Loop is excited to announce a significant expansion of our parcel intelligence capabilities with the addition of two industry veterans who bring unparalleled expertise from both sides of the shipping equation: Matt Sumowski and Paul Yaussy.
AI-native software provides the detailed data foundation. Experts give you the next move to optimize your spend. Loop now gives you both.
Deep industry experience meets cutting-edge technology
Matt Sumowski brings deep parcel industry experience, including 4 years at UPS where he specialized in sales, working directly with key accounts. Since transitioning into parcel consulting, Matt has developed unique insights into both carrier strategies and shipper challenges.
"Having managed relationships with large accounts for decades, I understand how carriers really think about pricing and negotiations," says Sumowski. "Shippers often don't realize that their 'three-year contract' language is actually a fear trap - carriers implement 14+ price increases per year, and each one opens the door for renegotiation."
Paul Yaussy complements Matt's carrier-side expertise with deep operational experience as a shipper. Paul spent 18 years at JOANN Stores, managing domestic transportation responsibilities for spending up to $85 million, depending on the year. His leadership extended beyond his own organization when he was selected as chairperson to negotiate parcel contracts for all 35 shippers under their private equity firm's portfolio.
Before joining Loop, Paul spent four and a half years at one of the leading parcel consultancies, where he honed his expertise in contract optimization and rate analysis.
"The difference between Paul and me creates the perfect combination," explains Sumowski.
"Matt has the carrier insider knowledge of how UPS and FedEx actually structure deals, while I bring the shipper perspective of operational constraints and real-world budget pressures,” agrees Paul.
Receive expert analysis free of charge
Traditionally, access to this level of parcel expertise required significant consulting engagements. Matt and Paul are changing that by offering comprehensive contract and rate analysis completely free of charge.
"We want shippers to understand their true exposure and opportunities. Whether they work with us afterward or handle optimization internally, they deserve to know where they stand” says Yaussy.
The free analysis includes:
- Detailed breakdown of GRI impact specific to the shipper's network
- Rate target identification by service level and zone
- Contract language review including amendment and termination clauses
- Strategic guidance on negotiation timing and approach
Augmenting human expertise with AI-powered contract intelligence
What sets this offering apart is the integration of human expertise with Loop's AI-powered contract intelligence platform. While Matt and Paul provide the strategic analysis and negotiation guidance, Loop's technology delivers ongoing insights and monitoring.
"The combination is powerful," notes Sumowski. "We can provide the deep analysis and strategic direction, while Loop's platform gives shippers the tools to maintain that intelligence going forward. It's about knowledge transfer, not just one-time consulting."
Addressing the GRI impact challenge
The timing of expanding our contract intelligence capabilities coincides with the first announcement around General Rate Increases (GRIs) for next year, with FedEx leading the charge again. For most shippers, understanding the true impact of these increases remains a significant challenge. We’ve broken down five key highlights from FedEx’s GRI announcement that all shippers need to understand.
"A 5.9% announced GRI rarely translates to 5.9% increased costs for any specific shipper," explains Yaussy. "Your negotiated discounts, service commitments, and shipping patterns create a complex web of variables. We typically see actual impacts of 10-12% when you include surcharge increases, but it varies dramatically by network."
Debunking common carrier tactics
Both experts emphasized their mission to help shippers navigate common carrier tactics that limit negotiation opportunities:
"We can't renegotiate - we just signed 6 months ago" – Yaussy calls this a "fear trap." With multiple price increases throughout the year, new negotiation opportunities constantly emerge.
"You’ll lose your discounts if you push too hard" – Reps often warn that challenging carrier pricing could jeopardize existing discounts. In reality, discount structures evolve with every general rate increase and surcharge adjustment. Although it’s not always the optimal time to renegotiate—and repeated or poorly executed attempts can create setbacks—shippers who take a strategic approach maximize their opportunities without risking their current position.
"We have a great relationship with our rep" – Both acknowledge good relationships matter, but emphasize the shipper's fiduciary responsibility to their organization. "Two things can be true," says Yaussy. "You can maintain great relationships AND ensure optimal pricing."
Immediate availability
Matt and Paul are immediately available for free contract analysis sessions. Interested shippers can provide basic shipping data and receive comprehensive analysis typically within one week.
"With 2025 GRIs just announced, now is the perfect time for shippers to understand their exposure and options," concludes Sumowski. "We're here to provide that clarity with no strings attached."
The free analysis represents Loop's commitment to transparency in an industry often characterized by complexity and information asymmetry. By making expert-level insights accessible to all shippers, Matt and Paul are working to level the playing field between shippers and carriers.
For more information about free contract analysis schedule a session with Matt and Paul today.
