Read to the end for a video of Conan O’Brien driving a UPS truck.
Canada Post strike alert
Canada Post could face another strike if contract talks fall apart — and if that happens, delays will ripple across Canada’s shipping networks. If the government-owned carrier and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers can’t secure a new long-term contract by May 22, disruptions similar to last year’s month-long holiday season shutdown could follow. Do you have a backup plan to minimize shipping disruptions?
2025: The Year of Smarter Returns?
FedEx has just announced a partnership with Blue Yonder to offer box-less and label-less returns at 3,000 drop off points in the US – mostly FedEx Office and Kohl’s stores. Previously, DHL doubled down on returns tech with the acquisition of Inmar Intelligence’s Returns, and last year UPS acquired Happy Returns. The trend is clear: returns are evolving fast into a seamless post-purchase experience that eliminates headaches for customers and retailers.
Did you know that we offer dedicated reverse logistics management through our specialized partners? From returns initiation to the second shelf, we handle it all — faster, easier, and more efficiently. Interested? Get in touch with us. (mail sales@betachon.com Subject: Returns management inquiry)
National Carriers Feel the Pressure
When UPS publishes a paper throwing shade at gig economy delivery services – even as it operates its own gig platform – you know the competition is heating up. Rising rates and service frustrations are causing businesses to rethink their carrier strategies and consider players other than the big ones.
And with impending tariffs threatening transported volumes, these are definitely not good times for the carrier market. So if you’re in the process of renegotiating your carrier contract, you may take advantage of the situation… and we can help 😉.
Drones and robot dogs to get your order in faster
Amazon and Walmart are leading a race to drastically cut delivery times by doubling down on ultra-fast delivery. From store-based fulfillment to drone drops and three-hour delivery windows, their goal is simple: meet shoppers’ expectations for faster, more flexible deliveries.
Meanwhile, across the pond, UK’s leading carrier Evri is rolling out robotic dogs to assist couriers starting in the summer of 2025. The four-legged robotic dog, which will work in partnership with a courier, will be able to hop in and out of the courier’s van as it makes its way to and from homes, delivering packages and taking some of the leg work out for the courier.
Want to see it in action? Check it out here.
Will the end of de minimis reduce carbon emissions?
In what seems like a long shot to me, the New York Times predicts that tariffs and the end of de minimis exemptions will reduce carbon emissions from air cargo. While it’s an interesting theory, the actual impact on air freight emissions remains to be seen.
You’ll recall that we covered de minimis exemptions last year. In February, President Trump briefly ordered an end to them, only to reinstate the rule a few days later amid concerns about implementation. He declared it terminated once more in April as part of his broader tariff plan, and the new rules will be phased in over the next few weeks, with the steepest levies taking effect June 1.
Finally, Need a Laugh?
Remember when Conan O’Brien drove an UPS truck? It’s worth a rewatch: Conan O’Brien Becomes A UPS delivery man.