|
You already know about our top-tier shipping programs, but are you aware of the other amazing CalFlowers membership benefits?
Join us for this 45-minute online event where you’ll connect directly with CalFlowers’ benefit partners in small breakout rooms. Explore the perks most relevant to your business, ask questions in real time, and make meaningful connections. This session will not be recorded so register now!
|
|
|
Date: Oct 30, 2025
Time: 11:00-11:45AM PDT
|
|
|
Job Postings: Chicago Area Wholesaler Accepting Applications
|
|
|
Chicago area wholesaler is accepting applications for Floral Buyer and Floral Sales positions. Experience required. For more information, please contact Larry at (630) 247-2766, larry@ldtrading.com.
|
|
|
Enjoy Autumn with Special Life In Bloom Shows
|
|
|
“Taking a season or a holiday and tailoring segments around it is always fun,” notes J Schwanke, creator of Life In Bloom. “Now seems like a good time to remind everyone about our Autumn (414), Halloween (714), and Día de los Muertos (610) episodes, all available to stream online at uBloom.com or at PBS.org!”
|
|
|
|
“Of course, all of these themed shows focus on including flowers!” explains J. All three episodes offer timely inspiration for the inclusion and enjoyment of flowers. Watch these episodes and consider sharing them with customers and associates for ideas on making the most of each of these seasonal celebrations. READ MORE.
Autumn Harvest Season 4 Episode 414
J welcomes Autumn with flowers accented by the bounty of the season. Pumpkins, ears of stained-glass corn, chrysanthemum, and even roses crafted from colorful leaves, all play a part in inviting flower arrangements.
Life in Gloom Season 7 Episode 714
This show is of special interest for fans of Halloween, as ways to include flowers in your festivities are presented. Included: a bouquet of black blooms, building a cemeterrarium, pumpkin couture, flowers bloom while cauldron bubbles, and dried flowers are given new life for the holiday.
|
|
|
Sustainable Disease Management for Specialty Cut Flowers: Results for New Research
|
|
|
The specialty cut flower industry continues to grow rapidly across the U.S., with demand for locally grown flowers climbing each year. However, growers still face persistent production challenges, and one of the most critical is disease management. Traditionally, chemical fumigants like methyl bromide were used to suppress these pathogens, but those options are now phased out or heavily restricted due to environmental and health concerns.
|
|
|
|
Recent research conducted by Dr. Francesca Hand and her team at The Ohio State University, supported by the American Floral Endowment, has explored one such alternative: Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation (ASD). At the same time, the project developed a new educational resource, Diseases of Specialty Cut Flowers: A Farmer’s Guide to Disease Identification and Management, to help growers improve disease diagnosis and management strategies on their farms. READ MORE.
|
|
|
|
Do you have floral news you want to share with the CalFlowers community?
Please contact us.
|
|
|
Important FedEx Updates:
As a follow-up to Chris' email two weeks ago 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 somewhere around $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 let Chris know by emailing chris@cafgs.org. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
We have just received confirmation of the FedEx General Rate Increase (GRI) for 2026. Effective January 5, FedEx will implement a 5.9% overall rate increase. In addition, we anticipate that new surcharges and/or fee adjustments will be announced in the near future. Updated rate sheets will be available during the first week of January. As further details become available, we will share updates promptly to keep you informed.
For those of you that haven’t heard, FedEx is spinning off its Freight (pallet) business. Most FedEx Freight accounts are stand-alone agreements, as is ours, but those with integrated Freight accounts will see some changes. How does this affect CalFlowers? No changes as of today but more information will be coming. We foresee that we would simply sign another stand-alone Freight agreement hopefully with higher discounts and the move should be fairly seamless to shipping members. Read here for more details.
|
|
|
With the Fall season here, winter is not far off. 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.
|
|
|
Your shipping platform may not allow you to book a shipment to arrive on Saturday. To get around this, shippers need to go to FedEx.com and book it manually. This will allow Saturday delivery zones and times to show up.
You can have your shipments held at your nearby FedEx Office instead of being delivered to your door. Having shipments held at your local FedEx office can help with temperature management since your boxes will be stored in a temperature-controlled office rather than riding in a truck all morning. It’s also true that you can drop off your shipments at your local FedEx office. This can be an advantage for some parts of the country where having your packages standing by in a FedEx office is preferable to being in a truck for hours.
|
|
 |
|
For those wanting to know who your FedEx representative is, or if you want to be contacted by FedEx, please email Chris Johnson with your FedEx account number and he will respond with your FedEx contact. It’s a good practice to establish a relationship with your FedEx representative. They can be of great assistance when needed.
Find the latest news from FedEx here.
Call (877) 339-2774 for FedEx’s tech support team, who can help with many tech-related issues including guidance regarding on-line shipping platforms.
|
|
|
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, Director of Transportation. To obtain your invoice details and payment options, please contact FedEx Customer Service.
|
|
|
GLS Updates & Transit Map:
In case you missed it, We’ve introduced NEW GLS Ground rates exclusively for our members. This service covers the entire domestic U.S. and is ideal for non-perishable items, though perishable goods can also be shipped. Our rates are highly discounted and available to all shipping members.
For complete pricing and additional details, please email Chris Johnson.
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.
|
|
|
|
GLS will now honor product claims. If GLS is at fault (acts of God, not included) and the product arrives damaged, significantly late, or just missing, members now can file a claim. We highly recommend member shippers to indicate the correct Declared Value to be covered.
GLS will credit 100% of shipping costs if your shipment is not delivered on the day promised. Bad weather is excluded. Members will need to request this within 48 hours at customerservice@gls-us.com.
|
|
|
|
GLS has given our account access to a special premium team of Customer Service agents. This high-level group was designed for fast response and problem solving. Please contact Chris Johnson for access to this important resource.
GLS has an updated website. Additionally, try this handy Delivery Rates & Times Calculator to view delivery dates and estimated time of arrival.
|
|
|
Alaska Air Cargo Program:
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the latest News & Updates please visit the Alaska Airlines webpage.
For the latest in Alaska Cargo News see here.
|
|
|
|
Alaska Air commonly asked questions.
For questions about our Alaska Air Cargo program, please contact Chris Johnson, (760) 533-5580.
|
|
|
|
|
Air Canada Cargo Program:
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.
|
|
|
Want your products, services, or events to be seen by over 850 floral businesses? The CalFlowers Membership Directory is one of the most trusted resources in the industry, used year-round by growers, wholesalers, retailers, and suppliers. Advertising in the directory ensures your brand stands out to key decision-makers while reaching a highly targeted audience. See full details HERE.
BOGO Deal: Get a prime placement for your ad in the Fun 'N Sun 2026 convention booklet with the purchase of a directory print advertisement.
Members Only Bonus: You profile will be featured at the top of the online directory for a full year!
Questions? Contact us.
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you've never attended an ASCFG Conference, there is no better time to invest in yourself! The Association of Specialty Cut Flowers welcomes CalFlowers members to register at the ASCFG member rate for the 2026 Conference in Albuquerque on Jan 13-14.
Meet well-known podcasters, Charlotte Smith of The Profitable Mindset Podcast, and Scott Shepherd of The Flower Podcast, along with Dr. John Dole, Laura Lengnick, and Robert Washington-Vaughns during the first day of sessions. Day one will be topped off with a Trade Show and social time with peers and suppliers.
There will be something for everyone with concurrent sessions on day two. learn more about the fifteen educational sessions HERE.
|
|
Member Spotlight
The Pinery
Proudly rooted in California, The Pinery, LLC is a premier wholesale nursery growing more than just plants, they cultivate beauty, sustainability, and long-term partnerships. What began over 30 years ago as a small, choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm has grown into a leading supplier of premium, fresh, and fragrant living trees and potted plants that bring color, texture, and seasonal charm to every space.
Spanning more than 100 acres in the sunny hills of Escondido, they proudly serve customers across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
|
|
|
|
|
