CEShoppes

UPS Announces 2010 Shipping Rates

UPS, an ASI affiliate, has announced it will raise its air and ground freight rates by an average of 4.9% in 2010. The company also plans to adjust its fuel surcharge tables, pledging to avoid the dramatic spikes in air freight costs that have reached 35% this year. The 2010 rate changes will go into effect on January 4.

For 2009, UPS hiked rates 5.9%, the largest jump in eight years. Slowed by the recession, UPS's domestic business has dropped off considerably, while the company has faced higher costs for labor, health care and pensions. In October, UPS reported its third quarter profits fell 43% to $549 million as revenue decreased 15% to $11.2 billion. "I'm encouraged by the signs of economic recovery that are becoming apparent, although we still have a long way to go," said Scott Davis, UPS chairman and CEO. "We are managing operations well, while controlling costs and maintaining excellent service."

While UPS intends to increase rates, its chief rival, FedEx, is taking similar steps. As part of its annual hike, FedEx will increase its air shipping rates by 3.9% in 2010. FedEx has not announced its rates for ground shipments or SmartPost packages.

I came across this article and thought it was a terrific idea for those who love new shoes- I am a barefoot kind of girl, but used to love wearing heels when I was younger and working for someone else (gotta admit, it might be fun to join and get back in to a bit of fashion).

Springwise Newsletter - October 22  -- Hard on the heels—so to speak—of our story about Hipstery comes news of a like-minded contender in the world of shoes. Where Hipstery relieves consumers of the burden of choice and picks its t-shirts for them, ShoeDazzle does much the same for shoes, but on a recurring, monthly basis.

Users of Los Angeles-based ShoeDazzle begin by taking a fashion survey, the results of which are used to guide the company's personalized shoe selections. Each month, ShoeDazzle's personal stylists then send the user an email with five new shoe choices, handpicked to suit her personality and fashion preferences. The user simply logs into the site to select the pair she wants, and it gets shipped out for free. Monthly membership costs USD 39, which covers the shoes and shipping. Members can skip a month's selections, in which case they won't be charged; they can also return or exchange shoes they don't like.

ShoeDazzle currently ships only within the United States and Canada, but it's a safe bet that fashion-minded consumers in other parts of the world would also appreciate some monthly shopping guidance, for shoes, clothes or accessories. Website: www.shoedazzle.com

Spotted by: Judy McRae

Catching up on my reading and I came across a neat idea from our postal service. The US Postal Service has created a new augmented reality web tool, called the Virtual Box Simulator, to promote the fact that priority Mail Flat Rate boxes can make shipping easier. With the tool, consumers can hold an object in front of a webcam to create a 3D hologram and determine the appropriate Flat Rate box for shipping items. Then the user can select various boxes to see how they compare to the size of the item they want to ship. - This is all part of the “A Simpler Way to Ship” campaign site at PriorityMail.com - This sounds like a great way to get the right box for shipping your holiday gift items to your loved ones everywhere.