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5 Effective Ways to Reduce Shipping Rates for Small Businesses

5 Effective Ways to Reduce Shipping Rates for Small Businesses

Shipping expenses are increasing rapidly and is one of the necessary tasks that every small business owner must deal with. Shipping costs have a significant impact on your company’s revenue. Here are some strategies for finding the best shipping rates for small businesses, reducing shipping costs, and the most affordable shipping method.

What is Shipping Rates? 

Shipping rates are all prices connected with fulfilling and shipping a product, including physical shipment, handling, customs, tariffs, storage, and taxes. Shipping rates might vary from order to order depending on several factors, including the size and weight of the items, as well as the distance traveled by the product to its destination. 

There are numerous strategies to lower your shipping costs. Learning how to cut shipping expenses may allow you to increase earnings for small businesses.

5 Ways to Minimize Shipping Costs for Small Businesses

Here are some 5 effective ways to reduce shipping costs for small businesses;

1. Reduce the Package’s Weight 

Weight is an important consideration when shipping products to your customers. The more massive the actual or dimensional weight, the higher the shipping cost. It would help if you also aimed to reduce the package size as much as possible. Some companies charge more based on the size of the box. If the item is lightweight, there’s no need to pack it in a large box. Using smaller packages like custom mailer boxes or paperboard boxes allows you to save a significant amount.

To reduce shipping rates by weight, try the following:

  • Optimizing dimensional weight by creating custom packaging with reduced dimensions. This ensures a convenient fit and avoids paying extra.
  • There are many different types of packaging materials to choose from. Small businesses can use lightweight packing materials to cut shipping expenses.
  • Packing your products in corrugated boxes can also help reduce shipping rates. Corrugated boxes are a type of e-commerce packaging that is more durable and lightweight than standard cardboard boxes. 

2. Receive Shipping Discounts

Competition among shipping vendors has never been higher, which is good news for you and your bargaining power. Many shipping carriers offer pricing savings based on shipment volume, and you don’t have to deliver many orders a month to earn these discounts. Of course, the more packages you ship, the higher the rates you will receive. Small businesses can negotiate cheaper prices with carriers based on their shipping volume.

3. Right Packaging

Shipping rates vary depending on package size and weight. To avoid paying extra for larger sizes and weights, use the proper packaging: a box that fits the shipping product’s size. Cardboard is heavy, so reducing its weight can lead to long-term success. And if you’re paying for your packaging, doing a little research could help you save money. Many carriers offer cost-effective packaging.

4. Early Orders

Encourage your customers to place orders early during any peak season or special occasions such as Thanksgiving or Christmas to ensure that their orders are delivered on time. This benefits those who want to find the best shipping rates for small businesses who want to avoid paying for more expedited shipping.

5. Reducing Shipping Distance

Shipping distance decides the shipping costs. Therefore, your products will be delivered to your customers on time if you move your products near your customers. For example, Amazon has various warehouses nationwide so that orders can be delivered to customers quickly.

What is the Most Affordable Shipping Method?

For small businesses, air freight is the most affordable shipping method if your product is small or lightweight. It is the fastest transportation mode if you need to deliver the order on time. However, if the product is heavy, sea freight is less expensive as the fuel cost is less than air freight. 

In Summary

Learning how to cut shipping rates is critical for your small business. Many elements influence your delivery prices. For example, you must use extreme caution when selecting packaging weights and sizes. If the product is light-weight you can use packaging material like paperboard or cardboard. At Kolaxo Print, we ensure your order is securely packed, find you the best carrier at a reasonable price, and guarantee that orders will be shipped on time.