How IPSY with IB made non-continental shipping a competitive advantage
For IPSY's monthly non-continental campaigns, International Bridge delivers reliably to Hawaii, Alaska, and other U.S. territories in under a week. IPSY credits the responsiveness and proactive communication behind every shipment.
A subscription beauty leader IPSY partnered with International Bridge to transform Hawaii, Alaska, and U.S. territories from operational blind spots into reliable lanes for growth.
Executive summary
As their customer base grew, shipping to non-continental US regions emerged as one of IPSY’s most persistent operational gaps.
Costs ran high, transit times were inconsistent, and operational efficiency lagged the rest of the network. By partnering with International Bridge, IPSY rebuilt these lanes from the ground up.
The result for their customers is a faster, more predictable shipping network that has expanded coverage into APO/FPO military addresses, eliminated parcel delays, and turned a former limitation into a growth lane.
The challenge
By 2018, IPSY had built one of the largest beauty subscription businesses in the US. As the customer base grew, non-continental shipping became one of the company’s most persistent operational gaps. Costs ran high, transit times were inconsistent, and operational efficiency lagged the rest of the network. For a subscription model where every shipment is a recurring brand impression, that gap was a real risk. IPSY’s team flagged non-continental shipping as a blind spot they wanted to solve.
The partnership
Through partner evaluation, including conversations at industry events like Parcel Forum, IPSY identified International Bridge as the right fit for its non-continental lanes. The partnership reset what was possible in those markets.
• Transportation coordination across origins and destinations
• Efficient pickups between IPSY’s facilities and the IB network
• Operational structure built for the realities of non-continental fulfillment
• Open and consistent communication with dedicated quality control oversight
IPSY’s leadership made a deliberate decision to prioritize service quality, customer reach, and long-term operational consistency in these markets. With IB as a partner, that approach became more manageable and sustainable.
What the data shows
IB handles IPSY’s Non-Con volume to Hawaii, Alaska, and U.S. territories. Performance is consistent, not seasonal. Rolling Q1 2026 averages match year-to-date figures within 0.3 days across all lanes. IPSY’s monthly drops comprise over 85% of their volume and are processed in just a few days.
IPSY greatly values its partnership with IB. They consistently provide a high level of service for our transportation needs in non-continental markets. Their team always demonstrates exceptional reliability, responsiveness, and proactive communication throughout our monthly shipping campaigns.
The business impact
The partnership produced three structural changes in IPSY’s operation.
Faster, more predictable delivery in every non-continental lane. Parcels stopped sitting. Customer experience in Hawaii and Alaska now runs in line with what IPSY delivers across the mainland US. Improved reach/service to markets that had been off the table. With IB as the fulfilment partner, IPSY moved into APO/FPO military destinations, opening service to subscriber segments the company had not been able to reach effectively.
A structural fix. IB’s expansive and flexible air cargo capabilities means non-continental shipping is no longer a fragile point in the operation. It is a reliable lane.
What stands out most is IB’s ability to navigate complex operational requirements seamlessly while maintaining a solutions-oriented approach. They consistently go above and beyond to ensure transportation plans are executed without disruptions or delays, allowing our operation to run smoothly while providing consistent service. Their professionalism, partnership mindset, and commitment to operational excellence have made IB a trusted and dependable carrier for IPSY’s ongoing shipping needs.
German Rueda, Director of Shipping & International Operations at IPSY
Our partnership with IPSY has been very collaborative. Their team is truly committed to delivering an exceptional customer experience, so their willingness to explore innovative solutions have made them a great and valuable partner to work with. By leveraging International Bridge’s network, IPSY has been able to reach customers in these regions faster and more cost-effectively, helping improve overall customer satisfaction. We’re proud to support IPSY’s continued growth and look forward to building on our success together.
Maria Choy, Director of Sales at IB
The takeaway
Non-continental shipping is one of the most underserved lanes in US e-commerce. Many brands and subscription companies deprioritize Hawaii and Alaska, treating them as logistical exceptions. IPSY’s partnership with IB shows what these markets can become when fulfillment is treated as core to the business. International Bridge has been moving e-commerce parcels since 1997 and has specialized in non-continental shipping since 2003. The IPSY partnership is one example of what 20+ years of focus produces.
