Shipping costs add up quickly, especially for small businesses and frequent shippers. Rewards programs are designed to give you perks like discounts, points, or cashback, but the value depends on how you ship and which carriers you use. Here’s a closer look at the most common programs and whether they’re worth your time.
Carrier Loyalty Programs
Major carriers offer loyalty and small business programs that provide discounted rates, access to advanced tracking, and occasional promotional credits. These can be worthwhile if you regularly use one carrier and want streamlined access to tools that make shipping easier. USPS doesn’t have a traditional rewards program, but small businesses can unlock commercial pricing through platforms approved by the USPS Business Solutions Network.
Third-Party Shipping Platforms
Platforms such as Shippo, Pirate Ship, and EasyPost often integrate with carriers and pass down bulk discounts. While these aren’t technically “rewards programs,” they function as cost-saving systems by automatically giving you cheaper rates. Some even provide volume-based perks as your shipping increases.
Cashback and Shopping Apps
Cashback platforms are another smart way to turn everyday shipping expenses into savings. For example, you can earn cashback with a USPS gift card or get rewards with a FedEx gift card directly through Fluz. Similarly, cashback apps like Rakuten and Ibotta can help you stretch your shipping budget by stacking rewards on top of existing carrier discounts. If you haven’t tried it yet, you can start stacking rewards by downloading Fluz.
When They’re Worth It
Shipping rewards programs make the most sense if:
- You ship frequently and use the same carriers.
- You’re running an e-commerce store with consistent volume.
- You want perks like faster claims processing, dedicated support, or bulk discounts.
- You’re combining them with cashback options to maximize savings.
When They’re Not Worth It
These programs may not be necessary if you ship infrequently, use multiple carriers without loyalty, or already get better discounts through a third-party platform. In that case, simply sticking with discounted rates or occasional cashback is the smarter choice.
Conclusion
Shipping rewards programs can definitely pay off, especially when combined with cashback apps and discounted gift cards. The key is knowing your shipping habits and choosing the program—or combination of programs—that aligns with your volume and needs. For many small businesses, a blend of carrier loyalty, third-party platforms, and cashback solutions offers the best return.
