When sending products, whether B2B or B2C, you most likely use a shipping partner. However, choosing the right shipping partner is important for the further development and reputation of your business. Imagine if you didn’t make proper agreements with your shipping partner, leading to high shipping costs for consumers or multiple packages being returned because the labels were not correctly created. A shipping partner is an essential part of your logistics flow and thus your business. Here are some tips to consider when choosing a shipping partner.
What should I consider when choosing a shipping partner?
To choose your ideal shipping partner(s), you need to consider several factors. Below is an overview of the key points to keep in mind.
Cost
Cost is the deciding factor for many businesses. Ask for a detailed breakdown of costs from the shipping partners you want to work with. Don’t hesitate to ask additional questions, as often there are extra charges when a package doesn’t meet the standard dimensions. Think of packages that aren’t in the traditional shape, like a cylinder. Weight also determines the price. Some partners work based on weight, while others charge a flat rate up to a certain weight. In short, there is a lot of calculation and comparison to do, but it’s worth the effort!
Type of Package
Not every shipping partner handles every type of package. Some shipping partners only handle small packages, while others specialize in pallets. Find the best partner for your needs. If you send both packages and pallets, you don’t necessarily have to choose a shipping partner who offers both options. If the other parameters indicate that one partner is better for small shipments and another specializes in pallet shipping, you can collaborate with both partners.
Insurance
This is important! For often a small fee, you can insure your packages up to a certain value. Imagine if your shipping partner loses your package or damages its contents. Without insurance, you have no recourse. Always ask the shipping partner about the surcharges for insuring packages.
Pickup
When you ship packages, they need to be picked up, of course. You must make the necessary arrangements with your shipping partner. Agree on a specific time. Why? To organize your personal schedule, and also think about this phrase: “Order before 5 p.m., delivered tomorrow!”. You can agree with your shipping partner for a pickup at, for example, 6 p.m. If you don’t make an agreement and the pickup happens at 3 p.m., there’s a chance that some customers won’t receive their package on time, leading to negative reviews!
Flexibility from the shipping partner is also important. Do you have exceptionally many orders? Then an extra pickup may not be worthwhile. Discuss these possibilities upfront to avoid surprises.
Also, agree on the type of pickup. Are you shipping pallets? It’s important to know if the shipping partner has a loading dock. Imagine not having a stacker or forklift and the shipping partner does a pickup without a loading dock…
Delivery
Delivery options are extremely important to customers. As a business, you need to offer various delivery options for customers to choose from. You can also opt for multiple shipping partners here. Think carefully about your delivery policy, as this can make a difference. Does the shipping partner deliver to the home or to a pickup point? What are the delivery times? Do they deliver on Saturdays or Sundays? Are there evening deliveries? All interesting questions to ask your shipping partner.
Customer Support
Nothing is more frustrating than a damaged or lost package, but it can always happen. When it does, you need to be able to rely on the necessary support from your shipping partner. Before setting up a partnership, it’s worth getting a clear picture of their customer service.
Which Shipping Partner Do You Choose?
There are many shipping partners available. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. It’s up to you to determine which factors are decisive for you. Below is a list of some important players.
Bpost
PostNL
TNT
GLS
H.Essers
UPS
DPD
DHL
Fedex
Can a Fulfillment Partner Provide the Right Shipping Partner?
Want to take advantage of favorable rates? Contact a fulfillment partner like Webship. A fulfillment partner ships large volumes of packages, allowing them to negotiate lower rates with shipping partners. By working with a fulfillment partner, you can benefit from these favorable rates. It’s also likely that the shipping options offered by a fulfillment partner are more extensive than what you can negotiate yourself with different shipping partners.
