Shipping is what makes the eCommerce world go around. Strong shipping lines can give your business the edge it needs to get more out of every transaction.
It’s no mystery that shipping is crucial in making any business run. Having the best domestic and international shipping rates translate to a healthy bottom line.
With this in mind, finding the best shipping rates is the best way you can get the most out of your business. But how do you compare shipping rates?
We’re here to help. Read on below to learn how to find the best rates that can help you grow your business:
1. Use Flat Rate Shipping Calculators Online
The first thing you need to check out is to compare rates via ZIP Code. If you plan to ship domestic, there are many websites that give you calculators. On these sites, you will notice that they will allow you to add in the ZIP code you need.
Many sites will let you compare shipping rates for the top shipping companies out there. This includes:
- USPS
- FedEx
- UPS
You would also want to take a look at third party logistics companies. They can offer good flat rate shipping and services that bigger companies don’t have.
Some lower profile shipping companies can give better rates because of competition. If you can get the best international shipping rates, then that’s more advantageous for you.
Many of the choices you can find online do postages themselves. They either carry labeling services with them or forward you to their own carrier.
2. Invest in Paid Shipping Service Software
If you want to find the best shipping rates, many companies use dedicated tools to do so for them.
A paid shipping service provides tools that can connect to different e-Commerce tools. It will compare shipping rates for you through an automated process. These will also print the shipping labels for you, making the entire process simpler.
Why would you want to invest in such software? Check this offer (and scroll down).
Why You Need This Software Investment
So, why invest in a shipping software?
If you are a business owner, you can expect rates to fluctuate or change depending on the address. You would also need to send products often, rather than every now and then. With more bulk means more work shipping your products one by one.
A paid shipping service solves both problems for you. First, it gives you the lowest shipping rates that many different providers give. This means whether it’s a USPS flat rate or something else, you get to compare and find the best prices.
The software will also do the bulk registration for you. The software can find the right transaction for the product, add in details and print the labels. You won’t have to transcribe all details by hand from the platform to the shipping form.
This means more time savings for your business, which results in better productivity. The most crucial part of software to compare shipping rates is it connects to your platform. For every order, it will save you a lot of time, money and grief from too much handling.
3. Compare Shipping Rates In Person
Another way to get the best flat rate shipping from logistics providers is to talk to them in person. Many shippers broker deals with businesses that allow for a much lower rate. In exchange, they tend to create contracts that request for exclusive shipping deals.
This is a great option if you have a growing business. For example, you can get a better USPS flat rate if you do deals with their business agents.
If your business is not big enough to get such a deal, you can visit and compare deals with every shipping company. They will have different types of options for different zip codes. You would want to ask from as many companies as possible.
Take your package to your shipping clerk and follow the standard procedure.
Going around in person has its own advantages. For one, you can be sure to deal with a human on the other side, so they can guide you around the entire shipping process. Some companies give lower flat rate shipping if you go to their physical location.
There are some shipping companies as well that only ship when you visit their store. If you can get the best international shipping rates from going there yourself, then it should be worth the travel.
4. Find the Best International Shipping Rates With Your Favorite Shipper
There are logistics companies that have different levels of services that some companies don’t provide. Whether it’s one of the bigger logistics companies or a smaller operator, it’s best to check their services.
If you want great flat rate shipping, take a look at your favorite company’s list of rates. Many give different deals and promos that can help lower your cost. A business that ships in bulk with consistency with the same company can also get better shipping rates.
Some Quick Tips
Invest in a shipping scale that is relative to the weight of your products. Get a precision digital scale to make sure that you don’t overshoot the weight limit. Or use Load Calculator to automate that.
It's best to ship your products as well with protective materials. Boxes, bubble wrap, foam peanuts, and air bubble film rolls are the best options to make the entire shipping easier.
Finding the Best Shipping Rates is Worth It
When it comes to finding the best shipping rates, there are different ways to do it.
You can either use shipping calculators online, use dedicated paid shipping services, find deals or go to their physical locations. Regardless of what you choose, you want to pick the ones that provide not only the cheapest rates but the best service as well.
Are you looking for more shipping tips and tricks? Give our other guides a look. We have many different walkthroughs that can help you get the best deals, whether it’s for personal or business use. Or contact us at [email protected].
