4 Crucial Criteria To Consider When Picking A Shipping Carrier

Virginia Miller

October 25, 2024

In this article

Partnerships are crucial for establishing an eCommerce business, and that includes picking the best carriers to work with. When optimizing your delivery strategy, choosing the correct shipping carrier is crucial. The carriers you choose are determined by several criteria, including what you're sending, where you are delivering to, the weight and size of your goods, as well as how much you're retailing your items for.

The question is, what are shipping carriers, and why are they so important?

What Is A Shipping Carrier?

A carrier is a service, firm, or individual with the legal authority to transport products by air, sea, or land. Carriers collaborate with shippers to move items from one location to another.

As ecommerce grows, shipping companies have become vital in supporting the economy, as consumers rely more on online shopping and delivery.

Choosing The Best Carrier For Your Business

When choosing a shipping carrier, consider factors like:

Product Type

Examine product sizes, types, and carrier capabilities to find the best fit. Some carriers have restrictions on valuable, fragile, or regulated items.

Reputation & Reliability

Select a carrier with a strong track record for on-time delivery. Top carriers like FedEx, DHL, UPS, and USPS are known for reliability.

Cost

Compare carrier rates and services. Offering competitive shipping costs builds customer satisfaction. Using multiple carriers can maximize value.

Tracking Services

Good tracking keeps customers informed on order status. It also helps you monitor shipments and address any delivery issues.

Conclusion

Assess carriers based on your specific business needs. Simpl offers complete ecommerce order fulfillment services, from packing to delivery, guaranteed on-time.

FAQs

What should you consider when selecting an ecommerce shipping carrier?

Main factors include product type, carrier reputation, shipping rates, tracking capabilities, delivery speed, and customer support.

What are the most popular shipping carriers?

Top carriers include FedEx, UPS, DHL, USPS and regional carriers like Royal Mail. They are known for reliability and tracking services.

How does product type impact your choice of shipping carrier?

Carriers have restrictions and specialized services for products like dangerous goods, valuables, regulated items, oversized items, etc. Pick one that fits your products.

Why is an ecommerce carrier's reputation important?

A reputable carrier with a strong history of on-time delivery and good customer service means less lost packages and happier customers.

Should you offer one or multiple shipping carrier options?

Offering rates from multiple carriers gives customers shipping options at different price points and service levels.

How can shipping carriers improve customer experience?

Accurate tracking services keep customers informed on order status and build trust. It also helps address any delivery issues promptly.

What does Simpl offer for ecommerce shipping?

Simpl provides end-to-end order fulfillment services for ecommerce businesses, from professional packing to on-time delivery with top carriers.