What Do You Love About Being a Freight Broker?
January 29, 2014
The transportation industry has a wonderful legacy of entrepreneurs and innovators. However, not every legendary tale is of someone whose new business start-up became one of the household names we all know today. There are many lesser-known success stories out there including freight brokers.
<p class="MsoNormal">These are folks who may have learned the business working for a larger carrier or broker and then set out on their own as a small business enterprise.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Many of the freight brokers I talk with light up when they speak of how they enjoy the fast-paced environment. How they just thrive on the challenge of making successful matches between shippers and carriers – sort of like fitting together the pieces of a puzzle.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Still, the responsibilities of running your own brokerage business can be very difficult at times. A few common themes I often hear include:</p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li><b>Collecting Money:</b> It is tough enough to make ends meet as a small business person, but when shippers take their time paying freight bills it can be downright frustrating.</li> <li><b>Cold Calling:</b> You need a thick skin to be a broker but no one really loves the day-to-day rejection associated with cold-calling.</li> <li><b>Late Night Calls:</b> Today’s shippers are so focused on load tracking. Doesn’t anyone sleep through the night anymore?</li> <li><b>Surety Bonds Requirements:</b> Just the latest regulation changes to come along adding complexity and costs.</li> <li><b>Health Insurance:</b> Ugh. Enough said.</li></ul><p class="MsoNormal">Well, if you really want to focus on what you love about being a freight broker, <a href="http://www.PenskeLogistics.com">Penske Logistics</a> might be the place for you to come to work as a freight broker. Or if you own a small brokerage and would like to operate as part of Penske, contact Chuck Papa (<a href="mailto:chuck.papa@penske.com">chuck.papa@penske.com</a>).</p><p class="MsoNormal">We’re a company built by an entrepreneur and we think and act like it every day. If you want to spend your time building your book of business with solid leads, a support staff behind you taking care of your customers around the clock then be sure to check out our career opportunities.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Who knows, you just might be able to get back to what you <i>really</i> love about being a broker. Visit <a href="http://www.GoPenske.com/Careers">www.GoPenske.com/Careers</a><span class="MsoHyperlink">, or </span>follow @GoPenskeCareers on Twitter for our latest career openings.</p><p align="right"><em><span>By Andy Moses</span></em></p><p><em><span>Moses is senior vice president of global products for </span><a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/"><span>Penske Logistics</span></a><span> and can be </span><a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/company/contact_logistics.html"><span>reached here</span></a><span>. He is based at Penske’s global headquarters in Reading, Pa.</span></em></p></div>
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Penske is seeking qualified candidates for a variety of positions at college career fairs nationwide.
<p>Penske’s human resources staff will be available at the following schools to discuss with students and alumni the <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/">Penske Logistics</a>’ Supply Chain Leadership Program, and rental representative and management trainee positions.</p><p>• Feb. 3-4: Diversity and Career Fair at <a href="http://www.utk.edu/">The University of Tennessee</a>, Knoxville, Tenn.</p><p>• Feb. 7: Career Fair at <a href="http://www.cau.edu/">Clark Atlanta University</a>, Atlanta</p><p>• <span>*NEW* <span>F</span></span>eb. 7: Career Fair at <a href="http://www.northcarolina.edu/campus_profiles/INST_UNCC.php">University of North Carolina - Charlotte</a>, Charlotte, N.C.</p><p>• Feb. 12: Career Fair at <a href="https://www.ursinus.edu/netcommunity">Ursinus College</a>, Collegeville, Pa.</p><p>• <span>*NEW* </span>Feb. 19: Career Fair at <a href="https://www.sc.edu/">University of South Carolina</a>, Columbia, S.C.</p><p>• Feb. 20: Supply Chain Management Association Career Fair at <a href="https://www.cmich.edu/Pages/default.aspx">Central Michigan University</a>, Mount Pleasant, Mich.</p><p>• Feb 20: Career Fair at <a href="https://www.sonoma.edu/">Sonoma State University</a>, Rohnert Park, Calif.</p><p>• <span>*NEW* </span>Feb. 26: Career Fair at <a href="http://www.citadel.edu/root/">The Citadel</a>, Charleston, S.C.</p><p>Please check with your school’s Career Center for exact times and locations.</p><p>For more information about Penske’s open positions, visit the <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/">Penske careers</a> page. Penske offers competitive wages and a wide range of <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/employment_benefits.html">benefits</a>. Penske is an Equal Opportunity Employer.</p><p><em>By Kandace Wertz</em></p></div>
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Penske’s Open Road Sweepstakes Marks 15 Years with AAA
January 27, 2014
The year 2014 marks a milestone for Penske Truck Rental andAAA – 15 years of a successful collaboration. To celebrate, Penske Truck Rental is kicking off its new, Open Road Sweepstakes. Penske is giving away 15 truck rentals per month all year long in the United States.
<p>To enter Penske Truck Rental’s Open Road Sweepstakes and for official rules please visit: <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/discounts/">http://www.pensketruckrental.com/openroadsweeps</a></p><p>“Penske and AAA share a long history and a mutual commitment to safety on the road,” said Penske’s Don Mikes, senior vice president of rental. “We’re pleased to be working with AAA and to continuing to serve their members and their moving needs.”</p><p><a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/">Penske Truck Rental</a> is the exclusive truck rental provider to AAA’s members. AAA members enjoy discounts on truck rentals and moving supplies.</p><p>“AAA is proud of our longtime relationship with Penske Truck Rental and the valuable benefit it provides members,” said Scott Denman, AAA vice president of financial services and member benefit programs. “We look forward to continuing the relationship for many more years to come.”</p><p><em><strong>NOTE: This sweepstakes promotion has ended</strong>.</em></p><p align="right"><i>By “Move Ahead” Staff</i></p></div>
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Penske Truck Rental’s 2013 Top Moving Destinations List
January 22, 2014
In the list below, last year’s ranking is noted in parentheses. New to the 2013 list is Las Vegas, coming in at No. 10. Sarasota, Fla., No. 10 in 2012, was combined with the Tampa, Fla., metro area for this year’s list.
<ol class="ee-ol"> <li>Atlanta (1)</li> <li>Tampa, Fla./Sarasota, Fla. (new combined entry)</li> <li>Dallas/Fort Worth (2)</li> <li>Orlando, Fla. (4)</li> <li>Phoenix (3)</li> <li>Houston (6)</li> <li>Seattle (8)</li> <li>Chicago (5)</li> <li>Denver (7)</li> <li>Las Vegas (new!)</li></ol><p>“We have seen a continued migration of Penske Truck Rental customers from the Northeast and Midwest parts of the U.S. into these areas,” said Don Mikes, Penske senior vice president of rental.</p><p>Penske Truck Rental, based in Reading, Pa., has created a series of infographics to complement the list. The main infographic can be seen below. The infographics include popular destination points within each of the markets, additional factoids, and average home listing prices with data courtesy of <a href="http://www.trulia.com/">Trulia.com</a>.</p><p><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4b52661a78c2b83ddf620e043070988f" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" type="lazy-iframe" scrolling="no" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HmKMI23fptI?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>How is the Penske Truck Rental Top 10 Moving Destinations list created? It is procured through an analysis of our one-way consumer truck rental reservations made via <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/">PenskeTruckRental.com</a> and through our central reservations call center, 1-800-GO-PENSKE, as well as reservation requests we’ve received for <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/discounts/unlimited-miles/">one-way moves</a>.</p><p>Penske Truck Rental is a leading provider of consumer moving truck rentals and offers do-it-yourself movers discounts, ranging from <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/discounts/aaa/">AAA</a> to <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/discounts/military/">military moves</a>. <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/discounts/">Click here to view additional services and savings</a> from our moving friends, too.</p><p align="right">Where are you moving in 2014 and why?</p><p align="right"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9ceb87c6206938330ea18f9063973c3e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="89baf" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTEyNzMzNS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzODAyMzY0NH0._8vC7OMWm1xmmnp9I_9aATI7niu4TsgtOVNPShdTGpY/img.jpg?width=980"/></p><p align="right"><em>By Alen Beljin</em></p></div>
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Keep Your Dog Safe When Moving
January 21, 2014
During a move, your four-legged friends are just as precious as your belongings. That’s whyPenske has teamed with Kurgo to keep dogs safely secured with a harness while traveling in a Penske rental truck.
<p><a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/">Penske Truck Rental</a> customers can receive 30 percent off all Kurgo dog travel products. Just make your purchase at <a href="http://www.kurgostore.com/penske/?utm_source=Penske&utm_medium=Referral&utm_">Kurgostore.com</a> and use coupon code PENSKE30.</p><p>Kurgo sells a variety of <a href="http://www.kurgostore.com/dog-harnesses/">dog harnesses</a>, as well as other innovative dog products, including car seat protectors, booster seats, leashes, collars, carriers and beds.</p><p>"Kurgo is pleased to work with Penske to help educate customers on the move about pet travel safety, as well as tips on moving with a pet," said Gordie Spater, President and Co-Founder of Kurgo Products. "We seek to work with world-class organizations, and Penske is certainly one of them."</p><p>According to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, 36.5 percent of U.S. households own dogs, with the total U.S. dog population reaching almost 70 million. In 2012, the American Pet Products Association estimated that 11 million Americans relocate every year with their pets, primarily dogs and cats.</p><p>Kurgo offers these tips to make a move less stressful for both pets and their owners:</p><p><strong>Preparation for Moving</strong></p><p><em><strong>Pick the Right Surroundings</strong></em></p><p>• Walk around the neighborhood to determine whether the area seems safe for your pets. See if there are nearby dog parks, hiking trails or activity areas.</p><p><em><strong>Identification and Microchips</strong></em></p><p>• Make sure your dog has a current tag with your contact information. With all the chaos and extra nerves, many pets can be frightened and run off.</p><p>• Consider microchip technology – a chip placed under your dog’s skin that contains all his contact information. This popular device can retrieve your information in minutes.</p><p>• Look into new collar technologies that provide GPS tracking for your pet right on your PC.</p><p><em><strong>Pet Comfort with Travel</strong></em></p><p>• Create a comfortable environment for your pet while traveling to your new home to reduce stress. First, decide how you will transport your pet. Dogs should be restrained or contained during car travel to prevent them from getting into the front seat and causing distracted driving accidents. Smaller dogs do well in pet crates or pet carriers, while medium and large dogs seem to prefer a dog harness with seat belt.</p><p>• Familiarize your pup with the travel mode before your move. For example, if you plan to use a dog car harness and seat belt, you should place the harness on your pup every day for walking or playing around the house, so he gets comfortable with it. Before the big move, take your dog on short car rides while being restrained.</p><p><em><strong>Medication and New Vets</strong></em></p><p>• Keep any pet medications on hand and familiarize yourself with the emergency pet hospitals along your route.</p><p>• Before you leave the area, be sure to get a copy of all medical records for your pet, including vaccination records. Find a new veterinarian through your current veterinarian or a website like Vetstreet.com.</p><p><strong>On Moving Day</strong></p><p>• Be sure that your pet remains in a safe area that limits their exposure to heavy traffic in and out of the home and the flurry of heavy objects.</p><p>• Once everything is loaded, make sure your pet is properly restrained or contained in your truck or car. Be sure to bring an adequate amount of food, water and medication for the trip. Be sure to regularly hydrate your dog with water. Take frequent breaks on the drive to reduce your pet’s stress.</p><p><strong>Introduction to a New Environment: A Brave New World</strong></p><p>• Carefully establish a “pet HQ” for your pet in your new home where it can be carefully contained in a comfortable environment and be monitored easily. Place toys, bedding and other favorite items in the area.</p><p>• After everything has been moved in and organized, introduce them to their new environment one room at a time, ending with the area planned out and set up for their bedding. This progression allows them to feel comfortable with their new environment while clearly establishing their new sleeping area.</p><p>Need a <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/moving-trucks/">rental truck</a> for your upcoming move? Visit <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/">PenskeTruckRental.com</a>.</p><p><em>By Kandace Wertz</em></p></div>
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Northeastern’s Supply Chain Expo Canceled
January 20, 2014
The Supply Chain Networking Expo scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 22, atNortheastern University, Boston, has been canceled because of the snow storm.
<p>Northeastern graduates, undergraduates and alumni who were planning to attend the expo can visit the <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/">Penske careers</a> page to learn more about open positions.</p><p>Penske offers competitive wages and a wide range of <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/employment_benefits.html">benefits</a>. Penske is an Equal Opportunity Employer.</p><p><em>By Kandace Wertz</em></p></div>
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Penske Hosting Career Fair at UTI-Houston
January 20, 2014
Members of Penske’s maintenance and human resources teams will be available to speak to students and alumni Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 22 and 23, atUTI-Houston, Houston.
<p>Please check with UTI’s Career Center for exact times and location.</p><p>For more information about Penske’s open positions, visit the <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/">Penske careers</a> page. Penske offers competitive wages and a wide range of <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/employment_benefits.html">benefits</a>. Penske is an Equal Opportunity Employer.</p><p><em>By Kandace Wertz</em></p></div>
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Penske Attending MSU Supply Chain Career Fair
January 17, 2014
Penske Logistics is seeking qualified candidates for its Supply Chain Leadership Program (SCLP) at theSupply Chain Management Career Fair from 2-6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, in the Breslin Student Events Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich.
<p>The SCLP is a challenging two-year entry-level rotational program within the fast-paced logistics environment. SCLP participants take on supervisory roles during one-year rotations in two of the following logistics areas: dedicated contract carriage, distribution center management and transportation management.</p><p>For more information about Penske’s open positions, visit the <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/">Penske careers</a> page. Penske offers competitive wages and a wide range of <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/employment_benefits.html">benefits</a>. Penske is an Equal Opportunity Employer.</p><p><em>By Kandace Wertz</em></p></div>
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Penske Joining Veteran Virtual Career Fair
January 16, 2014
Penske will participate in Veteran Recruiting Services’ Virtual Career Fair from 1 – 4 p.m. EST. Tuesday, Jan. 21.
<p>The virtual fair is open to active duty, veterans, guard/reservists and military spouses. <a href="http://www.veteranrecruiting.com/ai1ec_event/virtual-career-fair-all-industries-active-duty-veterans-military-spouses-2/?instance_id=54">Register today</a>. Need assistance visiting the virtual fair? <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGlaePr3s78">Watch the job seeker tutorial</a>.</p><p>Penske recruiters will host real-time chats with prospective associates, seeking to hire for U.S. jobs such as technicians/mechanics, vehicle maintenance supervisors/managers, drivers, sales and customer service.</p><p>Penske has teamed up with <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces/">Veteran Recruiting Services</a> and other leading employers to support the White House Joining Forces Initiative to hire at least 50,000 veterans and military spouses by 2018.</p><p>For more information about Penske’s open positions for veterans, visit P<a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/veterans/">enske’s post-military careers page</a>. Penske offers competitive wages and a wide range of <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/employment_benefits.html">benefits</a>. Penske is an Equal Opportunity Employer.</p><p><em>By Kandace Wertz</em></p> <p></p><p></p></div>
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Penske Hosting Career Fairs in January
January 15, 2014
Penske is participating in career fairs at colleges nationwide throughout January for various employment opportunities.
<p class="MsoNormal">Penske is looking for qualified candidates who are dedicated to providing excellent customer service, committed to driving results and are goal-oriented.Penske recruiters will be at the following colleges and universities to find part-time Rental Representatives and full-time Management Trainees to join its winning team.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Jan. 16: <a href="https://careernetwork.msu.edu/jobs-internships/Career-Fairs/Diversity-Career-Fair/">Diversity Career Fair</a> at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Jan. 22: <a href="http://blogs1.conestogac.on.ca/events/2014/01/2014_job_fair.php">Career Fair at Conestoga College</a>, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Jan. 29: <a href="http://www.usf.edu/career-services/events/career-fairs-for-students.aspx">All Majors Career Fair at University of South Florida</a>, Tampa, Fla.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Please check with your school’s Career Center for exact times and locations.</p><p class="MsoNormal">For more information about Penske’s open positions, visit the <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/">Penske careers</a> page.<span> </span>Penske offers competitive wages and a wide range of <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/employment_benefits.html">benefits</a>. Penske is an Equal Opportunity Employer.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>By Kandace Wertz</em></p></div>
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Top 5 Things to Look For in a Freight Broker
January 14, 2014
The critical nature of supply chains in today’s business environment is taxing the already lean logistics staffs of shippers. Beyond just running the business, logistics teams are spending more time on analytical projects, what-if scenarios and network designs. The list goes on and on.
<p>Getting things done requires capable partners and one area of attention is in carrier sourcing.</p><p>It takes a lot of time to manage and juggle relationships and contracts with more than a handful of carriers. In an effort to find capacity, many shippers are turning to brokers.</p><p>So let’s think about the top five considerations in selecting the right broker:</p><p><b>Expect Carrier Management Excellence:</b> Make sure the broker has the infrastructure and process in place to monitor the carriers they use, including financial condition, DOT carrier rating and insurance coverage and CSA scores. You want capacity sure, but you only want qualified carriers hauling your freight.</p><p><b>Seek Broad Coverage:</b> Make the most of the relationship. Does the broker handle your once-in-a-while needs as well as the routine stuff? How about expedited moves? Drayage? Air charters? International shipments? Don’t allow a single critical load to dominate your time in any given day. Find a resource who can handle all of your needs.</p><p><b>Tangible Capacity Helps:</b> You’ve seen the ads from brokers who claim to have tens of thousands of carriers under contract. But can they guarantee you capacity? An asset-based broker like Penske has lots of carriers too, but we also have our own fleet that can be leveraged by shippers seasonally or in case of an emergency.</p><p><b>Find Unique Pockets of Capacity:</b> Penske freight brokerage solutions represent some of the top private fleets in the nation. These are carriers who have networks like yours, who can use their warehouse and cross-dock networks to create win-win solutions. These carriers are also shippers, so innovative co-loading opportunities can be the result.</p><p><b>Character Counts</b>: Aligning your business with a great brand like Penske, which takes a long-term relationship view to business, is always a good strategy.</p><p align="right"><i>By Andy Moses</i></p><p><i>Moses is senior vice president of global products for </i><a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/"><i>Penske Logistics</i></a><i> and can be </i><a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/company/contact_logistics.html"><i>reached here</i></a><i>. He is based at Penske’s global headquarters in Reading, Pa.</i></p><p><span> </span></p></div>
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Penske Used Trucks Website Offering Vehicle Delivery Calculator
January 08, 2014
Penske Used Trucks has introduced anonline vehicle delivery calculator to assist equipment buyers in the continental United States with estimating total purchase cost.
<p>If a potential buyer locates a Penske 16-foot box <a href="https://www.penskeusedtrucks.com/">trucks for sale</a> anywhere in the country and needs to have that vehicle transported to their operations in Atlanta, for example, the calculator provides an approximate delivery cost for your <a href="https://www.penskeusedtrucks.com/truck-types/light-and-medium-duty/light-duty-box-trucks.html">box truck</a>.</p><p>“Our call center has been utilizing this calculator to help prospective buyers estimate their complete costs and we’re now offering it for customer use on <a href="https://www.penskeusedtrucks.com/">PenskeUsedTrucks.com</a>,” said Bob Glenn, director of remarketing for Penske.</p><p>“This allows buyers to shop more effectively online before contacting our call center to complete their purchase.”</p><p>Any costs displayed by the calculator are for estimation purposes only. Not applicable for special equipment. Any variation(s) in pick-up location and/or destination may result in a change of total charges.</p><p>Certain restrictions apply. For official costs, terms and conditions on the delivery of trucks, tractors, trailers or special equipment, and for deliveries outside the continental U.S., please contact Penske Used Trucks at 1-866-309-1962.</p><p align="right"><i>By “Move Ahead” Staff</i></p><p align="right"><i> </i></p></div>
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Reverse Logistics Plans Cut Costs and Increase Customer Satisfaction
January 07, 2014
U.S. consumers were expected to spend $602 billion during the holiday season and 2013 returns were expected to reach around 10 percent of overall sales. That means over $60 million of merchandise is heading back to stores.
<p>Reverse logistics costs the industry billions of dollars each year in the handling, shipping, insuring and processing of returned products. By implementing a comprehensive reverse logistics plan, shippers can simplify the process for both themselves and their customers. They can also cut costs and minimize waste.</p><p>Industry research shows that companies investing in reverse supply chain improvements saw a four-fold decrease in cost per return. They also saw a 12 percent increase in customer satisfaction.</p><p>Reverse logistics plans are not a one-size-fits-all, and different companies will need a different approach.</p><p>Reverse logistics can integrate returns into a company’s overall supply chain strategy and warehouse management system instead of allowing returns to remain a stand-alone process.</p><p>By integrating forward and reverse logistics in the same facility, companies can drive efficiencies into the returns process. Reverse logistics can also include testing, re-packaging and refurbishing products, and reconciling payments and credit.</p><p>Shippers and their partners can also gain efficiencies by using technology to track and automate returns, saving time and expense.</p><p>To best meet their needs, shippers can consult with their logistics and transportation providers, making them partners in the process. That allows logistics providers to have a better understanding of necessary capacity and resources.</p><p>Creating a comprehensive plan may become more important as e-commerce continues to increase. While online shopping is on the rise overall, it is especially high during the holidays.</p><p>Holiday e-commerce sales were projected to increase 15 percent. Those sales should generate $61.8 billion in sales during November and December alone, and $262.3 billion in sales for the full year. By 2017, there will be $440 billion in sales.</p><p>Not only are buyers turning to online shopping sites, they’re visiting them from their mobile devices. Mobile commerce sales might generate $41.68 billion of the total $262.3 billion of e-commerce sales for 2013. By 2017 mobile commerce sales are expected to easily exceed $100 billion.</p><p>Industry research shows that more than half of consumers surveyed said they had returned merchandise to an online retailer, and most shoppers expect their purchases to come with a pre-paid shipping label to facilitate returns.</p><p>Penske Logistics offers a variety of ways to help your business with reverse logistics. Visit <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/">PenskeLogistics.com</a> for more information.</p><p align="right"><i>By ”Move Ahead” Staff</i><i></i></p></div>
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