Current events have taken a toll on the global economy, and shipping and logistics aren’t safe from these changes. In fact, shipping companies have to cope with these changes by increasing their fees. Adjustments pose a few challenges, especially for small businesses. So, how do they adjust? Below are five ways online sellers can save on US to Canada shipping costs.

1. Automate the process

Having an automated shipping software helps your business in more ways than one. Its most crucial function is streamlining the order fulfillment process. It automatically takes note of shipping charges, inventory count, and customer details for shipping. It makes the process faster while making less room for mistakes. Basically, with the software doing what a team of people could do, you have on manpower and overall operational costs.

2. Have a clear shipping policy

Having a shipping policy may come off as an essential requirement for an online business. But there is a reason why sellers shouldn’t forget to create one. No matter what e-commerce platform you’re using, it is vital to have a shipping policy to manage your buyers’ expectations. This is especially vital for overseas shipping as shipping from Canada to US requires a customs fee, among many other costs.

The shipping policy should clearly state who pays for these additional fees. Are these additional fees included in the shipping fee upon checkout? Will the client pay for these fees himself once the package arrives in the destination country? Are you willing to shoulder half of the costs for the client? More than just the fees, the shipping policy will also determine the allowable time before the items ship out and the date when the client should expect the package to arrive.

Ultimately, a clear shipping policy will abolish misunderstandings and unnecessary order cancellations or product returns.

3. Review your packaging

Packaging plays a massive role in US to Canada shipping cost as it adds to the dimension and the weight of the product. In today’s minimalist trend, the less packaging you use, the better. It works both ways. You get to have chic and sophisticated packaging while saving on the shipping fee.

Moreover, couriers tend to have a standard size of parcels and boxes. This can be a bit costly for sellers who sell small items as they have to pay for the box’s volume that they did not even consume. In situations like this, you can opt to have your own box made. This will not only make you avoid paying for “air,” but this will also help you save on packaging materials such as tape and bubble wrap.

4. Choose a trusted shipping partner

The e-commerce industry is on the rise, and there’s no stopping it from dominating the business world. However, with the uncontrollable surge in deliveries, courier companies get overwhelmed and struggle to keep up with the demand. This situation poses a challenge to shipping companies to perform and deliver despite the pressure.

This is precisely why it is increasingly essential to tie up with a trusted shipping company. It may not be known to many, but delays in shipping incur additional costs. Having a tried and tested courier partner can not only secure fast and reliable shipping, but it can also ensure that you don’t have to pay unnecessary additional fees because of mishaps or delays.

5. Negotiate rates

There is more to shipping outside the US border than just the US to Canada shipping cost itself. There will be customs fees, duties, taxes, and unexpected surcharges. Unfortunately, you cannot avoid some of the surcharges as they are part of the courier companies’ service costs. You can, however, negotiate the rates.

The fuel surcharge, for example, is one of the most expensive hidden charges when shipping internationally. Depending on the price of ground fuel (which is the common shipping method from the US to Canada), you can expect a 4.25-7.25% surcharge. You can inquire about their fuel surcharge process to negotiate a fair price for both sides. Of course, it’ll be easier to negotiate if you ship a large volume of products or if you deliver to only a few, concentrated destinations.

Key Takeaways

Although operating costs are higher than usual, there is still a silver lining in the form of even higher demand in e-commerce. With the right techniques and business strategies, online businesses can hopefully ride the tide and turn out triumphant. To help you adjust and deal with shipping from Canada to US cost, packaging, and fulfillment, make sure to contact Stallion Express today for a free consultation.