The cost of shipping can be a significant factor in your logistics costs. The largest packages you need to send may have an even more significant impact on your shipping budget. However, there are ways to save money when shipping bulk cargo boxes that aren’t so expensive. Depending on the size and weight of your packages, it could work out cheaper to send them as several smaller packages than one large parcel. Even if you have no other option but to ship as one large package, there are still several ways you can save on the cost of bulk shipping. Here are the top seven cheapest ways to send large packages that won’t break the bank. But before this, let’s look at the various factors affecting the cost of bulk shipping. 

Factors That Affect The Cost of Bulk Shipping

Shipping is about a lot more than just the weight of the cargo. Many business owners find figuring out bulk shipping costs a major obstacle. But don’t bog yourself down with unnecessary analysis. We recommend thinking about the following factors:

Dimensional Weight

The dimensional weight of your package is the total of its length, width and height. Shipping companies like UPS, FedEx, and the US Postal Service will typically use the volume of your shipment as a proxy for its weight. Afterwards, they’ll charge you based on the heavier of the two weights (whether it’s literal or dimensional). To find out how much it will cost to ship a big box that weighs very little, you can shop around for shipping quotations.

Special Service

Undoubtedly, you already know that there will be an increased charge for shipping goods that require special care such as the ones that must be refrigerated or frozen, or particularly fragile or potentially dangerous.

Distance

Distance from the shipper’s location to the recipient’s location is another major factor. Shipping rates are determined not only by the dimensions and weight of your package but also by the length of time it takes to deliver your shipment’s contents.

Transportation Mode

The shipping cost also depends on the transportation you choose to deliver your goods.

Top 7 Ways to Cut Down on Bulk Shipping Costs

Send Your Package By Boat

Bulk shipping your packages via sea route can be a cheap and green way to transport your goods. It can be comparatively slow but a cruise ship can transport thousands of bulk cargo at once and it is more affordable than air freight or road transport. You can find container shipping rates at ports in your region or international ports if you’re sending your goods across the globe. Shipping rates will vary depending on the type of goods you’re transporting, the season, and the port you’re shipping. If you’re sending heavy or breakable goods, you must consider the risk of damage or loss apart from whether your goods are suitable for shipping by sea.

Consolidate Your Packages

If you’re bulk shipping several packages by air, it could work out cheaper to consolidate your goods and send them as one large parcel. You may receive a discount if you ship with the same shipping carrier for all your packages, and it’s worth checking with an airline. If you’re shipping internationally, you may get a better rate to bulk ship your products. However, it is wise to check with your chosen shipping carrier to make sure that it is an option with them. You may also find it easier to organise and track your deliveries if you have bulk cargo shipments.

Try a Different Shipping Carrier

This is particularly relevant if you’re shipping by air. If you’re sending perishable goods, you may want to use a premium air shipping carrier. However, the cost can be prohibitive if there are cheaper options. If you’re sending non-perishable goods by air, you can try a more affordable option such as a general air carrier. You may not be able to choose which carrier you use with a public air shipping service but it could significantly reduce the cost of your bulk shipping. If you’re sending goods by sea, you can try a different shipping carrier depending on the type of goods you’re shipping. Other shipping companies specialise in specific items such as cars or chemicals. You can find out which companies offer services in your region and contact them to see if they’re a suitable choice for your goods.

Use Certified Packaging & Tracking

If you have goods transported by road or air, there may be specific requirements for how they are packaged. Using certified packaging could reduce the risk of damage to your goods and provide you with a payment claim in the event of loss or damage. It could also save you money by reducing the risk of being charged for goods that are returned due to damage. It’s also worth tracking your goods to ensure they’re arriving on time and to help you monitor your return on investment. You may want to invest in temperature-controlled bulk shipping if you send goods sensitive to extreme conditions, such as pharmaceuticals or live animals. This will reduce the risk of damage or spoilage and possibly save you money on your shipping rates. 

Check with Different Freight Brokers for the Best Price

Freight brokers are people or companies that act as a middleman between people who need to move goods and reputable shipping companies. To know which affordable freight firms are reliable, compare different freight brokers. They can also offer competitive prices because they already have a network of carriers. Also, freight brokers offer their clients more personalised service. If this is your first time shipping or you only ship occasionally, this is a great option.

Choose Flat-Rate Shipping

The best value, especially domestic shipping, will always be found with a flat shipping charge. You know exactly what your bulk shipping costs will be with a flat shipping charge. Regardless of the dimensions or weight of your box, you’ll only be charged one flat amount.

Local Delivery or Pickup

Local delivery or even better, in-store pickup is the most cost-effective shipping method. Providing delivery services in the local area is an excellent way for local businesses to connect with consumers, boost revenue and exceed expectations. 

Conclusion

In the end, you will have to do your research based on the type of package that you are sending in your bulk shipping. You’ll have to find out every fee associated with the courier service. However, it will be best for you in the long run if you opt for any courier service over the others, which one makes a real effort to inform customers of all fees. Use these ideas and get going. You can save a significant amount of money with little effort. Happy shipping!