Cost-Effective Shipping for Small Businesses

Running a successful business involves a lot of budgeting. We get it, we do the same thing in order to keep our company thriving! In the current economic climate, many businesses are looking for ways to cut down on costs without sacrificing the quality of their services and products. We want to share with you some of the ways you can effectively trim shipping costs to help balance out that budget.

Send by Freight.

This is for the small business owners still using UPS or FedEx. If your business is growing, you will reach a point where these companies will start costing you more than they are worth. Consider how LTL shipping could reduce costs and streamline your shipments.

Reuse Packaging.

Depending on what goods you need moved, the adage “reduce, reuse, and recycle” could actually help you save money. Bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and boxes are supplies that you may not necessarily need to get brand new every time you make a shipment. Wherever possible, reuse shipping supplies or even source them from friends and family. 

Slow it Down.

Reconsider whether all of your shipments need to adhere to super tight timelines. In most cases, relaxing your requirements a couple of days here and there will save you rush fees. Non-perishable goods typically don’t need to get to their destination in 24 hours. With that in mind, extending those timelines could open up the opportunity to send more at once. Increasing the size of shipments will absolutely save you money!

Ask About Discounts.

There is no harm in asking carriers if they offer association discounts. While not all carriers will, it’s always worth it to reach out and ask. You could end up saving a good chunk of change over time if they do. 

Factor in Shipping Before you Bill.

It’s easy to make a rough guesstimate in your head and charge your customers based on that made-up number. The problem with this is that there are a lot of other fees involved in shipping you may not have considered, and thus you end up having to eat the extra expenses. Make sure to include all those costs when you bill a customer and the savings can go a long way. 

As a small business, shipping is key to connecting with your customers, partners, and moving your goods. Instead of settling for exorbitant shipping costs, take the above tips into consideration when building a supply chain strategy. For questions on how our team can help you get your shipments from point A to point B without breaking the bank, contact Loadsafe Crossborder!