Are you struggling with the continuously rising shipping costs in Canada? 

Well, you are not alone. Several small businesses are facing the same struggle.

Higher shipping costs are a significant concern for small businesses and startups in Canada, as well as in other parts of the world. Whether you are a seller on an e-commerce platform or own your own boutique, the rising rates in logistics are killing the profit margins. Almost 65% of Canadians have left their carts abandoned owing to the higher cost of shipping. Small businesses have been struggling to stay competitive in the present business landscape as the market is driven by speed and affordability. Hence, maintaining cost-effective rates is no longer an option for them but literally a survival tactic.

However, there are specific strategies that can help you manage these surging shipping costs, whether for deliveries within the country or abroad. An added advantage? It would not impact your delivery time or customer experience in any way. So, whether you are shipping within the city or outside the country, finding the hacks for cheap shipping in Canada can help you level up your game. It will help streamline your business operations and also help you manage your profit margin. 

Smart Hacks to Experience Lower Shipping Rates in Canada 

The retail market in Canada is growing at an unprecedented rate, and customers have been seeking not just fast but also cost-effective shipping options in Canada. This has been posing as a major challenge for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as startups. So, if you are one of them and trying to reduce these shipping costs while maintaining the balance of timely shipping and customer satisfaction, the right hacks can save you more.

What are the hacks that can help you manage the surging shipping rates? 

Here are the top 5 tips:

Compare the shipping companies before Shipments. 

The first and one of the most vital hacks is to compare the shipping rates of the various freight forwarders before opting for their service. The cost of shipping tends to vary from one company to another and at different times. The shipping companies offer competitive pricing depending on the size, weight, and destination of the shipment, along with the delivery urgency. You can use various modern tools to compare the rates of the shipping services and then opt for the one that fits your budget and is convenient for you. 

Use platforms offering shipping discounts.

There are multiple shipping companies that offer discounted rates for shipments. Such companies target startups and small to medium-sized businesses, thereby offering significant discounts on shipping costs. These costs are approximately 30-40% less than retail rates and offer options to manage shipment tracking, print labels, and automate return labels. By opting for such discounted rates from shipping companies, you can experience cheap shipping in Canada. At times, multiple platforms are integrated with your business, thereby ensuring a streamlined shipping workflow and effective management. 

Opt for Flat Rates 

One of the crucial hacks for managing the shipping costs is to take complete advantage of the flat rates and regional shipping boxes. In places like Canada, where shipping rates are relatively high, the flat-rate boxes turn out to be a massive help, irrespective of the distances covered. This is comparatively budget-friendly and lets you ship at any distance without burning a hole in your pocket.  There are specific shipment options within certain zones that offer regional rates, enabling businesses to ship to particular locations at lower prices.  

Cut Down the Packaging Costs

The shipping costs are impacted by the dimensional weight, also known as DIM. It is calculated based on the size of the package, rather than its weight. Hence, when you use extra padding or oversized boxes for packaging, it can contribute to higher rates of shipping. So, make sure to use the right size of the box for packaging your shipment and use lightweight materials for smaller products. Additionally, try to reuse the boxes to reduce costs and promote eco-friendliness. Smart packaging is one of the most crucial hacks that can save you a considerable amount of money during shipping in Canada. 

Schedule Pickups 

Did you know that drop-offs can be more costly than scheduling pickups? Most people think dropping off the package for shipping will cut down the cost, but it is just the opposite. It takes up your valuable time and also costs you fuel. Instead, try to seek out shipping companies that offer carrier pick-up services. These are mostly free or charge a nominal amount for the small businesses. By letting the freight forwarders carry the packages from your home, you save time and also streamline your operation, allowing you to stay focused on your business. The schedule pickup option tends to be very helpful, especially during the busy seasons like holidays. 

Final Thoughts

Most businesses think that affordable shipping is no longer possible in Canada. However, all it takes is a handful of changes and hacks that can actually help you get cheap shipping in Canada. Small businesses do not have to compromise on their profit margin or on their service quality to lower the shipping rates. By adopting the right tools and technologies and the tips, it is easier to optimize the entire shipping process. In this highly competitive business landscape, try to adapt and make the best use of smart strategies to ensure refining your shipping process and business growth.