How to Ship Large and Heavy Items for Less

If mailing smaller packages is more in your wheelhouse, the shipping costs for large or heavy items may come as an unpleasant surprise. Base rates, overage and handling fees, and other charges can rack up the larger your cargo gets.  

That said, with a few tips and tricks, you can still ensure that you’re getting the best deal when sending bulkier freight. In this article, we’ll review those tips and tricks to help guide you towards savings on your next large-item shipment. 

Using LTL Over Parcel Services 

For shipments less than 150 lbs., parcel service is your best bet. However, when dealing with freight beyond this threshold, using less-than-truckload shipping can reduce your overall costs – especially if you’re shipping multiple of the same item. 

That’s because LTL is designed for shipments of intermediate size and weight, particularly those that you can arrange on pallets. LTL carriers also set fewer weight restrictions and restrictions on irregularly shaped goods, so you can avoid the fees that parcels may charge for handling similar items. 

Compare Carriers 

When shipping larger and heavier items, it pays to research on the right platform. 

Depending on their network and capacity, different cargo carriers may charge different rates for the same shipment. With that in mind, consider using a marketplace comparison software like FreightClub to find volume discounts and more affordable options in one centralized platform. 

You can also use multiple carriers, which can help to reduce costs when a second carrier has superior delivery access in a given area over the initial option. 

Using Specialty Carriers 

Sometimes, spending a little extra up front will save you money in the long run. 

Specialty carriers will provide more outstanding care and attention when handling your items. Such added consideration helps ensure that your items remain undamaged throughout the transit process, thus reducing the likelihood of replacement costs, cargo loss or an unhappy customer. 

Package Carefully 

On a similar note, packaging your items with proper care helps secure them for the transport process and minimize cargo damage. 

Palletizing, package wrap, bubble wrap, air pillows, and similar add-ons serve as excellent methods of fortifying your shipments. 

Sustainability 

For your business’s bottom line, brand values, and customer connection, opting for sustainable shipping will pay back in thousands of ways, both measurable and not. 

FreightClub is a sustainable shipping software dedicated to offsetting CO2 emissions on every shipment – at no cost to you. Save money and our planet’s health when you partner with us! 

Ship Smart = Savings 

Shipping oversized and heavy items may be more expensive in general, but how much more costly is partly up to you. Regarding the tips above and a little effort, you’ll find ways to save and make your shipping process more affordable.