LeaderShipping

In this episode of LeaderShipping, host Jeremy Lee is joined by Justin Cramer, Co-Founder and Master of Eclectic Obligations at ProShip. Together, Jeremy and Justin unpack how this industry norm took hold, why “free” is never truly free, and what smarter strategies shippers can use to stay profitable without losing customers. From consumer psychology and cost tradeoffs, to data visibility and margin protection, this conversation is a must-listen for any brand navigating the modern shipping economy.Main Topics:- The Rise of “Free Shipping” and the Amazon Effect- What Consumers Really Expect (and How It Impacts Profitability)- Hidden Costs and Tradeoffs of Offering Free Shipping- Smarter Strategies for Setting Thresholds and Promotional Windows- Key Metrics Every eCommerce Leader Should Monitor- What’s Next for “Free Shipping” in a Changing MarketOther Resources🎧 More episodes: https://sifted.com/podcast/🔗 Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincramer/🔗 Jeremy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-lee-91429252/🌐 Sifted: https://sifted.com/🌐 ProShip: https://proshipinc.com/📬 Sifted’s “Unboxed” newsletter: https://sifted.com/subscribe/📖 Sifted’s 2025 Consumer Survey: https://bit.ly/4nlDsrR

In this episode of LeaderShipping, Jeremy Lee is joined by Lori Boyer, Head of Content Marketing at EasyPost and host of the Unboxing Logistics podcast. With years of experience watching shippers navigate holiday crunch time, Lori shares what separates top peak season performers from the rest, and how brands can prep smarter (not just harder).Covering everything from refining your carrier mix and delivery network to dialing in your forecasting, this episode is your playbook for peak season success.

As online orders surge, so does the volume of packaging waste—and the cost to ship it. Oversized boxes don’t just frustrate customers; they eat into your margins with inflated DIM weight charges, wasted fill, and inefficient use of space.In this episode of LeaderShipping, Jeremy Lee sits down with Cameron Stout, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at Packsize, to explore how on-demand, right-sized packaging is reshaping the fulfillment game. With over a decade of experience helping brands rethink packaging.Main Topics:The Hidden Costs of Oversized PackagingHow Right-Sizing Impacts Sustainability and SpendPacksize’s Tech-Driven Approach to Smarter PackagingReal ROI from Packaging AutomationWhat’s Next for Packaging InnovationOther ResourcesMore episodes: https://sifted.com/podcast/Cameron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-stout1/Jeremy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-lee-91429252/Sifted: https://sifted.com/Packsize: https://www.packsize.com/Sifted’s “Unboxed” newsletter: https://sifted.com/subscribe/

Supply chain leaders are under pressure to move faster, think smarter, and do more with less.AI is alleviating this pressure—not by replacing humans, but by helping them lead with more confidence and clarity. In this episode of LeaderShipping, Jeremy Lee is joined by Naveen Chandra, Director of Distribution at EssilorLuxottica, to explore the real-world impact of AI across the supply chain, logistics, and parcel industries. With experience at DHL, Nordstrom, and now one of the world’s largest optical brands, Naveen shares how he’s seen AI go from concept to competitive advantage.Main Topics:Artificial Intelligence in Supply ChainsHow Leadership Can Leverage AI EffectivelyOvercoming AI-Related BarriersWays AI Can Simplify Parcel Complexity Where the Future of AI is HeadedOther ResourcesMore episodes: https://sifted.com/podcast/Naveen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nvnchndr/Jeremy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-lee-91429252/Sifted: https://sifted.com/Sifted’s “Unboxed” newsletter: https://sifted.com/subscribe/

There have never been more tools available to help manage your shipping. But how can you best manage them?In our newest episode of LeaderShipping, Jeremy Lee is joined by Adam McCoy, Chief Operating Officer at eHub, to cover how to build a tech stack that works for you.Together, they break down different types of tools, how to evaluate them, and tips for managing them all effectively.Main Topics:- How to set a strategy for your shipping- Finding tools to help you achieve specific goals- Tools that can evaluate success- How to best manage a complicated tech stackOther Resources:- More episodes: https://sifted.com/podcast/- Adam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aadammccoy/- eHub: https://ehub.com/- Jeremy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-lee-91429252/- Sifted: https://sifted.com/- Sifted’s “Unboxed” newsletter: https://sifted.com/subscribe/

In the eyes of many shippers, the last few years have seen more change than the last few decades. 2025 - just two months in - is no exception. GRIs have taken effect, carrier partnerships have shifted, de minimis import exemptions are in the crosshairs, and the U.S. Postal Service is making headlines week after week. We’re here to help you stay caught up.In this episode of LeaderShipping, Jeremy Lee is joined by Mark Waverek, Managing Director at Plaidmark Management Consulting services, to discuss 2025’s early headlines, changes with the USPS (and greater parcel market), and how shippers can best navigate the shifting landscape.Other Resources:- More episodes: https://sifted.com/podcast/- Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waverek/- Jeremy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-lee-91429252/- Sifted: https://sifted.com/- Sifted’s “Unboxed” newsletter: https://sifted.com/subscribe/00:00 Introduction02:39 The state of the Postal Service05:08 USPS consolidator changes (2025’s biggest trends)07:09 The end of de minimis exemptions?14:22 The USPS’ transformation plan16:50 USPS Ground Advantage18:55 Ounce-based parcel rates20:37 Direct NSAs with the USPS22:37 The benefit of data visibility23:46 DHL and USPS’ evolving relationship27:22 Privatizing the USPS?28:46 The keys to shipping success in 202531:05 2025’s Good News33:20 Mark’s final advice for 202535:22 Building contingency plans with SiftedAI36:39 Get in touch with Mark38:09 SiftedAI’s tools

In a world where more purchases shift each year from in-store to internet, a package arriving on a customer’s doorstep is often the only physical interaction they’ll have with a brand.And while much of that process is in the carriers’ hands, there’s a lot shippers can do to make sure they nail the shipping portion of a customer’s experience. In this episode of LeaderShipping, Caleb Nelson is joined by Danna Nieto, M.S., Head of Agency Partnerships at ShipperHQ, to discuss the relationship between shipping and brand strategy, and how to ensure your customers love every step of their journey with your brand.Main Topics:Why businesses should consider shipping a part of brand strategyThe importance of communication in the shipping process, before and after purchaseShould brands ship with unique packaging?How to find the sweet spot between shipping speed and costOther Resources:- Other episodes: https://sifted.com/podcast/- Home Delivery Consumer Survey blog: https://sifted.com/resources/survey-consumer-home-delivery-preferences/- Danna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danna-nieto/- Danna on Twitter/X: https://x.com/dannalnieto- ShipperHQ: https://shipperhq.com/- Ship Talking: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ship-talking-pros/- Caleb on LinkedIn:   / caleb-nelson-57a2322  - Sifted: https://sifted.com/- Sifted’s “Unboxed” newsletter: https://sifted.com/subscribe/00:00 Intro02:45 Why shipping strategy = brand strategy04:25 Preventing cart abandonment07:01 Communicating throughout the shipping process15:11 Is custom packaging important?18:01 Fast or free shipping?22:55 Turn shipping into a competitive advantage28:23 Get in touch with Danna and ShipperHQ29:48 Conclusion

Parcel shipping is inherently complex. Picking and packing orders, matching SKUs to box sizes, selecting the best carriers and services, and juggling ever-rising costs isn’t for everyone.But when an item has to arrive on-time AND at a correct temperature, things get even trickier.In our latest episode of LeaderShipping, Wesley O’Brien, Co-Founder and Chief Logistics Officer at Frozen Logistics, joins Caleb Nelson to discuss the challenges of shipping temperature-sensitive items, how continuous testing and optimization yields better results, and how they’re revolutionizing direct-to-consumer cold logistics.Main Topics:- Factors to consider to ensure a product doesn’t spoil in transit- The importance of testing, trial and error in cold chain- Important data for cold chain shippers to track- How DeliveredCold is rethinking D2C cold logistics- Specific challenges for shipping temp-controlled products to consumers’ homesOther Resources:- Other episodes: https://sifted.com/podcast/- Wesley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-o-brien-3179b4260/- Frozen Logistics: https://www.frozenlogistics.com/- DeliveredCold: https://deliveredcold.com/- Caleb on LinkedIn:   / caleb-nelson-57a2322  - Sifted: https://sifted.com/- Sifted’s “Unboxed” newsletter: https://sifted.com/subscribe/00:00 - Introduction01:36 - From meat processing to founding a cold-chain 3PL05:23 - Keeping products cold in transit08:35 - Data cold chain shippers should track12:14 - DeliveredCold - a marketplace for cold chain consolidation13:13 - Direct-to-consumer cold shipping complexities17:03 - Finding the right cold chain partner21:41 - Get in touch w/ Wesley & Frozen Logistics22:41 - Conclusion

For high-volume shippers, smooth operations can feel like “success.” And as the old adage goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”But when shippers settle for “ain’t broke,” a LOT of opportunity is left on the table. In our latest episode of LeaderShipping, John McClymont, Founder and Principal of Operational Innovations, joins Caleb Nelson to share how shippers can shake up their status quo, and the benefits they can find from continuous optimization.Main Topics:What is the “status quo” for shippers?The dangers of settling for the status quoIdentifying areas for improvementHow shipping is a crucial part of customer experienceThe benefits of continuously reviewing and improving operationsOther Resources:Other episodes: https://sifted.com/podcast/John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mcclymont/Operational Innovations: https://operationalinnovations.caCaleb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-nelson-57a2322/Sifted: https://sifted.com/Sifted’s “Unboxed” newsletter: https://sifted.com/subscribe/Home Delivery World: https://www.terrapinn.com/conference/home-delivery-world/index.stmSifted’s Home Delivery World Preview: https://sifted.com/resources/sifted-at-home-delivery-world-2024-what-to-know/00:00 - Introduction01:59 - What is the “status quo” in shipping?04:02 - Customer experience in shipping05:47 - The dangers of settling for the status quo08:36 - The first step for improvement12:09 - Common shipping/operations mistakes15:55 - Innovating without fear of failure17:28 - Accurately communicating shipping times to customers22:17 - Auditing your own operational health24:21 - Seeking out next-level opportunities26:36 - Connect with John27:25 - Connect with Sifted

eCommerce returns are a BIG problem.In fact, the value of items returned by consumers globally reached $1.8 trillion in 2022.Lots of shippers and 3PLs consider returns a necessary evil - often given little attention to and relegated to a disorderly corner of the warehouse. New innovations are unlocking the potential of better returns management, allowing for greater efficiency, insights, and competitive advantages.In this episode, Kyle Bertin, CEO and Co-Founder of Two Boxes, joins Caleb Nelson to discuss these innovations, and what better returns management looks like in the future.Main Topics:- What makes returns a problem?- How Two Boxes is simplifying and revolutionizing returns management- The importance of returns data- Detecting fraudulent returns activity- The sustainability impact of limiting returns and waste- How optimized returns can become a competitive advantage for brands and 3PLsOther Resources:- Kyle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylebertin/- https://www.twoboxes.com/- Caleb on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-nelson-57a2322/- Sifted: https://sifted.com- Sifted's "Unboxed" newsletter: https://sifted.com/subscribe- Home Delivery World: https://www.terrapinn.com/conference/home-delivery-world/index.stm

Countless shippers use third-party logistics providers (3PLs). Their expertise in warehousing, packing, and shipping makes them great partners for eCommerce brands outgrowing the founder's garage, as well as enterprise-level shippers looking to diversify their network without building a facility of their own.But do all these shippers find the right 3PL partner for them? In this episode of LeaderShipping, we're joined by Kathleen Sullivan Garman, founder and CEO of SullyGarman & Associates, to talk about why 3PLs are a great option for businesses looking to grow and scale operations, and how to know they're the right fit.Main Topics:- When a business should consider adding a 3PL, and when they should consider bringing fulfillment back in-house- The steps to take when assessing potential 3PL partners- Common mistakes made when choosing a 3PL- How to proactively manage 3PL relationshipsOther Resources:- SullyGarman & Associates: https://sullygarman.com/- Kathleen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sullygarman/- SullyGarman & Associates blog on finding 3PLs: https://sullygarman.com/how-to-find-a-new-3pl/- 3PL rating rubric: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Czawh_2wh5PKJGNDpoACzQAT6GJJoTSIxNNjbUXOAQU/copy- 3PL RFP scope document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13m8yDM7K0kgcWqg01Y6jM21TKroto3_nJR9yC5PgUs4/copy- Caleb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-nelson-57a2322/- Sifted: https://sifted.com- Sifted's "Unboxed" newsletter: https://sifted.com/subscribe

2023 was a year for the books in parcel shipping. But 2024 might bring even more uncertainty.What do shippers need to be on the lookout for?In this episode, Alan Amling, Professor of Practice at the University of Tennessee and CEO of Thrive and Advance, LLC, joins the show to discuss the outlook of the parcel shipping industry as we enter 2024.Main Topics:- The return to a “shipper’s market”- New fulfillment trends- How FedEx and UPS are reversing course on COVID-era decisions- Amazon’s challenge to FedEx and UPS- How shippers can go on offense in 2024Other Resources:- Alan and Thrive and Advance, LLC: https://www.alanamling.com/- Alan  on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanamling/- Alan’s book, Organizational Velocity on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Organizational-Velocity-Turbocharge-Business-Ahead/dp/B0CQ335Z5T/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1S4YMD9C7MGY6&keywords=organizational+velocity&qid=1706131613&sprefix=organizational+velocity%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-1- Caleb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-nelson-57a2322/- Sifted’s 2024 Shipping Industry Outlook: https://sifted.com/resources/2024-shipping-industry-outlook-top-trends-driving-down-costs-how-to-capitalize/- Sifted: https://sifted.com- Sifted's "Unboxed" newsletter: https://sifted.com/subscribe

One topic dominated parcel shipping news, conferences, and conversations in 2023: carrier diversification.The rapid changes eCommerce and parcel shipping have seen over the past few years have fueled a revolution in the carrier market. Regional/alternative carriers are gaining funding, expanding their networks, and earning customers as more and more shippers want to break away from the FedEx/UPS duopoly.In this episode, Timur Eligulashvili, Founder and President of Logistics Remix joins the show to talk about the rise of alternative carriers, and how shippers can best partner with them.Main topics:- What's fueled the growth of regional/alternative carriers- What businesses should diversify their carrier mix- Navigating challenges shippers face when diversifying- How Logistics Remix matches shippers to carriers- Predictions for the future of the carrier marketOther resources:- Logistics Remix: https://logisticsremix.com/- Timur on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timureli/- Caleb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-nelson-57a2322/- Sifted: https://sifted.com- Sifted's "Unboxed" newsletter: https://sifted.com/subscribe- Caleb Nelson and Kevin Miller's PARCEL Forum presentation on carrier diversification: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brAwBzrCduQ

It’s a scary time of the year for everyone. But with peak season and the GRI around the corner, it’s especially spooky for shippers.How are they handling stress? It turns out, not so well. In fact, 69% of logistics pros are unhappy with their work.In this episode, Jessica Windham, founder and CEO of consultancy Solving Work, joins the show to talk about the burnout logistics professionals face, the most common causes of workplace terrors she sees, and what shippers can do to work better and still sleep at night.Main Topics:- Why logistics roles are primed for burnout- The challenges logistics pros face within their own organizations- Why poor tech implementations are a common “shipping nightmare”- How prioritization can transform a logistics department, especially during peak seasonOther resources:- Solving Work: https://solvingwork.com/- Jessica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-windham/- Jessica’s Oct. 27 “Personal Peak Prep” webinar: https://www.linkedin.com/events/personalpeakprep7117150339123875841/comments/- Sifted’s Peak Season Checklist: https://sifted.com/guides/peak-season-checklist/- Caleb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-nelson-57a2322/- Sifted: https://sifted.com/Timestamps:00:00 - Intro03:46 - Why Jessica found a passion for alleviating logistics stress06:34 - Why logistics pros are unhappy at work10:52 - Common “shipping nightmares”15:30 - How Jessica addresses shippers’ pain points20:27 - Staying sane this peak season24:10 - How to get in touch with Jessica25:28 - Conclusion

2024 is just around the corner... and so are rate increases!Both FedEx and UPS have announced a 5.9% GRI for 2024. But as shippers know, the "G" stands for "general," and that 5.9% is just an average across base rates.In reality, each individual shipper will be impacted differently, and for most, rates will go up a lot more than 5.9%Kevin Miller, Sifted's VP of Data Insights, joins the show to break down these increases and offer advice to understanding how they might impact your business + how to mitigate that impact.Main topics:- How rates are increasing more than 5.9%- Increases to specific services to watch out for- What does FedEx's GRI tell us about what kinds of packages they desire?- Predictions for UPS' specific rate increases, which are yet to be announced- Advice for shippers heading into 2024Additional resources:- Sifted's 2024 GRI Analysis eBook: https://sifted.com/guides/2024-gri-analysis/- FedEx shipping rate changes: https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/rate-changes.html- How the UPS Teamsters agreement will impact shippers: https://sifted.com/resources/how-the-ups-and-teamsters-agreement-will-impact-shippers/- Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-miller-b421874a/- Caleb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-nelson-57a2322/

In this episode of LeaderShipping, host Caleb Nelson talks to Matt Snyder, Vice President of Online Retail for Vari, about how Amazon sellers can optimize their logistics strategy for Prime Day and beyond. Here are some of the key topics covered in the episode:Main Topics:- Expert tips for Amazon sellers to prepare for Prime Day (Auditing products, identifying discounted products to expand brand awareness, and building shipments early)- Changes to Amazon's FBA storage system and new capacity bidding process - How sellers can improve their IPI score and capacity limits- Alternatives for sellers with storage capacity limits, such as easy 3PL solutions, long-term FBA/FBM hybrid solutions, or aged inventory/clearance options- Recent changes in Seller-Fulfilled Prime (SFP) and how FBM sellers can compete on Prime Day- Utilizing Buy With Prime (BWP) to maximize Prime Day sales and Amazon's potential as a carrierAdditional Resources:- Vari website: https://www.vari.com/ - Matt Snyder on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-snyder-amazon/ - Caleb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-nelson-57a2322/- Amazon FBA storage fee changes: https://sifted.com/resources/2023-amazon-fba-fees-exclusive-guide-for-sellers/ - Amazon capacity planning: https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/amazon-fulfillment-fba-new-capacity-management-system-seller-storage/640777/ - Seller-Fulfilled Prime (SFP): https://www.webretailer.com/amazon/amazon-seller-fulfilled-prime/ - Sifted Unboxed Newsletter: https://sifted.com/subscribe/ Listen, rate, and subscribe!Find LeaderShipping on all major podcast platforms, including Apple and Spotify. Don't forget to rate and subscribe to stay updated on the latest shipping insights and trends. 

In this episode, we discuss sustainability across parcel shipping with Kevin Mireles, a leading voice in the industry with a background in shipping, marketing, and product development. Kevin is the founder of cutcO2.net and Chief Sustainability Officer at Delivered. We'll discuss current challenges for sustainable demand, emerging trends, and how shippers can use sustainability to drive profitability while keeping their bottom line in the green. Main Topics: - Current challenges shippers face from sustainability demands - Using sustainability to drive profitability goals - Emerging trends in the parcel shipping industry and how shippers can prepare - How to right-size your packaging - What drives shipping costs and emissions - How shippers can reduce their carbon footprint Additional Resources: - Caleb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-nelson-57a2322/ - Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-mireles-6462751/ - cutcO2.net - https://cutcO2.net/ - Delivered - https://www.delivered.com/ - Sifted Podcast Page: https://sifted.com/podcast/ - Sifted Unboxed Newsletter: https://sifted.com/subscribe/ Listen, rate, and subscribe! Find LeaderShipping on all major podcast platforms, including Apple and Spotify. Don't forget to rate and subscribe to stay updated on the latest shipping insights and trends. You can also watch the episode videos on Sifted’s YouTube channel and learn more about Sifted at Sifted.com.

In this episode of LeaderShipping, host Caleb Nelson speaks with Nate Skiver, Founder of LPF Spend Management, a leading parcel transportation and eCommerce delivery expert with over 20 years of experience in consulting, about the latest trends in shipping for 2023. Here are some of the key topics covered in the episode: Main Topics: - Nate's predictions for shippers in 2023 amidst a looming recession, strikes, and economic slowdowns. - The UPS/FedEx duopoly and shifts in the industry, plus regional and LTL carrier expansion and how managing those contracts has changed. - The rise of accessorials and its impact on the shipping landscape, and how businesses can survive by diversifying their carrier mix, optimizing packages, and upgrading their network efficiency. Additional Resources: - Caleb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-nelson-57a2322/ - Nate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levelplayingfield/ - LPF Spend Management website: https://www.lpfspendmanagement.com/ - Blog - Teamsters/UPS Impact on Shippers: https://sifted.com/resources/striking-a-balance-the-potential-impact-of-the-teamsters-agreement-on-the-parcel-logistics-industry/ - FedEx DAS Remote & FedEx Extended Peak Surcharges: https://www.fedex.com/content/dam/fedex/us-united-states/services/DAS_Contiguous_Extended_Alaska_Hawaii_2023.pdf - UPS Demand Residential Charge: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.ups.com/assets/resources/webcontent/en_US/PeakDemandSurcharges_US.pdf - Sifted Unboxed Newsletter: https://sifted.com/subscribe/ Listen, rate, and subscribe! Find LeaderShipping on all major podcast platforms, including Apple, Spotify, and Google. Don't forget to rate and subscribe to stay updated on the latest shipping insights and trends.

Welcome to LeaderShipping - the podcast made by parcel pros, for parcel pros. In this pilot episode, we’ll introduce our host Chief Growth Officer at Sifted: Caleb Nelson, and what you can expect to hear in our monthly episodes. In every episode a new guest from the shipping, transportation, or parcel industry will join us to talk about what it means to be a parcel pro, how to tailor your supply chain to your specific and unique needs, and ultimately, how to be a LeaderShipper.