How to reduce shipping costs
You reduce shipping costs by changing inputs you control: packaging, service level, and whether you buy retail or commercial postage. You do not reduce them by wishing a carrier were cheaper.
The highest-leverage moves
- Buy cheap shipping labels online instead of retail counter postage.
- Compare USPS and UPS on the same package.
- Right-size boxes so DIM does not inflate the bill.
- Default to Ground. Upgrade only when the customer paid for days.
- Confirm weight. Adjustments are silent cost increases.
What not to do
- Under-declare weight on purpose.
- Use Media Mail for merchandise.
- Pay a monthly tool you open twice.
- Ship a gift box inside a much larger carton “to be safe.”
Related habit list: how to save money on shipping. Planning math: shipping calculator.
Keep reading
Frequently asked questions
Compare rates on your current box
See whether USPS or UPS is lower before you change anything else.