When you need to ship a package for cheap, there are several strategies you can use to ensure you get the best rates and services, making sure you save money on shipping without compromising on quality.
Here are some tips to help you ship your packages affordably:
Getting the best rate is easier said than done. There are several leading courier companies to choose from, including Purolator, UPS, FedEx, DHL, Canpar, and GLS. You could call each carrier or look up estimates online to get the best rate, but you don’t have time for that. Thankfully, we make the process easy for you.
We bring all the major carriers together in one place so you can instantly compare rates from Purolator, UPS, FedEx, Canpar, GLS, and DHL – all on one screen! You (or your customers with the proper integration) can choose the best rate and delivery date in real-time. Because it’s all in one place, you don’t have to spend time searching multiple sites, flipping between screens, and calculating your options. We do the work for you!
There is more to shipping your packages cheaply than getting the best rate. Multiple factors influence the cost of shipping. The primary considerations are the size, weight, and delivery time.
As you know, the sooner that you need it there, the higher the shipping rate. If you know you need to get a package somewhere by a specific date, don’t sit on it; get it shipped as soon as possible to avoid having to pay for expedited delivery. By giving the shipping company extra time to ship the parcel, the carrier has the flexibility to use less expensive and more eco-friendly routes to your destination. Good for your bottom line and the Earth!
– We have a great blog sharing the difference between ground and express: Ground Delivery and Express Delivery
Factors
Details
Size
Smaller packages typically cost less to ship. Choose appropriately sized packaging to minimize costs.
Weight
The lighter the package, the cheaper the shipping cost. Minimize package weight when possible.
Delivery Time
Longer delivery times generally offer lower shipping rates. Plan ahead to take advantage of these savings. For more tips on shipping delivery times, check out our blog on Ground Delivery and Express Delivery.
Now that you have had the foresight to get your package sent early, it’s time to think about the size and weight of the package. Though you don’t have much control over the weight of the item you are shipping, you control the packaging.
The bigger the package, the bigger the price tag. When it comes to packaging, use the Goldilocks principle: you want to ensure that the package is just right. If your packaging is too big and bulky, you’re needlessly adding to the cost to ship. If the packaging is too small and unsupportive, you risk damaging the contents.
The first thing to ask yourself is if you can ship the item in a poly mailer. By avoiding a box, you can save drastically on shipping costs. If a mailer is not possible, the box you use should be just the right size. Eliminating empty space will not only keep shipping costs lower but will also help you save on packing materials. To further help you ship a package for cheap, here is a blog with more tips on packaging your shipment
If you want to go one step further on efficient packaging, consider a custom option. Not only will it help to wow your clients or customers, but you can be involved in developing packaging made to fit the exact specs of your products (so no more wasted space and inflated shipping costs).
Whether your priorities for your packaging are helping your brand shine, using sustainable materials, or cultivating a unique unboxing experience for your customer, custom packaging companies will work closely with you to create a line of high-quality packaging options that are perfectly sized to your scope of products, aligning with your business values and budget.
Not all insurance programs for your shipment are considered equal. Typically, most carriers automatically insure items valued under $100. When shipping items valued higher than $100, you may have to pay a premium for insurance.
FlagShip is committed to making your small business shipping easy, cost-efficient, and stress-free. That is why we have our own FlagShip in-house insurance at a rate much lower than the industry standard, helping you save money on shipments of all sizes!
Should you need to file a claim, the process is seamless and stress-free. Regardless of the carrier you use, when you ship with FlagShip, our customer service team will lead you hand-in-hand through the entire claims process.
Depending on what you are shipping, you could require several different shipping materials. When you ship with us, you can order from a selection of shipping supplies you need from your courier of choice on the FlagShip online shipping system, free of charge! Just another way you can ship a package for cheap with FlagShip.
Whether you’re running a small or medium-sized business, you deserve reliable, affordable courier services and rates. With an easy-to-use online shipping system that makes shipping fast and straightforward, your company can benefit from the professional service and great shipping rates in Canada that the big players have at their disposal. Sign up with FlagShip today and experience the savings that come with being able to ship a package for cheap without compromising on standards.
