10 Shipping Lessons for SMBs in 2025

Online commerce is a sector that is constantly evolving, and the last 5 years have seen some truly significant changes in the ways that people consume products and services. Consumers now have different, higher expectations from eCommerce stores, and maintaining customer relationships should be the highest priority.

2024 was no different, presenting new trends and challenges in the supply chain, shipping, and delivery. Challenges such as inflation, supply chain disruptions, and rising consumer expectations evolved logistics processes across the board. For small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs), staying competitive meant navigating these trends and finding innovative solutions. 

Reflecting on 2024’s shipping trends can help SMB owners streamline their operations and plan effectively for 2025 (See: Shipping Trends to Watch in 2025). Below, we explore the most impactful trends and offer actionable insights to enhance your shipping strategy.

1. The Rise of Regional Fulfillment Centers

In 2024, regional fulfillment centers gained popularity as global supply chain disruptions pushed businesses to localize operations. By storing inventory closer to customers, SMBs reduced shipping costs and improved delivery speed. This approach also helped brands mitigate the risks of delays caused by port congestion or long international transit routes.

SMB Action Plan:

• Research third-party logistics providers (3PLs) with regional warehouses.
• Consider splitting inventory across strategic locations to reduce last-mile delivery times.
• Use multi-carrier shipping software like that provided by Easyship to compare courier options for each region.

2. Sustainable Shipping Took Center Stage

Consumers increasingly prioritized sustainability, and businesses responded by adopting greener shipping practices. Eco-friendly packaging, carbon-neutral shipping options, and partnerships with green carriers became common. Sustainability wasn’t just good for the planet—it also enhanced brand loyalty. Additionally, sustainable shipping practices can significantly improve customer satisfaction.

SMB Action Plan:

• Partner with couriers offering carbon-neutral shipping.
• Offer customers sustainable delivery options, such as slower but eco-friendly shipping methods.
• Evaluate your packaging materials and switch to biodegradable or recycled alternatives.

3. Inflation’s Ripple Effects

Rising fuel and labor costs caused shipping rates to climb throughout 2024. For SMBs, these increased expenses cut into already thin margins. Many retailers adapted by offering tiered shipping options, balancing speed and cost to accommodate different customer preferences, and leveraging shipping discounts to mitigate rising costs.

SMB Action Plan:

• Revisit your pricing strategy to account for higher shipping costs.
• Implement a free shipping threshold to encourage larger orders while offsetting shipping expenses.
• Use a shipping platform like Easyship to access discounted courier rates and pass savings on to your customers.

4. AI Revolutionized Supply Chain Logistics

Artificial intelligence (AI) became a cornerstone of eCommerce logistics in 2024. AI tools improved inventory management, optimized delivery routes, and enhanced customer communication with features like automated tracking updates. These advancements allowed SMBs to save time and reduce operational costs.

SMB Action Plan:

• Explore affordable AI tools for inventory forecasting and order management.
• Use chatbots or automated email systems to keep customers informed about order status.
• Adopt AI-powered shipping platforms to analyze courier performance and choose optimal delivery routes.

5. Last-Mile Innovations Gained Traction

The last mile, which is the final step in the delivery process, continued to evolve in 2024. Autonomous delivery vehicles, drones, and crowdsourced delivery networks made headlines. While these technologies are still developing, shipping carriers like UPS, FedEx, and DHL Express are also exploring these innovations, hinting at a future where SMBs can offer faster and more cost-effective deliveries.

SMB Action Plan:

• Stay informed about emerging last-mile solutions, such as drone delivery pilots in your area.
• Partner with couriers experimenting with autonomous delivery technologies. Alternatively, sign up with Easyship to access multiple courier integrations, helping you choose the fastest option.
• Use customer feedback to assess whether faster delivery options could justify higher costs.

6. Returns Management Became a Competitive Edge

With more customers shopping online, online sales have led to a higher volume of returns and exchanges, making returns policies a significant factor in buyer decisions. Businesses that offered hassle-free returns earned greater trust and repeat sales. In 2024, automated return systems gained traction, simplifying the process for both retailers and customers.

SMB Action Plan:

• Implement a clear, customer-friendly returns policy and highlight it on your website.
• Use shipping software that integrates with returns management tools to streamline the process.
• Offer Easyship’s pre-paid return labels to enhance customer convenience and satisfaction.

7. Omnichannel Fulfillment Expanded

As SMBs diversified their sales channels, omnichannel fulfillment strategies, including global shipping, became crucial. Selling across platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and Etsy required efficient systems to manage inventory and shipping. Consolidating these operations helped businesses avoid overselling and meet delivery promises.

SMB Action Plan:

• Invest in shipping software that integrates with multiple eCommerce platforms and marketplaces.
• Sync your inventory across channels to avoid stockouts or delays.
• Offer in-store pickup or local delivery if you also operate a physical storefront.

8. Dynamic Checkout Options Improved Conversions

Customers in 2024 expected more than just fast shipping—they wanted choice. Dynamic checkout tools allowed businesses to display multiple delivery options, including cheapest, fastest, and greenest. This personalization helped SMBs increase checkout conversion rates.

SMB Action Plan:

• Use Easyship’s real-time rate calculations feature to offer flexible checkout options.
• Test different shipping incentives, such as free shipping on minimum orders or expedited delivery upgrades.
• Analyze your cart abandonment rates and tweak your shipping options accordingly.

9. Global Shipping Expansion Became More Accessible

Despite challenges in international shipping, SMBs tapped into global markets to boost growth. Affordable cross-border shipping solutions and selecting the right shipping company made it easier for businesses to serve international customers without incurring steep costs.

SMB Action Plan:

• Partner with couriers specializing in international shipping.
• Use Easyship to calculate customs duties and taxes upfront for a seamless checkout experience.
• Test international markets with lightweight, high-margin products before scaling.

10. Customer Satisfaction Expectations Continued to Grow

Fast shipping, real-time tracking, and exceptional customer service, including how to effectively ship packages, became baseline expectations in 2024. SMBs that failed to meet these demands risked losing customers to competitors. Conversely, those that exceeded expectations saw stronger loyalty and positive reviews.

SMB Action Plan:

• Provide accurate tracking updates through automated systems. Easyship’s branded tracking feature can make this easier.
• Communicate proactively about potential delays or issues with delivery.
• Focus on delivering a consistent and reliable experience, even if it means scaling back on promises you can’t keep.

Looking Ahead to 2025: Adaptability is Key

The shipping trends of 2024 underscored the importance of flexibility and innovation in supply chains. SMBs that adapted quickly to new technologies, shifting customer expectations, and rising costs were better positioned to thrive. As we enter 2025, staying informed and prepared will be essential.

Whether it’s adopting sustainable practices, leveraging AI, or expanding your reach globally, your logistics strategy can set your business apart.

Ready to simplify and save on shipping?
Easyship is here to help.

Easyship was built to simplify shipping for eCommerce sellers of every size. If you’re looking for ways to save on shipping costs, compare rates, automate fulfillment, or grow internationally—our free shipping tools and smart dashboard can save you hours daily.

Our most popular App features:

• Discounted Shipping Rates: Get instant access to the largest selection of pre-negotiated volume discounts on shipping labels (up to 91% off retail rates).
• Multi-Carrier Comparison: Effortlessly compare 550+ global courier services to find the best option with our intelligent courier selection algorithm.
• Simple Set-Up & Integration: Connect your store and sales channels to Easyship in minutes to automatically sync orders and manage all shipments in one dashboard.
• Instant Rates At Checkout: Increase conversions by showcasing the cheapest, fastest and best value shipping rates live at checkout.
• Automatic Tax & Duties: Calculate, pre-pay, or pass on all tax and duty obligations for international orders, including generating all relevant customs paperwork.
• Shipping Automation Rules: Streamline shipping workflows, bulk print labels and reduce manual pick and pack errors with simple automation rules.
• Branded Tracking & Returns: Deliver a superior customer experience from checkout to delivery with branded tracking updates, delivery status, and pre-paid return labels.
• Shipping Insurance: Protect your brand and reputation from parcel theft, loss, or damage with affordable insurance options for domestic and international shipments.
  
  

More free shipping tools:

• Shipping Rate Calculator: Compare and calculate the cheapest way to ship anything to anywhere with our shipping cost calculator for international and domestic.
• Tax & Duties Calculator: Create an estimate of your customs duties and import taxes for every country and retail category.
• Country Import Rules: Understand the individual import rules, requirements, and restrictions for every country with our helpful guides.
• HS Code Lookup Tool: Search for the correct HS/HST Code for international orders with our universal HS Code Lookup Tool.
• Shipping Policy Generator: A clear and enticing shipping policy is a sales tool for stores, setting clear expectations and building trust with prospective customers.
  
  

Join our community of eCommerce sellers and get started with Easyship for free today.

FAQs About Shipping Trends & SMB Strategies for 2025

What are the most significant shipping trends for SMBs in 2024?

The most impactful shipping trends in 2024 included the rise of regional fulfillment centers, growing demand for sustainable shipping options, the influence of inflation on shipping costs, AI-powered logistics, and last-mile innovations like autonomous delivery. SMBs also focused on omnichannel fulfillment, dynamic checkout options, and competitive returns management.

How can SMBs reduce shipping costs in 2025?

To reduce shipping costs in 2025, SMBs can partner with third-party logistics providers (3PLs) that offer discounted rates as an effective way to access more affordable shipping options. Utilizing multi-carrier shipping platforms like Easyship allows businesses to compare courier prices and select the most cost-effective solution for each shipment. Implementing free shipping thresholds can encourage customers to place larger orders, which helps offset shipping expenses.

Is global expansion feasible for SMBs?

Yes, global expansion is more accessible now. This is because of cheaper cross-border shipping solutions and localized fulfillment options. SMBs can start small by testing high-margin, lightweight products in international markets first. If this works, they can then work on scaling their operations.

Are AI tools for SMB logistics worth it?

Yes, AI tools can be highly beneficial for SMBs that ship physical goods. They help optimize inventory management, improve delivery route planning, and automate customer communication. SMBs can save time and reduce operational costs using affordable AI-powered platforms. And all this without requiring a large upfront investment. A great example of an AI-powered platform is 

Easyship’s intelligent carrier rate comparison engine is a great example of an AI-powered tool, making sure you always get the lowest shipping prices no matter where in the world you’re shipping to.

How can Easyship help SMBs with their shipping needs?

Easyship provides an all-in-one solution for SMBs to simplify logistics. With features like discounted shipping rates, multi-carrier comparisons, real-time checkout rates, and integrated tools for taxes, duties, and returns, Easyship helps businesses save time and costs while enhancing the customer experience.