Insight & Advice from iDrive's team of shipping experts

It’s time to seriously consider improving your demand forecasting techniques. In this article, we’ll discuss the types of demand forecasting and the top four strategies for getting the most out of 2023.

Amid all the talk of recession and the eye-popping statistics on inflation, many businesses are turning to a strategic focus: customer retention. There are many ways to do this, but one that quickly comes to mind is shipping experience.

Small business owners are passionate about their product and logistics woes can interfere with their focus. Defining and enforcing consistent practices is difficult, but custom business rules may be able to help.

The journey of a product from your business to your customer sometimes can seem as fraught as Odysseus’ adventures in the Odyssey (well, maybe a little less intense). How do you manage customer experience? Data is key.

Plenty of businesses have been missing out due to out-of-stock issues over the last few months. So how can you avoid losing money because of out-of-stock problems? One of the best ways is by implementing technology that fosters visibility.

The transportation landscape has been shifting drastically of late and it can be hard to know how to increase reliability and cut down on costs. The number one resource in determining the best fit for your business? Data.

Deciding to work with a 3PL, and which 3PL to partner with, is an important decision that should be determined on a case-by-case basis. We are breaking down the basics of a 3PL and the pros and cons of partnering with one.

The English word ‘logistics’ comes from the French word ‘logistique’ and traces back to 1846 when it was included in a book about warfare. Today we’re exploring what logistics really means in correlation with what iDrive Logistics does.

When you hear ‘carrier’ you likely think of the big guys: UPS, FedEx, the USPS, etc. But when you hear of regional carriers, what comes to your mind? Today we’re explaining who regional carriers are and what they do.

An often-overlooked aspect of a customer’s experience is what happens after their purchase is placed. This is called the post-purchase experience and plays an extremely important role in creating customer loyalty.

How do you know if adding regional carriers to your distribution strategy makes sense? Like most things, there isn’t a simple answer, but by looking at the right factors for your business you can determine what makes sense for you.

It’s that time of year when shippers are beginning to see the effects of General Rate Increases (GRI). This year, both FedEx and UPS are raising their rates by 5.9%, both of which increases are now in force.

Negotiating a carrier agreement is a highly nuanced, complex process; but for businesses spending a large amount (> $100,000/year) on shipping, negotiating agreements becomes crucial for efficient and economical shipping.

If you’re involved with shipping products you’ve probably heard the term ‘rate shopping’. Rate shopping refers to comparing rates of different carriers to select the cheapest service, but what if shippers were thinking about it all wrong?

In this post, we'll dive into the insights shared by Mark Taylor, CEO of Warehouse Republic, on how to turn peak season from a dreaded ordeal into a golden opportunity for growth.

With predictions pointing to 2025 as the most expensive year for shipping yet, businesses need to prepare for a changing landscape of higher costs and new surcharges.

Fuel surcharges have become an integral part of the small parcel logistics landscape, a cost factor that's both ubiquitous and often misunderstood.

As Pitney Bowes exits the market and USPS makes strategic shifts, what lies ahead for the small parcel shipping industry?

Navigating the Impact of USPS Parcel Select Rate Increases and Proactive Strategies for Shippers

Matt Simmons sat down with Shaun Rothwell to discuss business, family, Abraham Lincoln and more.

If backorders or out-of-stock items are a common occurrence, it can be damaging to a brand’s reputation. In this article, we’ll discuss what backorders are, how to avoid them, and how to protect your customers when they occur.

Technology empowers small eCommerce businesses not just to compete with industry giants but to thrive and reach their goals more efficiently.

Learn the differences between Amazon 1P and DTC, along with the benefits and challenges accompanying this transition.

How does your business bounce back after unexpected woes? In this article, we’ll discuss the top three ways a digital transformation can build more resilience within your business.