We’ve compiled the highlights of this month in the supply chain and SAP industries! From new postal shipping rates to global trade movements, here’s a quick list of things you might’ve missed in November.
Increased commercial shipping rates will take effect on Jan. 24, 2021, once they’re approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission. Priority Mail service will rise by 3.5% and 1.2% for Priority Mail Express service. For full details of the new shipping rates, visit USPS Newsroom.
Do you think you are ready for this change?
Earlier this month, 15 Asia-Pacific countries signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) that progressively works to lower tariffs and allows freer movement of goods. The deal has the potential to become the world’s largest free trade agreement. The RCEP allows for any economy in the region to join 18 months after it comes into effect which means India, who opted out last year over imports concerns, can join back any time.
You may benefit from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which includes the following countries:
Amazon gains the ability to challenge major express carriers, like DHL, FedEx, and UPS, in the air cargo market with its first regional air hub in Europe. Amazon Air is quickly expanding its network of airports to meet its growing customer expectations for faster delivery. Its Europe location in central Germany allows Amazon trucks to reach 15 European countries within eight hours.
After the Brexit transition period ends, Canada and the UK agreed to continue trading under the same terms as the current European Union agreement. This agreement doesn’t currently provide new benefits to businesses. However, itpaves the way for new negotiations to begin next year. New trade deals can’t start until the transition period ends on December 31.
In efforts to reduce logistics-related emissions to zero by 2050, DHL launches four electric tractor-trailer trucks for the Los Angeles market. With just a single charge, the trucks can run a full day. In this pilot program, DHL aims to support the upcoming peak shipping season with its environmentally friendly vehicle fleets.
With the acquisition of Emarsys, an omnichannel customer engagement platform provider, SAP expands the range of products in its SAP Customer Experience portfolio. SAP aims to provide personalized engagement for customers based on their preferences. For more information, visit SAP News Center.
SAP launches a vaccine collaboration hub (VCH) for organizations to seamlessly manage COVID-19 vaccine supply distribution. For businesses part of the vaccine production process from manufacturing to logistics service providers, they can run the entire vaccine process on SAP software. With SAP’s network and technological capabilities, critical businesses are effectively supported. To learn more, read SAP’s “Shortening the Road to Recovery.”
Interested in a more efficient international shipping process?
Don’t miss out on a global opportunity to exponentially grow your business! With this handy international shipping checklist, you can ensure international compliance and: