Small businesses want help to run smoothly. They need to do different things, like making stuff, telling people about it, and sending it to customers, so that customers stay happy. E-commerce matters a lot to both small and big companies. Lots of businesses are aiding small companies to send things to their customers when they should. These shipping firms stay friendly with their customers. They do this by giving fair prices and helpful support.
There are multiple small businesses that are facing difficulties in shipping items. For this reason, these businesses are looking for cost-efficient and reliable ways to ship their products to customers in perfect condition. However, this guide will solve the problem of shipping methods for small businesses.
Cheapest Ways To Ship Packages + Market Trends
Many shipping companies are offering safe and quick ways to deliver items to customers safely. They also help small businesses make money. Here you will find some cheapest and best shipping companies that are the perfect combination for your small business. This happens when they handle customer orders really well.
Market Trends
The rise in services is what drives the shipping market in e-commerce. Other sectors like finance and healthcare also help make the shipping market bigger. When Covid-19 happened, the government closed lots of companies to slow down trading and shipping between different countries. Also, the ongoing lockdowns have affected the market.
In 2021, the international shipping market was worth $454.5 billion. It’s predicted to be a huge $736 billion by the end of 2025. The growth rate during this time will be around 10.1%. In this growth, the freight management system market will add $17.45 billion by 2023. As global online shopping across borders keeps increasing, more things get shipped around the world. This really helps the shipping industry grow. Mostly, companies use custom mailer boxes for the shipping of multiple items. These boxes are solid and keep the items safe during shipment.
Tips To Reduce Shipping Cost
If you are a business owner then you feel quite annoyed to pay high prices to shipping companies. However, the cost of shipping can be reduced if you pay attention to the following points.
- Avoid stuffing packages too full. Use small packaging to save money and reduce waste.
- If there are ongoing business discounts, talk to the sales agents.
- Cut down on delivery costs by reusing and recycling old packages.
- Consider flat-rate shipping.
- Explore the packaging options provided by courier services.
Best And Cheapest Shipping Companies For Small Businesses
A list of leading shipping service providers for small businesses can greatly improve your customer service.
DHL Express
It is the best shipping service for small-scale businesses. DHL will help boost your business deliveries in the fastest and safest way. They excel in international shipping services. DHL is a very experienced company in shipment services. Therefore, this company is offering various resources and tools to support your business growth.
Pros:
- DHL Express knows a lot about shipping worldwide.
- They have lots of tools to help all sorts of businesses ship things internationally.
- They also give you a list of prices and services.
Cons:
- Yet, they do ask for extra fees for some optional services.
Pricing:
Talk to their sales agent to find out about all the costs and prices.
United States Postal Service
USPS which has full form United States Postal is a very reliable and fast shipping company. You can use their various smart features to ensure the safe delivery of your packages. USPS takes packages everywhere in the country. Moreover, you can use USPS for domestic and international shipments. Packages usually get to customers in 2-8 days. Even on big holidays and Sundays, USPS keeps delivering.
Pros:
- They offer fair shipping rates.
- Both mail and P.O. boxes.
- They check addresses on their own to make sure packages are delivered safely.
Cons:
- This way of shipping internationally can be costly.
- Their tracking services aren’t very clear or easy to understand.
Pricing:
Some of the prices are given below with various options.
- 1 to 2 Days: $26.95
- 1 to 3 Business Days: $8.50
- Media Mail: $3.19
Sendle
Another great shipping company that is quite beneficial for your small business. This company will help to manage each kind of shipment for you. So that you can pay attention to your business growth. They even promise to have lower prices than big carriers for sending packages that weigh 20 pounds. They also send packages across the United States. To ship things with Sendle usually costs around $8.29. And if you send a lot, they give you discounts on the prices.
Pros:
- Sendle doesn’t ask for subscription fees or make customers sign contracts before sending things.
- Their shipping is completely carbon-neutral.
- They promise fixed prices.
- The company is certified and sends things smoothly even to hard-to-reach places.
Cons:
- Sendle doesn’t do international shipping.
- The things they send can’t weigh more than 20 pounds.
Pricing:
However, the prices vary from location to location. Moreover, the cost also depends upon how heavy or low your package is in weight.
UPS
It is a widely used shipping service in more than 220 countries around the globe. Moreover, they are well known for helping small businesses like yours. UPS is a top company for moving things and getting them where they need to go. Further, you can run your business’ deliveries by using their services.
Pros:
- Customers can easily send heavier things using this delivery service.
- Their email communication is really good.
- They offer many tools that small businesses need.
Cons:
- The fees they ask for can be quite high.
- Sometimes there might be delays in delivery.
Pricing:
In addition, prices are different for different services and you can choose any category for your business like daily, retail, domestic, and Air Freight.
FedEx
Come on, who does not know this company? FedEx is famous for all kinds of shipping in the whole world. Their service centers are available in almost every country. They are famous and trustworthy, and they offer tools for businesses that work together. In addition, they would ensure your shipping is safe and in the right condition until it reaches customers’ doorstep. They work hard to give customers a really good experience.
Pros:
- They offer fair shipping worldwide.
- They print shipping labels.
- FedEx is a completely automated way to ship your important orders.
Cons:
- Sending small and compact items can be pricey.
Pricing:
You may pay a price of $10.80 to $39.10 for shipment. It would also depend upon the weight of the items.