Finances

How to Save Money on Your Shipping Costs

April 18, 2022 Joseph Hernandez 0Comment

The operational costs of running a business can be pretty high, and shipping is one of the biggest line items for many companies. With customers demanding ever-faster delivery times, it can be hard to keep shipping costs down. However, there are some things you can do to cut your shipping expenses. Here are 4 ways.

Hire an Unloading Service

Unloading your shipments can be a time-consuming and costly process, especially if you don’t have enough staff on hand to do it quickly. Plus when it’s done poorly, broken or damaged products can end up costing you even more.

So, hiring a freight unloading service can save you both time and money. Such a service will handle the entire unloading process for you, from receiving the shipment to taking it off the truck and into your facility. The best services also make an inventory of any damages or otherwise. 

This can free up your employees to do other tasks and help you avoid costly delays in getting your products out to customers.

Use a Shipping Calculator

Many variables go into shipping costs, and it can be difficult to calculate them all on your own. That’s where a shipping calculator comes in. A shipping calculator takes into account all of the different factors that affect shipping costs, so you can get an accurate estimate of what your shipment will cost.

This will help you budget for shipping expenses and avoid surprises down the road.

When using a shipping calculator, be sure to include the weight, dimensions, and value of your shipment, as well as the origin and destination.

Choose the Right Shipping Method

There are many different shipping methods available, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. The right shipping method for your business will depend on several factors, including the type of goods you’re shipping, the time frame in which they need to be delivered, and your budget.

Some common shipping methods include:

  • Air Shipping. Air shipping is the fastest way to ship goods, but it is also the most expensive.
  • Ocean Shipping. Ocean shipping is a slower option, but it’s much cheaper than air shipping. If time isn’t as much of a factor, ocean shipping is a great way to save money on your shipping costs.
  • Ground Shipping. Ground shipping is somewhere in between air and ocean shipping in terms of speed and cost.

Negotiate with Your Carrier

Your relationship with your shipping carrier can have a big impact on your shipping costs. If you’re not happy with the rates you’re currently paying, reach out to your carrier and see if you can negotiate a better deal.

Keep in mind that your carrier is also interested in keeping your business, so they may be willing to work with you on price.

Here are some negotiation tips:

  • Know what other carriers are charging for similar services. This will give you a starting point for negotiations.
  • Tell your carrier how much you’re willing to spend on shipping. This will help them determine if they can work with you on price.
  • If your carrier isn’t willing to negotiate, be prepared to switch to another one. There are many carriers out there, so you’re sure to find one that meets your needs and budget.

Shipping costs are a necessary part of doing business, but that doesn’t mean you have to overpay. By following these tips, you can save money on your shipping costs and keep your bottom line healthy.

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