Freight cost, sometimes, make up a large portion of the total cost of a product specially when it comes to low value and high weight products. For example, if you are importing ceramic tile, the freight cost alone could make up over 50% of the price of the product.
How can you save on Freight Cost?
There are several ways you can save on freight depending on the mode of transportation.
1- Ocean Freight: If you are shipping a container, make sure to maximize the load as long as you do not exceed the maximum weight allowed. Also, if you are shipping a container of heavy, low value products, try to add a high value product in the same container and off course negotiate the best rates with the Freight Forwarder
2- Air Freight: Make sure you do not ship half full boxes; you will be paying for air. Consolidate items into a little number of boxes as possible.
Do not Mix dangerous goods with non-Dangerous goods in the same shipment, you will be paying the rate applicable to DG goods which is the highest
3- Inland Transportation
A- If you are shipping a full truck, fill it up to the max weight, Choose the best Inland Transportation Company.
B- For LTL shipments, make sure you use the right NMFC Classification. The higher the classification, the more you pay. Once again, do not ship half full boxes.
4 – Courier Shipping; When shipping Via UPS, FedEx or USPS make sure to use the smallest size box as they charge based on what will net more revenue which is weight or volume. Refer to Dim weight calculation. Shipping a pillow that weighs 5 lbs. will cost you more than a computer that weighs 5 lbs. since the pillow shipping cost will be charged based on dim weight.
If you are an importer, make sure you use the correct harmonized Tariff Code , there is no need to pay more in duties than you have to, remember to do your research and get the best shipping rates without compromising service
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