Freight shipping costs across America and to foreign destinations can prove very expensive for anyone. This holds true for business owners as well as individuals that need to send freight somewhere for any reason.
However, with some top hacks, you can save big money on freight shipping costs. Here’re some of these hacks that might help you slice off a considerable amount of money on freight shipping.
Top Hacks to Save Freight Shipping Costs
There’s no shortage of shippers and logistics providers around the world. You have a wide selection ranging from some of the largest shipping and freight companies in the world to smaller, regional players. Postal services also constitute an integral part of this global logistics chain.
Therefore, try these top hacks that might help save big money on freight shipping.
Shop Around for Shipping Rates
Shopping around for lowest prices is the first top hack to save money on freight shipping costs. Nowadays, most shipping companies provide an online rate calculator where you can find the approximate shipping rates. This can take some time and effort but you can save big money on shipping rates. Of course, the rates that such online freight shipping calculators show may vary a bit from what a company could actually charge.
Check Rates for Multiple Modes
You’ll be aware there’re multiple modes of freight shipping such as road, rail, waterways and air. Often, you can save big money on freight shipping costs using multiple modes and yet ensure that the consignment reaches on schedule. This is especially true for countries with large landmass such as America. Usually, freight companies also charge a little lesser for using multiple modes instead of a single method such as air.
Agreements with Different Carriers
If you’re aware about how much freight you’ll be shipping during a particular year, it’s best to tie-up and sign agreements with different carriers. Such an arrangement with different carriers allows you to save big money on freight shipping costs. Because, you’ll get preferential shipping rates due to customer loyalty. At the same time, it’s not advisable to tie-up with more than three carriers so that each one records adequate business from your organization.
Understand Standard Box Rates
Companies such as FedEx, DHL, UPS and others have a standard box rate for shipments. This means, the carrier will charge a fixed rate for a box of that dimension, regardless of the weight. However, these offers can vary according to seasonal demand for freight, meaning you’ll have to keep tables on prevailing prices. Once you know the prices they charge for a standard box of a specific dimension, it’s possible to stuff as much freight as possible into an appropriate sized carton and get lower shipping rate.
Try United States Postal Service
United States Postal Service or USPS delivers across America and to foreign destinations as well. Understandably, there’re several specifications of USPS that you’ll need to company to save big money on freight shipping costs. However, you can check the USPS website for their various freight charges.
USPS offers a unique advantage to anyone that owns a home-based business or a small enterprise that needs to ship stuff across America or even outside. They have preferential rates for bulk shippers.
Usually, USPS also offers a standard rate for specific sized boxes. In several ways, USPS is your best bet to save money for shipping. Because they use multi-modal transport and deliver to every ZIP code across America. For foreign shipments, they have agreements with postal departments of almost every country.
Packaging from Carrier
Some carriers are very particular that a shipper uses packaging material they provide. This is to ensure consistency of service and protect the stuff. And they charge a bit lesser when you use packaging material from the carrier. Such material includes cartons, protective material and sealing tapes, among others. Sorting shipments also becomes easier for a carrier when you use their packaging material. Because they can label it easily and load it on appropriate carriers due to consistency of labeling, sizing and other factors.
Prepaid Shipping Facility
A lot of shippers offer the prepaid shipping facility. This means, you pay a particular amount of money to the shipper in advance. In return, you get very preferential shipping rates. Usually, you’ll have password protected access to their prepaid shipping portal. Upon login, you can key in the details of a shipment and print prepaid shipping labels. Check with your carrier if they offer the service. They offer lower rates because it saves them money on shipping costs too.
Regional Carrier Networks
A lot of small carriers operate across America. And they have agreements with peers in various locations. Since they compete with larger business for freight, you can often get lower shipping rates from these carriers and save money. However, it’s advisable to check with a regional carrier whether they have any tie-ups with others at the destination of your shipment for onwards delivery.
In Conclusion
Using these top hacks to save money on freight shipping costs, your business can benefit considerably. However, ensure you check delivery timings and other details before consigning a shipment to any carrier to avoid delays. Generally, most businesses have agreements with more than one carrier since it provides them adequate flexibility in rates to save freight shipping costs. Automating your shipping process is also possible using certain kinds of software. And you can also save considerably by asking suppliers to use the shipping ID of your business, if you have a tie-up with a large carrier.
