How Does USPS Transport Packages: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating the world of package delivery can be complex, but How Does Usps Transport Packages? Worldtransport.net clarifies this process, outlining various shipping methods like mail and postal freight, ensuring efficient material management and transportation analysis. Understanding these shipping solutions and potential cost savings will enable you to make informed decisions.

This guide explores the various methods the United States Postal Service (USPS) uses to transport packages, from mail to postal freight, highlighting the importance of efficient and cost-effective shipping solutions. Let’s dive into the details and uncover how USPS gets your packages from point A to point B, with insights from worldtransport.net.

1. What Shipping Methods Does USPS Use?

USPS utilizes multiple shipping methods, including mail, postal freight (Postal Vehicle Service [PVS]), freight managed by a Transportation Management Service Provider (TMSP), supplier-owned transportation networks, and Free-on-Board (F.O.B.) destination. These methods cater to various needs and logistical considerations, ensuring a versatile approach to package delivery.

To fully grasp how USPS ensures the safe and timely delivery of your packages, let’s delve deeper into each shipping method:

Mail: This is the most common method, suitable for letters, documents, and small packages that meet specific size and weight requirements.
Postal Freight (Postal Vehicle Service [PVS]): USPS uses its fleet of vehicles for transporting mail and packages between postal facilities. According to USPS data, PVS handles a significant portion of inter-facility transport.
Freight Managed by a Transportation Management Service Provider (TMSP): For larger shipments and items that don’t fit within the standard mail parameters, USPS contracts with TMSPs. These providers manage other logistics companies, coordinating pickup, delivery, and payment.
Supplier-Owned Transportation Network: This method is leveraged when a supplier is close to a USPS receiving location and can deliver directly, often with the delivery cost included in the commercial price.
Free-on-Board (F.O.B.) Destination: The supplier is responsible for delivering the goods to a specified destination at no expense to USPS. Title to the supplies passes to USPS upon arrival.

2. How Does USPS Determine the Best Shipping Method?

USPS determines the best shipping method based on factors such as when the Postal Service takes responsibility for the shipment, the origin and destination, order size, product characteristics (weight, density, fragility, perishability), transportation modes available, delivery time frame, and international concerns. These factors help optimize efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The process of selecting the optimal shipping method involves a thorough analysis of several key elements, ensuring that each package is handled in the most efficient and cost-effective manner:

Responsibility for Shipment: The point at which USPS assumes responsibility for the shipment is crucial. Different terms, such as F.O.B. origin or destination, dictate who is responsible for the package at various stages of transit.
Origin and Destination: The geographical locations involved significantly impact the choice of shipping method. Distance, accessibility, and regional logistics all play a role.
Order Size: The volume of the shipment affects the mode of transport. Larger orders might necessitate freight services, while smaller ones can be handled through standard mail.
Product Characteristics: Weight, density, fragility, and perishability determine the handling requirements. Fragile items may require specialized packaging and handling, while perishables need expedited shipping.
Transportation Modes: USPS considers various modes, including ships, trains, planes, and trucks, to balance speed and cost.
Delivery Time Frame: The urgency of the delivery is a major factor. Expedited services are available for time-sensitive shipments, while standard options are suitable for less urgent deliveries.
International Concerns: For international shipments, customs, duties, tariffs, and taxes must be taken into account, influencing the overall logistics strategy.

According to the Postal Service’s Transportation Solution Determination Process, this multifaceted analysis ensures that the most suitable and cost-effective inbound transportation solution is selected for USPS.

3. What Is the Transportation Solution Determination Process?

The Transportation Solution Determination Process is a systematic approach USPS uses to analyze and select the most efficient and effective inbound transportation solution at the lowest total cost. This process involves several steps from forming the requirement to the contract award.

To fully understand how USPS ensures efficiency and cost-effectiveness in its transportation solutions, it’s essential to break down the key steps involved in this process:

Requirement Formation: This initial stage involves identifying the specific transportation needs, including the type of materials, volume, destination, and required delivery time.
Analysis of Transportation Options: USPS evaluates various transportation methods, such as mail, postal freight, and contracted freight services, to determine the most suitable option.
Cost Analysis: A detailed cost analysis is conducted to assess the total cost of each transportation option, including transportation fees, handling charges, and any additional expenses.
Selection of Transportation Solution: Based on the analysis, USPS selects the transportation solution that provides the best balance of efficiency, effectiveness, and cost.
Contract Award: Once the solution is selected, a contract is awarded to the transportation provider, outlining the terms and conditions of the service.

According to USPS, this structured approach ensures that all transportation decisions are made with careful consideration of cost and efficiency.

4. How Does USPS Handle Mailable Items?

USPS requires suppliers to deliver goods that meet the physical limitations prescribed in the Domestic Mail Manual. If these limitations cannot be met, a waiver from the Contracting Officer is needed, with documented reasoning in the contract file.

USPS has specific guidelines for handling mailable items to ensure efficiency and compliance. Here’s a detailed look at the key aspects:

Compliance with Physical Limitations: Suppliers must adhere to the size and weight restrictions outlined in the Domestic Mail Manual. This ensures that items can be processed through USPS’s automated systems.
Packaging and Protection: Suppliers are responsible for ensuring that the packing and packaging are sufficient to protect the goods during transit. This includes using appropriate materials and techniques to prevent damage.
Waivers for Non-Compliant Items: If an item doesn’t meet the standard requirements, a waiver from the Contracting Officer is necessary. This waiver must be justified and documented in the contract file.
Definition of Delivery Terms: Contracts often include specific delivery terms that define the shipping requirements, ensuring clarity and accountability.

According to the Domestic Mail Manual, following these guidelines helps maintain the integrity of the mail stream and ensures that items are delivered safely and efficiently.

5. What Is Postal Freight and How Is It Used?

Postal freight involves USPS using its vehicles and contracted services (air, rail, truck, and ground) to move mail. Excess capacity is often utilized for inbound shipments of items purchased by USPS, optimizing resource use.

Postal freight is a critical component of USPS’s logistics network, enabling the efficient movement of mail and packages. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how it works:

Combination of Resources: USPS combines its fleet of vehicles with contracted air, rail, truck, and ground services to transport mail across the country.
Capacity Management: While the daily mail volume can be estimated, USPS maintains sufficient excess capacity to meet variances and service standards. This ensures reliability even during peak periods.
Utilization for Inbound Shipments: Available surplus capacity is utilized for inbound shipments of items purchased by USPS, maximizing efficiency and reducing costs.
Collaboration for Optimization: Item Managers collaborate with Network Operations Management (NOM) to identify shipments that can be moved via postal freight. Supply Management (SM) Operations provides backup support during high-volume periods.

According to USPS, property ownership typically transfers to the Postal Service upon pickup, though alternative arrangements can be established in the contract to manage risk.

6. What Role Does the Transportation Management Service Provider (TMSP) Play?

The TMSP manages nonmail freight transactions for USPS, including supplies, parts, and equipment. As a fourth-party logistics provider (4PL), the TMSP coordinates pickup, delivery, invoice pre-audits, and carrier payments, ensuring transactional performance and managing carrier performance.

The Transportation Management Service Provider (TMSP) is a critical component of USPS’s supply chain, streamlining logistics operations and ensuring cost-effective freight management. Here’s a detailed look at its key responsibilities:

Management of Nonmail Freight: The TMSP handles all supplies, parts, and equipment used for USPS operations that fall outside the standard mail parameters.
Coordination of Logistics Providers: As a fourth-party logistics provider (4PL), the TMSP manages other logistics providers under contract, ensuring seamless coordination of pickup, delivery, and related services.
Order Management: The TMSP manages the order process from start to finish, including order entry, coordination of pickup and delivery, pre-audit of invoices, and carrier payment.
Performance Management: The TMSP is responsible for managing carrier performance, rates, and claims processing, ensuring that all services meet contracted standards.
Financial Management: Billings for TMSP services are charged back to the originating office’s finance number, providing transparency and accountability.

According to USPS, authorized field sites have access to the TMSP for managing locally generated shipments, further decentralizing and optimizing the logistics process.

7. When Is Supplier-Owned Transportation Used?

Supplier-owned transportation is typically used when a supplier is near a USPS receiving location and can deliver the product directly. This method avoids third-party handling and delivery costs, often included in the standard commercial price.

Supplier-owned transportation offers a streamlined and cost-effective solution for certain USPS shipments. Here’s a closer look at when and why it’s used:

Proximity to USPS Location: This method is most practical when the supplier is located close to a USPS receiving facility.
Direct Delivery: The supplier delivers the product directly to USPS, eliminating the need for third-party involvement.
Cost Efficiency: Delivery costs are often included in the standard commercial price, making it more economical than other transportation options.
Reduced Handling: By avoiding third-party handling, the risk of damage or loss is minimized, ensuring the integrity of the shipment.

According to USPS, property ownership transfers to the Postal Service upon acceptance by the receiving site, providing clear accountability.

8. What Does Free-On-Board (F.O.B.) Destination Mean?

F.O.B. destination means the supplier delivers the goods to a specified destination at no expense to USPS. The supplier pays the carrier and assumes the risk for loss or damage until delivery.

Free-On-Board (F.O.B.) destination is a key term in shipping contracts, defining the responsibilities and liabilities of the supplier and the buyer. Here’s a detailed explanation:

Delivery at No Expense: The supplier is responsible for delivering the goods to the specified destination without incurring any costs for USPS.
Supplier’s Responsibility: The supplier pays the carrier and assumes the risk for any loss or damage to the goods until they are delivered to the destination.
Title Transfer: Title to the supplies passes to USPS when they arrive at the stated destination, marking the official transfer of ownership.
Cost Implications: While convenient, F.O.B. destination can sometimes lead to higher freight costs, as suppliers often add a markup to cover their transportation expenses.

According to USPS, this arrangement is suitable when the program risk of transportation problems or early property transfer is unacceptable, ensuring a smooth and secure delivery process.

9. What Are the Key Supplier Shipping Requirements?

Suppliers must comply with country-of-origin marking instructions, packaging and labeling requirements, and transportation routing guidelines. They must also avoid using premium transportation or declaring additional insurance unless specifically authorized by USPS.

To ensure smooth and compliant shipping processes, USPS has established specific requirements for its suppliers. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Country-of-Origin Marking: Suppliers must adhere to all instructions for marking the country of origin on shipments, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations.
Packaging and Labeling: Compliance with packaging and labeling requirements is essential for proper handling and identification of goods throughout the shipping process.
Transportation Routing: Suppliers must follow the transportation routing guidelines specified in the contract or agreement, ensuring efficient and cost-effective delivery.
Restriction on Premium Transportation: Unless explicitly authorized by USPS, suppliers should avoid using premium transportation services to control costs.
Insurance Restrictions: Suppliers should not declare additional value or purchase extra insurance on shipments unless authorized by USPS.

According to USPS, these requirements help maintain the integrity of the supply chain and ensure that all shipments are handled in a consistent and compliant manner.

10. What Shipping Documentation Is Required for Inbound Shipments?

USPS inbound shipments must have complete relevant shipping documentation, such as a bill of lading, to establish the physical legal transfer of ownership. Cartons must also be clearly marked for identification.

Proper documentation is crucial for the smooth and legal transfer of goods to USPS. Here’s a detailed look at the required shipping documentation:

Bill of Lading: A bill of lading is essential for establishing the physical and legal transfer of ownership. It serves as a receipt for the shipment and outlines the terms of carriage.
Clear Markings on Cartons: Cartons must be clearly marked with relevant information to ensure proper identification and handling throughout the shipping process.
Compliance with Contractual Documents: All shipping documentation must comply with the packaging and labeling requirements specified in the related contractual documents.

According to USPS, complete and accurate shipping documentation is essential for maintaining accountability and ensuring the smooth flow of goods into its facilities.

11. How Are Shipping Requests Initiated?

Shipping requests are initiated by Postal Service entities and certain suppliers through the order entry portal provided by the USPS TMSP. Authorized users include Headquarters SM Operations staff, MDC and CPC staff, Material Service Center staff, District Material Management Specialists, and approved supplier staff.

The process for initiating shipping requests is streamlined through the USPS Transportation Management Service Provider (TMSP) to ensure efficiency and accuracy. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

Order Entry Portal: Shipping requests are entered through the order entry portal provided by the USPS TMSP. This centralizes the process and ensures consistency.
Authorized Users: Only authorized personnel can initiate shipping requests, including Headquarters SM Operations staff, staff at Material Distribution Centers (MDCs) and Critical Parts Centers (CPCs), and approved supplier staff.
Designated Shipping and Receiving Staff: Designated staff at MDCs and CPCs are responsible for managing shipping and receiving activities.
Material Service Center Staff: Staff at Material Service Centers also initiate shipping requests for their specific needs.
District Material Management Specialists: These specialists oversee material management at the district level and are authorized to initiate shipping requests.

According to USPS, this controlled process ensures that all shipping requests are properly vetted and managed, contributing to overall efficiency.

12. What Are Demurrage, Detention, and Storage Charges?

Demurrage and detention charges are imposed when transportation equipment is delayed beyond specified free loading and unloading times. Storage charges apply when carriers must hold shipments on their premises awaiting delivery or redelivery.

Understanding demurrage, detention, and storage charges is crucial for managing shipping costs effectively. Here’s a detailed explanation:

Demurrage: Demurrage refers to charges imposed by carriers for delaying transportation equipment beyond the specified free loading and unloading time.
Detention: Similar to demurrage, detention charges are applied when shippers or receivers delay transportation equipment beyond the allowed free time.
Storage Charges: Storage charges occur when carriers must hold shipments on their premises while awaiting delivery or redelivery. These charges cover the cost of storing the goods.

According to USPS, monitoring these charges is essential to ensure that loading and unloading procedures minimize delays and keep costs to a minimum.

13. Who Is Responsible for Loss or Damage During Shipping?

Suppliers are responsible for any loss or damage to the material occurring prior to USPS acceptance. They must pack and mark packages in compliance with contract requirements to protect the property.

Assigning responsibility for loss or damage during shipping is a critical aspect of ensuring accountability and protecting USPS’s interests. Here’s a detailed explanation:

Supplier Responsibility: Suppliers are liable for any loss or damage to the material that occurs before USPS accepts the shipment.
Packaging and Marking Compliance: Suppliers must ensure that packages are packed and marked in compliance with contract requirements to protect the property during transit.
Carrier Requirements: In the absence of specific contract requirements, shipments should be prepared in conformance with carrier requirements to ensure the lowest applicable transportation charge and adequate protection.

According to USPS, if there is evidence that a shipment has been damaged in transit, receiving personnel should follow the instructions in the Receipt and Inspection topic of the Complete Delivery task of Process Step 4: Deliver and Receive Requirements.

14. What Happens If There Are Delays in Delivery?

If a supplier cannot comply with delivery dates, they must promptly notify the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer can accept the delays, accept partial deliveries, or reject the delay and terminate the contract for default.

Managing delivery delays is a critical aspect of maintaining supply chain efficiency and ensuring that USPS receives the necessary materials on time. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:

Supplier Notification: The supplier must promptly notify the Contracting Officer if they are unable to meet the specified delivery dates.
Contracting Officer Coordination: The Contracting Officer coordinates the information with the Client and the Purchase/SCM Team to determine the best course of action.
Acceptance of Delays: The Contracting Officer may accept the delays and establish a new delivery schedule, typically with additional considerations from the supplier (e.g., price, performance).
Acceptance of Partial Deliveries: Partial deliveries of completed products may be accepted, with the remaining quantities rescheduled. This also usually involves additional considerations from the supplier.
Rejection of Delay: The Contracting Officer can reject the delay and terminate the contract for default if the delay is unacceptable.

According to USPS, Clause 4-1: General Terms and Conditions addresses delay of performance or delivery, providing a framework for managing these situations.

15. How Does USPS Handle Early Deliveries?

Early delivery can increase storage, handling, and cash flow costs for USPS. Purchase/SCM teams should ensure that the contract addresses early delivery and requires approval from the Contracting Officer before it occurs.

Managing early deliveries is crucial for optimizing logistics and minimizing unnecessary costs. Here’s a detailed look at how USPS handles this situation:

Potential Cost Increases: Early delivery can lead to increased storage, handling, and cash flow costs, as well as potential backups at loading docks and staging problems in receiving areas.
Contractual Considerations: Purchase/SCM teams should ensure that contracts address the possibility of early delivery and require approval from the Contracting Officer before it is made.
Contracting Officer Approval: Early delivery should only be accepted with the approval of the Contracting Officer, who assesses the impact on USPS operations.
Notification of Receiving Sites: If early deliveries are accepted, the Contracting Officer must notify receiving sites of the changes in the delivery schedule.

According to USPS, this approach helps maintain control over the supply chain and prevents disruptions caused by unscheduled deliveries.

16. What Strategies Can Help Control Shipping Costs?

Controlling shipping costs involves compliance with the Transportation Solution Determination Process, providing ample notice to the TMSP for transportation moves, streamlining shipping and receiving, working closely with suppliers, teaming up with the TMSP and other departments, and leveraging technology.

Effective cost control in shipping requires a multifaceted approach that addresses various aspects of the supply chain. Here’s a detailed look at key strategies:

Compliance with Transportation Solution Determination Process: Adhering to this process ensures that the most cost-effective transportation solutions are selected for each shipment.
Providing Notice to TMSP: Giving the Transportation Management Service Provider (TMSP) sufficient notice for transportation moves allows for better planning and avoids expedited or air shipments.
Streamlining Shipping and Receiving: Streamlining inbound processes, such as managing dock operations and reducing documentation, can significantly reduce dock-to-stock time.
Working Closely with Suppliers: Collaborating with suppliers can lead to more accurate forecasts and opportunities to improve supply chain processes.
Teaming Up with TMSP and Other Departments: Working with Clients to forecast material needs can result in transportation and freight cost savings.
Leveraging Technology: Utilizing information technology to automate manual processes, such as order and inventory tracking, can improve efficiency and reduce costs.

According to USPS, these strategies can help Item Managers improve savings and optimize the overall shipping process.

17. What Are USPS’s Internal Shipping Procedures?

USPS Publication 247, Supply and Equipment Catalog, provides information on shipping requisitioned equipment and supply items from organizations like the Material Distribution Center (MDC), Critical Parts Center (CPC), and Mail Equipment Shops (MES).

Internal shipping procedures within USPS are designed to ensure the efficient and reliable movement of supplies and equipment. Here’s a detailed overview:

Supply and Equipment Catalog: USPS Publication 247 serves as a comprehensive guide for internal shipping procedures, providing information on ordering methods and shipping options.
Shipping Options for Express Mail and Priority Mail: The catalog outlines the available shipping options for ordering Express Mail and Priority Mail supplies.
Handling Incorrect or Incomplete Shipments: Procedures are in place to address incorrect or incomplete shipments, ensuring that issues are resolved promptly.
Instructions for Special Orders: The catalog provides specific instructions for shipments of special orders, including those less than, greater than, or equal to 200 pounds.
Ship Dates and Shipping Charges: Information on ship dates and shipping charges, including whether they are included in the price of the items, is provided.
Automatic Shipments and Special Requests: The catalog details procedures for automatic shipments and special requests, ensuring that all needs are met.

According to USPS, these procedures ensure that internal shipping processes are well-defined and consistently followed.

18. How Does Global Sourcing Affect Shipping?

Global sourcing requires USPS to account for trade regulations, duties, and tariffs. Costs related to shipping in global sourcing include transportation costs, inventory carrying costs, cross-border taxes, tariffs, and duty costs, as well as supply and operational risks.

Global sourcing introduces additional complexities to the shipping process, requiring careful consideration of various factors. Here’s a detailed explanation:

Trade Regulations, Duties, and Tariffs: USPS must comply with trade regulations and account for duties and tariffs when sourcing goods from foreign countries.
Transportation Costs: These include transportation, drayage, fuel, surcharges, and other freight-related fees.
Inventory Carrying Costs: These encompass warehousing, handling, taxes, insurance, depreciation, shrinkage, obsolescence, and other costs associated with maintaining inventories.
Cross-Border Taxes, Tariffs, and Duty Costs: These “landed costs” include duties, shipping, insurance, and other fees and taxes.
Supply and Operational Risks: These include geopolitical factors, tariff and policy changes, transit delays, and instability resulting from war, terrorism, and natural disasters.

According to USPS, cost/benefit analysis should be performed to address the challenges associated with accounting for these cost factors when selecting sourcing locations.

19. What Is the Significance of Cost/Benefit Analysis in Shipping Decisions?

Cost/benefit analysis is crucial for making informed shipping decisions, especially in global sourcing. It helps USPS account for all costs associated with each potential location, including transportation, inventory, taxes, and risks, to determine the most economical option.

Performing a cost/benefit analysis is a critical step in making informed shipping decisions, particularly when considering global sourcing options. Here’s a detailed explanation of its significance:

Comprehensive Cost Assessment: Cost/benefit analysis ensures that all costs associated with each potential location are accounted for, including transportation, inventory carrying costs, and cross-border taxes.
Risk Evaluation: It helps evaluate potential supply and operational risks, such as geopolitical factors and transit delays, allowing for a more informed decision.
Economic Viability: By comparing the costs and benefits of different sourcing locations, USPS can determine the most economically viable option.
Informed Decision-Making: Cost/benefit analysis provides a structured framework for decision-making, ensuring that all relevant factors are considered.

According to USPS, this analysis is essential for any complex nondomestic or domestic shipping decisions, ensuring that the most cost-effective and efficient solution is selected.

20. What Clauses and Provisions Are Relevant to USPS Shipping?

Relevant clauses and provisions include Clause 4-1: General Terms and Conditions (paragraph t), Clause B-23: Guaranteed Shipping Weight, and Clause 2-9: Definition of Delivery Terms and Supplier’s Responsibilities, which outline specific requirements and responsibilities related to shipping.

Understanding the relevant clauses and provisions is essential for ensuring compliance and clarity in USPS shipping contracts. Here’s a detailed overview of key clauses:

Clause 4-1: General Terms and Conditions (paragraph t): This clause addresses general terms and conditions related to shipping, providing a framework for various aspects of the shipping process.
Clause B-23: Guaranteed Shipping Weight: This clause specifies the guaranteed shipping weight, ensuring that suppliers are accountable for accurate weight declarations.
Clause 2-9: Definition of Delivery Terms and Supplier’s Responsibilities: This clause defines the delivery terms and outlines the responsibilities of suppliers, ensuring clarity and accountability in the shipping process.

According to USPS, these clauses and provisions are critical for establishing clear expectations and responsibilities in shipping contracts, promoting efficiency and compliance.

FAQ: How Does USPS Transport Packages

How does USPS decide which transportation method to use?
USPS considers factors like shipment responsibility, origin, destination, size, product characteristics, transportation modes, delivery time, and international concerns.
What is the Transportation Solution Determination Process?
It’s a systematic approach USPS uses to select the most efficient and cost-effective inbound transportation solution, from requirement formation to contract award.
What are the requirements for suppliers shipping mailable items?
Suppliers must meet the physical limitations in the Domestic Mail Manual, ensure proper packaging, and obtain waivers for non-compliant items.
How does postal freight work within USPS?
USPS uses its vehicles and contracted services (air, rail, truck) to move mail, utilizing excess capacity for inbound shipments.
What is the role of the Transportation Management Service Provider (TMSP)?
The TMSP manages nonmail freight transactions, coordinates logistics providers, and ensures transactional performance for USPS.
When is supplier-owned transportation most appropriate?
When a supplier is near a USPS receiving location and can deliver the product directly, avoiding third-party handling.
What does Free-On-Board (F.O.B.) destination mean for USPS?
The supplier delivers goods to a specified destination at no expense to USPS, assuming risk until delivery.
What are the key supplier shipping requirements for USPS?
Suppliers must comply with country-of-origin marking, packaging, labeling, and transportation routing guidelines.
What shipping documentation is required for USPS inbound shipments?
Complete shipping documentation, like a bill of lading, is needed to establish legal transfer of ownership, with clearly marked cartons.
How can shipping costs be controlled effectively within USPS?
By complying with the Transportation Solution Determination Process, giving notice to the TMSP, streamlining processes, and leveraging technology.

Understanding how does USPS transport packages involves a comprehensive grasp of their diverse shipping methods, strategic decision-making processes, and compliance requirements. From leveraging mail and postal freight to utilizing Transportation Management Service Providers and global sourcing strategies, USPS strives for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. By staying informed about these practices, businesses and individuals can optimize their shipping solutions and navigate the logistics landscape with confidence.

For more detailed insights, explore the resources available at worldtransport.net. Discover comprehensive articles, in-depth analysis, and expert advice to enhance your understanding of the transportation industry. Visit worldtransport.net today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and optimize your logistics strategies.