How To Save On Shipping Costs

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The festive season is in full swing, but this year is bringing revelers some challenges. In light of rising costs and supply chain constraints, shipping will be more expensive and potentially subject to prolonged delays.

Estimates from the State of Holiday Shipping report from LateShipment.com show that 16% to 20% of packages shipped by UPS and FedEx will not arrive on time during the 2021 holiday season. worries, as Loqate’s Holiday Shopper Insights 2021 Report shows that 80% of consumers are concerned about packages arriving in time for their celebration.

Shipping prices are also increasing. USPS, FedEx, and UPS are all raising prices this holiday season to meet demand, offset rising operating costs, and keep pace with inflation.

Fortunately, with careful planning, there are several ways to save. Select previously spoke with Sarah Casalan Bittle, president of The UPS Store, about what consumers can do to ensure a comfortable shipping experience this holiday season, no matter which delivery service they choose. .

The headlines reiterated a popular theme this holiday season: Don’t wait until the last minute.

Bittle emphasizes the importance of knowing your shipping provider’s deadlines in order to receive your gifts on time.

If you plan to ship by UPS, the deadlines for packages to arrive before Christmas Day are:

• December 15 via UPS Ground
• December 21 via UPS 3 Day Select®
• December 22 via UPS 2nd Day Air®
• December 23 via UPS Next Day Air®

If you’re shipping by FedEx, the deadlines to arrive in time for Christmas are:

• December 9th: Ground economy and freight
• December 15: Home and ground delivery
• December 21: Express Saver
• December 22: 2Day & 2Day-AM
• December 23: Overnight service
• December 24: Service of the day

If the United States Postal Service (USPS) is your preferred shipping method, its deadlines are:

• December 15: USPS Retail Ground® Service
• December 17: First Class Mail® Service
• December 18: Priority Mail® service
• December 23: Priority Mail Express® service

Also, the longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to ship your package to ensure it reaches its destination on time. And even with next day services, there is no guarantee your package will be made on time as delays are inevitable.

A quarter of parcels shipped via FedEx Overnight and 11.2% of parcels shipped via UPS Next Day Air were delayed during the 2020 holiday season, according to Holiday Reports from LateShipment.com.

For the sake of your wallet and keeping the holiday spirit in mind, Bittle summed up her number one tip in two simple words: “Early Delivery”.

There is nothing worse than opening the box and discovering a broken or damaged gift. So if you’re shipping something fragile this holiday season, proper packing is crucial.

The same report from LateShipment.com states that 10% of all parcels shipped are delayed, lost or damaged.

Bittle suggests a few tips for consumers to keep their holiday gifts safe and secure in transit:

• Use a sturdy, rated box for shipping. She doesn’t recommend using cereal boxes or shoeboxes.
• Use an air pillow or mattress. Even if something isn’t glass, any movement around during shipping could damage the item, or the item could damage the box enough for it to open.
• Seal with graded packing tape. Duct tape or paint tape is not durable enough and may cause your box to burst during shipping.
• Remove any previous labels or barcodes. This can cause logistical problems for your shipment.

The term pirate has gained in popularity, especially around the holidays. According to C+R Research, 43% of respondents have had at least one package stolen in 2020. If you’re shipping something valuable, be sure to consider several options:

• Shipping insurance: Nearly all shipping providers offer insurance to ensure your packages are covered in the event they are damaged or lost, for an additional fee. Fees vary depending on the shipping carrier you choose, as well as the value of the item. For example, if you ship using USPS, premiums start at $2.45. However, some shipping services come with free insurance. If it’s an expensive item or something of sentimental value, Bittle recommends purchasing additional insurance. “Look at the item’s valuation and understand the range of protection you’re buying,” she suggests.
• Incoming message service and secure opt-in: If you’re concerned about package theft, UPS offers in-store holding of items for pickup. In this case, you can automatically update the text to track shipping and ensure your package reaches your local UPS store.

If you’re shipping something from Amazon, you can take advantage of Amazon-branded lockers where you can pick up any item you’ve ordered from the retailer. When the package arrives, you will receive text message information about the location of the locker and how to retrieve the package.

Before you start mailing holiday gifts, consider discounts to help keep costs down. Here are some examples of available discounts:

UPS

• AAA: Show your AAA membership card for 5% off domestic and international UPS® shipping and 15% on other eligible products and services.
• AARP: Show your AARP membership card for 15% off eligible products and services and 5% off domestic and international UPS® shipping.

FedEx

• USAA: Show your USAA membership card to save up to 36% on select FedEx Express International® services and 28% on select FedEx Express shipping services within the US
• Amex Offers: If you have an American Express card, you can find Amex Deals to help you save on your purchases. Currently, my Amex customer portal is giving me a discount when I use the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express.

This is not an exhaustive list: Call ahead to see what discounts your local shipping provider offers.

Also, if you shop online, there are ways to save on shipping costs. For example, some cards, including the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express and the Citi® Double Cash Card, offer free ShopRunner benefits – allowing cardholders free two-day shipping from over 100 retailers . (Read our full article on how to take advantage of the benefits of ShopRunner.)

The holidays can be a stressful time for many reasons, and shipping gifts to bring holiday cheer to friends and loved ones shouldn’t be one of them. While there’s not much you can do about inflated prices and delivery delays, you can help combat them by reducing prices, using the right credit cards, and taking the necessary precautions. to make sure your package arrives on time and safely.