April 2026 Monthly Newsletter

What FedEx Freight Spinoff Means for Your Business Starting June 1

FedEx's planned spinoff of its freight division into a standalone public company, effect June 1, with implications that extend well beyond the carrier itself. Shippers, suppliers and businesses of all sizes that rely on FedEx Freight for ground transportation needs could see changes to pricing, service structures and carrier relationships in the months ahead. The separation was a key topic at FedEx's Investor Day earlier this month.

Jared Williams, Jarrett's VP of Logistics Operations, explains how businesses should be preparing as the transition approaches.

USPS Implements Temporary 8% Rate Hike Amid Rising Transportation Costs

The U.S. Postal Service is implementing a temporary 8% price increase on several domestic shipping services, including Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select. The change is set to take effect April 26 and run through Jan. 17, 2027, as the agency works to address rising transportation and fuel costs. The move is not isolated. Fuel costs have surged in recent weeks due to the ongoing conflict in the Straight of Hormuz as well as fees and elevated fuel surcharges. For shippers, the message is consistent across carriers: costs are climbing and rate environments are tightening.

"Rising costs across every major carrier are compressing margins for shippers who aren't paying close attention," said Mike Jarrett, President & CEO at Jarrett. "Audit your carrier mix, understand where your exposure is and work with a logistics partner who can help you navigate these shifts before they hit your bottom line." 

Adding to the urgency, Postmaster General David Steiner recently warned Congress that the agency could run out of cash within a year without an increase to its borrowing limit, which could lead to further service cuts and additional price increases down the road.

Read the full story at Supply Chain Dive.

Air Cargo Demand Up 11.2% Amid Middle East Uncertainty

Global air cargo demand rose 11.2% year-over-year in February, driven by pre-Lunar New Year shipment activity and strengthening manufacturing sentiment. Capacity grew 8.5% over the same period. North American carriers saw a 9.4% demand increase, with capacity up 5.3%.The outbreak of war in the Middle East at the close of the month, however, has disrupted key Gulf cargo hubs and pushed fuel costs higher, clouding the full-year outlook.

"With demand outpacing capacity and fuel costs climbing, shippers should be securing air freight space early and locking in rates where possible," said Justin McInturff, International Logistics Manager at Jarrett. "Those who wait risk paying a significant premium as conditions tighten."

Read the full story in Food Logistics.

Stolen KitKats Shine a Light on Supply Chain Vulnerability

Over 12 tons of Nestlé KitKat bars were stolen in transit between Central Italy and Poland. Cargo theft is not new, but what happened next was. Rather than handling the loss quietly, Nestlé came forward publicly and explained how product-level traceability is being used to respond. Every unit in the stolen shipment is tied to a unique batch code that can be scanned and matched, turning each case into a potential signal if it resurfaces in the market.

"The KitKat theft demonstrates how critical traceability and visibility have become in modern supply chains. Placing identifiable numbers on packaging gives companies the ability to track stolen product if it resurfaces,” said Jessica Renner, Cargo Claims and Risk Manager of Jarrett. “But packaging controls alone aren't enough. Routine carrier audits and real-time shipment visibility are essential to knowing who is handling your freight and where it is throughout transit. These measures create accountability and significantly reduce the opportunities for cargo theft."

To learn more, click HERE.

Jarrett VP Featured in Food Logistics Discussion on Smart Warehouse Automation 

Aaron Nussbaum, Vice President of Logistics Operations at Jarrett, was featured in Food Logistics, sharing insights on how shippers can approach warehouse automation strategically without losing sight of what matters most: your people. The piece explores the real pressures driving automation, why starting small and targeting the right processes makes all the difference and how the best operations use technology to empower the workforce rather than replace it.  

Read the full story HERE.

On Deck

Kevin O’Leary to Headline Jarrett Supply Chain Summit in Cleveland

The 2026 Jarrett Supply Chain Summit will be held Aug. 5–6 in Cleveland, Ohio, bringing together supply chain and logistics leaders for strategies to stay ahead, technology innovation and real-world cargo theft prevention strategies. 

This year’s event is highlighted by keynote speaker Kevin O’Leary, entrepreneur, investor and star of ABC’s "Shark Tank," who will share candid insights on leadership, risk and winning strategies in today’s supply chain landscape. 

For more details, click HERE.

Jarrett Executives Talk Cargo Theft at Elevate TMSA Conference

Mark Gordon, Chief Operating Officer, and Matt Wagner, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, will present at the TMSA Elevate Conference on June 9, from 9:15-10 a.m. Their session, "Beyond the Loss: How Cargo Theft Impacts Brand Trust, Customer Experience and Revenue," explores how theft-related disruptions ripple into customer confidence and long-term loyalty, and why marketing and sales teams play a critical role in the response. 

To learn more, click HERE.

Get the Latest Industry Updates 

 The April Supply Chain Report is out now! Stay updated with the latest in transportation news in:
-The Freight Market
-Less-than-truckload
-Truckload
-Parcel
-International
Click HERE to review the report!