Riding the Fuel Surcharge Roller Coaster

As oil prices dropped, the carrier's fuel surcharges for air and ground shipments also dropped. This was great for everyone - that is while it lasted. The two major US package carriers have posted their fuel surcharges starting August 3, 2009. Looks like the ride has started again. How much are they going up? Ground is increasing about 27% over the surcharge from July 1st. Air shipments are much more - a 550% increase over the surcharge from July 1st. That's a price increase you need to keep track of.

The fuel surcharge is calculated on fuel prices going two months back, so the rates for August are up even though we see lower gas prices recently. But how does this affect your shipping? After all, you still need to ship your packages. And how can your shipping system help?

First, make sure your shipping system can account for the fuel surcharge so it's included in rate calculations and rate comparisons. Next, check to see if the fuel surcharge amount is included in reports or data you use from your shipping system. This makes sure you can check your bills and charge your customers correctly. Here is how our CPS™ shipping software helps its users cope with these changing monthly figures.

The fuel surcharge is included with every rate calculation and rate comparison. That means the shipper always sees the correct shipping rate. Next, CPS provides a critical report that can be run quickly and at anytime. This report shows the average cost per box and per pound so you can quickly determine your "break even" shipping costs so you can decide how much you should be charging for shipping. We call it the "Flat Rate Calculator" since its shipping cost averages tell you the flat rate you need to charge so you do not lose dollars when charging customers for shipping.

A shipping system that handles the fuel surcharges so you have the best information keeps you in control of your shipping. And isn't that the idea?

FREE Multi-Carrier Shipping Software?

Usually we write about shipping and ideas showing the ways that an automated shipping process can really help a company's profit. Of course, since it's our Blog, we also show how features in our CPS shipping software can help, but we also explain the features to look for in other systems, too. This Blog is different. This will still have an idea (or two!) for shippers to save, but this time we can't tell you what to look for in systems other than CPS. This is not because we are changing our direction, but rather there is not another shipping system we've seen that presents this new offer.

Would you like to use multi-carrier shipping software for FREE? Well, you can! Today's economic conditions are very complex. While we know our multi-carrier shipping products can help you save as you ship, we also realize that finding ways to lower your costs to do business is very important. Plus, the economy is stressing your customers. For these reasons, Harvey Software has created our all new Shipper Dollars program that can let you use our shipping products for FREE! That's something that no other shipping system provider gives you.

If you want to know the details about Harvey Software’s Shipper Dollars click here… The rewards are generous and it's easy to get into the program. Check it out today!

Until next time...