Shipping expenses can add up quickly, especially for small businesses or individuals who ship regularly. The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice delivery speed to save money. Here are ten practical ways to reduce your shipping costs while keeping your shipments on schedule.
1. Compare Carrier Rates Regularly
Shipping rates vary between carriers and can change often. Use online rate comparison tools or visit carrier websites such as USPS, UPS, and FedEx to find the best deal for each shipment. Regularly reviewing these rates ensures you’re not overpaying.
2. Use Flat Rate Shipping When It Makes Sense
Flat rate boxes from USPS, UPS, and FedEx offer predictable pricing for packages under certain weight and size limits. This can be cost-effective for heavier items but may not be ideal for lightweight or bulky shipments. Analyze your package details to decide when flat rate shipping works best.
3. Optimize Package Size and Weight
Shipping costs are often calculated based on dimensional weight, which considers both size and weight. Choose the smallest packaging that safely fits your product to avoid unnecessary charges. Accurately measuring and weighing packages helps prevent surprise fees.
4. Purchase Carrier Gift Cards for Extra Savings
You can save on shipping by purchasing carrier gift cards with cashback or rewards. For example, you can earn cashback with a UPS gift card or get rewards with a FedEx gift card by buying them through Fluz. Using these gift cards for your shipments effectively lowers your shipping expenses.
5. Negotiate Volume Discounts with Carriers
If you ship frequently, consider setting up a business account with carriers. Many offer discounts based on shipping volume. Even small businesses can often negotiate better rates by demonstrating consistent shipping needs.
6. Use Regional Carriers for Local Deliveries
Regional carriers often provide cheaper and faster shipping within specific areas compared to national carriers. Services like OnTrac or LaserShip can be good alternatives for local or regional shipments.
7. Automate Shipping with Software Tools
Shipping software such as ShipStation or ShipBob can streamline label creation, compare shipping rates, and track shipments. Automation reduces errors and speeds up processing, indirectly lowering costs.
8. Take Advantage of Cashback and Rebate Apps
Platforms like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Fluz offer cashback when purchasing gift cards or paying for shipping. Combining these cashback rewards with discounts can further reduce your expenses.
9. Plan Shipments Ahead to Avoid Expedited Fees
Avoid expensive last-minute shipping charges by planning your shipments in advance. This allows you to use standard shipping methods that cost less without missing delivery deadlines.
10. Reuse Packaging Materials When Possible
Reusing boxes and packing materials cuts packaging costs and helps the environment. Just make sure the packaging still meets carrier requirements to avoid delays or extra fees.
By implementing these strategies, you can reduce your shipping costs without slowing down delivery times. Combining smart carrier selection, proper packaging, and cashback opportunities like earn cashback with a UPS gift card or get rewards with a FedEx gift card will maximize your savings.
