E-commerce news
One story a day from the e-commerce world, and what it means for your store.
8 stories
- Logistics
Shopify opens market-driven shipping; mixed carts now pay the highest rate
Since Oct. 1, Shopify merchants can opt in to managing shipping rates by market, and new shops start there by default. Same-name rates now merge so a mixed cart pays only the highest one. Every qualified store must switch by July 1, 2027, so stores with several shipping profiles or shipping apps need to check their setup.
- Logistics
TikTok Shop adds no-box returns at about 10,000 Happy Returns drop-offs
TikTok Shop now lets U.S. shoppers return eligible orders with no box or label at about 10,000 Happy Returns locations, with an instant refund. The option is open to participating sellers, both self-fulfilled and Fulfilled by TikTok. Seller pricing hasn't been disclosed.
- Logistics
US-bound container rates hold near $7,800–$10,400 ahead of Golden Week
Shanghai–US rates stopped rising but stayed near 2026 highs in the week to September 24, while Asia–Europe rates fell. Drewry expects a dip around China's October 1–7 holiday, but US lanes may stay elevated through late October, which affects Q4 restocking for Amazon and cross-border sellers.
- Logistics
Amazon to extend GWD to 7 more countries, adds one-test compliance
Amazon will expand Global Warehousing and Distribution beyond the U.S. to the UK, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Canada by year-end, letting one shipment feed eight marketplaces. It also launched multi-country compliance testing, starting with toys.
- Logistics
USPS watchdog: counterfeit labels cost $3.1B; crackdown snagged 2M paid parcels
A USPS Office of Inspector General audit released Sept. 10 estimates counterfeit shipping labels cost the Postal Service $3.1 billion over two years, while its interception process mistakenly pulled about 2 million legitimately paid packages. Sellers shipping via USPS face delays if their payment records are late, and tighter rules may follow.
- Logistics
Amazon Shipping sets 2026 peak surcharges, skips residential and weekend fees
Amazon Shipping will add a per-package peak surcharge of $0.50–$0.75 from Oct. 25, 2026 to Jan. 16, 2027, plus higher fees for oversized and heavy parcels. Businesses using Amazon's parcel service, including those shipping orders from other sales channels, are affected.
- Logistics
UPS and FedEx raise 2026 holiday residential surcharges by about 25%
UPS has published 2026–27 peak demand surcharges starting Sept. 27 for oversized parcels and Oct. 25 for residential ground, with FedEx's residential peak fees also higher than last year. Sellers shipping direct to consumers through either carrier will pay more per parcel from late October to mid-January.
- Logistics
USPS files holiday price hikes for Oct 4–Jan 17 on top of its 8% surcharge
USPS has asked regulators to approve temporary peak-season price increases on Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, Ground Advantage and Parcel Select from Oct. 4 to Jan. 17, 2027. Sellers shipping with USPS, especially heavier and long-zone parcels, will pay more this holiday season.