Cheap Ways To Ship Oversized and Heavy Items eCommerce

Virginia Miller

June 18, 2024

In this article

If you are a business (or even a person) who has sent enormous things previously, you are presumably acquainted with how costly it may be. A few distinct components can cause the transportation costs for oversized items to be very high, which can be disappointing, particularly for organizations working inside strict spending edges.

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Huge bundles and more extensive than usual delivery can appear to be an agony and a half. However, many transporters offer quick and simple transportation of even the greatest and bulkiest things or an entrepreneur's genuine feelings of serenity.

Save on Shipping Costs for Large, Oversize Packages

Shipping large, oversized packages can get expensive. Here are 3 tips to help you find the most affordable shipping options.

1. Break Down Items into Flat Packs

If possible, break down large items into multiple flat packs that can be easily reassembled. Flat packs maximize space efficiency so you save on dimensional weight shipping rates.

2. Get Volume Based Shipping Discounts

If you frequently ship large packages, ask carriers about volume based discounts. The more you ship, the lower your rates. This saves tremendously over time.

3. Use a Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Provider

3PLs like SimplFulfillment leverage bulk discounts across clients to offer low shipping rates. They have expertise in cost effectively shipping large, heavy packages.

How 3PLs Reduce Oversize Shipping Costs

3PLs reduce oversize shipping costs in a few key ways:

Consolidated Shipping

By combining shipments across clients, 3PLs get better rates from carriers.

Expertise

Years of experience shipping oversized freight leads to process efficiencies.

Customer Service

Great customer service ensures your large packages ship smoothly.

Conclusion

Shipping large, heavy packages can get complex and expensive. Following these tips will help you find the most cost-effective shipping solutions.

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FAQs

What is dimensional weight?

Dimensional weight calculates rates based on package volume. It helps carriers account for large packages that take up space but don't weigh much.

How are freight classes determined?

Freight classes categorize packages by product type. Lower classes get better rates. Items are classed based on density, value, handling needs, and other factors.

What shipping discounts should I ask for?

Ask carriers about volume discounts if you ship a lot of large packages. Multi-carrier contracts also offer savings. Get rates from a 3PL to see if they can beat carrier pricing.

Should I use a 3PL or freight broker?

3PLs offer end-to-end order processing but focus less on pricing. Freight brokers get good rates but you handle more logistics. Evaluate both to see which model works best.

What are LTL shipping rates?

LTL (less than truckload) ships pallets or crates under 15,000 lbs. Rates are lower than full truckload or parcel but more than small package ground.

How much does it cost to ship oversize items?

Oversize shipping costs vary greatly by weight, dimensions and distance. On average, rates range from $100 to $5,000+ to ship very large, heavy items. Cost depends on freight class too.

Should I assemble items before shipping?

If possible, break down large items into multiple flat packs that take up less space. This lowers dimensional weight and oversize charges. Just make sure customers can easily reassemble!

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