Shipping is one of the most persistent expenses in ecommerce. Unlike one-time setup costs, shipping charges recur with every order—making them a prime area to optimize. Whether you’re running a side hustle or managing a full-scale online store, cutting unnecessary costs can dramatically improve your margins.
Here’s a practical breakdown of how to save on shipping every month—without sacrificing delivery speed or customer satisfaction.
Compare Carriers for Every Order
Don’t default to one carrier out of habit. USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL all offer different pricing depending on size, weight, speed, and distance.
Use multi-carrier platforms like Shippo, Pirate Ship, or Easyship to compare live rates and choose the best deal for each shipment. These tools often provide discounted commercial rates you wouldn’t get by walking into the post office.
Switch to Flat Rate and Regional Options When Possible
If you’re shipping heavy items short distances, flat-rate or regional shipping can offer major savings.
- USPS Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes are ideal for local and nearby zones.
- UPS Simple Rate charges a flat fee based on box size, not distance.
- FedEx One Rate offers fixed pricing for lightweight shipments up to 50 pounds.
This is especially helpful when selling subscription boxes or standardized product kits.
Batch Your Labels and Schedule Pickups
Printing one label at a time is a productivity killer. Batch shipping through platforms like ShipStation saves time and helps you monitor trends in weight, delivery speed, and return volume.
Also, schedule free carrier pickups when possible to reduce time spent dropping off shipments. USPS offers free pickups, and UPS and FedEx allow you to schedule recurring pickups through your business account (though some may charge a small fee).
Use Loyalty and Rewards Platforms for Extra Savings
Even with base rate reductions, you can push your savings further by leveraging rewards apps when purchasing supplies and postage. For instance:
- You can earn cashback with a USPS gift card or get rewards with a FedEx gift card using a cashback platform like Fluz.
- When restocking boxes, mailers, or tape, consider earning cashback with a Staples gift card or getting rewards with an Office Depot gift card as well.
It’s a simple way to capture returns from purchases you were going to make anyway.
Negotiate Rates as You Grow
If you’re shipping consistently, you may be eligible for negotiated rates with carriers. Most providers offer tiered pricing based on volume—even USPS through approved third-party platforms like Stamps.com or Easyship.
To unlock these rates, contact a sales rep directly or register for your carrier’s business platform.
Audit Your Shipping Costs Monthly
Too many businesses set shipping on autopilot and stop paying attention to detail. Set aside 30 minutes each month to review your carrier statements, check average shipping costs per order, and assess zones that trigger higher fees.
This simple step can help you identify which products or shipping methods are eating into profits.
Conclusion
Shipping smarter doesn’t mean shipping slower—it means being intentional about every aspect of the process. From choosing the right carrier to earning cashback with a USPS gift card, small tweaks can lead to big savings. Make these habits part of your monthly routine, and you’ll keep more revenue in your pocket with every shipment.
