Running a small business is no small feat, and shipping costs can add up fast. Whether you're an eCommerce business fulfilling local orders or a logistics company managing deliveries across borders, those fees can quietly chip away at your profits.
The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your whole operation to start saving. With the right strategies, you can cut costs, improve efficiency, and still deliver a great customer experience.
In this guide, we’ll break down practical, easy-to-implement tips to help your business spend less on shipping, without cutting corners.
Cost-Saving Strategies for Shipping
If you’re looking to cut down on shipping costs, there are a few practical steps you can take that make a real difference. A good place to start is by having a quick chat with your shipping carrier. Just talking through your needs can help you find options that actually fit your business, and might even unlock better rates or services you didn’t know were available.
1. Discounted Shipping Rates
You can often score better shipping rates just by negotiating with your carrier, especially if you ship in bulk or consistently use the same provider. Being part of professional or industry groups might also give you access to exclusive discounts.
Moreover, partnering with logistics companies that specialize in discounted shipping solutions tailored for small businesses could be a great idea.
Another trick is using a credit card that offers shipping benefits. Some cards have special deals that can help cut costs. And if you ship regularly, look into rewards programs; those small perks can add up to meaningful savings over time.
2. Reducing Packaging Expenses
One simple way to save on shipping is by buying your packing supplies, like bubble wrap, mailers, and fillers, in bulk. You’ll usually get a discount when you buy more at once. Also, don’t forget that many carriers offer free packaging if you’re using their shipping services; this can help you cut down on costs even more.
3. Choosing Adequate Packaging
Picking the right packaging size is the best way to prevent unnecessary charges related to package measurements. Look for a sufficient fit that doesn’t leave you exposed but also doesn’t skate around such that your product is wholly vulnerable during shipping. With heavier items, flat-rate boxes can be a good solution, though you should be sure to keep within the weight limits. For softer items like clothing, padded or poly mailers are often a more affordable and practical option than boxes.
4. Prepaying for Shipping Labels
If you usually ship packages that are about the same size and weight, buying your shipping labels ahead of time can save you both money and hassle. It also speeds things up when you’re getting orders out the door. Plus, if you use return packaging programs alongside this, it makes returns easier for customers and helps keep your costs down.
5. Incorporating All Fees in Pricing
Make sure you factor in any extra fees like weekend delivery, signature requirements, or fuel surcharges when you’re calculating your shipping costs. Missing these can mean you’re underestimating what you’re really paying, which can eat into your profits without you noticing.
6. Building a Relationship with Carriers
The more you ship, the better your chances of getting a deal on rates. By keeping an open line with your shipping provider, you can track your shipments and work out discounts that reflect your actual shipping needs.
ShipwithMina to Save on Shipping Costs
ShipwithMina offers small businesses and DTC brands access to significant cost savings and faster fulfillment through several key features. First, our exclusive shipping lines and chartered cargo flights provide direct, reliable routes that bypass typical delays and lower per-unit transit costs.
Inside our warehouses, we use proprietary AI-powered pick & pack technology to speed up processing, reduce errors, and cut labor expenses—helping brands scale 5× in capacity while enjoying up to a 60 % drop in labor costs and 30 % lower operational expenses overall.
Plus, our streamlined system, combining more intelligent routing, AI fulfillment, and bulk shipping. can deliver up to 30% in cost reductions, while their on-site savings calculator and a welcome credit of up to $5,000 make it easy to see and test the benefits.
Ultimately, ShipwithMina delivers a data-driven, tech-forward approach to shipping that cuts costs at multiple levels, all backed by faster service and fewer surprises.
Conclusion
Shipping costs can feel like a constant challenge when you’re running a small business, but the good news is that there are plenty of straightforward ways to keep them in check. It’s all about paying attention to the details, whether that’s packaging right, talking to your carrier, or finding small savings that add up over time.
You don’t have to make huge changes overnight to see a difference. Just start with a few simple steps, keep an eye on what’s working, and adjust as you go. Over time, those savings can really help your business stay healthy and your customers happy.
