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.

Earlier this month, ProShip was in the heart of New York City for NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show, where the retail industry’s brightest minds and leading innovators gathered to discuss the latest trends, technologies, and challenges shaping the future of retail.

Amidst the show's excitement, we had the opportunity to record a special podcast episode where we asked four thought-provoking questions about the retail landscape.

In this ParcelCast episode

Hosting this month’s episode live from the NRF show floor is Katy Schroedl, ProShip’s Content Marketing Manager. As she sparks conversation around all things retail, she is joined by several ProShip shipping experts including Justin Cramer, Co-Founder, Eric Levine, Sales Executive, Miranda Dowler, Enterprise Sales Executive, and Dave Salter, Business Development. From the biggest buzzwords bouncing throughout the conference to the forces of volatility that retailers should prepare for, this episode provides forward-thinking insights into how the retail landscape is changing. Tune into this episode to hear valuable takeaways to the following questions:

1. Biggest Buzzword at NRF: Is It Living Up to the Hype?

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): You must acknowledge its growing impact in many areas, however, when it comes to fulfillment, it still has a long way to go. Despite this, AI’s potential in retail will continue to evolve.

• Carrier Volume Balancing (CVB): This ensures retailers meet volume metrics to secure negotiated rates while also benefiting from rate shopping across carriers. CVB is already proving its worth in optimizing shipping costs and performance, making it a buzzword worth watching.

2. ProShip's One Piece of Advice for Retailers in 2025

• Be Prepared for Volatility to Continue: Retailers should ensure their systems are set up to adapt quickly to shifting market conditions, allowing them to stay resilient no matter what challenges arise.

• Single Carrier Strategies are Dead: While it might seem like a way to secure better rates, having a broader range of carriers provides retailers with the flexibility to pivot, keeping them competitive and able to respond to changes in the market.

• Keep Asking Questions: The retail landscape is constantly evolving, and what doesn’t work today might be the perfect solution tomorrow. ProShip, with its customizable solutions, can adapt to the unique needs of each retailer, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve.

3. Biggest Source of Volatility in Retail for 2025

• Potential Tariffs: With global shippers facing the possibility of new tariffs, retailers will need to stay agile. These tariffs could impact pricing and, ultimately, the ability of customers to purchase products, creating significant ripple effects throughout the supply chain.

• Increased Complexity in Order Fulfillment: The shift from shipping to stores to direct-to-consumer (D2C) deliveries has increased complexity, introducing more address and carrier-specific requirements. This raises the potential for errors, making it crucial for retailers to streamline their fulfillment processes.

4. Adapting to Changing Consumer Expectations: How ProShip Is Responding?

• Making Logistics System Changes Easier: ProShip’s software allows you to remove outdated business rules and implement current ones. Working with your IT and logistics teams now to identify the "must-haves" for your logistics system before volatility hits, will help ensure you're prepared for whatever comes next.

• Supply Chain Visibility: Today’s consumers want quick shipping and real-time tracking. Through our partnership with ShipMatrix, we can provide customers with the visibility they need while meeting their demands for faster, more transparent service.

• Automation and Centralization: Manual tasks are outdated and prone to errors. ProShip automates processes and keeps a centralized system so retailers can ensure smoother operations and more efficient downstream movement of business rules.

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.

Managing parcel spend can be a challenge for shippers for several reasons. With increasing shipping volumes and rising customer demands, keeping shipping costs down while maintaining service quality is often a sore spot. Parcel spend, if not carefully managed, can eat away at profits, especially when unexpected surcharges, fluctuating rates, and a lack of transparency between shippers and carriers come into play.

For many shippers, finding a balance between efficient delivery and cost containment feels like it’s out of reach, especially as parcel shipping costs have increased 30% over the past three years. However, as technology continues to evolve, advanced solutions are giving shippers a new way to not only track, but optimize their parcel spend. Introducing Parcel Spend Management 2.0 - an advanced way to optimize and manage your shipping

costs by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning-based technology as opposed to utilizing consulting and analysts.

In This ParcelCast Episode

Joining our host, Jerri Dixon, on this episode of ProShip ParcelCast Unwined is industry experts Will Hennessy, Sales Executive at ProShip, and Michael Falls, VP of Client Success at Reveel Group. This episode is full of insightful conversation, diving deep into technological innovations paving the future for improved parcel spend management. Tune into this episode to learn more about:

This Episode’s Cocktail: The Data-Driven Paloma

During this episode, our expert guests enjoy the citrusy Data-Driven Paloma, a refreshing twist on the classic paloma. Just as data-driven insights are essential for optimizing your parcel shipping strategy, a well-crafted cocktail requires the perfect balance of ingredients.

The Data-Driven Paloma is a refreshing blend of grapefruit juice, tequila, and simple syrup. Just like a successful parcel shipping strategy requires balance, this cocktail perfectly combines flavors for a satisfying experience.

Enjoy the Data-Driven Paloma with our shipping experts:

Ingredients: tequila, grapefruit juice, ice, salt, and dried grapefruit garnish

Taking your glass with a moist rim, dip the glass into a small plate of salt. To a cocktail shaker, add your ice, tequila, grapefruit juice, and a splash of club soda if desired. Shake until well combined and then pour over ice in your salt rimmed glass. Garnish with a slice of dried grapefruit and enjoy!

Tune into our next ProShip ParcelCast Unwined episode for more insightful conversations on current supply chain topics, industry tips, and the hottest logistics trends!

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:

“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!

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:

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!

The average person might picture a warehouse as a large space filled with shelves, boxes, and crates; a busy place where goods come in, are stored, and then ship out to customers around the world. However, running a warehouse isn’t just stacking boxes and sending them off. It involves complex moving parts of logistics, technology, data, and strategy, where even the smallest hiccup can have an immense impact throughout the supply chain.

Optimizing warehouse operations is essential for businesses of all sizes, as they play a critical role in today’s global economy. Whether you're a seasoned logistics professional or just starting your journey in the world of warehouses, this podcast episode is your go-to for mastering the art of warehouse efficiency in the digital age.

In This ParcelCast Episode

This episode of ProShip ParcelCast Unwined features two industry expert guests: Justin Cramer, Co-Founder of ProShip and Aaron Hatfield, Founder of Hatfield Consulting. They join our wonderful host, Jerri Dixon, for an insightful discussion unlocking the world of warehouses and the key to keeping them running smoothly. Sipping their refreshing Warehouse on Point drinks, the three dive deep into discussions on:

• Importance of Accurate Data: Understand the critical role of accurate data in warehouses, the potential consequences inaccurate data can cause your supply chain, and why businesses must prioritize data accuracy.

• Integration Challenges and Solutions: Discover the complexities of integrating your warehouse management system (WMS) with other solutions, such as multi-carrier shipping software, insights into solutions to effectively overcome these difficulties, and the substantial benefits of WMS integration.

• Actionable Steps for Improvement: Learn practical steps and actionable strategies businesses can take to enhance their warehouse efficiency, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement in achieving optimal efficiency.

How do our experts see Artificial Intelligence (AI) impacting warehouse management in the future? Tune in to find out.

This Episode’s Cocktail: Warehouse on Point

For this episode of ProShip ParcelCast Unwined, our experts sip on the Warehouse on Point cocktail. Just like a well-run warehouse requires accurate data and seamless integrations for optimal efficiency, this Warehouse on Point drink achieves a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and refreshing flavors. Cheers!

Enjoy the Warehouse on Point with our shipping experts:

Ingredients: Rum or Bourbon, Ginger Ale, Honey, Simple Syrup, and Lemon Juice

In a shaker, add your ice, rum or bourbon, honey, simple syrup, and lemon juice. Give it a shake until well combined. Strain over ice into a chilled glass and garnish with a lemon slice or cherry.

Make sure to tune into our next ProShip ParcelCast Unwined episode for our annual tech month special!

The holiday season may be a distant memory as we enter the second quarter of the year, but for businesses that rely on efficient shipping operations, the pressure never truly ends. Peak shipping season does an exceptional job at exposing vulnerabilities in the supply chain, often leaving you scrambling.

However, there are steps you can take to ensure your business is equipped for the next peak season, especially exploring the strategies that truly shined and the ones that might need more work. Whether you’re a seasoned shipper or new to the industry, we’ve got the insights you can leverage to future-proof your strategy for this year’s holiday season.

In This ParcelCast Episode

In this episode of ProShip ParcelCast Unwined, our host, Jerri Dixon, Alliance manager at ProShip, is joined by two supply chain experts: Vijay Ramachandran, VP of GTM Enablement and Experience at Pitney Bowes, and Will Hennessey, Territory Sales Executive at ProShip. With Cinco de Mayo right around the corner, the three raise their Post-Peak Fiesta Margarita glasses as they dive into a mix of retrospective analysis and forward-thinking strategies for optimizing shipping strategies for the year ahead. Tune in to hear more about:

• Shifting Consumer Demands: Discover the key trends and major shifts in consumer behavior that impacted deliveries during last peak season including earlier holiday shopping, the rise in on-demand fulfillment, and consumer expectations from younger demographics.

• Data-Driven Optimization: Understand the importance of leveraging data and analytics to gain insights from past peak seasons and how this information can help you optimize your supply chain strategy for future success.

• Balancing the Cost-Speed-Bandwidth Triangle: Unlock the strategies to a healthy and sustainable balance between quick deliveries, low costs, and avoiding overwhelming your team.

Bonus: In the future of e-commerce, there’s a growing interest in digital gift-fiving experiences. Listen in to hear about a new innovation on the horizon for Pitney Bowes’s customers.

This Episode’s Cocktail: The Post-Peak Fiesta Margarita

In this episode of ProShip ParcelCast Unwined, our expert guests enjoy a refreshing Post-Peak Fiesta Margarita. Packing some spice on the rim, this margarita follows a fiery period with a refreshing twist – much like post-peak. After things heat up in the holiday season, your post-peak review can lead to smoother and more efficient delivery operations for the year ahead.

Enjoy the Post-Peak Fiesta Margarita with our shipping experts:

Ingredients: agave nectar, cucumber syrup, tajin / black pepper / sea salt rimmer, Familia Camarena silver, celery salt, dehydrated cucumbers, & limes

In a shallow dish, place the tajin, black pepper, and salt spice blend. Rub the rim of your margarita glass with lime juice and dip the rim into the spices to coat. Fill a shaker with ice, tequila, cucumber syrup, agave, and the juice of your lime. Shake for 10 seconds until well mixed and strain the contents into your rimmed glass. Lastly, garnish your margarita with a dehydrated cucumber slice. Cheers!

Tune into the next ProShip ParcelCast Unwined episode to learn more about industry trends, key supply chain insights, and all things modern logistics!