Shipping can be prohibitively expensive, but sometimes there’s no way to avoid it. For example, if you attend school in a different state, getting your items there can be a hassle and a significant expense. Knowing how to cut costs can save you money. Follow these steps before spending a fortune on shipping.
- The smaller and lighter, the better. This may seem obvious, but shipping costs are determined by the dimensions of the package, the weight, and zip code the package is being delivered to. Whether you’re shipping with DHL, UPS, FedEx, USPS, or another carrier, this holds true unless you use a flat rate box or envelope. Use that option, available most commonly through the postal service and DHL, if you are shipping something small and heavy. Otherwise, stick to the smallest box you can find. If the package is small, the postal service (USPS) may be your cheapest option, but beware that most packages shipped through USPS can’t be tracked and have no guaranteed delivery date. If you’re shipping media, such as cds or books, you can get a cheaper rate through the post office’s Media Mail.
- Ship in advance. You want to use the carrier’s cheapest option. Costs increase dramatically when you need to expedite the package.
- Calculate rates online. You can save time and money by measuring the dimensions of your package and then determining which carrier to ship it through. Find a great website calculator at shippingsidekick.com; just make sure to skip the ads. The shipping tool will give you a graph showing the cheapest carriers for your particular shipment. Remember, though, that the dimensions and weight must be correct before you calculate rates online.
- If you’re shipping something fragile, pack it to the carrier’s standards. Insure your package if you want to protect it from loss or damage. Make sure the item is wrapped in bubble wrap and surrounded by packing peanuts. If the item is really fragile, seal one package and then place it in a larger box surrounded by packing peanuts. Tape every seam of cardboard with packing tape, not duct tape, and take care—otherwise, if the package is lost or damaged, you’ll be out of luck.
- Take as much as you can with you, but beware airline baggage charges. Most airlines now charge more to ship a second bag—some even charge for any checked baggage. Those charges often add up to more than the cost of shipping the bag. Be sure to take as much as you can with you without incurring any extra fees.
Where do I learn more?
ShippingSideKick – this website is a catch all for figuring out your shipping needs. The first link compares the different, major shipping companies and their prices. Check this out the next time you need to ship.