March 2026 Newsletter

President's Message

Spring is upon us, can you believe how fast this year is already moving? Our industry is gearing up for Easter and, of course, the big one… the mother of all holidays.

This is also the time of year for your CalFlowers membership renewal.

I would like to sincerely thank all of our members for being part of this outstanding association. Often, the FedEx discount is cited as the primary reason for belonging to CalFlowers, and it certainly is a valuable benefit. But let’s not forget the many other advantages we provide, such as funding education, research, and promotion, as well as savings on credit card processing, email marketing, employee recruitment, and much more. Not to mention the tremendous networking opportunities through events like Fun ’N Sun.

By being a member of CalFlowers, you are part of a community committed to advancing the American floral industry at large. Your membership supports initiatives that strengthen our industry today and help build a better future for tomorrow.

So when your renewal notice arrives, remember this: you are not just renewing a membership, you are investing in an industry, in a community, and in a future where flowers continue to inspire, connect, and bring meaning to people’s lives.

Lane DeVries

CalFlowers President

It's Almost Time to Renew Your CalFlowers Membership

Floral News

American Grown Flowers Request for Flower and Foliage Donations

Life In Bloom Brings the Beauty of Flowers to 116.8 Million Homes

IFPA Tariff Resources | SAF Tariff Resources

U.S.- Ecuador Trade Agreement Signed: What it Could Mean for the Floral Industry

Contributing Writers Wanted for Florists' Review

New Opportunity for Wholesale Floral Professionals: The Bill Doran Company Wholesale Education Travel Grant

What Gen X Wants from Flowers: New National Consumer Research

San Francisco Flower Market Celebrates Floral Industry at Chinese New Year Parade

Delaware Valley Floral Group Acquires Rokay Floral in Michigan

Momentum Builds for That Flower Feeling's Newest Campaign

Exhibitor & Golf Registration is Now Open! for Fun 'N Sun 2026

Join us August 5–8, 2026 at The Langham Huntington in Pasadena for Fun ’N Sun 2026 – “A Legacy in Bloom: 85 Years of Floral Excellence.” This milestone event will bring together growers, wholesalers, retailers, designers, and floral industry partners from across the country for education, networking, and inspiration.

Exhibitor Booths & Tabletops Are Now Open – Click Here to learn more. Showcase your brand at the Fun ’N Sun Flower Fair and connect directly with key decision-makers and industry professionals.

Golf Tournament Registration Is Also Open – Click Here to learn more. Kick off the convention with a fun morning on the course with colleagues and friends.

Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Experiences

Attendees will also enjoy special tours of the Original L.A. Flower Market and the Southern California Flower Market, plus a behind-the-scenes visit to Fiesta Productions, creators of the iconic Pasadena Rose Parade floats — including lunch served at Fiesta Productions.

Full attendee registration for Fun ’N Sun 2026 will open in late April / early May.

Transportation Updates

FedEx Updates: 

We have some good news! CalFlowers has once again made significant/major improvements to our FedEx contract in the last few weeks. This new agreement is in effect now and we will be detailing the improvements in an email to members directly. Look for information coming out in the next few days!

For those of you that missed our recent email from December, CalFlowers secured significant contract 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.  

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.

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 is in effect. 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.

Industry Events

Join us for the CalFlowers Benefits Showcase on April 16th at 12pm PST, an informative forum designed to connect current CalFlowers' members with the exclusive products, services, and discounts available through our trusted partners. In just 45 minutes, members have the opportunity to explore valuable benefits that can save your business time and money while helping you grow and succeed. 

Automation & Financial Efficiency for Floral Businesses Webinar

Member Spotlight

Pacific Tradeworks

Meeting the floral industry’s need for reliable, year-round premium greens, Pacific Tradeworks delivers consistent supply, exceptional quality, and dependable service to customers across the country and around the world.

Based in Western Washington State, Pacific Tradeworks connects floral professionals directly to tens of thousands of acres of native Pacific Northwest foliage. Their offerings include salal (all grades, including the very popular “bouquet grade”), beargrass, regular red and green huckleberry, as well as bouquet grade, sword fern, curly willow, flowering branches, and premium evergreen boughs for the holiday season.

Welcome New Members

Read the full update about our new member types.

This is the last month to participate in CalFlowers annual Membership Drive (Jan-Mar 2026) to further strengthen connections across every facet of the floral supply chain. New members can save $100 on their membership application by using the code BLOOM26.

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