UPS unit provides platform for Pitney Bowes shipping software
Mailstream technology giant Pitney Bowes is to base its next generation of shipping software on technology from UPS-subsidiary ConnectShip. The companies have put pen to paper on an agreement for ConnectShip to provide a compliance engine that will help Pitney Bowes customers in managing their logistics process.
Pitney Bowes said the move would “broaden the options” for its customers and allow further growth in the shipping software arena.
Mark A. Williams, director of distribution solutions for Connecticut-based Pitney Bowes, said the deal with ConnectShip would mean increased functionality and carrier compliance for software users.
“This agreement is a key component in our global strategy to deliver a more complete enterprise solution and a defining step toward securing our position as the preferred provider in this market,” he said.
Oklahoma-based ConnectShip has been part of UPS since 2001, when the company acquired parts of TanData Corporation. It produces a Toolkit including a software developer’s kit that allows users to integrate transportation and logistics software into existing business processes.
The company’s technology is already used in a range of services and products for parent company UPS, but the ConnectShip system can compare shipping rates across various major parcel shippers including FedEx, DHL, Purolator, TNT, UPS, and the US Postal Service, as well as less-than truckload carriers in 49 countries.
Pitney Bowes said ConnectShip’s scalable multi-carrier technology would support shipping logistics directly through its shipping solutions.
“As Pitney Bowes continues to look for ways to provide its customers with streamlined and efficient shipping services, ConnectShip will allow Pitney Bowes to do so with a standardized global platform for rating and shipment processing,” the company explained.
“This can help Pitney Bowes customers have critical shipping documents that are fully carrier compliant, reducing risk and expense to the shipper.”
