Shipping Issues Expected for Summer 2023

image concept of transportation.

Over the last few years, the global supply chain has been an indirect victim of the pandemic. Widespread shutdowns caused unprecedented interruptions in both consumer purchasing and availability of goods and materials.

Are there any lingering effects from this historic event? Our fulfillment company staff shares industry expert predictions about what to expect this summer.

Freight Rates

• During the pandemic, logistics costs rose sharply, which was one of the elements contributing to high inflation. Over the last year, ocean freight charges have declined, with some lanes back to pre-pandemic levels.

• Falling rates are attributed largely to a drop in consumer spending, which had risen over the last two years as importers enjoyed increased sales.

• Carrier alliances are in a period of flux, as seen with the pending split between Maersk and MSC. Some experts believe this may be the beginning of a rate war.

Despite these changes, experts caution that freight rates and shipping prices have not yet leveled off.

Shipping Demand and Inventory Volumes

• Consumer spending remains low, with more money being spent on services rather than goods.

• Job markets and wages continue to be strong. Whether this leads to growth in spending depends on consumer sentiment in the face of recent bank failures and rising interest rates.

• Shipping demand is beginning to creep back up as inventory levels are depleted. Import volumes saw monthly increases during spring, and this trend is expected to continue into July.

• Labor disputes involving Local 13 of the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) may impact traffic at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports.

Streamline Operations With Our Fulfillment Company

Experts recommend partnering with a fulfillment warehouse to mitigate the effects of demand fluctuations and changes in shipping rates. Contact Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics for a solution to fit your specific needs.

Changing Trends in Apparel eCommerce Will Lead to Greater Need of Warehouse Space

Animated Man Looking Through Binoculars at Future eCommerce Fulfillment Trends.

The rise in online shopping in recent years has affected many consumer markets, including apparel. An increasing number of shoppers are becoming more comfortable with purchasing clothing online instead of in brick-and-mortar stores. The latest trends in apparel eCommerce point to a growing need for online businesses to invest in warehouse space, such as partnering with an apparel fulfillment warehouse.

Increased Online Shopping

One of the biggest trends in eCommerce is that more consumers are shopping online, especially in some parts of the U.S. Consumers in the eastern U.S. are turning to online stores more overall. Online shopping is expected to remain stable. This makes it important for apparel eCommerce owners to make sure they have plenty of space for storing clothing items, so that orders can be handled right away.

Consumer Loyalty

More and more online shoppers stay loyal to certain retailers or brands when shopping for apparel. Many of these turn to fast-fashion stores and specialty stores that they’ve shopped at in the past. Building a loyal customer base can help online apparel stores thrive and stay ahead of the competition. Part of encouraging customers to remain loyal involves ensuring that their orders are fulfilled and shipped as quickly as possible.

Social Media

Roughly a third of adults in the U.S. consider social media an influence on their apparel purchases. Some of these consumers are inspired to buy fashion products after watching or seeing social media influencers wear them or recommend them. Making use of social media can help apparel eCommerce owners benefit from this trend.

If you’re looking for a fulfillment warehouse for your apparel eCommerce store, please contact Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics. We can provide your business with the space needed to fulfill orders promptly in order to ensure customer loyalty.

How a Trusted Fulfillment Partner Can Positively Impact a Customers Experience

Ecommerce Business Owner and Fulfillment Warehouse Provider Shaking Hands.

Did you know that 90 percent of online shoppers are less likely to purchase from a retailer after a disappointing experience? That’s one of the findings from a survey conducted by Körber, a major provider of supply chain software and automation solutions.

Here are some consumer concerns revealed in Körber’s survey and how partnering with a fulfillment warehouse can help you exceed customer expectations.

1. Price is the most important factor in shipping.

Spiraling inflation and lingering effects from pandemic shutdowns continue to drive the cost of living higher. Customers don’t want the price of goods compounded by high shipping costs. A fulfillment service allows you to enjoy the benefits of preferred shipping rates that are generally not available to independent retailers.

2. What’s outside is just as important as what’s inside.

Survey participants indicated that they form an opinion of an eCommerce retailer before a shipped product is even opened. The size and shape of a container, use of sustainable materials, and overall appearance of the package all factor into their evaluation. It’s also important to note that many respondents believe that the seller, not the shipper, is responsible for poor packaging.

A fulfillment warehouse employs experienced personnel who are able to select the appropriate containers and packing materials for all shipments, regardless of size and shape. They can also assist with design and creation of custom packaging.

3. Customers value returns options.

Nearly 90 percent of survey respondents said that returns options affect their choice of retailer. Processing returns can be a hassle, but a quality fulfillment service will efficiently handle them for you, regardless of the reason.

Partner with Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics for Superior Service

Don’t take on customer concerns by yourself. Contact us to learn more about why you should partner with our fulfillment warehouse.

Shipping Issues Expected for Summer 2023

Empty Delivery Truck

Over the last few years, the global supply chain has been an indirect victim of the pandemic. Widespread shutdowns caused unprecedented interruptions in both consumer purchasing and availability of goods and materials.

Are there any lingering effects from this historic event? Our fulfillment company staff shares industry expert predictions about what to expect this summer.

Freight Rates

  • During the pandemic, logistics costs rose sharply, which was one of the elements contributing to high inflation. Over the last year, ocean freight charges have declined, with some lanes back to pre-pandemic levels.
  • Falling rates are attributed largely to a drop in consumer spending, which had risen over the last two years as importers enjoyed increased sales.
  • Carrier alliances are in a period of flux, as seen with the pending split between Maersk and MSC. Some experts believe this may be the beginning of a rate war.
  • Despite these changes, experts caution that freight rates and shipping prices have not yet leveled off.

Shipping Demand and Inventory Volumes

  • Consumer spending remains low, with more money being spent on services rather than goods.
  • Job markets and wages continue to be strong. Whether this leads to growth in spending depends on consumer sentiment in the face of recent bank failures and rising interest rates.
  • Shipping demand is beginning to creep back up as inventory levels are depleted. Import volumes saw monthly increases during spring, and this trend is expected to continue into July.
  • Labor disputes involving Local 13 of the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) may impact traffic at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports.

Streamline Operations With Our Fulfillment Company

Experts recommend partnering with a fulfillment warehouse to mitigate the effects of demand fluctuations and changes in shipping rates. Contact Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics for a solution to fit your specific needs.

Why Choose Medallion for Your Fulfillment Warehouse

Depiction of Two People Adding the Final Piece of The Puzzle

Partnering with a fulfillment warehouse can help your company operate more efficiently and attract more business. How can you make sure you find a dependable company that offers these services? Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics has built a strong reputation for providing outstanding services for customers throughout the U.S. Learn more about what we have to offer your company.

Coast-to-Coast Coverage

Our company offers fulfillment and logistics services to companies in all parts of the U.S., as well as Canada. Whether you have a local business or a large company with multiple locations, we have the solutions needed to help you succeed.

Customized Fulfillment Solutions

At Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics, we understand that each company has its own particular needs. That’s why we offer customized solutions. If your company needs all or most of our services, we can arrange that. If your business only needs a few specific services, we can accommodate you. Our team can help you determine which services best suit your business.

Wide Range of Fulfillment Services

We offer several fulfillment services that help companies thrive. Our team can handle credit card, online order processing, and telephone order processing. We’re also able to manage your inventory, take care of picking and packing, and handle shipping. Our other services include warehousing products, customer return processing, and integrating with many shopping cart platforms.

B2B and B2C Shipping Services

Our company offers business to consumer (B2C), business to business (B2B), and less than truckload (LTL) services for more efficient, cost-effective shipping. We use common carrier services to ship palettes or large containers to any location in the U.S. or the world.

If you need additional information on our fulfillment warehouse services, please contact Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics. We can help you decide on a fulfillment solution that’s ideal for your business.