For small businesses and e-commerce sellers, bulk shipping can unlock significant cost savings—if done strategically. Shipping multiple items together not only lowers per-package costs but also helps streamline logistics and improve customer satisfaction. Here are some proven tips for making the most of bulk shipments.
Consolidate Shipments Whenever Possible
Instead of sending multiple smaller packages, combine items into a single shipment. Both UPS and FedEx offer bulk discounts when packages are grouped. Consolidation reduces handling fees, packaging costs, and the likelihood of paying dimensional weight charges.
Use Freight for Large or Heavy Orders
When shipping pallets or packages over 150 pounds, freight services are often cheaper than standard parcel carriers. Platforms like FreightCenter and uShip allow businesses to compare less-than-truckload (LTL) quotes and choose the most affordable options.
Leverage Third-Party Shipping Platforms
Services such as ShipStation, Shippo, and Pirate Ship often provide bulk rate discounts without requiring direct negotiation. These platforms also integrate with popular e-commerce systems like Shopify, making it easy to manage large shipments efficiently.
Stack Rewards for Even More Savings
Beyond carrier discounts, you can reduce expenses by stacking rewards with cashback apps. For example, businesses can earn cashback with a UPS gift card or get rewards with a FedEx gift card through Fluz. Using discounted gift cards for large shipping orders compounds the savings, especially when paired with bulk-rate pricing. If you’re not already using it, you can download Fluz to start applying this strategy.
Choose the Right Packaging
For bulk shipments, durable yet lightweight packaging is key. Using oversized boxes can trigger dimensional weight pricing, where carriers charge based on size instead of actual weight. Switching to custom-sized packaging or recycled materials from providers like EcoEnclose can keep costs low and support sustainability goals.
Conclusion
Bulk shipping works best when businesses consolidate packages, use freight for oversized orders, leverage third-party discounts, and stack cashback strategies for additional savings. With the right combination, shipping larger volumes becomes not only more efficient but also more profitable.
