The Missing Link: How Integrated Shipping Software Transforms AS/400 Systems

Discover how you don’t have to compromise operational efficiency with the right integrated partnership

For decades, IBM’s Application System or AS/400 (now known as IBM i) has been a reliable and trusted platform for businesses seeking stability and scalability. However, as technology continues to evolve, concerns have grown among these users about the limitations of an older system. While the AS/400 remains a backbone for many enterprises, it is a common opinion that this system is outdated and ill-equipped to handle the modern complexities of today’s businesses.


For shippers, relying solely on an AS/400 system without modern integrations can create inefficiencies, limit flexibility, and hinder a business’s ability to keep pace with today’s rapidly changing logistics demands. So, what’s the missing link for many AS/400 users? Seamless integration with advanced shipping software. Connecting your time-tested system with the right modern, flexible shipping solution can help eliminate bottlenecks, reduce costs, and increase throughput.


Let’s begin by taking a few steps back to dive into the AS/400.

Developed by IBM and released in 1988, the AS/400 is a family of servers and network adapters. Back then, this technology completely revolutionized the way businesses operated, “creating the digital work environment we know today” and speeding up workflow processes four times faster than before. As the groundbreaking technology of its time, it was built to seamlessly handle a wide range of business applications including financial, manufacturing, customer service, and inventory management.


A defining feature of the AS/400 was its unique combination of hardware and software. The system ran on the OS/400 operating system, the heart of the AS/400, which was designed exclusively to support the integrated operations of the AS/400. The platform’s reliability and scalability made it a popular choice for businesses, earning a reputation over the years for its ability to handle complex workloads with minimal downtime.

Despite how long this system has been around, it has proven to be a durable solution still relied on by many businesses for day-to-day operations. The modernization of IBM i applications continues today to help them maintain an infrastructure that provides scalability and flexibility. However, the current global supply chain has become increasingly complex, and the traditional AS/400 infrastructure wasn’t designed to handle the dynamic demands of modern logistics, such as:

  • Multi-Carrier Management: Handling multiple carriers with different rules and pricing structures can be challenging without the right shipping software integration.
  • Real-Time Tracking: Providing customers with up-to-date tracking information and managing logistical complexities in real-time can be difficult with outdated systems.
  • Omnichannel Fulfillment: Seamlessly fulfilling orders from both online and in-store requires the right integrated approach that works with your AS/400 system.

However, this doesn’t mean that IBM i users must abandon their trusted platform. The key to navigating the modern shipping landscape is integration. By pairing IBM i’s trusted solution with advanced multi-carrier shipping software, businesses can bridge the gap between legacy systems and proven logistics solutions. This integration enables streamlined workflows, improved accuracy, and better carrier management, all while maintaining the stability and reliability IBM i is known for.

Seamless integration between your IBM i system and comprehensive shipping software is no longer a want – it’s a need. As the logistics landscape grows more complex and customer expectations continue to rise, having a fully integrated shipping solution can be the difference between staying competitive and falling behind.


Without proper integration, businesses are forced to rely on manual processes and disconnected systems, leading to dreaded inefficiencies and bottlenecks. These disjointed systems can also slow down workflows, increasing the chances of delays and missed deadlines. However, when you leverage a seamless integration, it can offer several key benefits that:

  • Eliminate Manual Processes: Seamless integrations allow for data to flow between systems, reducing the need for manual data entry which minimizes room for errors and inconsistencies.
  • Improve Workflow Efficiency: The free flow of data between systems also helps accelerate workflows and reduce delays, especially with the automation top shipping software solutions provide.
  • Enhance Order Accuracy: Real-time updates and synchronized systems ensure more accurate customer information, tracking, and order fulfillment.
  • Increase Speed: Automated processes allow businesses to respond quickly to customer needs, improve order fulfillment times, and ultimately increase throughput.
  • Reduce Costs: Streamlining operations helps to cut down on overhead and operational costs, rate shopping capabilities lower shipping costs, and reducing manual tasks eliminates the risk of costly errors.
  • Improve Customer Experience: Increased speed, order accuracy, and throughput gets more orders out the door and into the correct hands, significantly improving customer experience.
  • Boost Competitive Edge: In a fast-paced market, optimizing your shipping processes will give any business an advantage.

The true value of seamless shipping software integration is in its ability to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the customer experience. By optimizing your shipping processes, you not only streamline internal operations but also gain a competitive edge in an increasingly fast-paced market.

What if there was a shipping software solution designed specifically to work with your IBM i system – one that could seamlessly integrate with your existing infrastructure while optimizing your shipping operations? This idea isn’t so far-fetched. Varsity Logistics is exactly the partner you’re looking for.


Varsity Logistics, the leading provider of native multi-carrier shipping software for parcel and freight shippers on the IBM i (AS/400) Power Systems, is a solution that connects your legacy system and the demands of modern shipping. This shipping software helps businesses unlock new levels of efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility while preserving the characteristics IBM i users value with:

  • Streamlined Integration: Varsity’s software is a plug-and-play solution, providing seamless integration with your current IBM i environment whether that be enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and/or warehouse management systems (WMS). This ensures smooth data flow and minimal disruptions to your existing operations.
  • Multi-Carrier Support: Varsity integrates with a wide variety of North American carriers, enabling you to manage both parcel and freight shipments effortlessly. With advanced rate shopping capabilities, you can compare rates across carriers to select the most cost-effective and efficient delivery options for every shipment.
  • Automated Shipping Processes: From label creation to route optimization, Varsity’s software automates key shipping tasks, reducing costly errors and saving your business valuable time.
  • Real-Time Visibility: Access to real-time communications, delivery status, tracking information, and up-to-the-minute shipment updates ensure efficient supply chain management and visibility while keeping your customers happy.
  • Scalability for Growth: Varsity provides the flexibility to handle increasing shipping volumes and expanding carrier networks, growing with your business to support and maintain business continuity.
  • Expert Knowledge and Support: Varsity is built of a team of IBM i (AS/400) Power shipping experts that know the product best, providing top-tier support for your systems whenever and wherever you need it. We also have technical and operational training resources available at all times.

With Varsity Logistics, you can dismiss the concerns you have with your AS/400 system not keeping pace. By leveraging this partnership, you don’t have to compromise between the trusted performance of your IBM i system and the capabilities of advanced shipping solutions. Our purpose-built software allows you to optimize your shipping processes, cut costs, and deliver an enhanced customer experience – all while staying true to the platform you rely on.

Future-Ready Shipping for IBM i Users

The IBM i (AS/400) has stood the test of time, proving its reliability and strength in managing critical operations. However, to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced logistics environment, businesses must adapt their strategies by integrating their trusted platform with comprehensive shipping solutions.


Leveraging the seamless integration with Varsity’s advanced multi-carrier shipping software is the missing link to unlocking streamlined workflows, greater efficiency, reduced costs, and delivering outstanding customer experiences. By implementing Varsity’s multi-carrier shipping software, businesses can future-proof their operations, ensuring they’re not only meeting today’s challenges but also ready for what’s ahead.


Ready to discover how this powerful shipping solution can help you bridge the gap between your IBM i (AS/400) system and modern shipping demands? Contact our team of shipping experts or schedule a demo to explore how Varsity Logistics can transform your operations into an efficient logistics powerhouse.

Top 3 Takeaways from The Varsity Logistics Session at ProS Who Know 2024

Dive into the top 3 takeaways you missed at our session during this year’s virtual event

Another successful ProS Who Know Virtual Event has come to a close and Varsity is thrilled to have been a part of it. This annual webinar event, hosted by ProShip, Inc., is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to hear from industry professionals, supply chain experts, and logistics leaders on a wide variety of crucial and timely parcel and LTL shipping topics. For the second year in a row, Varsity Logistics participated in a webinar session, this year joined by experts from customer companies, 3PL NRS, Inc. and rug retailer Gertmenian.


While last year’s webinar focused on unexpected shipping costs, this year’s insightful session was focused on the pain points associated with utilizing multiple carrier systems in today’s modern supply chain landscape. Are you regrettably thinking to yourself, “this sounds great, but unfortunately, I missed it”? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. While ProS Who Know 2024 might be officially over, not only can you view the on-demand session recording, but we’re also diving into the top three takeaways from this year’s session.


Here’s what you missed at…


[Unearthed Pain Point] Carrier System Memorial Service: A Farewell to Utilizing Multiple Shipping Systems

For businesses managing multiple carrier systems, shipping logistics can feel disorienting. Rather than forming a unified picture, these systems work independently of each other, causing a tangled web of processes, interfaces, and data that doesn’t connect. Each carrier system likely needs their own integrations with other essential software such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and warehouse management systems (WMS), resulting in a fragmented experience that’s as time-consuming as it is confusing.


More than just the chaos disjointed systems create is the potential of siloed data. When using multiple shipping systems, data can get trapped in different systems that don’t communicate with one another. It also likely looks completely different in each system. Not only can the lack of connectivity lead to unnecessary manual processes that absorb valuable time, but it also leads to increased errors which can snowball into major issues such as inaccurate shipping labels, incorrect tracking information, and delayed deliveries (yikes!).


Furthermore, each shipping system comes with its own interface and workflows, making it far from intuitive for staff to navigate. System usability is crucial as it takes a lot of time and money to train staff to properly use them. However, throwing several different systems into the mix creates a steep learning curve, increases onboarding time, and leads to a greater chance for mistakes – all issues that would be avoided with seamless system integrations.

“Integration is a big piece of it. When looking at systems, it was a big deal for us to make sure that [it] not only integrates well, but it also is very user friendly at the other side. Training is a big part of everything, and you want to make sure not to over complicate things and make sure the user is able to use that system wisely.” – Robert Banas, Chief Information Officer at Gertmenian

When relying on multiple systems, each system adds an additional layer of complexity, slowing down operations and throughput. Without a streamlined integration, each carrier’s system can take a painfully long time to process and update – a major problem for shippers especially around peak season and high-volume periods.


This lag creates a delay at every stage in the shipping process, from order processing to label creation, forcing teams to wait for each system to catch up. Not only is this strategy a drain of valuable time, but these snail-slow processes can severely impact shipping output, negatively affecting customer satisfaction and your bottom line. A unified shipping solution eliminates these bottlenecks, streamlining the shipping process for faster operations, more efficient workflows, and increased throughput.

“With a single carrier station, we weren’t able to keep up with the shipping that we needed to do and sometimes it exceeds one thousand packages a day…it would take us two to three minutes to ship one package sometimes, by the time they filled in all the information manually.”Mike Corbo, Director of Software Development at NRS, Inc.

One thing for certain is that times have changed and relying on just one or two carriers isn’t enough to cut it in today’s fast-paced logistics landscape. There is a wide variety of shipping options now available, so businesses that choose to limit their set of carriers also choose to miss out on opportunities to optimize costs, delivery times, and service quality.


Modern shipping demands flexibility, and businesses need the capability to choose the best carrier for each individual shipment based on real-time factors such as cost, time in transit, and delivery reliability. This level of flexibility, however, becomes nearly impossible to achieve when utilizing multiple disconnected shipping systems. The lack of integration between platforms forces companies to settle for suboptimal options or spend excessive time comparing prices and services across several systems.

“These carrier-provided systems were really designed just to process and create a manifest billing file for the individual carrier. They’re so far from a good multi-carrier shipping software package”, explains Charlie Hawkins, Director of Sales at Varsity Logistics. “These carrier-provided systems create situations where you have reduced efficiency based on exceptions. There’s basically no rules there…you want a system that makes decisions based on a lot of different factors and the integration is definitely one of the big shortcomings of the carrier provided systems.”

Top-tier multi-carrier solutions eliminate these limitations, giving businesses the ability to make smarter, faster decisions, especially when it comes to selecting the best shipping option for each package. It opens the door to a world of flexibility that enables companies to stay competitive in a landscape that values efficiency and customer satisfaction so highly.

During this ProS Who Know session, we dove deep into the challenges of managing multiple carrier systems and the pain points businesses face as they struggle to keep everything running smoothly. From disjointed integrations to slow speeds and limited flexibility, it’s clear that a multiple shipping system strategy only creates more roadblocks than solutions. But as these experts discussed, the single most important takeaway is simple: businesses need to shift gears and embrace a unified multi-carrier shipping software (MCSS) solution.

Varsity Logistics deeply understands the complexities of modern shipping, which is why our industry-leading multi-carrier shipping software suite is designed to address the very issues discussed at this year’s ProS Who Know session. Built exclusively for shippers on the IBM i (AS/400) Power systems, our advanced platform streamlines the entire shipping process by unifying carrier integrations, improving speed with automated workflows, and offering the flexibility needed to optimize every shipment.


With Varsity’s MCSS, businesses can easily manage both parcel and freight shipping in one solution, eliminating the inefficiencies and limitations of using multiple carrier systems. Our software supports a wide range of carriers, allowing you to compare rates, select the best shipping options, and track shipments in real time—all from a single, intuitive interface. This not only improves operational efficiency but also ensures your team can focus on delivering the best possible experience to your customers.


Ready to discover how a unified multi-carrier shipping solution can revitalize your shipping operations? Catch up with the on-demand session and then contact our team of shipping experts today to learn more about our software suite and how we can help you navigate your shipping system pain points in the modern supply chain environment. Better shipping starts with the only holistic shipping solution built for the IBM i.

Future-Proof Your Shipping: Budgeting for Multi-Carrier Shipping Software in 2025

Shipping software should be more than a strategy; it’s a long-term investment. Does your solution level up?

As the supply chain industry continues to evolve rapidly and the intense pressures to meet consumer expectations remain, your business is faced with two options: adapt or risk falling behind.

While it may seem obvious that any business owner would adapt and continue, the requirements of the modern business world can feel overwhelming. Adapting advanced technologies and strategic planning are crucial to remain competitive, in fact 45% of CEOs believe their company will struggle to remain viable in 10 years if they continue their current trajectory.


However, many companies are still tethered to outdated and underperforming systems, struggling to keep pace with the demands of modern shipping. Businesses that rely on single-carrier shipping strategies limit their ability to pivot in the face of challenges such as carrier rate increases or service disruptions. Sticking to a single carrier or outdated carrier-based system can create bottlenecks and limit access to alternative delivery options. Relying on one carrier puts businesses at risk of delays, higher costs, and missed customer expectations.


Today, nearly 70% of operations and supply chain officers say their tech investments have not met their expectations. These complexities underscore the importance of upgrading your shipping solution to a flexible multi-carrier shipping software (MCSS). This decision is not only a technical necessity; it’s a strategic move that can enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.

But with the urgency to upgrade your shipping software comes the need for careful budgeting and planning. Effective resource allocation can make all the difference between a seamless transition or a disruptive experience. As we approach the end of the year, it is time to reevaluate if your current multi-carrier shipping software is just barely meeting or exceeding your expectations.

In today’s modern world, consumption is at an all-time high where e-commerce is booming, and customer expectations continue to increase. The question is not whether shippers should be utilizing a multi-carrier shipping software solution, but if their solution is doing what it needs to, to give businesses the opportunity to thrive. Shippers that still utilize outdated systems lack the scalability and flexibility they will need to accommodate growth in their business, whether that be increases in volume or physical locations.


Outdated carrier integrations also present an issue, as shippers who aren’t using advanced delivery options, such as same-day and next-day delivery provided by newer and more prominent carriers, can put them in a position of falling behind competitors. Additionally, limited automation capabilities in older software can lead to increased manual errors and inefficiencies in shipping processes. Modern multi-carrier solutions offer automated features that streamline workflows, from label printing to tracking updates, ensuring a smoother experience for both shippers and customers.


Beyond these challenges, today’s market is plagued with uncertainty. Political shifts, the upcoming presidential election, climate change, and severe weather events, such as the recent hurricanes we’ve experienced, all impact supply chains unpredictably. Having a flexible, modern shipping system that can adapt to these unforeseen disruptions is critical. Outdated solutions leave shippers vulnerable to these market fluctuations, while a robust, flexible system can better prepare your business for whatever lies ahead.


Upgrading your MCSS goes beyond meeting the demands of the supply chain industry; it’s a strategic investment to help benefit the future of your business. By integrating a modern solution, you will boost scalability, enhance automation, increase delivery options, and improve your business operations overall. This positions your business to effectively tackle the challenges ahead, ensuring you remain competitive and responsive in a dynamic market.

Once you’ve decided that it’s time to invest in upgrading your multi-carrier solution for 2025, it is crucial to identify the must-have features your business needs to drive efficiency, flexibility, and growth. Some key MCSS features that you should look for include:


Scalability: As your business grows, so should your shipping software. Scalable solutions ensure that your system can handle increased shipping volumes, new carriers, and expanded services without sacrificing performance and allowing your business to maintain profitability.


Cost-Effectiveness: When investing in multi-carrier shipping software, it is crucial to look beyond the initial price tag because the cost doesn’t stop there. Additional costs come with things like implementation, training, IT and maintenance that can add up significantly. A lower upfront cost may seem more appealing; however, a long-term ROI is key. Investing in a solution that reduces manual labor, minimizes errors, and optimizes carrier selection can pay for itself in the long run.


Seamless Integration: Top-tier MCSS enables seamless integration with your existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, warehouse management systems (WMS), and other existing systems. This is essential for streamlining workflows, improving data accuracy, and enhancing overall visibility across your supply chain.


Intuitive Interface: The multi-carrier system you invest in should be intuitive and easy for your team to learn and use, minimizing the additional time and costs it takes to familiarize and train your staff. Utilizing a user-friendly interface can improve day-to-day productivity and allow for any employee to effectively use the software.


Variety of Carriers: MCSS solutions with a diverse carrier network for both parcel and freight ensure flexibility in meeting customer demands, mitigating disruptions, and optimizing shipping routes and costs. Having access to unique providers and more options puts shippers in a better position to respond to fluctuations in pricing and service availability as well. [Read more about the power of going multi-carrier.]


Customization: Since every business is different, your shipping software should reflect that. Leading multi-carrier shipping solutions are not one size fits all; they are built to meet each business’s unique needs. Look for a customizable solution that allows you to tailor operations such as workflows, reporting, and carrier preferences.


Customer Support: It is crucial with any sort of major technology that there is responsive and widely available customer support. Make sure to look for a MCSS solution with support that ensures reliable and prompt resolutions to potential technical issues when needed. Strong support is paramount to ensuring minimal disruptions and helps you maintain operational continuity.


Taking these characteristics into consideration when upgrading your multi-carrier shipping software will help you equip your business with the tools and capabilities needed to thrive in the ever-evolving logistics environment. These features are essential not only for meeting today’s operational demands but also for future-proofing your shipping processes.

Finding a solution that meets every functionality requirement might feel like a tall order, however, Varsity Logistics delivers exactly that. A leading provider of multi-carrier shipping software built exclusively for shippers on IBM i (AS/400) Power Systems, Varsity offers a comprehensive parcel and LTL software suite designed to tackle the challenges of modern shipping head-on. For businesses budgeting for shipping software in the upcoming year, Varsity is the optimal choice, checking the boxes to key characteristics including:

  • Scalable Software: Varsity’s multi-carrier shipping software is designed with scalability in mind, enabling businesses to easily adjust to business growth and demand fluctuations. Its proven functionality allows for seamless management of higher shipping volumes in the short term during peak seasons as well as with long term business expansion, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted operations. However, scalability goes beyond just handling higher volumes – it also means evolving with technology and the dynamic logistics landscape. Varsity’s solutions are built to tackle today’s shipping challenges – whether it’s optimizing containerization for more efficient packaging, providing real-time tracking for enhanced visibility, or offering robust reporting tools for data-driven decisions.
  • Return on Investment: Beyond the initial cost of Varsity’s software, our solution provides your business with many opportunities for minimizing and optimizing costs. Automated workflows, fewer errors, optimized carrier rate shopping, and auditing are just a few of Varsity’s key functions that can help your business save big in the long-term.
  • Integration Capabilities: Varsity’s MCSS integrates seamlessly with all major IBM i enterprise resources planning systems, warehouse management systems, and hundreds of existing home-grown and customized in-house systems as well. This allows businesses to easily implement a flexible shipping strategy without disrupting existing workflows.
  • Unified Platform: Our user-friendly interface consists of a single centralized application that simplifies operations. This centralized approach reduces training time, streamlines processes, and allows your team to manage workflows efficiently from one place.
  • Carrier Diversity: Varsity maintains strong relationships and software integrations with leading parcel and LTL carriers in North America. This extensive network provides your business with access to world-class delivery services and solutions, enabling you to save money while enhancing customer satisfaction and delivery efficiency.
  • Customization: Varsity’s software allows you to create and implement customized business rules tailored to your unique shipping needs. Whether it’s automating specific shipping workflows, creating custom rate-shopping parameters, or setting rules for carrier selection based on region, product type, or delivery speed, Varsity ensures your operations align with your business goals.
  • Customer Support: With nearly 40 years of experience in supply chain logistics and a support team whose tenure exceeds 120 years, Varsity Logistics offers unmatched expertise to help you navigate shipping challenges. Their seasoned team not only provides responsive customer support but also offers deep industry knowledge to ensure your business remains resilient in the face of market volatility.

As 2025 approaches, it’s crucial for businesses to assess their current shipping software and start budgeting for making the necessary upgrades that will maintain a shipping infrastructure capable of withstanding future challenges. Whether those challenges are market uncertainties, shifting customer demands, or unpredictable disruptions in the global supply chain, your MCSS should have your back. Budgeting for a robust multi-carrier shipping software solution is more than just a strategic move; it’s a long-term investment into your business’s operational efficiency and longevity.


Ready to future-proof your shipping operations? Take the step towards better shipping software solutions in 2025 with Varsity Logistics comprehensive software suite. We’re here to help your business grow and achieve long-term success. To learn more, please contact our team of shipping experts or schedule a demo.

Join Varsity Logistics at ProS Who Know 2024: A Virtual Parcel Shipping Event

Tune in to Varsity’s virtual session at this year’s ProS Who Know virtual event hosted by ProShip, Inc.

The annual ProS Who Know Virtual Event, hosted by ProShip Inc., is back for its 5th year of insightful conversations and unmatched industry expertise and Varsity Logistics is thrilled to be invited back to participate in our very own session. The virtual event will take place from October 28th- 29th, featuring a diverse group of industry leaders, supply chain professionals, and knowledgeable logistics experts. Over the course of these two days, attendees will have access to 5 valuable webinar sessions covering a variety of timely and essential industry topics.

Have you ever felt like your shipping operations were a tangled mess of carriers and endless complexities? Varsity Logistics will share the spotlight with a customer of their own in a virtual webinar session that will explore how a simpler, more streamlined approach in one unified parcel and LTL platform can help your business ship smarter and save more.

About the Session

[Unearthed Pain Point] Carrier System Memorial Service: A Farewell to Utilizing Multiple Shipping Systems

Tuesday, October 29th | 2PM CDT

Join our friends from Varsity Logistics to hear about…

  • Why utilizing multiple carrier systems as a shipping strategy is better off dead (condolences)
  • How shippers rose from the ashes and made the switch to a holistic solution, highlighting the outcomes experienced
  • A special nod to shipping on the IBM i (AS/400): How to leverage your current infrastructure to optimize your shipping operations

Are you unable to make it to the live event? You can still sign up as all registered attendees for ProS Who Know 2024 will receive an on-demand session recording post-event. We hope to see you at this top-tier parcel and LTL shipping virtual event!

Check out last year’s ProS Who Know session recap.

Navigating Peak Season Surcharges with Advanced Rate Shopping Capabilities

Unlock the cost-saving powers of advanced rate shopping tools and how multi-carrier shipping software can facilitate them

The holiday season is one of the most crucial times of the year for businesses across the globe, especially with the massive amounts of online shopping that’s increased over the past several years. In fact, we’ve seen e-commerce revenue in the U.S. increase from $539 billion in 2019 to $1,065 billion in 2023, and it’s only expected to grow from here. For many companies, this period can either make or break their annual revenue as this time can account for a substantial portion of their profits. However, while there are plenty of exciting opportunities for businesses to increase sales, peak season comes with heightened logistical complexities for both parcel and freight shippers.


Especially for shippers, the surge in order volumes during this period becomes a focal point of concern, adding immense pressure to supply chains with warehouses, carriers, and fulfillment centers all scrambling to keep up. The recent dockworkers strike on the East and Gulf coasts, for example, further emphasized the pressure on supply chains, causing additional delays in shipments. Here’s the reality: quick delivery is no longer a luxury – it’s an expectation of the modern consumer. To succeed in the upcoming holiday peak season, businesses must not only optimize their operations but also strategically prepare for potential additional costs that come with increased demand, such as carrier surcharges.


At the heart of this preparation is the ability to control shipping costs. Avoiding unnecessary overspending and maintaining profitability during this busy time requires businesses to implement smarter tools to manage their shipping strategies. An advanced tool like rate shopping can provide shippers with a much-needed advantage. Leveraging this technology enables businesses to compare rates across multiple carriers – both parcel and LTL – based on a variety of pre-defined criteria in real-time. This ensures the most cost-effective carrier is chosen every time while alleviating the pressure of peak season surcharges.

A surge in order volumes isn’t the only surge we encounter when it comes to the holiday season. During this time, we also see a rise in shipping expenses, largely caused by surcharges – typically a flat fee – that carriers implement to help manage heightened demand and offset increased operational costs from factors such as labor, fuel, and limited capacity. These additional fees may be standard in the modern supply chain world, however, mitigating their impact on shippers’ bottom lines is still a challenge.

Key Types of Surcharges to Watch For

Regardless of the number of times you’ve navigated your way through a peak shipping season, it is still important to stay informed on the various surcharges that carriers are likely to impose during this period, including:

  • Capacity Surcharges: These are higher fees applied to shipments to offset the cost of additional handling. This can be determined by several factors including weight, size, lineal feet, and pallet space.
  • Residential Surcharges: These are higher fees for delivering to remote or densely populated urban areas, where delivery may be more difficult during peak seasons. It also helps mitigate the cost of failed delivery attempts, address corrections, and other potential delivery complications carriers can face.
  • Fuel Surcharges: These are higher fees imposed to help manage the unpredictability of fuel costs. They help cover the potential change in fuel prices during the duration of the delivery process. These additional fees are often calculated as a percentage of the base rate.

It’s important to monitor peak season surcharges notices from major carriers like, UPS, USPS, and FedEx to adjust your shipping strategies accordingly.

The Financial Impact

While a single surcharge may seem manageable, these additional fees can add up and have a significant impact on a business’s transportation costs, especially if they’re applied to thousands of packages. This can cause major strain on a company’s profit margins and heavily influence pricing strategies, shipping rates for the customer, and overall competitiveness. By staying on top of potential carrier surcharges, you can be more prepared to make informed decisions, creating better opportunities for efficient and profitable shipping operations during peak.

For most businesses, the idea of simply absorbing these surcharges is undesirable and many can’t afford to do so anyway. Utilizing carrier rate shopping not only helps shippers save money, but it increases competitiveness in a highly competitive environment. The ability to compare rates across multiple carriers gives businesses an effective way to avoid the negative impact of peak season surcharges. When various factors fluctuate, such as transit time, mode, cost, or carrier performance, rate shopping enables shippers to select the most efficient and cost-effective carrier for each shipment. This capability helps businesses make better informed decisions, leveraging real-time data to ensure shipping strategies can stay agile even in the most challenging conditions.


Furthermore, the ability to rate shop between carriers provides unmatched flexibility. With the constant fluctuation of carrier fees and other unpredictable factors, there is no guarantee that any one carrier will be available at any given time. Having the option to compare rates not only across multiple parcel carriers but also less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers ensures businesses can always find the most cost-effective and reliable shipping solution. Access to alternative shipping options ensures consistent service without being locked to a single carrier provider. This adaptability is key as it can be the difference between maintaining a profitable operation and allowing peak surcharges to devastate your bottom line. Especially in a landscape where customer expectations for fast and cost-effective shipping are higher than ever, utilizing rate shopping between parcel and LTL carriers empowers businesses to navigate holiday shipping challenges seamlessly.


By leveraging a rate shopping tool within your shipping strategy, your business will be better positioned to succeed even during the busiest and financially straining times. However, to fully embrace the benefits carrier rate shopping can deliver, shippers must integrate the right advanced technology to streamline the process and ensure your business is getting the best rates possible. An advanced solution like multi-carrier shipping software (MCSS) takes rate shopping capabilities to the next level, automating rate comparisons in one centralized platform. This ultimately gives businesses a better opportunity to make smarter, faster decisions when dealing with peak season surcharges.

By automating the carrier rate shopping process, multi-carrier shipping software enhances operational efficiency and cost-saving opportunities for shippers. Let’s take a closer look at how MCSS facilitates rate shopping:


Real-Time Rate Comparisons: Multi-carrier shipping software streamlines and automates the carrier rate shopping process – a far more efficient technique than comparing rates manually across various carrier sites. From a single, unified platform, businesses can use this software to access rates from both parcel and LTL carriers in real-time, saving shippers time on carrier selection and ensuring that each shipment is processed with the most accurate information available.


Flexibility and Adaptability: Factors like demand, surcharges, and capacity limitations can shift throughout the duration of peak season, making the availability of real-time data through MCSS essential. Having instant visibility into available carrier options is crucial for avoiding excessive fees and delivery delays. Multi-carrier shipping software equips businesses with the flexibility to quickly adapt to changing conditions, whether for smaller parcel shipments or larger freight, offering alternative carriers and services when necessary to minimize costs without sacrificing delivery speed and reliability.


Data-Driven Optimization: Additionally, advanced features like automatic rate comparison and integrated analytics empower businesses to evaluate and adjust their shipping strategies. Historical data can help companies analyze shipping patterns and carrier performance to identify key trends and optimize routes. Embracing a data-driven approach not only enhances efficiency during peak season but also puts shippers in a better position to achieve long-term success by integrating rate shopping as a key component in their overall shipping strategy.

The complexities that come with the chaos of peak holiday season aren’t going anywhere, especially carrier surcharges. However, as businesses continue to search for ways to effectively navigate these hurdles and optimize their shipping operations, Varsity Logistics stands as a trusted partner. With a comprehensive multi-carrier shipping software suite built exclusively for shippers on the IBM i (AS/400) Power Systems, our shipping solution is designed to empower businesses with the robust tools they need, like advanced rate shopping capabilities, to ensure they can effectively manage costs while maintaining top-notch service quality.


For parcel shippers, Varsity’s ShipSoft-Parcel suite offers a top-tier automated carrier selection module, ShipSelect, that evaluates every shipment based on various criteria such as transit time, cost, mode, performance, and carrier service types. This advanced functionality ensures that shippers always choose the optimal and most cost-effective carrier while also adhering to routing guides and various business requirements, all from the moment the order is placed.


Beyond Varsity’s rate shopping capabilities for parcel alone, our MCSS solution allows for advanced carrier rate shopping functionality that enables shippers to compare rates across both parcel and less-than-truckload carriers simultaneously. This automated process streamlines the best-fit carrier selection process, allowing businesses to lower transportation costs significantly, keep shipping operations running smoothly, and ultimately create a better customer experience.


Today’s ever-evolving supply chain landscape requires effective shipping management to remain competitive. With Varsity Logistics on your team, your business can be confident when navigating peak season surcharges, optimizing your shipping strategy for smooth operations and delivering positive customer experiences – all while protecting your bottom line. Ready to learn more about what Varsity can do for your business? Contact our team today or schedule a demo call with our shipping experts to take control of your next peak season.

Diversify or Risk It All: The Case for Multi-Carrier Strategies in Parcel and Freight Shipping

Unlock the unmatched benefits of going multi-carrier in the modern logistics landscape

There was a time when business seemed more stable and predictable. Shipping operations followed a straightforward path, with many companies comfortably relying on a single carrier to handle all their parcel and freight needs. This strategy offered simplicity, cost predictability, and a certain level of assurance that deliveries would be made on time.


However, these times are far gone. The effects of a global pandemic and the rise of e-commerce have dramatically shifted the logistics landscape. What was once a steady and anticipated aspect of business has now become a complex, fast-paced environment where customer expectations continue to grow.


The significance of online shopping has placed unprecedented pressure on carriers. From $15.4 billion in 2019, U.S. parcel volumes grew to $21.7 billion in 2023 and is predicted to only increase moving forward. As order volumes have continued to reach and surpass record-breaking numbers, finding carriers with the capacity to take them all during peak seasons has become more difficult. Because of this shift, many businesses are seeing the single-carrier model is increasingly becoming a liability rather than a strength in modern commerce.

In a technologically advanced and rapidly evolving supply chain world, a single-carrier strategy, once considered the gold standard for simplicity and reliability, now presents challenges that can hinder a business’s growth and adaptability, including:


Limited Flexibility: As e-commerce continues to expand, the complexity of shipping needs grows in tandem. Having one carrier limits your ability to handle shifting circumstances, from varying parcel sizes or different freight requirements to an influx of order volume or consumer demands for faster delivery. A single-carrier strategy often forces businesses into a one-size-fits-all situation, which can be costly and inefficient.


Increased Vulnerability to Disruptions: There is industry volatility and the threat of disruption constantly looming over the modern shipping landscape. Capacity constraints, labor shortages and strikes, cybersecurity risks, destructive weather, or unexpected surges in demand can all occur at any moment. Relying on a single carrier puts your shipping operation at risk if something affects it. Shipping delays, missed deliveries, or even temporary service suspensions can lead to unhappy customers, lost sales, and a damaged brand reputation. [Discover how shipping software helps to master market volatility].


Reduced Scalability: A single-carrier approach may work for smaller operations, but as your business grows, your shipping needs will inevitably become more complex. Whether you’re increasing order volumes, expanding into new markets, or adding more product lines, relying on one carrier can quickly become a bottleneck, affecting your ability to efficiently scale and remain profitable.


In an environment where agility and adaptability are key to success, the pitfalls of a single-carrier strategy are too significant to ignore. To remain competitive and resilient, businesses need to consider the benefits of a diversified carrier mix that offers the flexibility, cost control, and scalability necessary to thrive in today’s market.

Addressing Your Concerns

Transitioning to a multi-carrier shipping strategy can seem daunting, especially when you’ve relied on a single carrier for years. However, the benefits of shifting carrier strategies outweigh the challenges, and many common concerns can be addressed with precise planning and utilizing the right tools. Before we dive into some of the broader benefits, let’s address the biggest objection to going multi-carrier: losing your negotiated discounts.


A major concern of going multi-carrier is the risk of losing the discounts that come with a single-carrier relationship. While most shippers may initially believe they’ve negotiated the lowest rates possible with a single carrier, the reality is often different. Many shippers believe that spreading their volume across several carriers will reduce their bargaining power and increase shipping costs. However, this is false.


A single-carrier strategy often limits your ability to negotiate competitive rates. Without the ability to rate shop across multiple carriers, you may find yourself locked into higher shipping fees, particularly during peak seasons when surcharges and capacity limits come into play. Without pricing flexibility, your profit margins can take a significant hit, making maintaining cost-effective operations a challenge.


It is true that some carrier discounts are dependent on volume, however, this doesn’t mean you’ll automatically completely lose out by diversifying. Not only does working with multiple carriers give you access to a wider range of services, but it also strengthens your negotiating position. When you go multi-carrier, you can still negotiate as many carriers are more likely to offer competitive rates, discounts, and flexible terms when they know they aren’t your only option. Maintaining relationships with multiple carriers gives you the power to negotiate more competitive deals, secure better contract terms, and ultimately gain greater control over your shipping strategy.


Top-tier multi-carrier shipping solutions offer advanced rate shopping functionality that enables shippers to compare rates from multiple parcel and LTL carriers simultaneously. This automated process allows businesses to select the most cost-effective and best-fit carrier for each shipment based on pre-defined criteria such as transit time, rates, and specific shipping needs. By leveraging this tool, shippers can significantly reduce transportation costs, offset any potential differences in carrier discounts, and ensure they receive the best value for their money. Additionally, integrating regional carriers for specific routes or shipment types further optimizes costs and helps avoid the hefty surcharges often imposed by national carriers, ultimately enhancing ROI.

For both parcel and less-than-truckload (LTL) shippers, diversifying your carrier mix produces several advantages that can help your business enhance operations and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.


Enhanced Flexibility and Scalability: One of the most important benefits of broadening your carrier mix is the increased flexibility it provides. Having a variety of carriers to choose from helps your business better fix a wide range of different needs. From handling smaller parcels for e-commerce orders to managing larger freight shipments, you can have the options to select the best carrier to fit each individual situation. Leveraging this flexibility is especially valuable during peak seasons or when unexpected events occur because you aren’t tied to a single carrier that can leave you stuck. Instead, you have other options that will help your business effectively adjust accordingly.


Improved Delivery Performance: The modern consumer expects faster and more affordable shipping options, especially with the rise in the availability of overnight and 1-day delivery options. As customer satisfaction is closely tied to delivery performance, a diversified carrier strategy can significantly improve your ability to meet customer expectations. Different carriers can offer a variety of services, from faster delivery times to service to certain regions. By reviewing your shipper profile and then partnering with those carrier services, shipper can use technology to select the most suitable carrier for each shipment, improving delivery accuracy, reducing transit times, and offering customers a wider range of shipping options.


Streamlined Operations Through Technology: Introducing additional carriers in your carrier portfolio may seem like it will complicate things. However, with the right multi-carrier shipping software (MCSS), you can integrate both parcel and LTL carriers seamlessly onto a single platform, leaving shipping operation complexities behind and allowing you to manage all your shipments in one centralized location. Advanced MCSS solutions automate processes such as label printing, rate shopping, and tracking, turning tedious shipping tasks into a breeze and making it simple to choose the best fit carrier for each shipment without additional steps in your workflow. By leveraging technology, you can take advantage of the benefits of going multi-carrier without putting efficiency at risk.

Implementing a multi-carrier shipping strategy requires careful planning but can result in substantial benefits when it comes to cost savings, flexibility, and customer satisfaction. Here are some important steps to take for this process:

  1. Assess Your Current Shipping Needs: Take a step back and evaluate your current shipping needs including factors like volume, the regions you serve, and your peak seasons. Getting a good idea of these variables will help your business choose the best fit carriers for your needs.
  2. Identify the Right Carrier Mix: Do some research on different carriers such as national, regional, and specialized carriers to get a good understanding of their different offerings. Choosing carriers that complement each other can help you optimize costs, improve delivery times, and enhance overall efficiency.
  3. Leverage Multi-Carrier Shipping Software: Implementing the right MCSS can significantly simplify the process of utilizing multiple carriers from a single platform. When selecting a multi-carrier shipping solution, you want to look for advanced features such as automated rate shopping for both parcel and LTL, seamless integration, real-time tracking, and scalability. These capabilities will streamline your operations and set your business up for long-term success.

Varsity Logistics, the leading provider of native multi-carrier parcel and freight shipping software for the IBM i (AS/400) Power Systems, offers a comprehensive software suite of advanced tools designed to simplify and optimize shipping operations. Whether you’re managing parcel or freight shipments, our software provides the flexibility and control you need to navigate the complexities of modern logistics.


Varsity’s solution is the only plug-and-play MCSS designed for the IBM i (AS/400) Power Systems. It integrates seamlessly with all the major IBM i enterprise resource planning (ERP) and warehouse management systems (WMS), as well as your existing home-grown or customized-in-house systems. This capability allows for a seamless transition to a multi-carrier shipping strategy. Varsity also proudly holds strong relationships and software integrations with leading carriers in North America, making them easily available to add to your carrier portfolio.


Within our complete multi-carrier shipping software suite, Varsity offers several advanced ShipSoft-Parcel and ShipSoft-Freight modules, providing benefits that make us stand out as a premier shipping solution, including:

  • Automated Rate Shopping: Varsity’s MCSS allows shippers to compare rates across carriers based on criteria such as transit time, cost, mode, and carrier preference, allowing shippers to choose the optimal carrier every time while meeting routing guide and business requirements. [Uncover how shippers avoid manual carrier selection].
  • Flexibility: Varsity allows shippers to manage their operations autonomously without being tied to the constraints of a single carrier and their terms. It also enables workflow customization and the ability to switch carriers effortlessly, ensuring shippers have reliable options available at any given time.
  • Real-Time Communication: Varsity’s solution provides real-time access to delivery status and tracking online, providing end-to-end visibility and up-to-the-minute order status. This ability lowers the risk of late deliveries, streamlines communication, and boosts customer satisfaction. [Explore the era of modern shipping transparency].
  • Scalability: Varsity is designed to scale quickly to meet increasing demand, whether expected or not. This enables shippers to handle fluctuating volumes with ease, ensuring that operations continue to run effectively and remain profitable.

Diversifying your carrier mix is a powerful way to enhance your shipping operations, reduce costs, improve delivery performance, and take your business to the next level. Are you ready to go multi-carrier? Reach out to our team of Varsity Logistics shipping experts or schedule a pressure-free demo to explore the next steps in going multi-carrier for long-term success.

Join Varsity Logistics at the Infor inPOWER 2024 Conference

Explore Varsity’s industry-leading shipping software suite for the IBM i at inPOWER 2024

The modern world is engulfed in constant, rapid technological advancements, reshaping the business landscape. Therefore, the importance of innovation and forward thinking is crucial to remain competitive and profitable. For companies utilizing IBM i platforms and Infor’s solutions like LX, XA, and System21, the need for agility, seamless integration, and advanced solutions is significant. The Infor hosted conference, inPOWER 2024, emerges as a crucial event, designed for Infor IBM i users.


As a proud partner of Infor, a global leader in industry-specific enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, Varsity Logistics is thrilled to attend this year’s inPOWER conference as a gold sponsor. The conference will take place Monday, September 23rd through Thursday, September 26th in Pewaukee, Wisconsin at the Ingleside Hotel.

Specifically designed for partners and users of Infor’s IBM i ecosystem, inPOWER offers a unique opportunity to delve into the latest advancements in Infor’s solutions for IBM i platforms, with tons of educational sessions covering a variety of topics from advanced supply chain planning to warehouse management and more. Attendees can also expect plenty of opportunities to network and connect with diverse groups of professionals across the industry. Session breakouts, demos, and roundtables all offer unique ways to engage and enhance your knowledge and skills, equipping you with actionable take-aways you can apply to improve your own organization. [See full agenda]

Evening Events

The excitement doesn’t stop there. On Tuesday night from 5:00-10:00pm, attendees can head over to the Ingleside Pavilion for An Evening Under the Stars, featuring a night of fun, food, drinks, games, and live music performed by Dirty Boogie.


On Wednesday evening starting at 5:30pm, attendees can head over to the Ingleside hotel for the Folk and Froth social event. This fun and relaxing gathering will feature live music, German beer & eats, fun games, and polka!


Both events will provide the perfect opportunity to network with the other supply chain professionals attending the conference.

As the only holistic shipping solution built for the IBM i, Varsity is looking forward to showcasing our industry-leading multi-carrier shipping software (MCSS) suite alongside other notable exhibitors at the conference. Make sure to stop by the Varsity Logistics booth to explore what makes Varsity’s comprehensive parcel and LTL shipping software solution the top choice to optimize and streamline your shipping operations, including:

Scalability and Flexibility: Varsity’s MCSS excels in handling high shipping volumes, making it ideal for businesses that experience fluctuating demands throughout the year or need to scale their operations during peak seasons, ensuring efficiency and operational continuity.


Optimal Carrier Management: Supporting a wide range of carriers and shipping services, Varsity’s MCSS automates the carrier selection process, enabling shippers to select the most cost-effective and reliable shipping option for each shipment.


Seamless Integrations: Varsity’s MCSS is designed to seamlessly integrate with your existing IBM i ERP system, warehouse management system (WMS), and other custom in-house systems, allowing businesses to streamline their shipping operations without disruptions.


We look forward to seeing you at inPOWER 2024! Don’t miss the chance to explore how Varsity Logistics can meet your unique needs and set your business up for long-term shipping success. Ready to take learn more? Schedule a meeting with our team at the conference to explore how we can help you reach your business goals.

Can’t make the show? Contact our team of shipping experts or schedule a pressure-free demo. We’re here to support your journey towards more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable logistics.

The New Era of Less-Than-Truckload: How LTL API’s are Revolutionizing Freight Shipping

Discover how LTL APIs are transforming shipping and driving efficiency and savings through unified solutions

For a business to survive in the modern world, it requires utilizing advanced technology and swiftly adapting to fast-paced and constantly changing environments. The technology we leverage today in the supply chain industry plays a critical role in optimizing everyday operations and enhancing efficiency. Over the years, parcel carriers have been at the forefront of this technological revolution, embracing advanced rating tools, tracking systems, and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to streamline their processes. However, we cannot say the same for Less-than-Truckload (LTL) carriers, who, until recently, lagged behind in technological adoption.


For a long time, the LTL sector was viewed as the slow-moving giants of the transportation world when it came to embracing innovation, often relying on outdated manual processes and lacking the advanced tools that had become standard in other areas of the transportation industry. This technological gap caused shippers to struggle with inefficiencies, especially when it came to integrating LTL into their broader shipping and logistics strategy.


Regardless of LTL’s previous reputation, the landscape continues to change rapidly, and the introduction of LTL APIs has marked a turning point. This step forward empowers carriers to utilize online tracking, automated rate comparisons, and various other advanced features that were once exclusive to parcel shipping. The shift in the LTL sector has not only modernized the LTL industry but also opened the door to new opportunities for businesses to integrate LTL capabilities into their existing systems, enabling them to achieve greater efficiencies and cost savings.


Let’s take a closer look at the evolution of Less-than-Truckload shipping.

For years, LTL carriers were often stuck in the past, lacking the tools to provide shippers with the transparency and automation they craved. This lag in technology adoption not only negatively impacted the efficiency of LTL shipping but also created significant challenges for businesses that needed to manage both parcel and LTL shipments seamlessly.


There are several factors that have contributed to the reluctance of the LTL sector to adopt new technologies including the complexity of LTL shipping itself. Unlike the small, uniform packages we see with parcel shipping, LTL shipments are often larger and more varied, making it harder to standardize and automate the shipping process. Additionally, the LTL industry has an intricate structure, making tasks like coordinating shipment consolidation and risk and damage management difficult. This makes it challenging to implement a unified approach to shipping technology.


However, a significant shift occurred once a forward-thinking LTL carrier started using APIs, enabling shippers to access tools like online tracking, automated rate comparisons, and other digital services. This innovation sparked a chain reaction across the industry, as other carriers quickly recognized the need to modernize and adopt advanced technologies. From that point, the LTL sector has undergone a significant transformation, bringing it closer in line with the technological capabilities that are enjoyed by parcel shippers.

Despite the recent technological advancements in LTL shipping, many businesses continue to treat LTL as a separate, isolated part of their logistics operations. This fragmented approach creates significant inefficiencies and undermines the potential benefits that modern LTL APIs can offer.


When shippers manage LTL as a disparate system, it is completely disconnected from their other shipping systems. Many companies use separate platforms for their parcel and LTL shipping, or they rely on utilizing 3rd party websites to manually compare rates. This lack of integration forces businesses to manage multiple systems, creating unnecessary complexity and wasted valuable time.


Additionally, treating LTL as a disparate system can result in missed opportunities for cost savings and efficiency gains. For example, a shipper might find it more cost-effective to consolidate multiple parcel shipments into a single LTL shipment, but without an integrated system, these options are often overlooked. The result is higher shipping costs and reduced flexibility in choosing the best carrier or service level for each shipment.


As LTL carriers continue to catch up technologically, the need to integrate LTL into a multi-carrier, unified system has become more pressing. Only by breaking down these silos and leveraging the full capabilities of LTL APIs can businesses streamline their operations, reduce costs, and deliver better service to their customers.

Integrating LTL capabilities within a top-tier multi-carrier shipping software (MCSS) can create a streamlined solution to the challenges of managing LTL and parcel shipping separately. By incorporating LTL functionalities directly into a comprehensive MCSS, businesses can simplify rate comparison, booking, and tracking for both parcel and LTL shipments from a single interface. This unified approach simplifies logistics management while providing a unified view of all shipping activities. Of all the solutions on the market, Varsity Logistics offers an industry-leading shipping software that seamlessly combines LTL and parcel shipping capabilities.

Varsity Logistics, the only holistic shipping solution built for the IBM i, is an advanced suite of multi-carrier shipping software for both parcel and freight. Unlike many other shipping software companies, Varsity stands out by offering a sophisticated solution that allows shippers to integrate LTL functionality within their existing Varsity multi-carrier shipping software package at an affordable price. This seamless integration enables businesses to effortlessly track deliveries across both modes of transport, generate quotes, and book shipments, all while eliminating the need for manual tariff and discount updates, as well as fuel surcharge and accessorial fee updates.


This unified platform offers significant benefits. With integrated LTL and parcel rating, businesses can easily identify the most cost-effective shipping options, whether they’re sending large, bulk shipments or smaller parcels. This eliminates the need to use separate rating instances or utilize a 3rd party website. It also helps businesses make informed decisions, potentially consolidating shipments to maximize efficiency and reduce overall costs. Furthermore, not only does Varsity’s solution allow you to manage all shipping functions in one place, but it automatically saves all shipment details into your Varsity shipment history which can be written back to your ERP. This functionality enhances visibility and control while also minimizing the risk of errors, leading to improved operational performance and customer satisfaction.


In an industry where efficiency and cost-effectiveness are critical, Varsity Logistics’ solution provides a competitive edge by integrating these key functions into a cohesive system, transforming the way businesses approach their shipping operations and deliver substantial value. Ready to learn more about how Varsity can revolutionize your LTL shipping strategy? Reach out to our team of shipping experts or schedule a pressure-free demo. Take the step towards improving your LTL operations.

Precision Packing: Revolutionizing Control, Visibility, and Compliance with Advanced Shipping Software

Discover how advanced shipping solutions can improve order accuracy, lower shipping costs, and boost customer satisfaction

The shipping industry is a crucial component of global trade, driving the movement of goods across the world. And, with the rise of e-commerce and increasing consumer demands for fast and accurate deliveries, the industry faces many complexities and pressures. Finding a way to manage vast quantities of shipments, meet diverse regulatory requirements, and integrate various technological systems at once can be a challenge. However, the need to navigate these hurdles effectively has only grown as industry competition continues to loom and customer expectations evolve.


For parcel and Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shippers on IBM i (AS/400) Power systems, compliance and accuracy are more than just operational necessities—they are vital to maintaining a competitive edge, operational efficiency, and cost management. Accurate shipping practices ensure that packages reach their destinations on time and in good condition, minimizing costly delays and customer dissatisfaction. Compliance with carrier agreements and industry regulations helps avoid penalties and overcharges, contributing to a healthier bottom line. As transportation management becomes more complex, the importance of precision in shipping operations cannot be overstated.

We’re all familiar with the phrase “domino effect”, where one event sets off a series of additional events in a chain reaction. The same thing can happen during the shipping process, where a single mistake can lead to a cascade of costly problems. For example, an inaccurate label or compliance issue can delay the entirety of a multi-piece shipment, causing customer dissatisfaction and hefty fines.


The complexity of managing large quantities of shipments, each with unique requirements, makes it difficult to ensure that every package is correctly processed and documented. Regulatory standards and consignee requirements can vary and change often, adding additional challenges. Manual processes are prone to human error, making it even harder to maintain high standards of precision and compliance. However, this highlights the importance of accuracy and adherence to regulations in the shipping industry.


For business that fall short when it comes to shipping accuracy and compliance in their operations, they are more likely to face several pain points including:

  • Increased Costs: Errors in shipments and non-compliance with regulations lead to additional costs from returns, fines, and penalties. These costs can quickly add up, impacting the shipper’s bottom line.
  • Operational Inefficiencies: Inaccurate shipments and non-compliance require additional resources to correct, leading to inefficiencies in the shipping process. This can cause delays and disrupt the flow of goods, affecting overall productivity.
  • Customer Dissatisfaction: Customers expect their orders to be accurate and delivered on time. Shipment delays and failure to meet specific customer requirements can lead to customer dissatisfaction, negative reviews, and lost business.
  • Regulatory Penalties: Failing to meet regulatory standards and consignee requirements can not only result in significant financial penalties, but also potential legal consequences, the seizure of goods, contract termination, and more. While these penalties can increase costs, they can also lead to increased scrutiny and damage the shipper’s reputation.

Given these challenges, the need for precision and control in the shipping processes is clear. Implementing an advanced shipping solution that enhances accuracy and ensures compliance is crucial for operational efficiency, cost management, and customer satisfaction in today’s complex shipping landscape. Luckily for IBM i (AS/400) Power Systems shippers, Varsity Logistics’ ShipPack Module empowers shippers with total visibility and control of their pick/pack operations.

ShipPack is a cutting-edge solution designed to revolutionize the picking and packing process for shippers. Part of Varsity Logistics’ industry leading multi-carrier shipping software and its comprehensive suite, this module provides complete control and visibility over each shipment for both parcel and freight. It empowers shippers to confidently navigate the complexities of modern shipping, delivering precise and compliant shipments every time.

How ShipPack Works

ShipPack offers complete control of the shipping process by providing total visibility to the contents of each package via the ShipSoft database. By capturing item-level details during the packing process, ShipPack ensures that all information, including description, size, weight, and contents, is easily accessible. The module mitigates costly violations and penalties by automatically providing compliant barcodes, labels, and packing lists.


ShipPack also automatically generates Advanced Shipment Notifications (ASNs) and produces customized forms and labels to meet specific consignee requirements. This automation minimizes errors and ensures compliance with regulatory standards.


Furthermore, Varsity seamlessly connects to all custom and major Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). This integration enhances operational efficiency and accuracy, allowing shippers to manage their packing process with ease. By linking ShipPack with existing ERP and WMS systems, shippers can streamline their operations, achieve better inventory control, and ensure accurate, compliant shipments, ultimately leading to improved customer satisfaction and reduced operational costs.

Key Features

The ShipPack module provides essential advantages for IBM i (AS/400) Power Systems shippers looking to improve front-line customer service, ensure order accuracy, improve their bottom line, and thrive in the modern logistics world. These advantages include:

  • Item-Specific Parcel Content Details: ShipPack captures detailed information about each item in a shipment, ensuring complete visibility and accuracy during the packing process. This capability simplifies order splitting and improves inventory management
  • Bar Code Labeling: Automatically generating UCC 128 barcodes, ShipPack ensures that packages meet consignee requirements and the contents are easily identifiable, reducing errors and speeding up the shipping process. It can also produce specialized bar codes, labels, and documents that may be required by consignees.
  • ASN Creation: ShipPack generates Advanced Shipment Notifications with line item content information, formatted for EDI transmission, a document notifying the receiver of the package contents. This automation minimizes errors and helps avoid costly penalties by ensuring accurate and timely notifications.
  • Order Reconciliation: By comparing packing lists with the order’s items as they are scanned, ShipPack verifies 100% shipment accuracy, preventing over- or under-shipping and maintaining tight inventory control.
  • Parcel Nesting: ShipPack efficiently nests parcels into one another, facilitating the building of pallets or trailers and consolidating multiple orders into a single shipment, enhancing tracking and operational efficiency.

Varsity Logistics is the leading provider of comprehensive, multi-carrier shipping software tailored for the IBM i (AS/400) Power systems platform. Beyond the advanced capabilities of the ShipPack module, Varsity’s ShipSoft-Parcel and ShipSoft-Freight Suites encompass a range of revolutionary modules designed to address complex shipping challenges, including:


Parcel-Specific Modules:

  • Ship Select [Automates the carrier selection process for parcel.]
  • ShipTalk [Provides real-time shipping communications.]
  • ShipAudit [Audits carrier invoices against carrier contracts.]
  • SpeedWeigh [Automates package weighing.]
  • ShipOptimizer [Accurately predicts shipping costs and necessary packaging.]

Freight-Specific Modules:

  • FreightPlan [Automates pre-shipment load planning process.]
  • FreightAudit [Automated freight bill processing and auditing.]
  • ShipSelect [Automates the carrier selection process for LTL.]

These modules provide shippers with essential tools to enhance operational efficiency, ensure compliance, and tackle the most demanding aspects of modern shipping. By leveraging Varsity’s holistic approach, businesses can streamline their shipping processes, reduce errors, and achieve greater accuracy and customer satisfaction.


Ready to say goodbye to adherence issues and say hello to streamlining your shipping operations for optimal precision and compliance? Discover how Varsity can transform the way you ship by contacting our team of shipping experts or scheduling a pressure-free demo today.

More Moving Parcels Equals More Costly Errors: The Importance of Auditing

Explore 3 key areas to audit in your shipping process for significant cost savings

Over the past several years, the surge in e-commerce has been record breaking. Year after year, it’s brought a significant increase in demand and volume for companies around the world. With more orders flooding in, businesses should be making more money, right? The reality is, however, that certain areas in your shipping process could be quietly draining your bottom line.


While e-commerce has transformed from a niche market to a dominant force, this rapid increase in shipping volume has pushed consumers to demand fast and reliable shipping. As businesses handle more products than ever before, the complexity of shipping logistics also grows. More parcels moving through the supply chain means more opportunities for costly errors.


Incorrect addresses, inappropriate shipping methods, and carrier overcharges are common areas where shipping errors occur, not only draining your resources but also impacting customer satisfaction. Each of these errors represents an opportunity for significant cost savings through careful auditing. By identifying and addressing these mistakes, businesses can streamline their shipping processes, reduce expenses, and boost their bottom line.


Let’s take a closer look at 3 areas in your shipping process that could be eroding your profit margins and why it’s crucial to audit them.

One of the most common and costly errors made in the shipping process is entering an incorrect address. Even the smallest mistake in an address can cause significant delays, misdeliveries, customer dissatisfaction, and additional charges. Missing an updated Zip+4 code or errors in spelling, spacing, or abbreviation are very common mistakes when it comes to wrong addresses.


When a parcel is sent to an incorrect address, or delivery is attempted to an address that doesn’t exist, carriers charge an address correction fee to provide the correct, deliverable address information back to you. For major carriers like FedEx and UPS, the average cost per address correction is $18-21 to the shipper. Also, if an address needs to be corrected, it automatically eliminates the on-time delivery guarantee, which can further damage the customer experience.

The Solution

Oftentimes, address correction fees appear on invoices without prior notice, making it challenging to anticipate and budget for these additional costs. That’s why it’s important to review your invoices and record any address changes for future shipments.


It’s also worth updating your database with corrected information for the future, or to consider shipping software that is already integrated with the United States Postal Service’s database. Ensuring your data is CASS-certified, meaning it uses the Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) to check for accuracy against the USPS database, will significantly reduce the chances of address-related errors.


Another effective strategy is to implement multi-carrier shipping software that includes address validation features. Such software can automatically verify and correct addresses before shipping, reducing the likelihood of errors. This proactive approach not only saves money on correction fees but also ensures timely deliveries and enhances customer satisfaction. By auditing your shipping process for wrong address charges and employing these solutions, you can significantly cut down on unnecessary expenses and improve the efficiency of your operations.

Another common reason for unnecessary shipping costs is using the wrong shipping method. Choosing an inappropriate shipping option can result in higher costs, longer delivery times, and additional surcharges. This problem is often due to a lack of awareness about the most cost-effective shipping methods and the variety of accessorial fees that carriers can impose.


Selecting the wrong shipping method typically occurs when employees are unaware of the most current methods, rates, and billing programs. Carriers offer a wide range of services that can differ in rates, delivery times, and conditions. For example, UPS has 10 different service levels with varying delivery timeframe options for sending a domestic package, while FedEx has 9 options for U.S. package and envelope shipping.


Choosing the wrong method can lead to unnecessary accessorial fees, such as:

  • Dimensional (Length or Width) Overages
  • Dimensional Weight Charges
  • Collect on Delivery (COD) Fees
  • Delivery Confirmation Fees (e.g., Signature Required)
  • Delivery Reattempt Charges
  • Inside Delivery or Pickup Charge
  • Fuel Surcharge
  • Third-Party Billing Fees
  • Package Rerouting Fees (Phone request; Web Request)
  • Delivery Area Surcharges (Remote Area; Metro Service Area; Residential Area; Alaska or Hawaii; International)
  • Return Pickup Fees
  • Saturday Delivery or Pickup Fees

While it’s easy to know if you should be looking at a Saturday rate based on the expected pickup or delivery date, it’s not always easy to know if you’re selecting the right service from the right carrier for the lowest price. The complexity and variety of options make it difficult to ensure that each package is shipped using the most cost-effective method.

The Solution

To address this issue, it is important to train employees to understand and select the most cost-effective shipping options. Employees should also be aware of new offerings for residential deliveries and how those prices compare with standard/saver delivery options with a residential surcharge. Regular training sessions can help keep your team up to date with the latest shipping methods, rates, and billing programs.


Additionally, using advanced shipping software that performs rate shopping can be a game-changer for your shipping operations. Rate shopping tools work by allowing you to enter your contract rates for each carrier and then automatically compare them to find the best shipping method based on your specific criteria such as fastest delivery, least expensive option, or to meet a specific delivery date. By implementing multi-carrier shipping software with a rate shopping tool or feature, you can avoid unnecessary surcharges and ensure that your shipping process is as efficient and cost-effective as possible.

Even with accurate addresses and the correct shipping methods, your invoices may still be higher than expected due to carrier overcharges. These overcharges can result from a variety of errors, including incorrect billing rates, unanticipated accessorial fees, and miscalculated weights or dimensions. Without careful monitoring, these charges can significantly erode your profit margins.


Carrier overcharges often stem from discrepancies between the agreed contract rates and the actual charges applied to your shipments. These discrepancies can occur for several reasons:

  • Incorrect Rates: The carrier may bill at a higher rate than what was negotiated in your contract.
  • Unexpected Fees: Additional fees for services such as residential delivery, fuel surcharges, or Saturday delivery may be applied incorrectly.
  • Weight and Dimension Errors: Miscalculations of package weight or dimensions can lead to inflated charges.
  • Duplicate Charges: In some cases, the same fee may be applied multiple times to a single shipment.

Manually auditing every invoice for these errors is time-consuming and prone to human error, making it difficult to catch all discrepancies. As a result, many businesses unknowingly overpay their carriers.

The Solution

To combat carrier overcharges, it is essential to implement a robust auditing process that can catch these discrepancies. Here are a few strategies to consider:

  • Regular Invoice Reviews: Schedule routine audits of your shipping invoices to identify and dispute incorrect charges promptly.
  • Contract Rate Awareness: Ensure your team is fully aware of the contract rates you have negotiated with your carriers. Keeping a reference document handy can help quickly verify whether the charges match your agreed rates.
  • Dispute Mechanism: Establish a clear process for disputing incorrect charges with your carriers. Promptly addressing discrepancies can help recover funds and deter future errors.
  • Training: Regularly train your staff to recognize common overcharges and understand the importance of accurate documentation and prompt dispute resolution.

Another option to avoid these overcharges is hiring a third-party service. These auditors conduct thorough line-item audits of your invoices for you, utilizing their expertise to uncover billing errors and ensure compliance with contracted rates. However, while these auditors can be helpful in finding the overcharges, they end up keeping a significant amount of money for their services. This strategy can be helpful for shippers in identifying leaks in their bottom line, but the cost-sharing aspect means it isn’t the most cost-effective option.


By implementing these strategies, businesses can mitigate the financial impact of carrier overcharges. While manual auditing and monitoring are essential, they can be labor-intensive and may not catch all errors. The good news is that there are advanced solutions available to streamline and enhance the accuracy of managing shipping costs.

When it comes to auditing in the modern shipping landscape, the most invaluable option to combat overcharges is to implement automated invoice auditing as part of your comprehensive shipping software. This involves using specialized auditing functionality to review each line item on your carrier invoices, compare them against your contract rates, and rectify any discrepancies. Automated auditing software offers several key benefits:

  • Accuracy: This software can precisely match billed rates with contract rates, ensuring no discrepancies go unnoticed.
  • Efficiency: Automated processes can handle large volumes of invoices quickly, freeing up valuable time for other areas of your operations.
  • Comprehensive Review: The software can detect a wide range of errors, from incorrect rates to unexpected fees and duplicate charges.

By integrating automated auditing as part of your shipping software, you can ensure that all overcharges are identified and rectified. This not only recovers lost funds but also provides valuable insights into recurring issues, allowing you to address the root causes and prevent future errors.

To effectively address the challenges of wrong address charges, incorrect shipping methods, and carrier overcharges, a robust, integrated solution is essential. Varsity Logistics offers automated auditing solutions as part of their advanced supply chain execution modules, with ShipAudit for parcel and FreightAudit for freight shippers. Both solutions provide a comprehensive toolset designed to streamline your auditing process and maximize your savings.

ShipAudit

The ShipAudit module is integrated with Varsity’s ShipSoft parcel shipping and rate shopping software. With ShipAudit software, all overcharges are credited back to your company, not just half. Plus, having the shipping software gives you the tools you need to validate addresses in advance, keep your database up-to-date, and to find the best rates to satisfy your customers.


ShipAudit integrates address validation features to ensure accurate deliveries and minimize wrong address charges. Through sophisticated rate shopping capabilities, ShipAudit identifies the optimal shipping methods, reducing the risk of using incorrect options and avoiding unnecessary surcharges. Additionally, its automated invoice auditing functionality meticulously reviews each line item against contracted rates, swiftly identifying and rectifying carrier overcharges. This comprehensive approach not only streamlines shipping operations but also enhances cost-effectiveness across the board.

FreightAudit

For Varsity’s ShipSoft-Freight users, FreightAudit offers an advanced solution tailored for freight shippers to automate and streamline the auditing of freight bills. Designed to reconcile estimated costs with actual billed carrier costs, FreightAudit ensures accuracy and cost control across less-than-truckload (LTL), truckload (TL), and rail shipments.


FreightAudit automates the entire freight bill audit process by comparing carriers’ actual invoices with pre-negotiated rates and anticipated costs generated at the time of shipment. This meticulous comparison includes tariffs, accessorial charges, and incentives to ensure accurate billing. When bills fall within the user-defined area, FreightAudit authorizes payment automatically. In cases where discrepancies occur, bills are flagged for review, rejected, or short paid, minimizing errors and avoiding overpayments.

Take the Step to Eliminate Costly Errors

In today’s competitive logistics environment, controlling costs and optimizing efficiency are crucial to achieve and maintain success. Taking the step to address challenges such as wrong address charges, incorrect shipping methods, and carrier overcharges requires proactive strategies and advanced solutions.


Whether you’re managing parcel shipments, overseeing complex freight logistics, or both, incorporating robust auditing capabilities into your shipping software not only mitigates financial risks but also enhances overall supply chain performance. With real-time monitoring, precise invoice reconciliation, and seamless integration capabilities, Varsity Logistics’ industry leading shipping software, complete with integrated auditing solutions, empowers businesses to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.


Ready to eliminate costly errors and automate your auditing process? Reach out to our team of Varsity Logistics shipping experts to learn more about how our top-tier shipping solutions for IBM i (AS/400) shippers can transform your operations and bring in significant savings.