3 Ways to Reduce Shipping Costs

Shipping costs seem to increase every year. Knowing what factors impact your shipping rates is the best way to keep shipping costs to a minimum. Talk to a shipping specialist if you are trying to find the most cost-effective ways to ship your merchandise. The following three tips will help you save money on most of your shipments, but talking to a carrier may be able to provide you with long-term solutions that will substantially lower your shipping costs.

Use lightweight packing materials

Starch packing peanuts are among the lightest weight shipping materials around. They are easy to use and will fill in gaps that other types of packing material can’t. Air-filled pouches are also lightweight. They come in a variety of sizes that will allow you to protect your items without having to worry about excessive breakage. Shredded paper is great for filling in gaps, but may add more weight than you think when it comes to the overall cost.

Ship ground delivery

Ground delivery is one of the most cost-effective ways to ship your items. It is also the slowest. While other methods of shipment are much faster, they will cost you a lot more to ship. If you want to save money on shipping, try to ship your items as early as possible and avoid the more expensive shipping methods.

Size matters

Use the smallest box or envelope you can when shipping your items. The larger the container, the more space it will take up. Just as with weight, the bigger it is, the more costly it is to ship. This is true even if it is light as a feather. If you have an odd-shaped item, talk to your shipping carrier for help in finding the right packing material.

If you are trying to save money on shipping costs, take a few minutes and consider the above tips. Watching your package’s size and weight and how you plan to move your shipment are key elements in keeping your costs low.