Find the Best UPS® Shipping Rates for Your Business
Shipping costs can be a hefty expense for any business, and that's especially true for small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) with limited resources. Finding ways to cut costs is undoubtedly necessary in today's economy, and failing to do so can cut straight into your bottom line. But luckily, you don't have to face cutting shipping costs alone!
As small business owners themselves, our Unishippers franchisees know how hard SMB owners like you work to find top-rate solutions at low prices that fit within your budget. That's why we've created a nationwide network of business owners to give our SMB customers access to the buying power of an industry-leading third-party logistics (3PL) partner. Keep reading to discover how Unishippers can help you find small package shipping solutions at competitive prices with our pre-negotiated UPS rates.
6 Tips to Get the Best UPS Rates and Cut Shipping Costs
Looking to get the most value for your shipping dollar? Consider these helpful tips to lower your small package shipping costs and find the right UPS rates for your unique business needs.
1. Don't settle for the base rate.
When it comes to retail rates, what you see isn't always what you get. Trying to negotiate shipping rates, however, can leave you feeling like a small fish in a very big pond (or a small business in a very big market). That's where we come in! As part of the largest authorized non-retail reseller of UPS in the nation, Unishippers offers SMBs like yours competitive UPS shipping rates typically only available to shippers with larger volumes! We'll provide access to one simple, cost effective rate to help you get your package on its way without all the fuss.
2. Know the dimensions of your shipment.
Some things are just widely understood. Vegetables are healthier for you than sweets. The Earth revolves around the sun. And large, heavy and oddly shaped packages cost more to ship. When planning and booking your shipments, make sure to calculate all your packages' dimensions and package weight accurately in order to avoid costly reweighs, remeasures, or other unexpected charges and fees. To get the cheapest shipping rates, it's beneficial to use boxes and packaging materials that fit your goods without a lot of excess space. When possible, compare UPS rates for different box sizes to ensure that you're getting the best parcel shipping rate possible when shipping packages.
3. Understand (and avoid) shipping fees.
When calculating your estimated shipping costs, make sure to account for any additional fees — extra handling fees or a delivery area surcharge — and either plan for or around them. When trying to avoid unexpected shipping fees, you first need to understand what common charges your packages may acquire throughout its shipping journey. Luckily, Unishippers has a full team of dedicated shipping experts to help you navigate the complex world of shipping fees, plus helpful resources to help start your own research. Think of us as your personalized shipping calculator.
4. Shipping Services: Choose the right delivery type.
Why pay for next-day air delivery if you only need ground? Having access to a variety of shipping options means that there are solutions for all your shipping challenges, but it can also make it complicated to know which shipping options meet your unique needs. From one-day shipping to Saturday deliveries to options spanning several business days (all with their own daily rates), make sure you understand which UPS delivery options are best for your business and plan accordingly. Plus, your Unishippers account team can access your shipping details and help recommend the right delivery service for you.
5. Consider the difference between price and value.
Saving money is great, especially for SMB shippers, but choosing the lowest-priced option may not always be the best bang for your buck. Avoid additional costs and hassle down the road by using reliable carriers that offer global reach and strong technological expertise. And save money in the long run by protecting your investments with small package insurance, all with a team of Unishippers support experts to help you calculate time and cost to find your best value for each shipment.
6. Partner with a trusted 3PL with access to top UPS rates.
What's the easiest way to find the best UPS shipping rates for your business? Partner with a trusted 3PL provider like Unishippers! With competitive UPS rates on both domestic and international shipping options — Unishippers helps SMBs find the best small package shipping solutions at prices they can afford. For businesses like yours, partnering with Unishippers for your parcel shipping needs can help you save your precious time, resources and money.
Ready to start saving? Request a shipping consultation today to see why SMB shippers across the nation trust their small package shipping to Unishippers and UPS.
UPS Shipping Rate FAQs
Fuel surcharges are additional fees that can affect both parcel shipping rates and overall delivery costs. These surcharges fluctuate based on fuel prices and the distance your package needs to travel, especially for shipments to remote areas.
Yes, partnering with a trusted 3PL provider like Unishippers can give SMBs access to favorable UPS rates, which are typically reserved for higher-volume shippers. These rates apply to both standard and express parcel shipping options.
Several factors, including the shipping service selected (ground, 2-day, or express), the destination, and whether you're shipping to remote areas, can impact delivery times. Express services offer faster delivery but come at a higher price, while standard options may take longer but are more cost-effective.
Yes, shipping to remote areas may incur additional surcharges. These fees are added to the base shipping rate due to the higher costs associated with delivering to less accessible locations. It's important to account for these surcharges when calculating your total shipping costs.