The recent USPS shipping structure changes will increase retailers shipping costs, says Rakuten CEO Mike Manzione. What Rakuten does is help retailers offset these increases by utilizing a network of order fulfillment centers, thereby controlling shipping costs while decreasing shipping times. “With the change to zone-based pricing for First Class Packages, all clients must reconsider how to locate their product closer to their customers,” says Manzione.

Mike Manzione, CEO of Rakuten Super Logistics, discusses RSL’s plan to open six additional ecommerce fulfillment centers in 2019:

Retailers Must Locate Products Closer to Customers

Our continued expansion into major metropolitan markets is a commitment to our clients. We’re creating a network that provides our clients a greater choice and flexibility that aligns their customer base with their product. With the change to zone-based pricing for First Class Packages, all clients must reconsider how to locate their product closer to their customers.

By 2021, worldwide retail e-commerce sales are projected to be 4.9 trillion dollars (USD). At the same time, customers are demanding shorter shipping timelines. RSL is uniquely positioned as an industry leader with our nationwide network of fulfillment centers. With our increased major metropolitan presence, RSL will reduce ground transit delivery to within one day.

RSL To Open 6 New Ecommerce Fulfillment Centers

Houston and Los Angeles will be our first 2019 expansion markets. The new Houston facility will be strategic for our clients importing product and materials from all over the world – including Brazil and Germany. Los Angeles will be strategically located near the Port of Los Angeles, a major container port. The Los Angeles location will be instrumental for our clients that import product from Asia.

As a leader in the order fulfillment industry, RSL will also be employing state-of-the-art technology in all six new facilities. In 2018, RSL began deploying ‘order fulfillment robots’, developed by inVia Robotics, in its facilities nationwide and will be expanding with inVia’s automation technology in the new warehouses.

About Rakuten Super Logistics

RSL  Fulfillment Centers have been carefully managed from the ground up, to create unique, high-velocity operations:

• Maintain complete control of your fulfillment with a cloud-based fulfillment management system.
• Save on shipping costs and expedite shipment times with the 2-Day Delivery Network.
• Improve customer satisfaction and earn repeat business from shoppers.
• Focus on your business by partnering with the industry leader in eCommerce order fulfillment.