03/21/2024
Recently had a small package delivered to me via one of the bigger overnight delivery companies. The package was listed as 1 lb even though the total weight of the goods and packaging was 1.5 ounces. Size of the package was 2 x 17 x 23 centimeters. Transportation charge was $39.30 but there was an earned discount of - $5.90, which was almost negated by the "Net Specialized services & additional service charges" of $5.06, "other service charge" of $2.50 for mailing me an invoice (which is the default on their website unless you request no mailed invoice) and a whopping $10 Fuel Surcharge Fee. Total price is $57.59. I calculated the gross income that this company would make on a standard trailer load based on the packages size and then divide that in half. Even if the trailer was half full, just the transportation charge would have netted this company $1,908,66.45 in gross income. Add to that the fuel surcharge gross income would be $971,330 and additional service charges would amount to $46,212.98 for a total of $2,926,206.43. And that would be for a total weight 1942.66 kg or 2.14 tons so it was not exactly adding substantial weight on fuel expenditure to a Standard 40 trailer with capacity of about 45,000 lbs or 22.5 tons. The corporate world has gone stupid thinking that people will just shrug and pass the cost on to their customers. Anyone out there doing regular trips to Montreal or Toronto? I am thinking small companies like mine are looking for non rush deliveries of products by individuals who are doing regular runs to bigger centers and want to bring some of their fuel charges down by doing a side hustle or two. Any thoughts or suggestions?
