If shipping management is part of your job description (or your entire job description), you know how important it is to partner with reliable, affordable carriers—and how tricky it can be to find them.
That’s why we were excited to share some good news on the Unboxing Logistics podcast: Sendle, First Mile, and ACI Logistix have merged into FAST Group, a carrier dedicated to providing top-notch service from first to last mile.
To help shippers understand what this shift means, host Lori Boyer invited FAST Group CEO Keith Somers to talk about his operational roots, what brought the three companies together, and how the combined organization plans to support businesses.
The reason behind the merger
Keith explained that the merger was driven by one idea: combine three companies with complementary strengths so customers can get a complete solution—without needing to piece it together themselves.
Each company brought something different.
- ACI had efficient sortation systems and strong middle- and last-mile capabilities.
- First Mile excelled in customized pickups and flexible routing across delivery networks.
- Sendle offered an accessible label platform and a well-regarded receiver experience.
None of them individually covered the full journey. Together, they could.
The idea was simple: “What if we brought all these companies together and had a one-stop shop for customers and clients of any size?”
That idea became the foundation for FAST Group.
A smoother experience for existing customers
If you already ship with one of the legacy brands, you keep the same core relationship you have today. But you also gain access to capabilities from the others.
For example, Sendle users can now take advantage of customized pickup and faster induction into the delivery network.
Similarly, ACI and First Mile users will gain access to Sendle’s receiver experience (RX) platform, which is built around clear parcel tracking and self-service tools. Keith emphasized how important that platform has been to the merger, noting that “Sendle has a [net promoter] score of 75, which is kind of incredible.”
What does this mean for your business? Keith explains that a strong receiver experience lowers customer service load and keeps your buyers happier without extra effort on your part.
How the FAST Group advantage works in practice
Many small businesses rely on drop-offs or irregular pickups. FAST Group aims to make that part of the process more predictable.
Keith painted a picture:
A branded driver arrives at your facility for a scheduled pickup, which gives you a direct relationship with someone who knows your business. Parcels go straight into high-volume sortation, which helps speed up time in transit.
From there, they move through an interconnected delivery network built to support ground, expedited, and air services. Throughout the process, the receiver experience platform provides steady tracking updates.
For a business owner, this creates a lower-touch workflow and eliminates the need to piece together different partners as your volume grows. As Keith put it, customers “could start in their garage, and maybe they’re selling yoga pants, and they’re going to be the next lululemon. They could stay with us the entire journey.”
Lessons from merging three companies
Bringing three organizations together is incredibly complex. Keith highlighted two lessons that apply to operations of any size.
1. Stay focused on the core priorities
With so many possible directions to take, Keith stressed the importance of choosing the essential goals and sticking to them. “You have to say no a lot in the beginning,” he said.
That clarity helped FAST Group avoid taking on too much too soon.
2. Slow down before you speed up
Early in the integration, the leadership teams spent time aligning on communication styles, responsibilities, and decision-making habits. Slowing down in the beginning helped the company accelerate later without creating confusion.
Looking ahead: what customers should expect next
The shipping market continues to change, and Keith sees several trends shaping the future.
Speed, convenience, and cost will remain essential, but many providers will eventually offer similar performance. The differentiator, he believes, will be how shippers support the person waiting for the package.
“When somebody says, ‘Where’s my parcel?’ we meet them wherever they are and continuously update them,” he said.
FAST Group is betting that a strong receiver experience will be what sets carriers apart in the coming years.
What this means for shippers
For ecommerce businesses that rely on predictable delivery and accessible support, this merger represents a chance to get more capability from a single partner. You keep the familiarity of your existing service while gaining access to broader tools, better tracking, and additional shipping options.
Still have questions? Check out the full episode to learn more.
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