Many small businesses rely heavily on shipping, particularly those that must ship products to their customers. Logistics companies facilitate the shipment of online-purchased goods. Online retail sales in the United States reached nearly $231,4 billion during the first three months of 2022, representing 14.3% of total retail sales.
Shipping companies help small businesses maintain positive customer relationships by delivering orders quickly and affordably, and some even assist with logistics and inventory management.
We evaluated more than a dozen shipping companies to assist small business owners in selecting the best one for their requirements. In addition, we evaluated each business’s reputation, price, speed, and customer service. Please continue reading to determine which solution may best meet your requirements.
Finding the Right Shipping Method
These are some of the best delivery options for small businesses:
- Small businesses frequently utilize the United States Postal Service (USPS) as their preferred shipping provider. When sending a package weighing less than five pounds, USPS is almost always the most cost-effective option.
- UPS: If you have a large package, using this service will save you money. UPS provides a time-sensitive overnight delivery service that allows you to schedule deliveries for the beginning of the following business day. USPS only ensures packages arrive by 12 or 3 pm, so if you need to ship something urgent overnight, you should use UPS instead.
- FedEx: FedEx is typically the fastest option out of the three. FedEx offers shipping on the same day. This service will incur an additional fee, but it is the most practical option for customers who require expedited package delivery.
Numerous international shippers utilize DHL due to its reliability. However, the final shipping cost will depend on your chosen service, the delivery speed required, and the distance between the origin and the final destination. It is also essential to consider the size and weight of the shipped items. If your package is enormous, if you need it delivered quickly, or if it is traveling a great distance, you can expect to pay more for shipping.
How Do Most Small Businesses Ship Goods?
Ground shipping is the most cost-effective and convenient option for smaller businesses. United Parcel Service (USPS), United Parcel Service (UPS), Federal Express (FedEx), and DHL (International) are the four largest carriers in the United States, all of which are used by small businesses.
The US Postal Service will have processed 7.6 billion shipments and packages by 2021. In 2021, approximately 6,4 billion packages were delivered by UPS.
How Much Do Shipping Companies Cost?
Shipping costs are calculated based on the package’s weight, dimensions, origin, destination, and urgency. Domestic shipping costs typically range from $8 to $12 for small packages to $17 to $21 for oversized packages, with delivery times between one and five business days.
Find the most cost-effective shipping rate by shopping around and comparing various providers.
What Shipping Options Do Small Businesses Have?
Even small businesses that sell products to customers should utilize the services of a shipping company. United Parcel Service, Federal Express, and DHL are the largest carriers in the United States, but they are not the only ones. Companies offering application programming interfaces (APIs) for comparing shipping prices across multiple carriers can assist small businesses in reducing their shipping costs.
