According to global statistics, 73% of online shoppers expect quick delivery of their orders. This has made an impact on many sectors, including shipping in terms of convenience and customer service.
However, can shipping costs be reduced without affecting the quality of packages or delivery times? The more you transport your goods, the higher the fee (even though package security is assured). This gives many a reason to identify other ways by which they can reduce their shipping costs. Here are three effective ways to do so.
Check your package dimensions
Previously, every major carrier charged shipping fees according to package dimensional weight. Otherwise known as DIM weight, this pricing technique considers the package size to arrive at the shipping cost. To get this right, they usually calculate package dimensions by using a simple method. The package’s height, length, and width are multiplied and subsequently divided by the standard DIM.
A few years ago, it was fine to pick any robust box and fill it. Today, however, it’s not advisable to do so because it influences shipping charges. In other words, using the wrong box size for your package could actually cost you more. Besides, because more carriers have opted for broader dimensions as the basis for their charge ratings, you’ll find it more cost-effective to pay attention to box sizes.
Ship more items at a go, but less frequently
Supposing you ship many items regularly, you’ll realize that the costs you incur are incredibly high. That explains the need for pallet shipping; instead of shipping packages in segments, you’re better off doing one large shipping consignment at a go. Indeed, it cuts down on the cost you’d have incurred if you had shipped your goods in smaller batches at different times. Companies such as Shiply offer this cost-effective method.
Pallet shipping involves the use of skids (portable bases for shipping) to pack several items intended for shipping. This portable flat structure is considered economical because it’s highly efficient and robust enough to protect bulk packages being transported.
Ship when it’s off-peak
For shippers, festive seasons and weekdays up to Thursday are hectic. These periods are considered peak seasons and explain why many people prefer to have their packages ready by then. Doing this ensures their items will be ready for shipping by the weekend.
As a matter of fact, your preferred period of shipping will depend largely on what exactly you intend to transport. For example, if your items are perishable goods, you’ll have no choice but to ship them immediately they’re ready. On the other hand, non-perishable foods can be scheduled to be shipped off when it’s not a peak period. According to the shipping sector, Mondays tend to be low on traffic and should be considered by those who wish to capitalize on low charges. Shipping costs on Mondays can save people 10% – 15% off charges.
As with any venture, the best thing to do is consider ways and means to save money without reducing quality. The shipping sector is an active business, and it takes a significant amount of insight to get it right.
