Parcel - April 2008 - (Page 42)

A SIMPLE SHIPPING SOLUTION For online retailers, an API can be the answer to their prayers By Steve Rifai consumer via the Postal Service is a shipping application programming interface (API). An API is a basic language and message format used by an application to communicate with an operating system. Possible applications for shipping APIs include eCommerce websites, online marketplaces and trading environments acting as a liaison between buyers and sellers. Shipping APIs offer one of the most adaptable and dynamic ways to eliminate the challenges of processing postal shipments. Take, for example, Endicia’s shipping API, Label Server, which enables companies/users to determine US postal costs instantly and accurately by validating a customer’s address and automatically generating a pre-paid/ramp-ready shipping label. By using a shipping API, retailers are able to support most, if not all, of the following USPS services: First Class Letter & Flats (up to 3.5 ounces with Conﬁrm Services), First Class Parcel, Priority, Parcel Post, Media Mail, Library Mail and Bound Printed Matter (with free or discounted Delivery or Signature Conﬁrmation), Express Mail and discounted Priority and Express Mail International (with integrated customs forms). Shipping APIs are easily incorporated into a number of applications such as online shopping carts, websites, fulﬁllment/distribution centers and multi-location/multi-user applications. This allows companies/users to ship packages via the Postal Service within their existing workﬂows while leveraging all the beneﬁts of Internet Postage, including free or discounted services, discounted international mail and third party insurance. With over 155 stores located in the Northeast, Olympia Sports relies on a shipping API for a key element of their customer service. It’s not unusual for a customer to ﬁnd the perfect pair of running shoes, baseball glove or hockey jersey at an Olympia Sports location — but that particular store may not always have the right size or color. Like many retailers, Olympia Sports’ salespeople have access to an inventory www.PARCELindustry.com T he U.S. Postal Service continues to provide reliable universal services at affordable prices. For many companies, the Postal Service is often the least costly method of shipping, both domestically and internationally. It offers ﬂat-rate envelopes and boxes that ship anywhere in the world for a low cost, regardless of weight. Its Priority Mail service is oftentimes faster than like services offered by private carriers. The Postal Service has no hidden fees, such as residential and rural surcharges, address correction fees, fuel surcharges and higher weekend delivery rates. The Postal Service also allows shipment to ship to PO Boxes, APO and FPO. With the recent regulatory changes, the Postal Service has become more business focused, fostering growth and innovation in the mailing industry. For example, the Postal Service has released new rates, a new ﬂat rate box and a lower minimum for co-branded packaging supplies. As the US economy is slowing down, the USPS is still focused on growth in markets like business to consumer shipments. The slowdown in the economy may be slowing business-to-business shipping, but with faster Internet connections and secure purchasing sites, many consumers are more conﬁdent in buying online. More online shopping translates to an increase in businessto-consumer shipping. As online retailers examine their bottom lines, many are searching for cost-effective, reliable solutions for shipping their products to consumers. One solution for online retailers who are shipping business to- 42 Spring 2008 http://www.PARCELindustry.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Parcel - April 2008

PARCEL - April 2008 Contents Editor's Note Moving Forward Recycling for Safety’s Sake Want Some Good News? Negotiations Have No Finish Line... Lowering your Parcel Shipping Costs Meeting Industry Challenges New Pricing, New Opportunities Time to Track It’s Scan-tastic! 10 Recycling Facts The New USPS Law Changes New Law, New Opportunities for Package Shippers A Diamond in the Rough Seven Shipping Trends for 2010 ...and Beyond The Move Update Changes A Simple Shipping Solution A Case Study in Efficiency New Products and Services Industry News Advertiser Index

Parcel - April 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.