Reducing shipping costs is essential for businesses. So, what are the factors affecting the rise in shipping expenditure? Shipping reports provide answers.
E-commerce businesses in 2022 are increasingly finding it difficult to lower their shipping costs. The reasons behind this are many. To begin with, the general rate increase announced by FedEx and UPS is more than last year. In addition, the economic situation has led to a fuel price hike. Further, additional surcharges are making matters worse. Thus it is essential to know the best way to reduce shipping costs. This article explores the factors influencing the rise in shipping costs. And how shipping reports are helping businesses reduce shipping costs.
Why is reducing shipping costs essential?
Shipping costs affect a business’ profitability. The growing demand for E-commerce goods has put pressure on parcel carriers to deliver goods faster. As a result, parcel carriers have increasingly adjusted their rates based on the shipping distance. Further, parcel carriers calculate the shipping expenses based on the availability of the warehouse area. Therefore, lowering shipping costs is essential for shippers to improve their margins.
Factors affecting shipping costs
Shipping costs are affected by many factors. We had earlier discussed ways to reduce shipping costs. But, the main factors that affect shipping costs include:
Fuel costs
The price of fuel surcharges has skyrocketed in the past year. The global supply chain disruption has caused an increase in fuel prices. Also, no additional crude oil supply is on the horizon for the US. Shipping parcels to far and remote destinations is costs more for shippers. Shipping to higher shipping zones for domestic shipments in the US is more expensive.
Package weight and dimensions
Shipping heavy packages lead to businesses paying more for shipments. Larger boxes mean an increase in the dimensional weight of packages. Shipping costs are rising due to the oversize dimensions and weight of parcels. Bulky, oversize packages cost more for shippers. In addition, FedEx and UPS charge a dimensional fee for customers using their company boxes.
Packaging
In addition to the weight and dimensions of packages, the packaging material is vital. Filling a parcel with padding material will increase the weight, thus increasing the shipping costs. The cardboard used for packaging increases the overall weight of packages. Further, multiple boxes are responsible for the rise in shipping expenses for businesses.
Delivery surcharges
Not only general rate increase, but delivery surcharges also contribute to rising shipping costs. Small and medium-sized businesses will be hit hard with the significant rise in delivery surcharges in 2022. Additional handling and oversize package surcharges are increasing for shipping zones across the US. Further, parcel delivery to residential areas will be costly with the rise in residential charges by UPS and FedEx.
Shipping speed
Any large or small business promises on-time, fast delivery of products. However, expedited shipping charges are eating into the expenses of shipping businesses. Express services offered by FedEx and UPS may save time for shippers. But, they increase the overall shipping costs.
Parcel carriers
Each parcel carrier offers a variety of services. Big parcel carriers like UPS and FedEx have a general rate increase annually. Shippers feel the effect of price rise in the services opted by them. Many businesses stick with a single shipping carrier for shipping parcels. Shipping businesses lose out on the discounts and deals offered by different parcel carriers for various services.
How do shipping reports help in reducing shipping costs?
Shippers need comprehensive solutions to mitigate the factors causing the rise in shipping expenses. It is where shipping reports are helpful for businesses. Searching, sorting, and viewing shipment information is possible with shipping reports. Shippers can plan their shipping strategies based on the data available in the shipping reports. The reference number of the shipment, type of service, pick-up, delivery dates, taxes, insurance, etc., are monitored by shipping reports. In addition, the past and present shipment details for a particular time frame are a part of the shipping reports.
Lower shipping costs with shipping reports of Audintel
Shipping businesses often wonder where their money is spent the most with each parcel delivery. With Audintel, shipping businesses have the advantage of getting customized shipping reports. Our intuitive software provides detailed information about each parcel shipment. We have experts who can track and monitor each aspect of parcel shipments. The actual weight and dimensions of packages are in shipping reports so that clients know where to save money. Audintel advises clients regarding the best, most affordable services of the parcel carriers. We help clients negotiate with shipping carriers on data points such as fuel costs, delivery surcharges, and more. Audintel prepares more than 85 shipping reports. In-depth shipping information is available for clients through shipping reports.
Final thoughts
A rise in fuel prices is having a cascading effect on shipping businesses. Shippers are looking for avenues to reduce their shipping costs and save money. And so, Audintel offers robust shipping reports that provide insights into each aspect of package shipment. Our shipping reports are comprehensive reports that help shippers lower their shipping costs. According to a client’s convenience, shipping reports allow a quick peek into each parcel shipment. To know about our shipping reports, you can call us at +1 (619) 354 8539 or contact us here. Please visit the Audintel website to learn more about us.