Is it the most wonderful time of the supply chain year?

According to the National Retail Federation, 43 percent of people started doing their holiday shopping in October, leading the NRF to predict a year-over-year holiday spending increase of 3 to 4 percent.  58 percent of shoppers will buy online, and all of those gifts have to be packed and shipped… probably via small parcel channels. And yet, final mile carriers like FedEx and UPS are bracing for a weaker than usual holiday shopping season. In this week's Dial P for Procurement, Kelly Barner looks at the numbers and dynamics at play in the complex small parcel market: Current pricing and peak season surcharge plans from the major carriers The market forces and pressures keeping them on their toes What anyone tasked with responsibility for a small parcel contract should take away from current conditions Links: Kelly Barner on LinkedIn Dial P for Procurement on AOP Subscribe to This Week in Procurement