Amazon News: Updates on the UPS Strike Threats and more l July 2023

Updates on the UPS strike threats, reactions to USPS's ground advantage program and more. Welcome back to the Amazon Analytics Insider. With recent automation, let's get you up to date. As you may have heard, many sellers have been worried about word of a looming UPS strike. This is because the previous contract between UPS and the Teamsters Union was set to expire next Monday, July 31 due to wage stagnation, benefit cuts, increased workload and unfair treatment. Teamsters union threatened to strike if a deal could not be reached with ups. Speak of this looming strike left FBM sellers in a worried frenzy as many purchase UPS shipping via Amazon and would run the risk of potential late shipments or even being forced at the hand of higher fees and unpredictable shipping times via USPS or FedEx. A sensitive agreement was reached yesterday resulting in wage increases for full and part time workers and improvements to employee benefits. However, many sellers are still unsure about whether this no strike guarantee will hold. In other shipping related news this past week, sellers have been quite distraught after finding out that UPS partner discount shipping rates they grew accustomed to have disappeared. This resulted in all shipping rates increasing by a minimum of $2. This is most likely related to previous threats of the UPS strike that we just talked about. Amazon is reportedly looking into this issue and we hope that in light of the strike being called off, this discount will become available again for sellers in the near we also have another change coming to affect FBM sellers soon. The USPS is implementing a new shipping program called USPS Ground Advantage. The program replaces three other current shipping programs and will offer faster two to five business day delivery, free package pickup and insurance on Items up to $100. Shipping rates should be more affordable for most sellers because this new program will determine shipping cost based on cubic per pricing rather than just wait alone. This isn't available for sellers yet through Amazon Buy Shipping, which is frustrating because many sellers report that this is already available for them through other platforms. Hopefully Amazon provides more updates soon. Thanks again for joining me for the Amazon Analytics Insider. The link to the full written version is available in the description box below and while you're there, pay a visit to our Help center for more information and I can't wait to see you again soon.