Shipping can be a huge expense for e-commerce businesses. And if you’re not careful, it can also cost you, customers. To cut down on shipping costs, it helps to know the ins and outs of the industry. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you save money:
Shop around
When it comes to shipping, you can never be too careful. Do your homework and shop around for the best rates. It’s easy to look at a carrier like FedEx or UPS, but don’t forget about the lesser-known options out there. The more you know about your options, the more likely you are to get a deal that works for you and saves money on shipping costs down the road.
Don’t choose the first rate you see
The most important thing to do when looking for cheap freight shipping rates is to shop around. If you have a big order and need a lot of boxes, it might be worth the time to negotiate a better rate with your chosen carrier. But if you are shipping only one or two packages, don’t bother asking for quotes from multiple carriers—you’ll just waste their time and yours.
Make your packages as small and light as possible
- Use bubble wrap and other packing materials to ensure that your package is not punctured or damaged.
- Use the right size box for your items. The larger the box, the more likely it is that you will have to pay a higher shipping rate due to its weight and size. Conversely, if you use smaller boxes than necessary for shipping items within them, you may end up paying for empty space in each box you use.
- Avoid using boxes that are too heavy for their size; this means choosing lighter packaging materials such as bubble wrap over heavier ones like Styrofoam peanuts when possible (and, of course, never using anything flammable).
Stay organized
You’re probably thinking, “It’s not like I order stuff from China every day. Why should I bother keeping good records?” But trust us on this one: It will be worth your while. It’s important to know exactly what you are shipping and when, so you can get the best rate possible and avoid costly delays in your shipments.
Insure your packages, but only if it makes sense
Insurance is something you will want to consider if the item you are shipping is particularly expensive or valuable. However, as per the experts at Flock Freight, “It’s important to understand that insurance isn’t a free pass for getting money back from a damaged or lost package.” Instead, insurance is an agreement between you and the shipping service provider that states they will pay out of pocket if anything goes wrong with your shipment.
For most businesses, the best way to cut shipping container costs is to shop around, be flexible with your order volumes and weights, and use a shipping provider that can offer competitive rates. Insurance should be considered for high-value shipments, but only if it makes sense for your business needs. If you follow these tips and take advantage of available discounts from group shipments or other sources (like advertising), then you should be able to cut down on those costs without sacrificing delivery time or service quality!
