Cheapest Way To Ship Small Items 2024 Saving Most Money

Welcome to our guide on the CHEAPEST way to ship small items. (Why not earn more???)

We know what it’s like to DRIED-UP your bank but couldn’t even get the best shipping service. That’s why you SHOULD read this article we wrote based on our decades of shipping experience. 

Leeline Sourcing is one of the best freight forwarding companies in China. We’ve worked with numerous shipping companies to ship small items worldwide, before we conclude our experience in this ultimate guide.

This article will teach you the cheapest way to ship, save money and BOOST profit. You’ll learn

1. How to ship small items from china.
2. The cost to ship small items.
3. The cheapest way to ship small items.
4. The best delivery services for shipping small items.
5. Ways to pack small items.
6. Considerations when shipping small items.

Let’s get to it.

How To Ship Small Items From China?

Small items international shipments usually use air freight or air express. Let’s see the major carriers to ship small items from China:

1. China ePacket

The CHEAPEST shipping method to cut costs. The local post office in China will ship your parcel to your destination address. It has the LOWEST shipping costs but is the slowest to deliver a small package.

Suggested reading: EPacket Shipping & Tracking Guide -Useful Tips For You

2. United States Postal Service (USPS)

They offer three services:

• USPS First Class Mail: Suitable for SMALLER items, so they reach safely.
• USPS First-Class Package Service: The MOST POPULAR to ship small packages and envelopes.
• USPS Priority Mail/Priority Mail Express: The FASTER small package shipping option to save your time.

3. United Parcel Service (UPS)

UPS offers three services too:

• UPS Simple Rate Flat Rate Shipping.
• UPS Ground.
• UPS SurePost.

Their Next Day Air Saver services provide FAST, small package shipping too. You get peace of mind in delivering your goods.

4. FedEx 

FedEx provides EXCELLENT parcel shipping and delivery speed. It has various services to give you more convenience:

• FedEx One Rate Flat Rate Shipping.
• FedEx Ground Economy Shipping.
• FedEx Express Saver.

How Much Does It Cost To Ship Small Items?

Here are your shipping options:

Services	Packaging	Delivery Times	Price
USPS First Class Mail	Envelopes only	Overnight delivery guaranteed	$23.50 – $117.75
USPS Priority Mail	Envelopes and lightweight boxes	1-3 days	$7.75 – $55.15
USPS First-Class Package Service	$3.37 – $4.50
UPS Simple-Rate-Flat-Rate Shipping	5 sizes up to 25kg	1-3 day	Prices start at $9.45
UPS Ground	Less than 5kg
UPS SurePost	2-7 days	Vary according to your contract
FedEx One-Rate-Flat-Rate Shipping	12 sizes up to 25kg	1-3 days	Starts at $8.90
FedEx Ground Economy Shipping	Less than 5kg	2-7 days	Vary according to your contract
FedEx Express Saver	1-3 days	Starts at $38.80

What Is The Cheapest Way To Ship Small Items?

Your shipping costs depend on many factors. Let’s make an assumption instead. 

You’re going to ship a package of around 1-2kg, and you want it to deliver in 5 days.

The first option: FedEx

Initially, FedEx will be cheaper if you ship precisely 1kg. It offers a 15% discount whenever you register an account to REDUCE your cost.

However, FedEx uses dimensional weight to calculate your fee. It means your parcel’s actual weight will not take into consideration. The larger your package, the MORE EXPENSIVE it will be.

The next option: USPS

Unlike FedEx, USPS charges you a FLAT RATE if you choose Priority Mail. You pay for their small flat rate box ONLY. 

That you can stuff as much as you want regardless of weight. It is the most affordable shipping option. 

So? USPS wins.

Which Delivery Services Are Best For Shipping Small Items?

USPS is the CHEAPEST, so it should be the best if you’re just considering pricing. But, their reliability is by far the WORST.

We’ve seen numerous customers getting PISSED OFF by delays or missing parcels. Getting your reputation RUINED or stubborn on the lowest price? I don’t think that’s hardly questionable.

It’s about RELIABILITY VS SHIPPING COST.

Remember, your customer doesn’t rate the courier, but YOU.

FedEx and UPS are well known for their reliability. Their delivery is punctual and trackable. It will eventually help you gain positive reviews and BOOST your sales.

Besides, you get FREE shipping supplies when using FedEx. You order it online with free delivery, saving you a BIG cut on your packaging expenses. 

How To Pack Small Items?

1. Choose the proper packaging. 

Ensure the whole weight doesn’t exceed the limit to REDUCE cost.

2. Wrap your product. 

Consider using bubble wrap or thick paper to PROTECT the product’s surface. Remember to wrap extra for fragile items so they reach safely.

3. Fill in the gaps. 

It INCREASES extra cushioning to absorb shock from any impact. It gives you EXTRA protection and AVOIDS damage.

4. Seal your parcel with tape. 

A firm and strong packing tape certainly keep your parcel TIGHTLY sealed.

5. Label your parcel. 

Ensure the information on your shipping labels is complete and scannable.

Key Considerations To Remember When Shipping Small Items

• Packing.

As mentioned above, pack your shipping items RIGHT to avoid unnecessary costs. Unorganized packing consumes more space and gives an unpleasant feeling when unboxing.

• Package dimensions.

You need this data to calculate your shipping rate precisely and stick to your budget. Be aware that some shipping carriers use dimensional weight and not the actual weight.

Suggested reading: Difference Between Net Weight vs Gross Weight

• Quantity

Consider using large boxes if you’re shipping many items to the same destination. You spend LESSER regardless of the weight.

• Fragility

Always. Always. Always remember to wrap fragile items carefully. You don’t want to lose a customer, get a terrible review and waste money to ship another round again. 

• Routes

Use shipping software to estimate how much you will pay. It identifies the cheapest shipping rate, so you don’t get overcharged.

• Unboxing Experience

Add customization to your own packaging. It tackles customers’ interest and INCREASES your sales.

Other Considerations: Shipping Insurance

GO BUY SHIPPING INSURANCE!

Shipping insurance gets your money back if anything happens to your parcel. It includes delivery delays, damage to goods, or shipping malpractices.

Let’s look at some of your options.

• USPS

USPS covers up to $5,000 in their insurance plan. You can purchase their plan in person or online – SUPER convenient and hassle-free. However, they will not be responsible for any delivery delays.

• UPS 

You can declare the value of your products, and UPS pays it (in a certain amount, of course). But, UPS will not be responsible for improper packaging, media mail, perishable commodities, or natural disasters.

• FedEx

Every package has an automatic coverage of $100. But, FedEx will not assume liability for broken things that are repairable.

FAQs about Cheapest Way To Ship Small Items

What’s Next

Shipping internationally can be NOT DEADLY if you find the cheapest way to ship small items. All you need now is a supplier that can fulfill your needs.

Why look for others when you have us? 

Leeline Sourcing is a sourcing company that has dealt with shipping problems for DECADES. Getting someone EXPERIENCED to guide you is better than walking alone. You could have a MASSIVE turnover on your online store with us.

Contact us NOW to get your sourcing problems fixed!