Shipping Services

On-Time Shipping

Factoring out orders that do not ship due to backordered product beyond FP's control, in the last 3 years FP has shipped orders in an average of 1.48 business days.

Perfect Order

Percentage of orders shipped with the correct product, quantity, and documentation.

Our system calculates the mis-pick percent on a rolling 6-month basis and the information is monitored daily. As of January 2008, the rolling, 6-month mis-pick percent is four hundredths of a percent (0.04%). The average mis-pick percent between 2006 and 2007 is three hundredths of a percent (0.03%).

Reconciling Shipping To Freight Bills

Reconciling Fed Ex Bills - We are billed using Direct Link. This allows us to export a file, compare the charges to the charges in our system and automatically create adjustments where needed. Billing discrepancies are handled electronically.

Reconciling UPS Bills - We are billed from the manifest charges we transmit to UPS via their Host Access system. Any ancillary charges (address changes, oversize, residential/commercial/rural adjustments) are billed on a separate invoice and are billed back by tracking number. FP has an assigned group of UPS customer service representatives familiar with our account who answer our questions and make required billing adjustments.

USPS - We work off a mail manifest system and no adjustments are needed.

Other Carriers (including truck service) - Shipment costs are called for the day after shipment. These are entered and compared to the bills when they arrive.

Shipment Cut-Off Times

For same-day shipments of rush orders, generally FP must have the order at our facility by 2 PM ET. Depending on the urgency of an order's shipment, on rare occasion, FP can adjust this deadline and work with carriers to meet our clients' needs.

For standard shipments, orders received by 2 PM ET, will ship within 2 business days with most shipping in 1 business day.

Incremental Processes for Shipments to Canada Compared to Shipments Within the U.S.

For U.S. shipments with UPS and FedEx, FP is electronically synchronized and no paperwork is necessary. FP sends an electronic manifest for USPS Confirmed Shipments and a paper manifest (at USPS request) for all other shipments. For domestic truck shipments a bill of lading is generated.

International shipments with UPS and FedEx are also electronic, but the Commercial Invoice and a NAFTA agreement need to be completed on-line, printed, and signed. International shipments using USPS or a truck line require paper Commercial Invoices and NAFTA agreements and there is no electronic interface. Truck shipments also require a brokerage service in addition to the bill of lading and other paperwork.

Packing Process

Consumer Orders

After consumer orders are picked in bulk, the product is sorted down and segregated by order. The picker is the initial check of order accuracy and the picker's unique ID is captured. A different person verifies the order's contents to the packing slip and packs the order into the appropriate shipping container, using filler material only when necessary. The packer is the final check of order accuracy and the packer's unique ID is captured. This two-step process with picker and packer identification tracking helps ensure accountability and accuracy. For every day's shipments the ASR and the Distribution Supervisor and/or manager also randomly open and inspect orders.

Because orders with like-items are grouped together, FP often uses an automated assembly line to pack larger groups of similar orders.

Retail Orders

Because the typical size of a retail order, the orders print on their own bulk pick tickets. With each order, the unique retail requirements are triggered, and all unique carton labels and other paperwork are generated according to specifications. The cartons of stock are pulled and palleted or prepared for shipment according to the receiving company's specifications. At the time of scanning, the unique procedures screen pop for procedure verification.

Packing Automation / Technology

FP uses conveyers, automated void-fill dispensers when appropriate, and tape machines to pack multiple orders with like items.

Packing Slip Customization

FP can customize packing slips at varying degrees. Custom messages, return policies, and return labels, can all be printed on standard stock. Custom pre-printed stock can be used for a greater degree of customization and for the ability to use the back of the form for information like return shipping procedures and policies.

Inserts

FP's custom computer software can automatically add items to an order. Inserts can be added to orders based on order type, item ordered, source code, or client division.

Shipment Confirmation

After orders are packed, they are scanned to be shipped. When the carrier picks up the shipments, FP's system is flagged via a manifest and, when applicable, the carrier's system is flagged, as well. During FP's computer system's nightly process, the orders are updated as shipped. A ship-confirm file is created during this update process and transmitted to our clients the following business day.

Component Security

The facility is equipped with internal motion detectors and glass and door sensors and is monitored by an independent security service 24 hours a day. Video cameras are stationed throughout, and the images are recorded 'round the clock. Clients' items are stored in a further-secured, gated section of our warehouse and stocked in pick locations only as needed. Prior to being hired, all employees must pass a drug test and a background check.

Returns & Refunds

Learn more about Returns & Refunds

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