Shipping can be a tricky subject for eCommerce companies. There are so many different types of shipping methods out there, it’s hard to know which one is the best for your business. This article will explore some of the most popular shipping options and help you figure out what’s right for your company!
What Are Shipping Methods?
A shipping method is a way your customer will send your package. For example, most people are familiar with USPS or UPS, which are carriers that pick up at homes or businesses and deliver to other locations. Others are less familiar with freight, which would be shipped by a trucking company. As you can see below, there are many different ways of shipping your product, some more effective than others.
1. Local Shipping
With local shipping, you have the option to ship either from your warehouse or drop-ship directly from a supplier. Local shipping is great for smaller companies that do not have warehouses or storage space because it saves them money on warehousing costs. This method is also helpful for companies with a small product line. By shipping from a supplier, you can save time and take advantage of economies of scale by shipping everything from one location.
2. Expedited Shipping
Expedited shipping is any of the carriers that deliver within 1-3 days. These are the most ideal for eCommerce companies because it provides a quick turnaround time without being too expensive. These are great for companies looking to offer faster shipping options, but it comes at a higher cost than other shipping types.
3. International Shipping
International shipping is typically faster than ePacket and economy, but slower than standard. When shipping internationally, there are several customs formalities that can change the total delivery time. International shipping is the second most expensive shipping type per package since taxes and duty fees have to be paid.
4. Same Day Delivery
This is a new and popular option for many businesses. It is typically pricey, and can often be done successfully with local shipping on smaller parcels. Same day service often requires a minimum order value to make it profitable and tends to be more successful in metropolitan areas. It’s typically the least expensive option and has lots of potential for growth!
5. Standard Shipping
This is the ‘go-to’ option for nearly all online retailers. It can take 2-10 days, but will be much cheaper than any expedited options. It’s also the best choice for international shipping. This type of shipping is often used when you have a large volume of products that need to be delivered.
6. eCommerce Delivery Services
For companies that are overwhelmed with their shipping needs, there are many eCommerce delivery services out there. These companies offer a complete package where they store your products, ship them to customers for you and provide customer support if something goes wrong. A good example is Shipwire, which has been helping businesses grow since the early 2000s.
7. Freight Shipping
For larger, heavier or more valuable packages, freight shipping is the way to go. Unlike local and expedited carriers that pick up at homes or businesses, freight shipping companies pick up large shipments from a central warehouse. These are typically pallet-sized packages that require special equipment to load and unload.
8. Hybrid Shipping Services
There are also a lot of carriers that offer a mix of different shipping methods. The first carrier to ever offer this service was DHL, which since 2001 has been combining expedited and international services for their customers. Hybrid shipping is typically much more expensive than its corresponding methods, but it will depend on the size and value of the package.
9. Overnight Shipping
Overnight shipping is perfect for companies that need a package delivered overnight. These packages must be dropped off at a carrier or supplier warehouse by a certain time in order to make outgoing flights. The delivery is then completed by a different carrier. Some carriers do not offer overnight services, while others charge a hefty premium for this service.
10. Eco-friendly Shipping
Finally, you have eco-friendly shipping methods. These are carriers that use renewable energy sources, like wind power and biodiesel. They are typically higher priced than other services because they require specific materials to be used in the packaging process. For more info on hybrid shippers, check out this infographic
Conclusion
So there you have it! These are the basics of each type of shipping. Before choosing a shipping method, you should always consider your budget, product(s) and destination. In addition to the price of shipping, you should also think about how fast you need your package delivered to arrive at its final destination. This will help you make the right decision.
There are shipping options depending on the type of business. Small business shipping options are local shipping, same day, eCommerce delivery services and freight. The best shipping methods for small business depend on the type of business and what products you offer. Large businesses should also think about the different types of carriers like expedited or standard, as well as international shipping to other countries. In addition, there are eco-friendly shipping options as well as hybrid shippers.
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