Cheap Shipping Options for Small Business
Access enterprise-level shipping discounts without high volume requirements
How can small businesses get cheap shipping?
Small businesses can access commercial shipping rates through platforms like ShipWave, saving 40-60% compared to retail rates without volume minimums. USPS Commercial Plus pricing saves 20-40% on postal shipments, while negotiated UPS/FedEx rates save 30-50%. Most small businesses can reduce shipping costs by $3-8 per package immediately.
Compare Shipping Rates
Real rates through ShipWave - save up to 54% vs retail
| Carrier | Service | Price | Delivery Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | Post Office Retail (2 lb) | $12.50 | 2-5 days | |
| USPS | ShipWave Commercial (2 lb) | $8.25 | 2-5 days | Cheapest |
| UPS | UPS Store Retail (5 lb) | $18.75 | 1-5 days | |
| UPS | ShipWave Commercial (5 lb) | $11.50 | 1-5 days | |
| All | Monthly Savings (100 pkgs) | $500-$800 | Average savings |
Post Office Retail (2 lb)
ShipWave Commercial (2 lb)
UPS Store Retail (5 lb)
ShipWave Commercial (5 lb)
Monthly Savings (100 pkgs)
* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.
Get Your Shipping Rate
Compare rates from multiple carriers and save up to 54% on shipping costs
Get Rate
How Small Businesses Access Big Discounts
Enterprise shipping discounts used to require shipping thousands of packages monthly. Today, shipping platforms aggregate volume from thousands of small businesses to negotiate enterprise-level rates with carriers.
Through ShipWave, a business shipping 50 packages monthly gets the same rates as companies shipping 50,000. This means instant access to: USPS Commercial Plus pricing (20-40% off), UPS/FedEx negotiated rates (30-50% off), and DHL eCommerce discounts (40-60% off international).
Calculating Your True Shipping Costs
Many small businesses don't know their true shipping costs. Calculate yours: Add up all shipping expenses from last month and divide by total packages shipped.
Most retail shippers find they're paying $8-15 per package average. With commercial rates, this drops to $5-9 per package. For a business shipping 200 packages monthly at $4 savings each, that's $9,600 annual savings.
Building a Small Business Shipping Strategy
Effective shipping strategies combine multiple tactics:
1) Use the cheapest carrier for each package - compare all options
2) Right-size packaging to avoid dimensional weight charges
3) Offer strategic free shipping thresholds that improve margins
4) Use flat rate options for heavy items going long distances
5) Schedule pickups instead of driving to drop-off
Pro Tips to Save More
Start with a shipping platform immediately
Don't wait until you're shipping hundreds of packages. Even 10 packages monthly benefit from commercial rates. Setup takes 5 minutes.
Stock free carrier supplies
USPS Priority Mail and Flat Rate supplies are free (usps.com). UPS and FedEx provide free branded packaging. Save $0.50-$2 per package.
Set smart free shipping thresholds
If average order is $45 and average shipping cost is $8, set free shipping at $65+. This increases order value and covers costs.
Track shipping spend monthly
Create a simple spreadsheet tracking packages shipped, total spend, and average cost. Compare month-over-month to identify opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- USPS with Commercial Plus pricing through a platform like ShipWave is cheapest for most small packages. For heavier items (10+ lbs), UPS/FedEx Ground with discounts often wins.
- Sign up for a shipping platform like ShipWave, Pirate Ship, or ShipStation. These platforms provide instant access to commercial rates with no volume requirements.
- Small businesses typically save 40-60% by switching from retail to commercial rates. On average, this is $3-8 per package, or $3,600-$9,600 annually for 100 packages monthly.
- No. Shipping platforms provide commercial rates with no volume requirements. Whether you ship 5 packages or 500 monthly, you get the same discounted rates.
- Free shipping can increase conversions 20-30%, but must be sustainable. Set thresholds above breakeven. Many businesses offer free shipping at $50-$75+ orders.
Partnered with Leading Shipping Companies
We work with all major carriers to bring you the best rates and service options.
Fast, reliable overnight and ground shipping
Available Services:
Comprehensive shipping solutions worldwide
Available Services:
Affordable shipping to every address in the US
Available Services:
Leading international shipping and logistics
Available Services:
Real-Time Rates
Live pricing from all carriers updated continuously for accuracy.
Volume Discounts
The more you ship, the more you save with our tiered pricing.
Customer Support
24/7 support to help with all your shipping questions and needs.
Related Shipping Guides
Print labels at 40-60% off retail rates without contracts or volume requirements
Bulk Shipping Discounts for High-Volume ShippersShipping at volume unlocks significant discounts. Learn how to negotiate better rates as your volume grows.
How to Reduce Shipping Costs: Save Up to 54%ShipWave aggregates shipping volume to unlock enterprise-level discounts for everyone. Get Commercial Plus rates up to 54% below retail - no negotiation, no minimum volume required.
Cheapest Shipping Option: Complete GuideFinding the lowest shipping rate requires comparing all options. We break down the cheapest carrier for every situation.
Popular Shipping Calculators
Hear from Our Customers
Join thousands of satisfied customers who are saving money and time with ShipWave.
Sarah Johnson
Saved $2,400Handmade Crafts Co.
"ShipWave has saved us thousands on shipping costs. The interface is so easy to use, and the savings are incredible. Highly recommend!"
Mike Chen
Saved $5,600Tech Gadgets Store
"As an e-commerce business, shipping costs were killing our margins. ShipWave changed everything - we now save 45% on every shipment."
Lisa Rodriguez
Saved $1,800Boutique Fashion
"The rate comparison feature is amazing. I can see all options at once and choose what works best for each customer. Game changer!"
David Thompson
Saved $8,200Home Goods Direct
"Customer service is outstanding and the platform never goes down. We process hundreds of labels weekly without any issues."
Ready to Save on Shipping?
Compare rates from all major carriers and save up to 54% on your next shipment.
Free to use. No account required.