See Blog Categories

3 Reasons Sellers Fail To Get The Cheapest Shipping From Canada to US

Diana Zheng
  •  
April 29, 2021

It's no secret that Canada and the US have been trading buddies for a long time; we might be talking centuries. Zoom back to the 21st century—rapid advancements in shipping and the rise of E-commerce have multiplied the demand, leading to 5 billion dollars worth of goods exchanged every year.

Most online sellers in Canada find themselves looking west to make their international debut. The long history between the two countries has spurred the development of efficient and accessible shipping systems that Canadian sellers will find no trouble using.

And while opportunities lay abundant, many sellers often make mistakes that dampen their international reach from the onset. When expanding a business, it's essential to make as few mistakes as possible. One way to go about it is consistently making smart decisions. This requires in-depth knowledge of the way shipping works. Costly mistakes rapidly rack up into formidable expenses that, left unchecked, will slowly drive your profits to ruin. 

Achieve the cheapest shipping from Canada to US by avoiding these mistakes.

Not Making the Most Out of Shipping Partners

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Shipping service providers generally prefer long-term clients because they mean consistent and reliable business. Most of them are more than happy to dole out a goodie or two. All that said, most sellers unknowingly pass up on offers they could have easily negotiated for themselves. 

Here are a few:

  • Exclusivity

Sellers can negotiate for lower shipping rates in exchange for partnering with the shipping company exclusively for the long haul.

You should opt for this only if you're confident and satisfied that you've selected the right shipping partner for your business.

  • Recurring Customers

Having a long track record with a shipping company might entitle you to a discount; this is an acknowledgment of the excellent business you've brought to their doors.

Ill-planned packaging

The packaging is one of the X factors that differentiate the profitable sellers from the losing ones. It may not seem much but trust us when we say, packaging matters. Every square foot is worth thousands in the shipping industry, so a hair split difference of millimeters can make or break your bank. Here's the smart way to do it:

  • Invest in lightweight and compact materials

Bulky boxes cost significantly higher compared to lightweight and compact ones—Kraft mailers, bubble wrap, packing tape, and so on. Using the right packing supplies makes it easy to store, handle, and deliver your items.

  • Know the standard measurements

Knowing your shipper's specifics on items, like weight or dimensions, will guide how you package your product. It's generally not a good idea to force your product into a smaller measurement category to cut costs as this may lead to mishandling or, worse, damage.

Ignoring Surcharges

With the ongoing pandemic, many shipping companies have had to adjust their prices to accommodate the rocketing demands of e-commerce. As a seller, it's essential to know these surcharges so you can structure your financials accordingly and achieve the desired profit margin. Here are a few of them you need to keep in mind:

  • Address Correction Fee

This is a fee you pay when you input an incomplete or inaccurate address. It'll cost you more to change the address, especially if the item is en route.

How to avoid:

Be more attentive in writing your customer's details and address. Ask your customer to fill in any lacking information.

  • Delivery Re-attempt fee

This happens when the customer suddenly feels like going out for a run or doing groceries despite knowing the delivery schedule. When the delivery man comes knocking, and nobody's around, the company will have to re-attempt the delivery. A delivery re-attempt fee is charged to compensate for the time and fuel lost.

How to Avoid:

Keep in touch with your customers to make sure they're available to receive the parcel. Also, make sure all the details are accurate and complete.

  • Oversized Package surcharge

As discussed above, if your item doesn't fit the shipper's standard measurements, you'll have to pay a premium. The cost will also involve additional handling charges for your oversized package. 

How to Avoid:

Make sure your products meet the standard size requirements as specified by your shipping partner. Sellers may achieve this by using minimal yet sturdy packaging, so every nook and corner is maximized without compromising safety.

  • Saturday Surcharge

It'll cost you a lot more to have items delivered beyond typical business days of Monday to Friday, hence the name.

How to Avoid:

You could either use express shipping or priority mail as these options do not require an additional charge. If the customer's not in a hurry, you could have it delivered on the next business day.

While there are overheads you'll inevitably have to pay for, like fuel surcharge and package insurance, steering clear of unnecessary charges can boost you miles ahead.

What about the cheapest shipping from US to Canada? 

A different story altogether with similar elements, the cheapest way to ship to Canada from US is still within arms reach. 

Conclusion

It's essential to maintain a holistic approach to running a business. As an online entrepreneur, you'll be continually dealing with logistics to expand your business internationally effectively. 

Here at Stallion Express, we offer the best ground-up solutions for your logistics needs, consistently offering you cheaper rates by a mile from our competitors. With our vast experience and thousands of satisfied Canadian customers, we'll be more than happy to help you take your business to the next level. 

Shoot us an email today at [email protected] for a free consultation.

Get started today! Ship faster, smarter, cheaper with Stallion.

Get Started Today.  Sign Up for Free!

Join the Stallion Newsletter

You’ll receive the best tips, strategies, and news on Canadian ecommerce.

Hear what online sellers in Canada are saying

"Stallion Express is a game changer for small business owners like myself. My online store wouldn't be where it's at today without the Stallion Express team."
Dorothy Wong
"Outstanding service. Delivery is always on time. Accessible location. Expert staff. There's nothing else I could ask for."
Norma Joseph
"Stallion Express has been fulfilling my shipments with excellence for the longest time. With their quick actions and unparalleled customer service, they are the best shipping company."
Lena Hulsey
See more articles from same author
Easter Hours 2024

Prepare to celebrate the approaching holiday with your loved ones! We're here to assist you in planning ahead by offering the Easter holiday hours for all our locations. Ontario: Drop & Go British Columbia: Drop & Go For inquiries or suggestions, allow us to assist you by reaching out to our customer service team at [email protected] or […]

Read More
New Locations: 3 in Ontario + BC

Ontario We've heard you loud and clear! Introducing two fresh Drop & Go locations from Stallion, addressing the needs of our growing customer base.  Here are the details: Ottawa Prince of Wales Market 📍1896 Prince of Wales Drive Nepean, ON K2C 3W9 Oshawa Park 'N Shop Mart ​📍461 Park Road S Oshawa, ON L1J 8R3 […]

Read More
Canadian Domestic Service Updates

Learn more about the comprehensive range of options now available for our Canadian Domestic Service.  New Service: FleetOptics Ground is now available for the region of Ontario. ✈️ FleetOptics Express (formerly named FleetOptics Air) is a premium air shipping service for those who prefer quick transit times. UniUni Service Expansion UniUni has expanded to now be available for shipments with destination […]

Read More
1 2 3 89
See more articles from same category
National Pet Day Canada 2024: Cat-ching Online Sales Strategies

National Pet Day is approaching! This special event is not just for our furry friends to celebrate. Business owners like you can also maximize this cat day as a purr-fect occasion to boost sales and improve brand identity. Let us discuss insights on "cat-ching" online sales strategies, whisking away the cat day competition one sale […]

Read More
National Sibling Day Canada 2024: Boosting Sales This Special Day

Most Canadians value their family members, especially their siblings. National Siblings Day is celebrated when we show our brothers and sisters extra love. While this is not a Canadian statutory holiday, it does not mean you don't have to celebrate it. Plus, it is a great opportunity for businesses to sell more stuff. Businesses can […]

Read More
How To Save With Express International Shipping (2024)

The eCommerce industry frequently relies on international shipping to send packages across borders quickly and efficiently. While express international shipping offers unparalleled speed and convenience, it can also come with significant costs. However, with strategic planning and the right approach, it's possible to save money without compromising on the speed and reliability of your shipments. […]

Read More
Stallion Express
Ship faster, smarter, and 
cheaper with Stallion Express
© 2023 Stallion Express  |  Legal
|  Sitemap
Ship faster, smarter, and cheaper with Stallion Express
Stallion Express 2020  |  
Legal
menuchevron-downcross-circle linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram