Whether you’re shipping goods across the country or around the globe, you want to make sure they arrive safely, and you don’t want to overpay. Getting the best shipping rates requires just a little bit of know-how. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Consider Truckload & LTL Shipping

When budget is a concern and you’re shipping within the U.S., truckload and LTL shipping are often the most cost-effective options. This allows you to get your goods to virtually any corner of the country without having to pay for air or sea freight services. If you’re not in a rush, choosing this option is one of the easiest ways to significantly lower your shipping rates.

Compare Costs of Air vs. Sea Freight

When your cargo is too large to be shipped by a traditional carrier or you’re transporting it overseas, you’ll typically need to choose either air or sea freight. When shipping large objects or large quantities, sea freight can be a far less expensive option. It’s common for shipping by sea to take an additional four to eight weeks, depending on your final destination. However, if you have the time, this can potentially save you thousands of dollars.

There is a time and place for air freight, for example when shipping items that are perishable or need to arrive quickly. However, if you’re trying to keep shipping costs down, this should be a last resort.

Get a Written Estimate

Many factors can influence your shipping rates and they can fluctuate quickly. Always request a written estimate before you book your services. When doing so, be sure to provide as much information as possible.

Consider uploading images or files to help ensure the shipper fully understands your needs. This is the best way to get an accurate quote. Requesting estimates from multiple shippers can also help you compare rates so you can feel confident you’re getting a competitive offer.

Plan Ahead

As a general rule, the longer you can wait for your shipment to arrive, the more options you have and the lower your shipping rates may be. While it’s impossible to plan every shipment in advance, giving yourself as much time as possible can save you money. This, along with proactively communicating with your shipper, may allow you to keep your rates down and could even give you the option to take advantage of seasonal or contract rates.

If you find yourself always ordering or shipping items in a rush, consider whether rethinking your strategy could allow you to take advantage of slower – and far less expensive – shipping options.

Choose the Right Shipper

Not all shippers are created equal and sometimes the lowest price doesn’t tell the whole story. While shipping rates are certainly important, there are some other important details to consider.

For example, you’ll want to look for a shipping company that offers truck, air, and sea freight. This way, you can develop a relationship with a single company and choose the option that works best for you each time. AMR Group offers each of these services, as well as door-to-destination service. Instead of worrying about the details, you can rely on us to handle everything from retrieving your items directly from your place of business to guaranteeing safe delivery to your final destination.

We also have an international network, so you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your shipment will remain with a single carrier throughout its entire journey. Contact us today to learn more and request a price quote.