There are many tips to save on shipping costs.
These are sometimes dependent on the weight of the package and how the package is shipped. It is often cheaper to ship to a business than a residence. Many of
these tips are detailed below.
Safety
Fragile items have different requirements. They
need to be shipped with a safe and reliable service. Reducing the size of the
package will reduce the price of the shipment. Some services offer better
prices for a lower weight. Make certain the box is appropriate for the package
and avoid bulky packaging whenever possible to save money on a quality service.
Multiple Carriers
Always choose the best carrier for each package.
The prices of each carrier are determined by different factors including
weight, destination and dimensions. Some carriers charge a residential fee
while others do not. When all the options are considered the result is a
substantial savings over time.
Flat Rate Boxes
Flat rate boxes are one of the less expensive
options because they offer discounted rates. This works especially well for
heavy packages because the rate is based on the size of the box and not the
weight.
Zone Skipping
Zone skipping is when all products shipping to a
specific country and zone are consolidated and sent in a single freight
shipment. This works especially well for extremely large or heavy products
being shipped overseas. This method will provide a considerable savings.
Freight Shipping
Shipping by freight is an excellent option for
very large orders. The customer must be in agreement because different freight
trucks are often used. This means the entire order may not arrive at the same
time.
The Negotiations
Most carriers will negotiate their rates with
business. Once the agents understand they are competing with other carriers
they will generally offer pricing a lot more competitive. The prices are determined
by the shipping volume. These carriers will provide shipping supplies including
bags and boxes for free. This lowers the cost of packaging. Continue
negotiating as the business grows and the volume increases.
The Professional Organization
If the business is a member of a professional
organization a discount may have already been negotiated with the carrier. Make
certain all carriers are checked for the possibility of a pre-established
discount.
The Box Size
Knowing the size of the box is critical for both
ground and freight. When the boxes are light and small it is cheaper to ship
ground. The heavy and large boxes should be shipped by freight. Ship as many
boxes as possible by ground because this is the least expensive option.
Outsourcing
Outsourcing shipping can be less expensive. This
eliminates any fees for warehouse rentals and personnel. The delivery is
reliable and these companies receive a special bulk rate. This will help reduce
expenses over the long run.
The Label Printer
Purchasing labels and packaging slips is
expensive. A label printer enables a company to print their own labels, save
money and increase the speed of fulfillment. Some of the carriers allow
customers to print labels and offer preferred rates. The savings are nice both
internationally and nationally.
The Insurance
Packages are rarely lost. This makes paying for
insurance ineffective. The insurance costs will be much higher than the total
of the few claims. It is also advantageous to ship packages with a boring
appearance to deter any theft.
