Maximize delivery efficiency
Getting the best shipping rates is just the beginning. To get the most out of your shipping budget, you need to consider several key factors that significantly affect costs. From comparing rates from multiple carriers to optimizing packaging, each step in the process presents opportunities to save money and improve efficiency. Let’s take a closer look at these strategies to help you get the most out of your shipping dollars.
Compare prices
Getting the best rate is easier said than done. There are several major courier companies to choose from, including Purolator, UPS, FedEx, DHL, Canpar, and GLS. To get the best rate, you could call each carrier or look up quotes online, but you don’t have to take the time to do that. Thankfully, we make the process easy.
We bring all the major carriers together in one place, so you can instantly compare rates from Purolator, UPS, FedEx, Canpar, GLS, and DHL on one screen. You (or your customers with the right integrations) can choose the best rate and delivery date in real time. With everything in one place, there’s no need to spend time searching multiple sites, switching screens, or calculating options. We do the work for you.
Early bird gets the best rate
Sending a package cheaply requires more than just getting the best rate. Several factors affect shipping costs. The main considerations are size, weight, and delivery time.
As we all know, the faster something needs to get to you, the more expensive it will be to ship. If you need a package to get somewhere by a certain date, don’t put it off, send it as soon as possible to avoid paying express fees. Giving shipping companies more time to send your package gives them the flexibility to use cheaper, more environmentally friendly routes to get it to its destination, which is better for you and the planet.
| factor | detail |
|---|---|
| size | Smaller packages usually cost less to ship, so choose the right size packaging to minimize costs. |
| weight | The lighter the packaging, the cheaper the shipping costs. Try to minimize the weight of your packaging whenever possible. |
| deadline | Longer delivery times generally mean cheaper shipping rates, so plan ahead to take advantage of these savings. |
Efficient Packaging
Now that you have the foresight to send your package promptly, it’s time to think about the size and weight of your package. While you can’t control the weight of the item you’re shipping, you can control the packaging.
The bigger the packaging, the more it will cost. Follow the Goldilocks principle when it comes to packaging: you need to make sure it’s just right. If your packaging is too big and bulky, it will unnecessarily increase shipping costs. If your packaging is too small and unsupported, you risk damaging the contents.
First, consider whether you can ship your item in a poly bag. By not using a box, you can save a lot on shipping costs. If you can’t use a bag, you should use an appropriately sized box. Not only will eliminating empty space reduce your shipping costs, but it will also save on packaging materials.
Custom Packaging
If you want to take efficient packaging a step further, consider custom options: Not only will it help you wow your clients and customers, but it also gives you a hand in developing packaging that fits your product’s exact specifications (no wasted space or high shipping costs).
Whether your packaging priority is enhancing your brand’s appeal, using sustainable materials, or providing your customers with a unique unpacking experience, a custom packaging company will work closely with you to create a line of high-quality packaging options that are perfectly tailored to your product range, in line with your business values and budget.
Insurance rates
Not all insurance programs for shipping are equal. Typically, most carriers automatically insure items under $100. If you’re shipping an item that costs more than $100, you may have to pay for insurance.
FlagShip is committed to making shipping easy, cost-effective and stress-free for small businesses, which is why we offer our own in-house insurance at rates much lower than the industry standard, helping to save money on shipping of all sizes.
If you need to file a claim, the process is seamless and stress-free. No matter which carrier you use, when you ship with FlagShip, our customer service team is here to help you through the entire claims process.
Ordering shipping supplies
Depending on what you’re shipping, you may need a few different shipping supplies.
When you ship with us, you can order the shipping supplies you need from your chosen courier in the FlagShip system for free, which is another way you can ship your packages cheaply with FlagShip.
Seamless and cheap shipping with FlagShip
Even if you run a small business, you deserve reliable, affordable delivery services and rates. With an easy-to-use system that makes shipping fast and easy, your company can take advantage of the professional service and competitive shipping rates that leading companies offer in Canada. Sign up for FlagShip today and start enjoying the savings.
