RS Academy Certification Training
RS Academy live classes are 3-hour, college level certification courses developed by RSA exclusively for RSA Members. All course content has been fully vetted for accuracy and cover any and all relevant rules, science (physics of packaging), regulations, and best business practices. RS Academy instructors are industry professionals and have been certified by RSA as subject matter experts.
All students must pass a final exam for each class in order to receive RS Academy Certification. Course certificates are intended to be displayed in your store so clientele can see the measures you’ve taken to invest in your knowledge base.
RS Academy classes are taught live and online throughout the year.
Live Class Pricing
Basic Members: $120.00 per class. Premium Members: $90.00 per class PackageHub Members: $60.00 per class
Shipping Training
Topics Covered:
- Carrier rules and terms of carriage
- Shipment size and weight limitations
- Insurance and shipment value protection
- Carrier packaging requirements
- Shipping options
- Package processing
- Shipping product options
- Service guarantees
- Automation options
- Carrier account setup
Shipping 101
Basics of Small Package Transportation
Designed for new store owners and staff, this course covers the basics and the essential rules, requirements, science, and best practices for small package shipping in the United States. Subjects covered: specific carrier (DHL, FedEx, UPS, USPS) rules and terms of carriage, shipment size and weight limitations, insurance and shipment value protection, packaging requirements, package processing, pricing, shipping product options, service guarantees, automation options, and carrier account setup.
Topics Covered:
- Carrier-specific regulations & updates
- Customs documentation
- Restrictions and Prohibitions
- Red Flag countries
- Shipping options
- Resources & Forms
Shipping 102
International Shipping
International shipping is a substantial profit center for retail shipping centers, but remembering every detail, procedure, and regulation can be a challenge. Rules and services can change every day - and knowing how to adjust to those changes can mean the difference between great profits and great losses! Course curriculum includes:
Topics Covered:
- Carrier rules and terms of carriage
- Shipment size and weight limitations
- Insurance and shipment value protection
- Carrier packaging requirements
- Shipping options
Shipping 103
Freight & Air Cargo
Large freight is an increasingly important menu item for today's successful Retail Shipping Store. As a high-potential profit center, freight can be complex and certainly has risk, so understanding the rules, options, and opportunities is crucial. This course covers the details-National Motor Freight Classification, trade lanes, carriers, Full Truckload, Less Than full Load (LTL), Air Cargo, Sea Container, shipment preparation (crating, palletizing, specialty packaging/handling), pickup and delivery options, and pricing. Become your neighborhood freight expert and start packing the profit pounds on your bottom line.
Packing Training
Topics Covered:
- The Distribution Environment
- Carrier Requirements
- The Dynamics of Packaging
- Shipping Containers
- Cushioning Materials
- Packing Tools
- The Packaging Process
- Packaging Demonstrations
Packing 101
Packing Essentials
Find a box in the nearest dumpster, throw your stuff in, slap some duct tape on, mark it "Fragile", then ship it. Simple, right? Wrong. Many Retail Shipping Store operators make a grave mistake in thinking that packaging is simple. But in order to properly prepare your packages to survive the rigors of the transportation network, you must follow very specific carrier rules and the physics of packaging dynamics. This class covers both the science and rules; containers, packaging/cushioning materials and how to use the "right" one for the job, packaging techniques, sealing, carrier rules, and tricks of the trade that will make you a true packaging expert. Topics include:
Topics Covered:
- Packaging Dynamics
- Carrier Considerations
- Packaging Design
- Corrugated Carton Design & Construction
- Carton Design Diagrams
Packing 102
Advanced Packing
Stock box sizes don’t always fit items being shipped or sent via freight. Custom box/container design and construction is an art, and the product can be a significant profit center with extraordinary margins. Learn – and practice - professional techniques for custom box building for fragile, large, awkward and valuable items. Become your neighborhood Packaging Expert. The lab-based course curriculum includes:
Store Operations
Topics Covered:
- Understanding Your Customers
- Gain & Retain Customers
- Professionalism
- Elicit & Utilize Feedback
- Positive Language
Operations 101
Outstanding Customer Service
This course is designed to help develop industry-specific, superior customer service skills. Learn about positive language, relationship building, and why customer service is more than just a smile. This course examines various scenarios, such as dealing with difficult customers and eliciting customer feedback. The learning outcome of this class is critical to the success of your business. Topics include:
Topics Covered:
- CMRA Guidelines
- Compliance Issues
- Mail Center Security
- Aviation Security and Hazardous Materials
- USPS Approved Shipper Program
Operations 102
CMRA Mailbox Rental Management
& USPS Approved Shipper Program
If postal services are a part of your product mix, the United States Postal Service plays a vital role in your day-to-day operation. As a regulator, the USPS requires compliance with the rules and regulations imposed on private mail box rental services through the Commercial Mail Receiving Agent (CMRA) program. And as a business partner, the USPS Approved Shipper Program provides marketing tools and operational support for reselling USPS products and services in your center. This three-hour operations course covers all the basics – and all the bases. Topics include: