely Promised” Vodka Soda

For this episode of ProShip ParcelCast Unwined, our experts indulge in a refreshing drink, the “Precisely Promised” Vodka Soda. Just like a good vodka soda is all about balance and precision, a successful supply chain relies on precise coordination and efficient delivery – much like the balanced ingredients in this episode’s cocktail.

Enjoy the "Precisely Promised" Vodka Soda with our shipping experts:

Ingredients: vodka, soda, ice, garnish of choice

Fill your glass with about 2/3 full of ice. Pour in your vodka and top off the drink with soda. For more flavor, opt for a flavored seltzer water. Stir your drink to combine the vodka and soda and finally, add your garnish of choice. Popular options include a lime wedge, lemon twist, cucumber slice, or a sprig of fresh mint. Cheers!

Don’t forget to join us for our next ProShip ParcelCast Unwined episode for more supply chain insights, hot industry trends, and key tips for successful shipping!

Everything from the clothes on your back to the phone in your hand all came to you through a giant, complex network. That network is shipping and the supply chain, the unsung hero of our modern world.

But the game is changing: in an era where technological advancements are happening almost instantaneously, the shipping world is no exception.

As consumerism continues to expand, the demand for faster, more efficient, and transparent shipping solutions is higher than ever. Why does this matter? Because these significant transformations require innovative strategies and cutting-edge technologies to remain competitive in an ever-evolving space. From supply chain efficiency to the consumer experience, these transformations will impact everything. But fear not; this episode uncovers the trends and technologies reshaping the future of shipping to keep you prepared.

In This ParcelCast Episode

In this episode of ProShip ParcelCast Unwined, our host, Jerri Dixon, is joined by two industry experts: Dan Scott, Director of Research & Development at ProShip, and Adam McCoy, Chief Operating Officer at eHub. These three dive into an insightful discussion on prominent and emerging technology trends that are shaping the future of shipping and supply chain. Enjoying their refreshing Tech-tonic Colada, the group discusses:

• Enhancing the Customer Experience Through Technology: Understand how prioritizing the customer experience is transforming the shipping industry by leveraging new tools and technologies to improve what customers see and feel, ensuring better service and satisfaction.

• Emerging Technologies in Shipping: Learn how artificial intelligence (AI) is being implemented to optimize various aspects of shipping and how the rise of hybrid fulfillment, involving strategic use of third-party logistics providers (3PLs), is enhancing efficiency and transparency in supply chain operations.

• Optimizing Tech Stacks and Building for Efficiency: Explore the trend of "technology stack fatigue" and how shipping companies are streamlining their tech stacks to reduce complexity and improve efficiency and system integration.

Do our experts see a future for user interfaces (UIs), or will API-based solutions take over? Tune in to find out!

This Episode’s Cocktail: The Tech-tonic Colada

During this episode of ProShip ParcelCast Unwined, our experts enjoy a refreshing Tech-tonic Colada. This cocktail puts a modern spin on the classic Pina Colada, reflecting the modern evolution of shipping and the supply chain. Just like the industry combines tried-and-true methods with cutting-edge technology, this cocktail blends familiar flavors with a surprising twist.

Enjoy the Tech-tonic Colada with our shipping experts:

Ingredients: rum, coconut sparkling water, pineapple juice, lime juice, maple syrup, orange flower water, dehydrated pineapple slices

Fill a glass with ice and set aside. Fill your shaker with ice, rum, pineapple juice, lime, juice, maple syrup, and orange flower water. Shake until well combined and strain into glass. Top the drink with coconut sparkling water and garnish with a slice of dehydrated pineapple. Enjoy!

Make sure to tune into ProShip ParcelCast Unwined next time for more insightful supply chain and logistics conversations!