The Cheapest Ways to Ship Large Packages in 2022

Do you own an eCommerce store? Then you probably know that big products come with bigger problems! Shipping a heavy-weight package comes with its own set of challenges. In fact, many shipping carriers are not even ready to deliver these bulky items. 

But does that mean that eCommerce stores will stop selling oversized packages? Definitely, not! There are some cheapest ways to ship large packages. In this blog, we will discuss those tricks one by one.

So let’s get started!

3 Ways to reduce the DIM weight charges 

DIM or dimensional weight is a process of estimating the shipping charges of a package based on its dimension. If an eCommerce store is shipping an oversized package, high DIM weight can increase the shipping charges. For instance, if a shipment weighs 20 pounds but its DIM weight is 25 pounds, the shipping carrier will charge you based on the DIM weight. That’s because it is higher.

Here are some of the cheapest ways to ship a heavy box with high DIM weight:

1. Focus on the packaging 

Packaging matters a lot. If you place your product in a large shipment package, the result will be higher shipping costs. Alternatively, if you pack each ordered item in the smallest possible box, there will be a huge difference in the shipping charges.

Many top eCommerce stores across the globe use this trick. They ship large products without overpackaging. In fact, the latest trend is to ship large products in a disassembled manner to avoid paying extra shipping charges.

2. Negotiate the DIM factor 

If you partner with a shipping carrier for a long time and regularly ship large products in high volume, you are definitely in a place to negotiate. You can negotiate with the courier company to increase your DIM factor. A higher DIM factor will decrease your overall DIM weight charges. 

3. USPS charges less

If you are a new eCommerce store and still figuring out which shipping company to select, go for USPS. This shipping carrier offers a DIM factor of 166, which is much higher than UPS and FedEx. Both FedEx and UPS charge a DIM factor of 139 for commercial shipping. Hence, you can easily save a few bucks by selecting this shipping carrier.

Factors to consider while shipping oversized packages 

Deciding on which shipping carrier to choose for shipping large items takes a lot of thinking. Suppose you have two different shipment packages to be delivered. Both weigh the same, but one of the packages is small and dense while the other is large. 

What should be the ideal approach here? Should you go for two different shipping carriers to ship these items? Or should you stick to any one shipping company?

Well, all these depend on a number of factors. Here are a few:

1. Source and destination of the shipment package

When you are handing over a shipment package to the carrier the first thing they will note is the package’s destination. When the source and destination of a shipment package are clearly mentioned, it is easier to assign it to a particular shipping zone. The higher the distance between the source and destination, the higher will be the shipping zone. And that means high shipping charges.  

2. The fragility of the package 

Another factor to keep in mind is the fragility of the package. If you are shipping a large item that is also delicate, it will need extra care for sure. In that case, you will have to go with a shipping carrier that has a good reputation for handling fragile packages. In this case, the eCommerce store’s priority is to ensure that the package reaches its destination in a harmless condition. Delivery speed is not that important here. 

3. DIM weight 

The concept of DIM weight first came into the picture in 2015. UPS and FedEx were the first carriers to use this concept. Later, USPS also followed. The reason behind introducing DIM weight was to stop shipping carriers from losing a lot of money on large but very light items. The DIM weight factor represents your shipment’s theoretical weight.

The shipping companies try to calculate how much space a package takes up. They apply their minimum density number to calculate DIM weight. Afterward, they will charge based on the difference between actual weight and DIM weight. 

Cheapest ways to ship large packages – 4 Awesome Tricks 

Newbie eCommerce stores, don’t get overwhelmed! We will help you with easy tricks that can reduce your shipping charges, even though you’re shipping large packages. 

Here you go: 

1. Package smartly 

The first step to reduce your shipping charges is smart packaging. Don’t use large boxes unless it is completely necessary. Remember to use sturdy packages to ensure that the products inside are safe. For large packages, eCommerce stores can also use cushioning materials. 

2. Measure and weigh your shipments for rough calculation

Now that you know how shipping carriers calculate the shipping charges, you can always do a rough calculation in-house. Taking measurements of your package is rather easy. To estimate the DIM weight, all you have to do is measure the package’s length, width, and height. 

The other factor you need is the weight of the package in pounds. Now, whichever is higher between the weight and the dimension of the package will decide your shipping charges. It’s that easy.

3. Stick a shipping label 

Don’t ever forget to send your shipment without a shipping label. A shipping label is like a sticker that includes critical information like the source and destination of the package, its dimension, weight, fragility, etc. Make sure that you print this shipping label and stick it over the package for transparency.

4. Finally, send the package 

Finally, it’s time to take the package to the shipping carrier and dispatch it. Before dropping it off at the courier company, don’t forget to do a last-minute check of all the essential factors. 

Final Words 

Shipping large and oversized items is a tricky process. You need to keep all the variables mentioned above before handing over the shipment to the courier company. The essential items here are the DIM weight and the actual weight of a package. 

We hope, this blog helped you understand the cheapest ways to ship large boxes. The bottom line here is to keep researching different shipping companies and their shipping charges before making a final decision.