January 2026 Newsletter

Message from CalFlowers President

Happy New Year to you, 2026 promises to be an exciting year ahead.

The CalFlowers Board began the new year with a strategic planning retreat during the first week of January. This session was both thoughtful and energizing, and it generated several important initiatives that will help shape the future of our organization.

One key outcome of this process is the rebranding of CalFlowers, including thoughtful consideration of a new name. While CalFlowers was founded in 1941 as a California-based, grower-focused organization, we have evolved significantly over the decades. Today, we are a nationwide alliance representing wholesalers, growers, and retailers across the entire country. Still, many within the floral industry continue to perceive CalFlowers as California-centric and addressing that perception is a high priority moving forward.

In 2025 alone, CalFlowers distributed more than one million dollars in support across all segments of the floral industry, a reflection of both our reach and our commitment to strengthening the industry as a whole.

In the coming months, we will be sharing more details from our strategic planning process and outlining the direction and priorities that will guide CalFlowers into the future.

Please also mark your calendars for our upcoming Fun 'N Sun Convention taking place in Pasadena, California, from August 5–8. This year’s convention promises to be outstanding, featuring:

• Engaging educational sessions
• Valuable networking opportunities
• Tours of the Original L.A. Flower Market & Southern California Flower Market
• An inside look at how Rose Parade floats are built
• The always-popular Flower Fair, showcasing the newest and most exciting offerings in our industry
• A celebration of CalFlowers' 85th year of serving the floral industry

Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

Warm regards,

Lane DeVries

Floral News

Fun ‘N Sun, Flower Fair booth & tabletop registration opens today!

AFE applications now open for graduate scholarships

Television programmers say YES to Season 8 of 'Life In Bloom'

Nitrogen fertilizer needed to grow crops is in the air we breathe

Columbia market update from Augusto Solano

CalFlowers appoints Gustavo Gilchrist to board of directors

Berkeley Florist Supply celebrates 78 years & honors Morey Moss' 60 years of leadership

New Bloom Solutions rolls out 2026 Floral Events Calendar & Micro-Holiday Guide

DU LIVE interview with Lane DeVries

CalFlowers 2025 milestones & future direction

Transportation Updates

FedEx Updates: 

The FedEx Money-Back Guarantee was reinstated for eligible U.S. domestic services on January 13, 2026. Services include Priority Overnight, Standard Overnight and 2Day A.M. Keep in mind our contact includes a 1-hour grace period when requesting a Money Back Guarantee.

Recently a Transportation Update focusing on Valentine’s Day was sent out. This update included FedEx information as well as trucking schedules from some of our major long-haul carriers. If you missed your copy or need another, please email chris@cafgs.org.

For those of you that missed our recent email last month, CalFlowers secured significant contact improvements relating to Pick-ups and Demand fees. Currently in effect, these improvements include:

• Peak / Demand Surcharge: 60% discount
• Same-Day On-Call Pick-Up Fee: 100% discount
• Future-Day On-Call Pick-Up Fee: 100% discount
• Residential On-Call Pick-Up Surcharge: 50% discount
• Pick-Up Area Surcharge: 35% discount
• Extended Pick-Up Area Surcharge: 35% discount
• Remote Pick-Up Area Surcharge: 35% discount

These improvements will have a notable and significant effect on lowing your costs in terms of fees and surcharges especially since we are in the FedEx “Peak/Demand” season. Members receive 60% off Peak/Demand seasonal surcharges.

As a follow-up to Chris' recent email regarding Pick-up fees, that information is still the best information we have to this date. If you have a regular scheduled daily pick-up with FedEx, you will see a fee close to $34.00. To get around this fee we suggest using FedEx On-Call to schedule a pick-up when needed. You can do this online, or by phone. By using this method, you should not see a fee applied to your invoice. If you do see a pick-up fee, please email Chris at chris@cafgs.org. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

See HERE for a summary from FedEx that sheds some light on some of these fees you may be seeing. It’s a good reference.  

The nationwide FedEx General Rate Increase (GRI) for 2026 is 5.9%. CalFlowers members will only see a 5% increase due to our negotiated contract. This change took effect on January 5th and shippers should now see that change. Updated program and rate sheets are available on the CalFlowers website.

Also, there have been reports that FedEx has “accurized” their automated scanning machines that dimensionalize boxes sent through the system. This has been confirmed. These machines with sophisticated lasers are now even more accurate than before thus showing boxes larger than what was previously listed. In other words, your box is probably going to show LARGER than expected. For example, a 20 x 8 x 6, may now show as 21 x 9 x 7. This will result in price changes if your box is sensitive to size in terms of pricing. There are other fees that you may see on your statement and the above link can help make sense of it. CalFlowers is currently negotiating some of these fees and we should have news soon on how we did.

For those of you that haven’t heard, FedEx is spinning off its Freight (pallet) business. Most FedEx Freight accounts are stand-alone agreements, but we have ours built into our overall contract. Members still have Freight rates at 89% discount. How does this change affect CalFlowers? No changes as of today but more information will be coming next year. Read HERE for more details. 

With the winter season here, it’s an essential practice to check for any service delays or alerts before you ship, and the best resource for that information can be found HERE. Knowing what to expect before you ship can limit any unexpected delays and headaches.

FedEx International Shipping:

See here for an excellent resource from FedEx that walks shippers through the process step by step. First time international shippers inherently have questions on the process and paperwork required. If you'd like to talk to someone in person whether on the phone or at FedEx office, assistance available when needed.

Additional Reminders:

Although FedEx First Overnight is available to any FedEx customer, it is HIGHLY recommended that you do not select this service unless it is absolutely necessary and you fully understand the pricing. FedEx First Overnight (8am) is a remarkable service but please understand FedEx does not discount this option. Rates are VERY expensive and cannot be re-rated once shipped. 

Did you know that our Priority Overnight rates (10:30am delivery), typically are only a few dollars more than Standard Overnight? The Standard Overnight delivery commitment is around 5 hours later (3:30pm), which can make a difference with many varieties in terms of arrival condition. Take a look - you will be surprised how close these rates are.

Surcharges & Claims Resources: 

For those members looking for general information on Surcharges and Claims, the following resources can be helpful.

This first resource offers information regarding surcharges and fees. Keep in mind that the CalFlowers program offers members MANY surcharge and fee reductions that are significantly lower than these standard surcharges, however it’s still a good reference point and has some clear definitions on what each fee/surcharge is. If you would like a summary of your program surcharge/fee discounts and waivers, please check our website or email Chris Johnson for a copy.

The second resource is very helpful when you need to file a claim for damaged or lost product. Keep in mind, a product claim is different from our Money Back Guarantee, which applies to shipping charges and is handled differently. Product claims are more involved and can be confusing, but this resource helps navigate the process. 

FedEx New Member Resources: 

New members who are just starting with FedEx shipping can utilize the “Customer Training” service that is available upon request. This service offers shippers direct one-on-one assistance from FedEx covering many of the questions new shippers may have. If you are interested in signing up, please contact Chris Johnson. Visit this webpage for excellent information for new shippers and a summary of FedEx's offerings. 

We would like to remind members to stay current with their FedEx Express shipping invoices. FedEx payment terms are 15 days. All members shipping on FedEx Express are expected to stay within the FedEx payment terms. Failure to stay current with FedEx risks your account being delinked from the program. For more information on this issue, contact Chris Johnson, Dir of Transportation. To obtain your invoice details and payment options, please contact FedEx Customer Service.

GLS Updates:

Please note: GLS pricing for 2026 takes effect December 22nd. We are pleased to report rates will only increase on average by 3.5% as compared to the GLS scheduled 5.9%. New updated program info and rates are available on our website.

GLS added automated sortation systems to hubs in California, Las Vegas! See here for more for more info on GLS’s new automated sort.

The CalFlowers GLS program is one of our popular, most value-priced offerings, with discounts well over 70% off standard rates. GLS offers later pick-ups and earlier deliveries while providing express door-to-door services covering CA, AZ, NV, OR, WA, NM, UT, and ID. Members who want to ship on GLS must sign up in advance. It’s easy and just takes a few minutes. Please contact Chris Johnson for more details at (760) 533-5580 or chris@cafgs.org.

Check out the GLS interactive Time-in-Transit map. Plug in your ZIP code and a handy map will show you your 1-day, 2-day transportation options. 

GLS Program Improvements: 

GLS has been very receptive to our requests for program improvements. They have added the following features to our program for members to utilize when shipping Priority.

Alaska Air Cargo Updates:

As you may know, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines are merging. Due to this merger, Alaska has asked us to pause adding new shippers to our program while they combine operational systems. This pause is temporary, and we will notify members when we get the “go ahead” to add shippers to this signature program.

Alaska has also been keeping shippers up to date on the progress of the merger. Click HERE for the latest in booking and information.

If you've been using our new CalFlowers/Alaska Airlines shipping program, you’ve likely experienced its exceptional value. This program provides outstanding rates to numerous regions nationwide, including shipments from California, Portland, Seattle, and Alaska. 

For 2025, we have renewed our contract with Alaska Cargo and are pleased to announce no change in pricing! Look for more information coming soon and be sure to explore all program details on our website.

Did you know Alaska Airlines provides one of the most comprehensive intra-California services, with San Diego serving as its largest hub in the state? Even better, through our exclusive partnership with Alaska Airlines, we offer truly exceptional rates that you won’t find anywhere else. Click HERE for the latest Alaska Air Cargo Zone Map.

Air Canada Cargo Updates:

In case you missed it, we now have Air Canada rates available to our membership! They can be viewed on our website. These are the standard Floral Rates from Air Canada, and they offer good value. However, we are currently working with Air Canada with the goal of securing exclusive rates for CalFlower members. More information to follow.

Industry Events

Member Spotlight

Cold Ass Trailers

Ever find yourself running out of cooler space when you need it most?

If Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or a big wedding has ever left you wondering where you're going to store all your flowers, you are not alone.

This Member Spotlight features Cold Ass Trailers, a CalFlowers member helping florists, wholesalers, and growers add on-demand cold storage. From peak holidays to off-site events (or an unexpected cooler breakdown), portable refrigeration can be the difference between lost product and a record week.

Welcome New Members!

We are in the process of transitioning to new member types. New member types are reflected below. Read about the updates here.

Member Benefit Spotlight
Pollen Talent Recruitment Services

CalFlowers partners with Pollen Talent to bring the floral industry tailored recruiting solutions. Enjoy exclusive benefits from Pollen Talent, including:

• Access to a floral recruiting partner deeply rooted in the floral industry.
• Customized services to meet the specific needs of CalFlowers' members.
• Special rates on Pollen Talent's services.
• Extended-term recruiting guarantees.
• And much, much more...

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