Shipping program takes off

George Seitz, owner of Kennel Deck in Southfield, a provider of deck flooring for dog kennels, has saved more than $1,300 in only five months using MRA’s shipping savings program.

Seitz is one of the 264 MRA members who have signed up for the program so far. The program—managed by Partnership, an Ohio-based freight brokerage firm—saves businesses between 5 and 25 percent on both incoming and outgoing shipping via FedEx. For shipments greater than 250 lbs. but “less than truckload” the discount is at least 55 percent.

The savings are large for Seitz because almost all of his customers have their orders shipped and his products are heavy.

“The savings have been surprisingly dramatic,” said Seitz. “My local FedEx representative tried to match the savings offered by MRA’s program, but he couldn’t.”

Another early adopter was Gilbert Rose, who owns two clothing stores in Wyandotte, Chelsea Menswear & Shoes and Willow Tree. Rose uses it exclusively for inbound shipping and is saving, on average, more than 20 percent.

Rose found it easy to get set up with the program. The only problem has been a few stubborn vendors who have refused to switch to FedEx.

“Most of my vendors—75 to 80 percent—have switched my shipments to FedEx Ground Collect,” said Rose. “It’s been great, and I expect to save even more in the coming months.”

Rose estimates he spends about $9,000 a year on inbound shipping, and conservatively projects a savings of about $2,500 in the coming year. He thinks any clothing store could see similar savings.

“Our shipping program could easily be the most valuable new service in MRA’s lineup,” said Larry Meyer, MRA CEO and Chair. “Signing up costs nothing, and several members have saved enough in just a few months to cover their annual MRA membership dues, and then some.

“So many of our costs are skyrocketing—health care, gasoline, heating,” said Rose. “How are retailers going to survive if they don’t save money wherever they can?”