Home >> Press Releases >> SGMA Members Can Now Save On Shipping With PartnerShip

SGMA Members Can Now Save On Shipping With PartnerShip

Date: 8/19/09

WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 19, 2009 -- Shipping costs are an often-overlooked contributor to rising business expenses for manufacturers. With annual carrier rate increases, rising fuel costs, and accessorial charges that may increase 20 percent or more year after year, finding a way to reduce your shipping expenses can make a serious impact on your overall balance sheet. Something’s got to give, say many manufacturers. Well, now, something has -- introducing the new SGMA Discount Shipping Program, managed by PartnerShip.

The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association has arranged to work with PartnerShip, an independent third-party logistics provider which has developed and manages the program, to offer SGMA members discounted shipping services on both inbound and outbound shipments.

“This new shipping program through PartnerShip makes a great addition to our menu of services designed to save members money,” said SGMA President Thomas Cove. “The deal is clearly advantageous to many members.”

PartnerShip began as a successful member service in 1989. Today, PartnerShip is a well-established organization working with more than 16,500 businesses nationwide, and is aligned with several of the best carriers in the industry. “We use the buying power of the association, just as each trade association does itself,” explains Harry Centa, Program Manager of the SGMA Discount Shipping Program. “The power of the large numbers of members in these associations allows us to negotiate better rates with FedEx than individual members can achieve on their own.”

How Much Will I Save?
All SGMA members enrolled in the SGMA Discount Shipping Program will see discounts in shipping rates, regardless of the type of merchandise they send and receive. The more you currently spend on inbound and outbound shipping, the more you can save using the new program.

Enrolled members will enjoy a 10-to-20 percent discount on packages sent via FedEx Ground®, depending on weight, which is ideal for inbound and outbound shipments. If you have regular outbound shipments, you may also want to consider shipping with FedEx Home Delivery®, a residential-only delivery method that suits customers’ schedules and offers up to 10 percent savings. It’s straightforward and, for many manufacturers, offers sizable savings.

Get Started
Members will find it fast, easy, and convenient to enroll and get started in the SGMA Discount Shipping Program, a free SGMA member benefit with no obligations and no minimum shipping requirements. To set up your account, simply enroll online at www.PartnerShip.com/77SGMA. In about five to seven business days, PartnerShip will activate the member’s new FedEx account. Members will then receive a welcome packet, showing them exactly how to use the program. If a member already has a FedEx account, they are still encouraged to enroll in the shipping program, and get their current account linked to the discounts. Call Partnership at 800-599-2902 to learn more about this shipping program that combines simplicity, cost savings, and value to SGMA members.

The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA), the #1 source for sport and fitness research, is the leading global trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products industry.  SGMA helps lead the sports and fitness industries by fostering participation through research, thought leadership, product promotion, and public policy.  More information about SGMA membership, SGMA Research, and SGMA's National Health Through Fitness Day can be found at www.SGMA.com.