As always, we are pleased to update you with highlights of our current product development!   For more details, Varsity customers can visit the Online Customer Center or contact their Varsity account representative.

ShipSoft 2.7 Upgrades Continue:  Customers are continuing to upgrade to our latest release ShipSoft 2.7.  There are many advantages to upgrading, such as access to additional functionality, including the combined UPS Domestic and Export CCK with more contract services, including “Paperless Invoice” for international shipments.

Release 2.7 also allows access to the TransData datamart and allows you to take advantage of our new ShipView Plus promotional offer, also featured in this newsletter.As noted below, the new ShipSoft GUI interface is only available with Release 2.7 above.  Finally, besides a range of feature and function enhancements, Release 2.7 provides many benefits associated with our automated Change Management processes (rolling PTFs, etc.)-which means superior application manageability and fewer issues to resolve.

Graphical User Interface (GUI):  This summer Varsity has introduced an optional GUI interface that is based on IBM® WebFacing Tools® (HATS®, WebSphere®).

Release 2.7 of ShipSoft is required, and deployment requirements will vary depending upon your IBM i platform configuration.  For more details, contact your Varsity account representative.

2009 FedEx-CCK Phase I: This year the 2009 FedEx CCK will be rolled out in two phases to support the carrier’s extensive compliance requirements.  Phase I was completed August 26, 2009, and it includes the following updates for Domestic-US services (among others):

• Earned Discounts (ED): ED program allows customers to earn their discounts based on actual shipping revenue.  It automatically adjusts the level of discounts to reflect actual shipping volume.
• Earned Discounts on Reports
• Electronic COD for FedEx Ground:  FedEx deposits the COD amount in the shipper’s bank account instead of returning the payment. Contract must be signed with FedEx before using. Server must be configured for E-COD.
• FedEx Bonus Envelope Weigh: Contract service with FedEx, allows an envelope weighing up to 10 pounds
• FedEx Ground Multi-Weight Package ID: Allows the shipper to specify what value is used for the Package ID in the FedEx MultiWeight Report (By Purchase Order Number, Package Invoice Number, Customer Reference , or Shipment ID Number)
• Broker Select: Allows the shipper to use a customs broker other than FedEx to clear the international shipment.

FedEx 2009 CCK Phase II is expected to be available this November and will update other Domestic services as well as deliver all International (export shipments) changes.

2009-2010 UPS-CCK:  As a UPS Select Provider, Varsity has been able to work closely with UPS in the area of compliance development.  This year, we have been able to accelerate the availability of 2010 compliance requirements into our October 2009 release of the CCK.  Updates in this combined CCK include:

• Canada Residential Classification:  Customers have the ability to select the residential special charge at shipping time for an expanded number of Canada origin services.
• Allow Additional Handling special charges for all international services:  Additional handling charges for international shipments will be processed the same way as the domestic shipments.  This will be available for US & PR origin only.
• Expand the UPS Express Saver service to additional countries:  Expansion of this service will be determined by additional services included in the Zone and Rate data provided by UPS.
• Service Indicator Standardization:  Combo special charges would no longer be necessary.  Customers would have a streamlined list of special charges to select from with clear descriptions.
• Simplify processing of residential shipments:  Shipping can be streamlined by eliminating the separate residential service and instead use a selectable special charge code.
• Enhance UPS transmission screens: Customers would have visibility to the number of shipment included in transmission, the total weight of the shipment and total shipping charges.
• Add Software Vendor Code Visibility:  Vendor code (927) will be added in all PLD transmissions so that UPS can identify the software used in the transmission regardless of transmission origin.
• World Wide Validation Data:  This object will facilitate validating if a service, accessorial, package type, or bill option is valid for a given country origin/destination pair.
• Customs Clearance Solutions, Paperless Customs Documentation Submission Update: UPS will send a new file quarterly that would contain any changes to the country information.  Customer would need to receive quarterly file to include update process.

Let us know if you have any questions about this important October 2009 release.