The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) created a freight classification system for all types of commodities to standardize freight pricing. This freight classification, including definitions of classes, is cataloged with National Motor Freight Classification tariff, commonly referred to as the NMFC.

RS Freight is only available to Members of RSA.  You must be a registered member and logged in to www.rscentral.org in order to access the online rating and booking system.  RS Basic Members receive deeply discounted freight rates from over 40 carriers, with discounts ranging from 65%-80% off published rates.  RS Premium Members receive an additional 5% discount, paid directly as a quarterly rebate.

Small package carriers set maximum weight-per-package and maximum dimensions that can be processed through their systems.  USPS maximum weight—70 lbs, maximum dimensions—130” length + girth.  FedEx and UPS maximum weight—150 lbs., maximum dimensions—165” length + girth.  Any package that exceeds either of these limits must be shipped through a freight system.

Your customers expect you to be able to ship virtually anything, regardless of size or weight because that is your stated business.  Freight shipments should be part of your offering in order to meet your customer expectations.

A lift-gate is a hydraulic platform mounted on the rear of a truck that is used to raise large, heavy items from street level high enough to be loaded into the truck.  A lift-gate is needed on either the pickup or the delivery end of a shipment when there is no freight loading dock.

Note: When booking a freight shipment, RS Freight Quoting requires you to indicate if a lift-gate is needed for the pickup and/or at delivery.

Freight carriers work on a tight schedule.  As such, they rely on shipments being ready at the scheduled time.  If your shipment is not ready, the carrier will likely add additional fees for waiting or re-scheduling the pickup.  Best advice is to make sure the shipment is ready when the carrier arrives in order to avoid any additional costs.

If you are not using email on your domain name, all you need to do is update your Nameserver settings within your domain name provider account. This action will “point” your web address to your RS Store Website. Depending on your domain name provider, instructions for making the change will be a little different. RSA has specific instructions for making this update on GoDaddy.com accounts. You can view the instructions using the link below:

GoDaddy.com Nameserver Setup Instructions >>

If you are using another provider, you will need to contact them directly to have them make the change for you. You will need to request that your Nameservers be set to:

            NAMESERVER 01: NSA.RSCENTRAL.ORG
            NAMESERVER 02: NSB.RSCENTRAL.ORG

If you are using email on your domain name, you will need to update your “Host Record” (sometimes referred to as an “A Record” or “@ Record”) within your domain name provider account. This action will “point” your web address to your RS Store Website.

Depending on your domain name provider, instructions for making the change will be a little different. RSA has specific instructions for making this update on GoDaddy.com accounts. You can download the instructions using the link below:

GoDaddy.com Nameserver Setup Instructions >>

If you are using another provider, you will need to contact them directly to have them make the change for you. You will need to request that your “Host Record” be set to:

            HOST RECORD: 70.34.33.112

NOTE: For your email to work correctly, your Nameservers must be set to the default settings specified by your domain name provider.

Your RS Store Website contains a robust Content Editor that allows you to quickly and easily make changes to your website. From editing text to adding pictures, links and videos...the Content Editor can do it all. Additionally, the Site Administation Tool makes management of your websites content very simple. It allows you to add/remove/re-order webpages, create coupons, integreate social media, add banners & images, manage store hours & pick-up times and edit the "look and feel" of your website.

For more information on editing and site administration visit the RS Store Websites Help system.

Yes. You can add images to any section that is editable and their is an integrated rotating graphic widget on the Home page and all Service/Product pages. You can manage these picture through the Site Admin tools.

For more information on editing and site administration visit the RS Store Websites Help system.

Yes, Any color scheme can be used with the new RS Store Websites.

For more information on editing and site administration visit the RS Store Websites Help system.  

Yes, Using the Website Admin Tools you can add, remove, and reorder Web Pages on your website.

For more information on editing and site administration visit the RS Store Websites Help system.  

Using the Website Admin Tools you change the logo on your website 

For more information on editing and site administration visit the RS Store Websites Help system.  

Using the Website Admin Tools you add, remove and create user-defined carriers to display on your website.

For more information on editing and site administration visit the RS Store Websites Help system.  

Using the Website Admin Tools you add, remove and create user-defined industry partners to display on your website.

For more information on editing and site administration visit the RS Store Websites Help system.  

Many stores operate a “sister” website that supports a specific product or service (i.e. U-Haul referral site, Snapio Specialty Printing site, 1-800-Pack-Rat ReSeller site, etc.) 

Using the Website Admin Tools you add a link to another website page into your website menu or anywhere in the web page text, 

For more information on editing and site administration visit the RS Store Websites Help system.  

The new RS Store Websites have an area on the Home Page where we have made it simple to add YouTube videos. Video clips can also be added to any editable area of your website using the Content Editor.

For more information on editing and site administration visit the RS Store Websites Help system.

No. RS Store Websites were designed, and search engine optimized, to support one store location. All “meta data”, keywords and website content is focused on a single location This gives you the maximum weight in search results for a given “packing, shipping, mailing, etc.” related search in your area.

Search engines display search results by relevance. If a potential customer does a search for a shipping store in Madison, WI, the search engine will return results with shipping stores with websites that contain keywords and meta-data that include “shipping” and “Madison”. A website that contains keywords and meta-data that include “shipping” and “Madison” and “Milwaukee” and “Green Bay” will show up lower in search results because it will be deemed “less relevant” by search engines…it’s an imperfect system.

For the best possible ranking in local search results, RSA recommends having a single website for each location. The sites should mention the other locations, but not be the focus of the meta-data or keywords.

The new RS Store Websites does offer a location map so that each store website can show customers all of your locations with links to the the other store websites.

The Package Tracking feature that comes with your website allows for tracking of the Shipping Carriers that have been set up on your website.

The only shipping carriers supported at this time are DHL, FedEx, UPS, USPS, LSO, Spee-Dee, and On-Trac.

Yes, RSA has taken great care to ensure that your website is optimized for local searches in your area with regards to your “on-site” optimization. We have written page titles, page descriptions and keywords that are specific to your offering and geographic location. Additionally, image “Alt” text, page layout and written content is geared toward increasing your online visibility. However, in order to maximize your online presence, there are a number of actions you can execute to take advantage of “off-site” optimization.

The most important step you can take is to “register” your new website with each of the major search engines (Google, Yahoo! & Bing). Each search engine has their own “local business listing” service (i.e. Google has “Google Places”), you will need to create an account with each and either “claim” your existing listing or create a new one. Below are links to each local listing registration site:

Register Your Website with Google >>
Register Your Website with Yahoo! >>
Register Your Website with Bing >>

Additionally, you can register your sites with other local online directories (i.e. Merchant Circle, Yelp!, HotFrog, etc.). Each time you register your site somewhere, it creates a “backlink” from a trusted website, further increasing your search engine optimization. For more tips on things you can do to optimize your site, click on the link below:

Website Optimization Article >>

Each search engine has their own “local business listing” service (i.e. Google has “Google Places”), you will need to create an account with each and either “claim” your existing listing or create a new one. Below are links to each local listing registration site:

Register Your Website with Google >>
Register Your Website with Yahoo! >>
Register Your Website with Bing >>

On average, new websites take at least 2-3 months before they will start to appear on search engine result pages. New websites must be indexed and approved by the search engine service before they will be displayed on a results page. To speed up this process, store owners can “register “ their websites with each of the major search engines and other online directories. To learn how to register your website, review the “LIVE Websites” tab.

Yes. Contact RSA once your site is live and provide the link to your chosen social media page. We will add the appropriate “like/follow” link to your homepage under the address block.

Using the Website Admin Tools you can add Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and YouTube social
media functionality to your website.

For more information on editing and site administration visit the RS Store Websites Help system.  

No. RS Store Websites were designed, and search engine optimized, to support one store location. All “meta data”, keywords and website content is focused on a single location This gives you the maximum weight in search results for a given “packing, shipping, mailing, etc.” related search in your area.

Search engines display search results by relevance. If a potential customer does a search for a shipping store in Madison, WI, the search engine will return results with shipping stores with websites that contain keywords and meta-data that include “shipping” and “Madison”. A website that contains keywords and meta-data that include “shipping” and “Madison” and “Milwaukee” and “Green Bay” will show up lower in search results because it will be deemed “less relevant” by search engines…it’s an imperfect system.

For the best possible ranking in local search results, RSA recommends having a single website for each location. The sites should mention the other locations, but not be the focus of the meta-data or keywords.

The new RS Store Websites does offer a location map so that each store website can show customers all of your locations with links to the the other store websites.

RS Store Websites do not have a built in tracking feature, however stores may register for a FREE Google Analytics account, which will track number of visits, time on site, visitor loyalty, keyword information and much more. RSA will assist in adding the necessary tracking code to your website once you have established a Google Analytics account. Once your account is established you will be provided with a short section of HTML code that needs to be added to each page of your website. Send the HTML code to websites@rscentral.org along with your store information and we will add it for you.

Sign-up For Google Analytics >>

Yes. RS Store Website owners that pay their hosting fee annually will receive a 16% to 17% discount.

There are infinite variations on just about any domain name you want. You DO NOT have to have a domain name that is exactly your business name. In fact, in most cases, having your store name plus your city or zip code can be of more benefit when it comes to search engine optimization (i.e www.mystorenameCity.com).

Long gone are the days of having an easily memorable web address. Most consumers “search” for websites, they do not type in an address directly. This eliminates the need for a cryptic and short address.

Also, you can purchase a “.net” or “.biz” variation of your desired address. The coveted “.com” version of your desired address is far less important than it used to be, and has no bearing on your search engine optimization.

No, but there are several others to choose from, for example: .net, .org, .biz, .us, .info, .co, etc.

Print files uploaded to your RS Store Website will only be available on the server for 4 days. When you receive a print file email you should download and save it to your local system immediately.

Google is not 100% accurate all the time. If you find that the “pin” on your Find Us map is not in the correct location you should submit a map update request to Google.

Report A Google Map Problem >>

While Google is fixing the inaccurate map location you can fix the map location displayed on RS Store Websites by using "Store Map Settings" under "Site Admin" on the "RS Websites Administration Menu".

Click on the "Post New Listing" link to the right of the Classified listings. (Note: You must be a Member of RS Associates and logged in to post items.)

Click on the "Make an Inquiry" button to the right of the Classified listing. This will allow you to send an email directly to the seller. (NOTE: For security purposes, the sellers email address is hidden.) Or use the method provided by the seller in Contact Information.

You can have as many listings as you would like, but please limit your listings to items that are specific to the retail shipping industry.

All Classifieds must be approved by the Website Administrator before they appear in the listing. Please allow 1-2 business days for your item to be listed.

Items will be listed for a maximum of 180 days and then automatically removed. If you wish to continue trying to sell your unsold item, you will need to create a new listing for that item. (NOTE: When you add an item to the Classifieds, you have the option to select your own expiration date for your item, as long as it is less than 180 days).

After logging in and navigating to the Classified page, click on the "My Listing" link next to the Classified listings. Click on the pencil icon in the top right corner of the listing you would like to remove. On the next page, scroll to the bottom and click the Delete button.

Yes, you can upload up to 5 images to your listing.

It is physical loss or damage insurance of goods carried by vessel, road, rail, aircraft, post, or by any other conveyance. This insurance protects those who have an insurable/financial interest in the cargo (buyer or seller and intermediaries, if so structured). Coverage ranges from All Risks to Named Perils, with common extensions as well as customized wordings.

There are NO monthly minimums or monthly fees for this program. The only fees are those that apply for each shipment that is insured.

An all risks policy is the broadest form of coverage, however it does not cover "every" risk. Unless specifically included, it will not cover loss of market, loss or damage caused by delay, inherent vice of the goods, war, strikes, riots, or civil commotions. This coverage is now generally referred to as Institute Cargo Clauses (A), or 'A' Clauses.

The value of the shipment declared for insurance should reflect the true value of a shipment. If a loss occurs and the amount declared is found to be less than the true value, the claim settlement may be pro-rated to a lesser amount. In these situations, it is if the insured is acting as a co-insurer of the shipment and sharing in the loss.

Follow the instructions outlined on your Certificate of Insurance. Report the loss to the carrier in writing advising them that you intend to submit a claim for the loss. Contact the surveyor at the destination (usually shown on the Certificate of Insurance), who will attend and establish the cause and extent of the loss. Advise your broker, who will assist with managing the claims process.

The recipient:

• Must save all packaging materials until the claim is resolved.
• Notify the store.
• Ensure the shipment is protected from further damage until the claim is resolved.

Shipments of personal effects may contain a warranty that requires the submission of an itemized and valued inventory prior to shipment. If this is not provided, in the event of a loss an average value per package may be determined based on the total insured value of the shipment and the total number of packages.

The standard Institute Cargo Clauses contain a Free of Capture and Seizure (FC&S) clause, which excludes war risks, strikes, riots and civil commotions, and similar risks. A specific extension must be added, subject to an additional premium, if these perils are to be insured. There are three Institute War Clauses covering cargo, air cargo, and postal shipments. War risk rates are set by the London Market War Risks Rating Committee or the American Market War/Strikes, Riots and Civil Commotions (SR&CC) Schedule. The political and social climates of a given country determine the rates. The aforementioned committees keenly monitor these forces, and update the war rates frequently as conflicts often arise suddenly.

If you want to have the additional benefits of Cargo Insurance over the limited benefits of Declared Value Coverage.

Purchase the Cargo Insurance coverage by entering the declared value into your shipping system just like any other shipment.

If you DO NOT want to purchase additional Cargo Insurance and just want to use the free declared value coverage form the carrier.

DO NOT enter a declared value into your shipping system. This way you will not be charged for any additional Cargo Insurance. The free declared value coverage from the carrier will be the only coverage you will have on this shipment.

Increased Customer Traffic! - Increased Store Revenue!

Price - Discounts available on some USPS products.

No Fee License Agreement!

You keep control of your current account with Office Depot. The additional discounts get added to your current account.

This varies depending on if you already have an account setup with Office Depot. Usually it takes 7-14 days for the discounts to be added to your account.

You keep control of your current business account with Office Depot. The Buying Power discounts get added to your current account in most cases.

Yes, we will setup a new Office Depot Business account for your business. The Buying Power discount will be on this new business account. Your current retail account will still be active but will not have the Buying Power discount attached. Be sure to use your new Office Depot Business account to receive your discounted pricing.

The application process is simple, fast, and easy. You can begin the application process by calling (877) 542-7623 and NextPay Merchant Services will email an application to you.

Approval for a credit card merchant account can take as little as 2 business days.

You’ll be able to accept: VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.

You’ll be able to accept credit cards whether they're domestic or international. However, all payments will be processed in US dollars only.

The application asks for information on company ownership and processing detail. You will fax us the merchant application, voided check, and your last month’s processing statement.

Swiped rates are lower because there is less risk (you physically have the credit card in hand, and more data can be read from the card) vs. just entering a card number.

Once you are approved, it typically takes 2 business days to begin processing credit card transactions.

Funds are transferred into your bank account within 24 hours if you “batch out” before 6 PM Eastern Time. If not, 2 business days beginning the day after the transaction is approved.

We use industry standard encryption protocol to keep customer card information secure.

In most cases we would be compatible with your terminal. There are a few “proprietary” terminals that are locked down but we can work with you to find the most economical replacement.

NextPay Merchant Accounts are powered by First Data, the industry leader in providing credit card processing solutions to merchants.

Your merchant account application will also allow you to apply for American Express accounts. While NextPay will manage the application process for you, we unfortunately don't have visibility into or influence over the specific rate(s) your business will pay. We do know they will evaluate: type of business, estimated annual volume (and historical volume), and whether you have had a previous AMEX account. Once you are approved, we will better be able to assist you in understanding the rates you will pay for each type of transaction.

The Endicia back-end platform required to support custom rates does not support Dymo Printable Postage at this time. Because of this Endicia requires you to have a separate Endicia account in order to use Dymo Printable Postage.

Postage will have to be added to each account separately.

USPS Postal Insurance is not available in the RS Postal Rates program.

Third Party coverage such as RS Package Insurance is available and Endicia Insurance is available. These are much better options than USPS Insurance because both options are much cheaper and are better services. 

Note 1: RS Package Insurance covers personal affects with some limitations. Endicia Insurance DOES NOT cover personal affects.

Note 2: To use RS Package Insurance you must sign up for it at the RS Package Insurance web page. To activate Endicia Insurance you must log into the Endicia account page on Endicia.com and agree to the Terms and Conditions for Endicia Insurance before using it.

PostalMate has fully integrated Priority Mail Cubic and Priority Mail Cubic Softpack discounts along with the other program discounts and functionality, so PostalMate customers will be able to "see" the accurate discounts and the PostalMate reporting will be accurate. ShipRite has NOT integrated the Priority Mail Cubic or Priority Mail Softpack rates (or any other RS Postal Rates), so ShipRite users will still receive the discounts for eligible shipments, but they will not know if shipments are eligible at the time of the transaction and the ShipRite reporting will not be accurate. Note: ShipRite users will need to log in to their account at Endicia.com in order to see when and on what shipments the discounts were applied.

No, but if you do apply to become a USPS Approved Shipper, use the Endicia Dymo Printable Postage account number on the  Approved Shipper application.

NOTE: Rates for USPS Approved Shippers are significantly higher than the RS Postal Rates.

"Surface Only" shipments via Parcel Select. The only difference is that Endicia does not print an ORM-D label. You will need to generate the proper label some other way.

Note: If you use the PM Tools service, you can print the required ORM-D label using PM Tools.

The official name is Priority Mail Commercial Plus Cubic Pricing.

Designed for high-volume shippers, the Cubic pricing model bases the rate a business pays for a package on its volume in cubic feet, rather than its weight. Cubic-priced packages are easy to efficiently carry in planes and trucks, which means it costs less for the USPS to transport and deliver these boxes – and they’re passing those discounts on to high volume shippers.

Qualifications

• weigh less than 20 pound,
• measure at most 0.5 cubic feet, and
• the longest dimension must not exceed 18 inches.

If you enter dimensions for your Priority Mail shipment, Endicia will automatically determine if it qualifies for Cubic pricing and will switch your shipment to Cubic Pricing if it will save you money.

How does Cubic Pricing Work

Cubic Pricing is measured by calculating:

Length x Width X Height / 1728 = Cubic Feet

Based on the cubic feet measurement, your package will fall into one of five tiers:

• Tier 1: Packages up to .10 cubic feet
• Tier 2: Packages more than .10 and up to .20 cubic feet
• Tier 3: Packages more than .20 and up to .30 cubic feet
• Tier 4: Packages more than .30 and up to .40 cubic feet
• Tier 5: Packages more than .40 and up to .50 cubic feet

Cubic Price Chart by Zone 

Effective April 10, 2016

More Information: http://pe.usps.gov/text/dmm300/223.htm#1404270

No, USPS Approved Shippers only receive Commercial Plus Rates on Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail Express International. These 2 services make up a very small portion of the typical store's USPS sales.

The savings of over $300 per month that we calculated, was obtained by analyzing the shipping history of 641 stores using USPS Approved Shipper rates.

RS Postal Rates is fully integrated into PostalMate.

Priority Mail rates are fully integrated.

Priority Mail Cubic & Priority Cubic Mail Softpack rates are fully integrated. 

Priority Mail International, Priority Mail Express International, and First Class Package rates are fully integrated.

RS Postal Rates are not integrated into ShipRite at this time (not currently scheduled for integration at this time). You can still use the program and you will receive the new discounted rates by Endicia on all services.

ShipRite will not reflect the correct cost, so if you base what you charge your customer off of the wholesale cost shown in ShipRite, you will actually have a higher profit margin than ShipRite reflects.

Please contact FotoZoomer directly for any special requests – sizes, materials, colors, etc. Call (888) 496-6637 or email prints@fotozoomer.com.

PackageHub™ Business Centers

Yes. Because they are two separate business entities, the fees for RSA and PBC are separate. Membership fees for PBC are $75 per month.

RS Basic Members are welcome to apply to be a PBC. Once you are approved, and at the time or before you sign the PBC Membership agreement, you will be required to sign up as an RSA Premium (paid) member at $24.95/month, or $249.00 annually. But you don’t have to wait. There are so many benefits to becoming an RSA Premium Member—including the RS Postal Rates—and discounts with dozens of Premium Suppliers. There is no reason not to become a Premium Member now. Upgrade from Basic to Premium today.

For consistency, and to set customer expectations, we need to be able to advertise nationally that all PBC locations offer a standard set of core services. Core services include: 

• Mailbox rentals/package receiving
• Professional packing
• Domestic and international shipping
• Basic office services (print, copy, scan, fax)

If you don’t offer all these services today, you can still apply. Once accepted into the PBC program, you will be required to offer all core services prior to advertising or promoting your store as a PBC. 

We will advertise that all PBC locations offer private mailbox (PMB) rentals. To rent PMBs, you must register with the USPS as a CMRA—Commercial Mail Receiving Agency. How you choose to manage the mail is up to you. It could be as extensive as installing physical mailboxes with 24-hour access, or as simple as storing the customer’s mail behind the counter. Providing virtual/digital mailbox service is also acceptable as a private mailbox solution. 

You are required to accept packages on behalf of mailbox customers. It is up to you if you want to charge a fee for package receiving for mailbox customers. Limits of number and size of packages is also at your discretion. Many stores also offer one-time package receiving to non-mailbox customers for a fee. 

The PBC Knowledge Exam is a way that experienced operators can skip taking certification training and prove their industry knowledge. More details will be available during the membership application process.

At least one person who actively manages the day-to-day operation of the store will need to have been certified or pass the exam in the core areas. As an owner/manager, it is your responsibility to ensure that all employees are trained in all key areas of their job role.

Key areas of knowledge include, a) Mailbox management (CMRA), b) Professional packing, c) Domestic shipping, and d) International shipping.

The goal of standards for store aesthetics are key to our overall positive customer experience. PBC stores should maintain a clean, organized, professional and secure store environment.

Examples of these standards include:

• Windows, counters, floors and display shelves should be clean and free of dirt/dust, fresh, and have proper lighting. Stores should be a non-smoking environment. 
• Neat and uncluttered arrangement of packing materials and merchandise. Clear pathways throughout retail areas.
• Secure storage areas for inbound and outbound customer packages. 
• Store branded and carrier signage should be functional, neatly placed, and up to date. Informational signs should be computer printed and neatly displayed. 

Yes. While many store employees dress professionally, research has shown that a consistent look identifying employees helps increase the professionalism of your store. What you decide to use as a uniform is up to you. For some, it may be a button down long-sleeve shirt and dress slacks. For others, a polo or t-shirt with your logo, a name badge, and khaki shorts might be the appropriate choice for your climate or casual nature of your neighborhood. 

Our goal is to have a source in place so that you can choose from a menu of PBC branded apparel and promotional items. 

If your store hours don’t meet the minimum requirements (Mon-Fri 9:00a – 6:00p, and open at least 4 hours on Sat), you can still complete the application process. Once approved as a PBC, we will require you to comply with the minimum store hours prior to advertising or promoting your store as a PBC. 

PackageHub Business Centers is a stand-alone business entity: PBC, LLC. The agreement you sign will be with PBC, LLC. and is separate from your RSA membership. 

To meet federal and state regulations, the PBC network is a franchise. But PBC is not a typical franchise. We have structured the PBC franchise in a way that requires a) No upfront franchise fees, b) No percentage of revenue royalties, c) No long-term contracts (30-day out), d) No store brand/name change, and e) No requirements to do any kind of costly remodel your store.

A UPS User Account can not be used to manage PackageHub Business Center UPS ASO accounts if the UPS Billing Center has been setup on the user account.

If you are not sure if the UPS Billing Center has been set up on your UPS user account, attempt to access the UPS Billing Center by clicking on View & Pay Bill under your profile drop-down. If you are asked to enroll in the UPS Billing Center then the UPS Billing Center is NOT set up on your user account. Click Cancel to abort enrolling in the UPS Billing Center.

Verify if UPS Billing Center is Set Up Video.