Do you use an international courier service for some of your shipping needs? If so, it can get expensive if you use these services all the time. However, there are ways you can cut these costs and make your business more efficient. Here are 5 helpful tips for lowering your courier shipping costs.
1. Think Small
The sizes of your packages are very important when it comes to cost. Try to use the smallest packages as you possibly can. In fact, in some cases, you may actually save on costs if you break the shipment up into smaller parcels. This can sometimes save money, because it is often cheaper to send 2 smaller packages as opposed to one oversized package.
2. Weigh All Your Packages
With some shipping methods, weight is a big consideration. This is why you should have very accurate scales and weigh each package before it is picked up. For example, you might pay an extra charge for packages over one kilogram and just a few grams can make a difference. This is a good strategy for knowing exactly what your international courier service charges will be.
3. Use Lightweight Packing Materials
Your shipping containers and materials can make a big difference in package weights. For example, if you have a great deal of space left over and don’t want the shipment to move about, consider lightweight material like foam peanuts or bubble wrap. Some types of cardboard or paper may be heavier than these materials and can cost you a lot of money over the course of a year or so.
Tape is an important issue also. Make sure to choose strong yet lightweight tape for securing your packages.
4. Think Volume for Shipping Supplies
If you use your international courier service on a regular basis, you may go through a lot of shipping materials each month. Look for vendors or suppliers offering lower prices on bulk supply orders. The savings can sometimes be substantial with this one strategy.
5. Choose the Right International Courier Service
Not all shipping services are the same. For example, some offer door to door services and they are not as expensive as you think. In fact, you can save money with door to service because you are not burning fuel traveling to and from the shipping center. Top couriers are trustworthy, offer dependable service and make every effort to get your parcels out and delivered on time. After all, cheaper shipping services are no good if they cannot deliver on their promises.
