What’s the Best Way to Ship Oversized or Heavy Items Affordably?

As a business owner, you know how important it is to get your products to your customers quickly and affordably.

But what happens when your products are big, bulky, or heavy? Shipping oversized or heavy items can be a struggle. You might wonder how to balance customer satisfaction with your bottom line. There are many ways to ship your oversized, heavy items without breaking the bank.

Compare Your Options

While freight shipping for small businesses is a popular option, there are other options you can consider when shipping your heavy items. 

1. Freight Shipping

One of the go-to options for small businesses to ship oversized or heavy items is freight shipping. Freight carriers are equipped to handle large loads. You can choose between less expensive LTL (Less Than Truckload) for smaller items or FTL (Full Truckload) for larger shipments. 

• Pros: It can handle almost any size or weight and is cost-effective for larger items. 

• Cons: Longer transit times and the possibility of damage if not packaged correctly.

2. White Glove Delivery

If your items are high-value or require special handling, white glove delivery is the way to go. This service involves delivering to the customer’s home, including unpacking and assembly. 

• Pros: High-quality service and reduces the risk of damage.

• Cons: More expensive than other options. 

3. Specialized Carriers

For unique or delicate items, you can choose a specialized carrier. These companies have expertise in handling specific types of goods, like art, antiques, or industrial equipment. 

• Pros: Expert handling and insurance options.

• Cons: It can be expensive but has limited availability.

Dimensional Weight and Why It Matters

Once you compare different options, you’ll get shipping quotes. If a quote seems unnecessarily high, even if the actual weight of your items isn’t that substantial, it could be because of dimensional weight. Dimensional weight (DIM weight) is a factor carriers use to calculate shipping costs. DIM weight considers the size of your package in addition to its actual weight. So, even if your oversized package is lightweight, its large size will increase the DIM weight. 

Let’s say you are shipping a giant teddy bear that weighs 5 pounds but measures 3 feet x 3 feet x 3 feet. The DIM weight will be calculated as 27 pounds (3 x 3 x 3). This makes the shipping cost much higher than the actual weight of the teddy bear. 

In addition to DIM weight, shipping zone pricing also plays a role. Shipping zones are geographic areas that carriers divide the country into. The farther your package needs to travel, the more it will cost to ship, regardless of size or weight. 

Strategies for Smart Shipping

Here are some practical strategies to get your oversized or heavy items to their happy new homes without blowing your budget. 

Strategy 1: Packaging

The size and type of packaging you use can impact your shipping costs. Accurately measure your product before you purchase a box. A box that’s even slightly too big can inflate your DIM weight. Consider alternative packaging options like tubes, crates, or custom-designed boxes that perfectly hug your product’s contours. Use lightweight void-fill options like air pillows or biodegradable packing peanuts. 

Strategy 2: Renegotiate your DIM factor (if possible)

Some carriers allow you to negotiate your DIM factor. This can be helpful if your products are lightweight but bulky. Contact your carrier representative to discuss and negotiate. 

Strategy 3: Freight shipping 

Freight shipping is the most cost-effective option for heavy items like pallets or skid shipments. Freight carriers specialize in transporting large quantities of goods over long distances. 

Strategy 4: Batch orders together

If you can group multiple orders into a single shipment, you can reduce your overall shipping costs. You could offer bundled product packages or promotions that encourage customers to order multiple items at once. 

Strategy 5: Be transparent with your customers about shipping costs

Clearly mention your shipping costs to your customers on your website and product pages. Offer free shipping on orders above a certain amount to offset some of the oversized item shipping costs. 

Closing Thoughts

Running a small business usually means fulfilling multiple orders with several items. If the items are oversized or heavy, shipping them without spending too much on shipping costs becomes a challenge. The above strategies will help you maintain a smooth process. However, you can secure better shipping rates as your business grows and your shipping volume increases.