How to Ship Large Boxes Cheap: eCommerce 101

Are you an ambitious entrepreneur struggling with the high cost of shipping large boxes? This comprehensive guide is here to help! We understand the importance of offering smooth and affordable shipping options to your customers, and we'll equip you with the knowledge and strategies to ship large boxes cheaply and efficiently, without compromising on customer satisfaction.

Navigating the world of large box shipping can feel like a complex challenge between size, weight, distance, and affordability. For successful eCommerce businesses, finding the optimal balance between these factors can be crucial for ensuring cheap shipping and customer satisfaction.

This blog post is a comprehensive guide to shipping large boxes cheaply and effectively. We'll delve into the key factors influencing your costs, explore strategic options, and offer valuable tips to optimize your large box shipping strategy.

By the end, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to confidently navigate this eCommerce shipping logistics and unlock savings. Boosting profits without compromising on your customers' experience.

Key Factors Driving Shipping Costs

Shipping large boxes can be a perplexing dance between size, weight, distance, and affordability. To truly optimize your strategy, it's crucial to understand the key factors influencing large box shipping costs:

Dimensional Weight (DIM Weight):

Forget actual weight when you ship packages! Many shipping carriers employ dimensional weight, which factors in both actual weight and package dimensions. When shipping oversized packages, bulky but lightweight boxes can incur higher costs than denser, smaller ones due to the space they occupy.

Accurately measure your boxes and account for dimensional weight calculations to avoid surprises and maintain steady shipping costs!

Destination:

Shipping across state lines or internationally significantly ups the price tag. Longer distances translate to higher fuel costs, handling fees, and potentially customs duties. Understanding your target market and offering regional fulfillment options can help find the cheapest shipping options.

Shipping Speed:

The allure of speedy delivery comes at a premium. While expedited air shipping might be a tempting shipping method, consider standard ground options for significant cost savings, especially for longer distances.

Packaging:

Secure and adequate packaging ensures product safety but can add weight and sometimes trigger surcharges for inadequate protection. Invest in sturdy, right-sized boxes and explore lightweight fillers like air pillows or bubble wrap to minimize weight and costs.

Carrier:

Different shipping companies have varying pricing structures and services for large packages. Compare rates from major players like DHL, FedEx, and United States Postal Service, keeping in mind their strengths and limitations (e.g., USPS weight limits). Multi-carrier platforms like Easyship can streamline this comparison process.

Additional Fees:

Be aware of potential surcharges for your oversized package, plus residential deliveries, fuel costs, or specific handling requirements. Factor these into your calculations for a complete picture.

Hidden Costs:

Don't overlook hidden costs like return shipping labels, insurance for valuable items, or customs brokerage fees for international shipments. Include these in your calculations for accurate budgeting.

Beyond Basics: Advanced Cost Considerations:

• Negotiate with Carriers: As your shipping volume increases, leverage your bargaining power to negotiate discounted rates with major carriers and courier services
• Explore Freight Shipping: For exceptionally large or heavy items, LTL (Less Than Truckload) freight shipping can be more cost-effective than traditional parcel carriers
• Regional Fulfillment: Partner with fulfillment centers closer to your customer base to reduce distance-related costs and potentially offer faster delivery times.
• Flat-Rate Shipping: For specific product categories, calculate an average shipping cost and offer flat-rate shipping to incentivize larger orders and simplify pricing for both you and your customers

Remember: Finding the "cheapest" option isn't always the best. Evaluate factors like delivery speed, reliability, tracking capabilities, and customer experience when making your shipping service decision. A slightly more expensive option that prioritizes these aspects might ultimately be more beneficial for your business and your customers.

By understanding these cost factors and exploring strategic options, you can navigate the large box shipping landscape with confidence, ensuring efficient and cost-effective deliveries that delight your customers and contribute to your business success.

How to Ship Large Boxes Cheap

Finding the absolute cheapest option isn't always the best approach for large-box shipping. Striking a balance between cost, speed, reliability, and customer experience is crucial. However, here are some strategies to help you unearth the most cost-effective option for your specific needs:

1. Compare Rates Across Carriers:

• Utilize multi-carrier shipping platforms like Easyship to compare shipping costs from major carriers (DHL, FedEx, USPS) and niche providers in real time
• Consider freight shipping for exceptionally large or heavy items through companies like LTL carriers
• Remember the Postal Service! USPS Priority Mail and Parcel Select can be surprisingly cost-effective for certain weights and distances, especially within the US

2. Get Quotes, Don't Just Rely on Estimated Rates:

• Don't settle for estimated shipping costs on carrier websites. Get precise quotes based on your exact package dimensions, weight, and destination.
• Factor in any surcharges for oversized items, fuel costs, or residential deliveries.

3. Leverage Your Shipping Volume:

• If you ship large boxes frequently, negotiate discounted rates with major carriers. Your bargaining power increases with volume.
• Consider volume discounts offered by multi-carrier platforms based on your aggregated shipping needs.

4. Explore Flat-Rate Shipping:

• For specific product categories, calculate an average shipping cost and offer flat-rate shipping to incentivize large-order purchases. This simplifies pricing for both you and your customers.

5. Embrace Regional Fulfillment Centers:

• If you ship frequently to specific regions, partner with fulfillment centers located closer to your customers. This reduces distance, transit time, and potentially shipping costs.

6. Consider Alternative Packaging:

• Explore lightweight packaging materials like air pillows, bubble wrap, or inflatable dunnage instead of heavy boxes. This reduces DIM weight and associated costs.
• Can your product be disassembled and reassembled safely? This allows for smaller, cheaper boxes.

7. Don't Neglect Free Shipping Incentives:

• Offer free shipping above a certain order value to incentivize larger purchases and offset reduced margins on individual items. This can attract customers and boost sales.

8. Utilize Technology Tools:

• Shipping software like Easyship helps automate tasks, compare rates across carriers, and optimize packaging dimensions, saving you time and money.

Remember: The "cheapest" option isn't always the best. Evaluate factors like delivery speed, reliability, tracking capabilities, and customer experience when making your decision. A slightly more expensive option that prioritizes these aspects might ultimately be more beneficial for your business and customers.

By combining these strategies and carefully evaluating your needs, you can find the most cost-effective and efficient way to ship large boxes, ensuring a smooth and satisfying experience for both you and your customers.

Bonus Tip: Check for seasonal promotions and discounts offered by carriers around holidays or peak shipping periods. You might score some unexpected savings!

Cheapest Large Package Shipping Rates

In this example, we will calculate shipping costs using the free-to-use Easyship Shipping Calculator. This is also the fastest way to compare shipping lightweight packages for your store as well!

Domestic

The table below breaks down some example rates when shipping large packages across the US, from New York to Los Angeles. The package size in this example weighs 15lbs and is 17″ x 11″ x 11″ inches, or 1.5 cubic ft. Based on the shipping options and their respective delivery times and costs, here's a short analysis:

• Fastest Option: There are a range of services delivering within 1 working day. However, these overnight delivery options come with a higher cost
• Best Value Options: Among the best value options, the Sendle option  provides good value with delivery in 4-5 working days, priced at $26.61
• Cheapest Option: USPS - Ground Advantage is the most economical choice at $24.19, with a delivery time of 2-5 working days

If speed is a top priority for the customer and they are willing to pay a premium, overnight delivery could be suitable for urgent shipments. For a balance between reasonable delivery times and cost-effectiveness, the Sendle option is a solid choice. If the primary concern is cost savings, USPS - Ground Advantage is the cheapest option, though it takes a bit longer for delivery.

International

Are you looking to start shipping large items cheaply overseas? In this example, we used the Easyship Shipping Calculator again to compare rates for a 15lbs and 17″ x 11″ x 11″ inches large package. The origin is New York again, however, this time the destination is across the entire US and the far side of the Pacific Ocean: Hong Kong.

Benefits Comparison:

• Overnight services: These options provide the fastest delivery, suitable for time-sensitive shipments. However, they come at a higher cost
• Asendia - e-PAQ Select: This option offers a balanced choice, providing a reasonable delivery time and cost. It could be a good compromise for eCommerce store owners looking for a mix of speed and affordability
• SF Express - Economy Express: While being the cheapest, it takes longer for delivery. This might be suitable for shipments where cost is the primary concern, and the longer delivery time is acceptable

In summary, the best international option for large package shipping depends on their priorities. If speed is crucial and cost is not a significant concern, overnight services would be suitable.

For a balance of cost and delivery time, Asendia - e-PAQ Select is a good choice. If the aim is to reduce shipping costs as much as possible and the longer delivery time is acceptable, SF Express - Economy Express would be the cheapest option.

Ultimately, the choice depends on the specific needs and preferences of the eCommerce store and their customers. Offering a range of shipping options with varying delivery times and costs allows customers to choose based on their priorities, whether it's speed, value, or cost-effectiveness.

The shipping rates displayed on the Easyship blog are for informational purposes only and may not be accurate at the time of shipping. Easyship does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any shipping rates displayed on the blog.

Beyond the Cost: Optimizing Your Large Box Shipping Strategy

While cost plays a crucial role in large-box shipping, it's just one piece of the puzzle. Building a truly optimized strategy encompasses several key areas:

1. Streamline Your Shipping Process:

• Embrace automation: Utilize shipping software solutions like Easyship to automate tasks like label generation, shipment booking, and tracking. This saves time, minimizes errors, and improves efficiency
• Centralize your operations: Integrate your shipping software with your shopping cart platform and inventory management system to create a centralized hub for all your shipping needs. This eliminates data silos and streamlines workflows
• Standardize packing procedures: Develop clear guidelines for packing large boxes, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and minimal damage. Consider investing in packing stations or equipment to expedite the process

2. Offer Diverse Shipping Options:

• Cater to varying needs: Provide a range of shipping options - standard ground, expedited air, and international shipping - to cater to diverse customer preferences and budget constraints.
• Consider specialized services: Offer options like signature confirmation, freight shipment for exceptionally large items, or white-glove delivery for premium products.
• Integrate real-time rates: Display live shipping costs at checkout based on customer location and chosen option for transparent pricing and informed decision-making. Check out the Easyship rates at check out plug-in for more!

3. Enhance Communication and Transparency:

• Be upfront about costs: Clearly display shipping costs and estimated delivery times on your product pages and checkout process. Avoid hidden fees or surprises.
• Provide proactive tracking: Share detailed tracking information with customers to keep them informed about their shipment's progress.
• Respond promptly to inquiries: Address customer concerns about shipping promptly and professionally, building trust and fostering positive experiences.

4. Prioritize Sustainability:

• Embrace eco-friendly packaging: Explore solutions like recycled cardboard boxes, biodegradable packing peanuts, or air pillows to minimize environmental impact.
• Partner with responsible carriers: Choose carriers committed to sustainability practices like fuel efficiency initiatives and carbon offset programs.
• Reduce unnecessary shipments: Encourage customers to consolidate orders or offer in-store pickup options to minimize transportation emissions.

5. Continuously Monitor and Adapt:

• Analyze your shipping data: Regularly track key metrics like shipping costs, delivery times, damage rates, and customer feedback to identify areas for improvement.
• Stay updated on industry trends: Explore new technologies, carrier offerings, and packaging solutions to continuously optimize your strategy.
• Seek expert advice: Partner with shipping consultants or utilize the expertise of platforms like Easyship to gain valuable insights and optimize your processes.

By focusing on these aspects beyond just cost, you can create a well-rounded large box shipping strategy that:

• Improves efficiency and saves time.
• Enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Minimizes environmental impact.
• Positions your business for sustainable growth.

Remember, shipping is an integral part of the customer journey. By investing in a comprehensive and optimized strategy, you can differentiate your business, deliver a seamless experience, and ultimately drive success.

Bonus Tip: Implement a returns policy that aligns with your large box shipping strategy, considering costs and potential challenges associated with returning bulky items.

Ready to put this knowledge into action? Start exploring shipping solutions like Easyship to unlock further cost savings, streamline your operations, and focus on growing your business!

Find the Cheapest Way to Ship Large Packages with Easyship

Easyship is the top shipping and logistics company working with a network of over 250 couriers worldwide. This has put us in a position to negotiate some of the best shipping discounts with leading couriers, and we can help you reduce your shipping expenses by up to 91%.

Some of our major discounts include the following:

• Save up to 65% on USPS First Class Package
• Save up to 89% on USPS Priority Mail
• Save up to 50% on UPS® Ground
• Save up to 76% on UPS Worldwide Saver®
• Save up to 91% on DHL eCommerce

We also offer a range of easy-to-use shipping tools, to help streamline your shipping experience and delight your buyers. Popular features include:

• Comparison Tool: With our courier comparison tool, you can compare the different shipping services offered by each courier, allowing you to choose your cheapest way to ship based on other factors, not just the cost
• Insurance: To help keep your packages safe in transit, Easyship offers you insurance up to $10000
• Tracking: From custom-branded tracking emails to automatic message alerts, Easyship helps you maintain package visibility with your buyers throughout the delivery process
• Shipping Rate Calculator: You can use our shipping rate calculator to compare shipping rates from different carriers