7 Ways to Reduce Your Shipping Costs

Shipping costs account for a fair share of expenses for businesses shipping internationally. Managing international shipping costs efficiently is one of the biggest competitive advantages in today’s supply chain. With the right freight forwarding partner and smart logistics strategies, you can reduce shipping costs, improve delivery performance and strengthen your bottom line. Use the tips below to optimize your logistics spend.

1. Pack efficiently

There are several common-sense approaches when it comes to packing your goods for export and reducing international shipping costs. Proper packaging not only lowers freight rates but also ensures cargo safety, compliance with carrier requirements and smooth customs clearance. Businesses that invest in efficient packaging can cut expenses related to volumetric weight, minimize damage risks, and optimize their supply chain performance. When planning your packaging strategy, consider the following factors:

• Density: Increase density by eliminating dead space in packages. The price you pay carriers may depend on the volume of your shipment, especially for lighter and bulkier shipments. Make sure to use space efficiently so that you don’t have to pay for volumetric weight.

• Stackability: Make your shipment stackable so you don’t have to pay for the entire space above your shipment. Carriers across all modes of transport charge more for non-stackable shipments because you cannot stack any other cargo on top of it.

• Standard packing: Use industry-standard packing (e.g. Euro pallets 120×80 cm) because they can easily be transloaded across different modes of transport. This also ensures compliance with carrier requirements. If you can ship your goods in the belly of a passenger aircraft, pack according to aircraft specifications to avoid paying premium rates for all-cargo aircraft. This is an easy way to reduce freight costs without sacrificing efficiency.

2. Palletize your cargo

This may at first seem a counterintuitive approach since palletizing your loose boxes adds to the cargo weight and consequently the shipping cost. However, palletizing loose boxes into a single shipping unit has several benefits. It provides protection against potential loss, damage or delay of your cargo in transit, while it is handled through several warehouses and handling points across various modes of transport. When you think about the financial and reputational cost of returning or replacing a lost item for your business, palletizing may not be a bad idea at all.

3. Optimize your shipping schedule

Schedule your shipment wisely to avoid weekend overtime fees and storage at destination. While most airports and ports offer 48 hours free storage, for special shipments such as live animals or dangerous goods, storage fees apply as soon as the goods are placed in a warehouse. Most freight handling companies charge overtime for weekend work so make sure to check these details before you ship. If you can help it, try to avoid partial shipments for big volume cargo as partial lots mean split deliveries at destination, increasing the cost of the last mile for your business.

4. Use express mail for small shipments

If you are shipping small items, usually under 10 kilos, consider using express mail services such as DHL or FedEx. This saves you the trouble of personally declaring your shipment for customs and paying outsized fees for first / last mile deliveries. Think about the value of your time - is it really worth it? Courier services normally consolidate small packages into big consignments to achieve better price points with airlines, which makes them a better alternative for shipping small parcels.

5. Get your paperwork right

Make sure your export shipping documents are in good order to avoid delays or incurring fines from authorities. If your contract term is DDP, you want to make sure your export paperwork is compliant with the destination country's import customs regulations. At Delta Global Solutions, our foreign trade teams specialize in drafting documents for import, export and transit shipments, from commercial invoices and packing lists to certificates of conformity and permits for special cargo.

6. Avoid miscommunication

When communicating with carriers or freight forwarders about a shipment, be clear and open about all cargo details. Holding back your crucial cargo information such as your insurance needs, special handling requirements or delivery deadlines will hinder your logistics provider’s ability to execute a shipment as required. This may eventually lead to extra costs and surprise outcomes which you can avoid.

7. Choose your forwarder wisely

Having an experienced freight forwarder by your side has various benefits so try to partner with a 3PL provider rather than going it alone when you ship internationally. A qualified logistics provider will not only move your shipment from point A to point B, but also help you optimize your logistics processes in a variety of ways which cannot always be quantified in monetary terms.

Logistics experts can take a holistic view of your supply chain practices and help you optimize your logistics spend by analyzing, identifying and closing the gaps that may be hindering your operations. A-class freight forwarders such as Delta Global Solutions have a global network and negotiating power with major carriers, enabling them to offer a one-stop solution for all of your logistics needs.

How Delta Global Solutions Can You Optimize Your Logistics Spend

With rising inflation, fuel surcharges and ongoing supply chain disruptions, shipping costs are likely to remain volatile. While external market factors are beyond your control, you can reduce expenses by optimizing packaging, scheduling, documentation and partnering with the right freight forwarder. Delta Global Solutions bridges Uzbekistan and Central Asia with the global marketplace through comprehensive freight forwarding and logistics services. Leveraging an extensive network, local expertise and reliable solutions, including international transport, vertical business services and customs brokerage, we help businesses of all sizes access global markets swiftly and efficiently. Contact us to optimize your logistics spend and keep your supply chain moving efficiently. Ship globally, save locally with Delta Global Solutions.

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1. What is the most common mistake businesses make that increases shipping costs?

Many businesses neglect proper packaging and documentation. Poor packaging increases volumetric charges, while incorrect paperwork leads to delays, fines and storage fees.

2. Is it always cheaper to choose the lowest freight rate?

Not necessarily. The cheapest option may involve longer transit times, higher damage risks or hidden costs (storage, demurrage, last-mile charges). A slightly higher upfront rate may reduce total logistics spend.

3. What hidden shipping costs should businesses watch out for?

Common hidden costs include: demurrage and detention charges, weekend overtime fees, customs penalties and surcharges for non-stackable or oversized cargo.