Disruptions are inevitable for any company, but preparation is key to surviving any short-term setbacks and thriving in the long run. With the threat of a UPS Teamsters strike looming, companies that rely heavily on UPS for shipping and logistics might find themselves in a difficult position. Although a strike is not guaranteed — and in fact, several factors suggest it might not occur or last long if it does — even a few weeks of interruption could cause significant disruption to UPS shippers. We wanted to share practical guidance on mitigating the potential impact of a strike that will help any business that relies on national carriers, regardless of whether there is a UPS strike. Here is a practical guide on protecting your business from a potential UPS strike and streamlining your shipping in the process.
The Potential UPS Strike: What You Need to Know
Teamsters, the union representing UPS workers, have announced the possibility of a strike if ongoing labor negotiations do not result in a satisfactory agreement. The implications of a UPS strike could be far-reaching, impacting businesses nationwide that depend on UPS for timely and reliable shipping. The duration of such a strike is uncertain, but it’s crucial to remember that even a short disruption could significantly impact your operations.
Preparing for a Potential UPS Strike
In light of these developments, businesses must prepare, even as we hope for a resolution without a strike. Here are some strategies you can implement this week to minimize potential disruptions:
Explore UPS Alternatives: Explore and open accounts with other carriers right now. There are more options than ever before to diversify your carrier options and logistics providers that could step in should UPS services become unavailable. Our team at Parcel Consulting can help you identify and get discounted shipping rates with USPS, FedEx, and other reliable carriers, ensuring your shipping needs continue to be met efficiently no matter what happens. Worst case, you have backup options so your business does not skip a beat if there is a UPS Teamsters strike. Best case, you find out you have been overpaying for your shipping, and get some new options to reduce your costs and improve your delivery times.
Review Your Inventory: Consider stocking up on items you regularly ship or receive. This can help keep your operations running during the initial days of a potential strike. A UPS Teamsters strike would have a significant impact on the economy and likely lead to a huge increase in demand for the other national carriers. This would likely lead to delays at their national sortation warehouses and final mile delivery networks. Make it a priority to review any potential inventory needs this week and submit orders that cover your business in the event of any significant disruptions to national supply chains.
Communicate with Your Customers: Transparency is key during uncertain times. If a UPS strike does occur, keeping your customers informed about potential delays and your contingency plans can go a long way in maintaining their trust and understanding. Once you have taken a necessary inventory review and secured additional carrier capacity this week, you have a good opportunity to let your customers know what you have done to prepare for any possible disruptions. Sharing your proactive work to keep your goods flowing to your loyal customers shows how much you care and lets them know you are exploring everything in your control. It is also wise to remind them that some things might be out of your control, and your company will keep them informed if anything changes.
Leverage Discounted Rates with Other Carriers: At Parcel Consulting, we offer discounted shipping rates through many national and regional carriers. Our mission has always been to leverage our shipping experience, industry knowledge, and extensive connections to deliver the best shipping rates, innovative technology, and creative solutions required to give our clients a clear advantage with their shipping and logistics.
Why a UPS Strike Might Be Less Likely
While the threat of a UPS strike is serious, it is certainly not inevitable. It is important to understand how several recent developments suggest a strike might be less likely than it appears.
Congressional Intervention: In December 2022, the US Congress intervened to avoid a potential rail strike, stating it would be “economically ruinous.” Although UPS operates in a different sector, the precedent of congressional intervention to prevent major disruptions to the nation’s economy is worth noting. With many businesses relying heavily on UPS, a strike could have wide-reaching economic implications.
Legal Precedents: In the case of Glacier Northwest vs. Teamsters Local 174 (June 2023), the US Supreme Court ruled that a concrete company could sue the Teamsters after employees went on strike and left concrete running in trucks. This decision could discourage a UPS strike, as it sets a precedent allowing companies to sue unions for damages if the strike action hurts their business.
Even with these potential deterrents, the possibility of a UPS strike underlines the importance of a robust, flexible logistics strategy. At Parcel Consulting, we’re here to assist your company in navigating this potential challenge, ensuring your business can continue to function effectively no matter what the future holds.
Reach Out to Parcel Consulting Today
Don’t wait for a strike to disrupt your business. Get ahead of the curve by exploring the alternative carrier programs and discount shipping rates available through Parcel Consulting. Contact us today at 833-727-2351 or schedule a free consultation here to learn more about our services and how we can help keep your business moving forward no matter what happens.
