USE THE LOWEST COST CARRIER. RATES DIFFER.
Shipping Overseas?
The US Post Office may be cheapest for parcels weighing less than 50 pounds.
BUT: Watch out for size and weight restrictions imposed by foreign post offices. Check at the post office website.
AND: Think about theft. We haven't heard of problems with the US Post Office but, some foreign postal systems are notorious for theft. Ask the locals.
Shipping books or other communication media?
The US Post office is likely the cheapest way to go. They offer special low "Book rates" and "Media rates".
Shipping to Hawaii?
If you can go slow, check out FedEx ground -- not Fed Ex air -- Fed Ex ground -- for shipments over 5 pounds. Otherwise, try the Post Office.
Shipping business to business?
FedEx Ground is likely to be lowest cost for weights over 5 pounds.
Shipments over 100 pounds -- not necessarily one box
Here in San Diego we've been seeing some amazing low rates quoted by a company called Forward Air. Now, the catch is, these rates are for shipping between terminals. You would have to get the shipment to the nearest Forward Air terminal and it would have to be picked up at a Forward Air terminal at the other end. If this works for you, the rates are very good.
By the way,
If anyone from a national freight company feels they offer extraordinary rates we'll be happy to mention them here along with the terms. Call us at 619 287 4090.
AVOID HIGH PRICED SERVICES.
We're appalled at how much stuff goes by air because someone carried the parcel around in their car for a week. Get the shipment started!
If you need a parcel to cross the country in a couple of days, (INSTEAD OF OVERNIGHT) check out 2 day or 3 day service. They are a lot cheaper than overnight.
Also, remember, some parcel shipping stores mark up the shipping costs. Use them if you need packing or convenience or some expertise. But, if you need economy, go directly to the carrier.
IF YOU HAVE AN ACCOUNT, AUDIT YOUR BILLS
This is really important. Many parcel carriers (one in particular) pad their bills outrageously. Your bill may be as much as 10% too high every week!
How do you audit a bill? It's not too difficult -- just tedious.
...Compare the bill against your own shipping records.
.....Is the number of parcels shipped correct?
.....Are all the weights correct?
.....Check the adjustments. (These are corrections to your bill.)
........Be sure you understand what the terms mean. Just call and ask the carrier.
........Are there any weight corrections? If so, why?
........Are the "Oversize Charges" correct?
........Are the "Extra Handling" charges justified?
........Did you pay any of the adjustments last week? ie Are you being double billed?
IF YOU HAVE AN ACCOUNT YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO FREE SHIPPING!
Most carriers guarantee the time of delivery for shipments. Trace your shipments and see if any arrived late. You may be entitled to a refund.
Now, here's a trick. Shipments to remote areas are frequently late. Be especially sure to check those.
AVOID OVERSIZE CHARGES
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UPS inches If the parcel being shipped is large and light, try to choose box dimensions which avoid oversize charges.
If a box measures more than 84 inches combined girth plus length, FedEx and UPS charge for a minimum of 30 pounds -- regardless of how light the box is. If a box measures more than 108 inches combined girth plus length various minimum charges will apply. UPS will charge you for a minimum of 70 pounds. FedEx ground will charge you for a minimum of 50 pounds. The US Post Office will impose large charges (of whose value we are uncertain). |
In general, avoid flat boxes (such as shown) unless you actually need to use them. Use of boxes nearer to cubes will give you a lot more volume without hitting those limits.
We make it a point to stock a number of box sizes which are just below 84 or just below 108 inches.
AVOID VOLUME CHARGES
Domestic air carriers impose a minimum charge called DIM Weight. Each parcel is assumed to weigh no less than 8.91 pounds per cubic foot. (The overseas charge is slightly higher.) For example, a 3 cubic foot box containing a comforter would be charged as though it weighed about 27 pounds -- not the 6 or 7 pounds you would expect.
If you are shipping light, bulky items by air use a box no larger than you really need. We are NOT suggesting that you use insufficient padding. We are suggesting that you use no larger box than is really needed.
CONSIDER GETTING A FEDEX ACCOUNT
There really is a price war going on. FedEx is going after the UPS ground shipping business. DHL and Airborne are moving into the parcel delivery field. FedEx seems to be willing to offer some discounts on very small accounts -- say about 25 or more boxes a week. And they will pick up at residences.
We've been satisfied dealing with them. |