Starting a business is an exciting ride—with new ideas, tight budgets, and lots of moving parts. And if your startup deals with physical products, then figuring out how to ship things without spending too much is probably one of your first big puzzles. Whether you’re sending out small packages or setting up car transport, getting your shipping plan in place early on can make your life a whole lot easier.
Freight shipping sounds like something only big companies do, but that’s not true. These days, even small businesses can use freight services to move goods from place to place. Freight just means moving items by truck, train, ship, or airplane in bulk. And if you plan it right, you don’t need a huge budget to get started.
Here are some simple tips to help your startup build a shipping process that actually works as your business grows.
Start Small and Learn
In the beginning, you don’t need to ship hundreds of boxes a day or have your own warehouse. You can begin with smaller loads and get a feel for the costs, timing, and what sort of service fits your needs. Try using what’s called “less-than-truckload” shipping (or LTL), which means your stuff shares space on a truck with other people’s goods. It’s cheaper than paying for the whole truck, and it works well if you're not shipping large amounts yet.
Compare Rates
One of the easiest ways to save money is to compare. Freight rates can vary based on the type of product, the weight, how far it’s going, and how fast you need it delivered. There are online freight marketplaces where you can get quotes from different carriers in just a few clicks. Don’t be afraid to shop around before you say yes to a quote.
Build Relationships With Carriers
Over time, having a solid relationship with a freight company or a logistics broker can help you get better rates and more reliable service. When people know you’re serious and they’re likely to get repeat business from you, they’re more likely to help you out.
Use Technology to Stay Organized
Using spreadsheets and sticky notes might work at first, but as things pick up, writing everything down gets messy. There are many simple, low-cost tools that help track shipments, manage inventory, and compare shipping options all in one place. These tools are especially helpful if you have a small team or you’re trying to juggle lots of tasks at once.
Think About Timing
If you can, avoid last-minute shipping. Shipping in a rush costs more—fast delivery options usually carry a higher price tag. Try planning a little further ahead and grouping shipments together. You might find that shipping once a week instead of every day can cut costs and reduce stress.
Bundle Shipping With Your Suppliers
If you work with suppliers who are sending you products or materials regularly, see if you can bundle shipments or have them send items directly to your customers. This method, often called “drop shipping,” can cut both time and expenses—especially if your startup doesn’t have a lot of storage space yet.
Don’t Ignore Packaging
It might not seem like a big deal, but the way you pack your products can make a surprising difference in freight costs. Carriers often charge based on both weight and space, so packing tightly and avoiding oversized boxes can save money. Reusing boxes can help with costs too, just make sure they’re still in good shape so your stuff arrives safely.
Grow Your Shipping With Your Business
As your startup grows, your shipping needs will grow too. What worked three months ago might not be the best option now. Maybe it’s time to change carriers, negotiate a better deal, or add more pickup days. Stay open to adjusting your plan as your sales increase.
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