Shipping costs are rising fast, and customers are noticing. In fact, 48% of online shoppers say they’ve abandoned their carts because shipping costs were too high. That’s almost half of your potential sales walking away.
But the good news is you don’t have to choose between affordable shipping and reliable delivery. Smarter decisions—like using multiple carriers and better planning—can help you unlock better delivery options without sacrificing speed or service. This approach can also help you discover the most cost effective shipping routes tailored to your operations.
In this blog, we’ll look at how businesses can rethink their delivery plans, building cost-effective strategies that lower spend, improve delivery performance, and keep operations smooth.
How Using Multiple Carriers Helps You Find Cheaper Rates
Relying on one delivery provider limits your options. Using multiple carriers, on the other hand, gives you more control. You can compare rates, match service levels to each delivery need, and avoid bottlenecks. It’s not about adding complexity—it’s about creating flexibility. This approach helps you:
- Compare rates across carriers and choose the cheaper option.
- Avoid delays by switching providers during high-demand seasons.
- Negotiate better pricing by not being tied to one carrier.
- Use specialized carriers for certain regions or product types.
With multiple carriers, you’re not stuck with one price or one timeline. You can choose what works best each time, and strengthen your carrier retention by offering more flexibility and consistent service quality.
Finding the Most Cost Effective Shipping for Your Routes
Finding the most cost effective shipping option doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Every company has its own unique delivery needs—whether it’s regional coverage, high-volume orders, or strict timelines. The key is using data to drive better decisions. By taking a closer look at your current routes and carrier mix, you can uncover hidden inefficiencies and make smarter choices focused on reducing shipping costs and support your goal of reducing shipping costs.
Let’s walk through a step-by-step method to help you pinpoint where you can save and how to make changes that work long term.
Step 1: Review Your Shipping Data (Weight, Size, and Destination)
Start by collecting information like the weight of your package, package size, and how far it needs to go. This helps identify the best way to ship a package, whether you’re sending a small package locally or shipping heavier packages across the country.
Start by looking at your past shipments—where they go, how often, and the delivery timeframes.
Step 2: Break Down Your Routes
Group similar destinations or regions. This lets you find trends or overlaps you might not notice otherwise and gives you a better picture of how to streamline shipment tracking systems across different lanes.
Step 3: Compare Carriers and Rates
Look at available carrier rates, delivery speed, and whether they offer discounted rates for certain zones or package sizes. Don’t forget to compare rates for small and large package types—you might be surprised by the lowest rate depending on the combination of weight and service.
For each group, compare options from multiple carriers. Pay attention to price, transit time, and reliability.
Step 4: Adjust Your Strategy
You may find that one carrier is more affordable for short-haul deliveries, while another performs better on long routes—leading to faster deliveries and improved customer satisfaction.
Following these steps helps you spot gaps, reduce waste, and uncover the most cost effective shipping combinations for your unique needs. Whether you’re sending a single parcel or managing hundreds of deliveries, identifying the most cost effective shipping choice can improve your bottom line and customer experience.
Reducing Shipping Costs with Smarter Transport Choices
When you’re working to reduce shipping costs, one of the smartest moves you can make is rethinking your choice of transport modes. Many businesses default to express or air delivery, thinking it’s the safest or fastest. But not every shipment needs to be delivered overnight—especially if the extra cost isn’t justified.
Choosing the right transport method depends on your delivery timelines, package volume, and budget—three key areas that impact reducing shipping costs in both the short and long term. With the right mix of ground, air, rail, and intermodal, you can create a delivery strategy that meets your needs without overspending. Each option has strengths and limitations, and understanding those trade-offs is key to making smarter choices that reveal cheaper shipping options you might have overlooked—and contribute to reducing shipping costs across the board.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of different transport choices:
| Transport Mode | Pros | Cons |
| Ground | Lower cost, reliable for short distances | Slower for long hauls |
| Air | Fast delivery | High cost |
| Rail | Good for bulk shipments over land | Limited flexibility |
| Intermodal | Mix of modes, balance between cost and speed | More planning needed |
Using a mix of these options, based on the shipment’s urgency, size, and distance, can play a big role in reducing shipping costs effectively. A smart transport plan ensures you’re not overspending when you don’t have to.
How to Identify Cheaper Shipping Options That Work
Choosing the right strategy for lowering shipping costs can feel overwhelming, especially with so many carriers, modes, and tools to choose from. But there are practical steps you can take right now that don’t require a full logistics overhaul.
Here’s a simple checklist to help you quickly identify cheaper shipping options that still work for your business, especially when using multiple carriers to increase flexibility. These tips are easy to apply and can lead to meaningful savings in your everyday operations:
- Review your current carrier contracts.
- Compare current rates with at least two other providers.
- Use rate comparison software to automate comparisons.
- Evaluate slower delivery methods for non-urgent orders.
- Ask your provider about volume discounts.
- Consider zone skipping or regional distribution centers.
Cheaper shipping options are not always about finding the lowest price or just the cheapest way to ship packages. They’re about making smart choices that balance cost, time, and customer satisfaction—especially when working with multiple carriers to optimize every route.
Need Help Making It All Work?
We understand how frustrating rising shipping costs can be, especially when you’re trying to balance speed, reliability, and budget. Supply Chain Solutions can help you find the most cost effective shipping strategies through a blend of multiple carriers, smart planning, and route analysis.
We’ve helped businesses like yours make small adjustments that lead to big savings and uncover new opportunities for cheaper shipping options that align with your goals. Discover how smarter delivery strategies can reduce costs and help you find the cheapest option based on delivery speed, package size, and weight. Call us now!
