Many people often wonder how shipping fees are calculated or what types are available when sending parcels through shipping companies. We’ve gathered some common types of shipping fees to help you understand them better, along with tips to reduce shipping costs.
How Are Shipping Fees Calculated and What Types Are Available?
There are four main types of shipping fee calculations:
- Based on Actual Weight or Volume Most shipping companies provide clear details on their fees based on exact weight or volume. You simply weigh the parcel and compare it to the rate chart to see how much you’ll need to pay. This saves time on calculations.
- Additional Charges for Multiple Items If you’re shipping multiple items, companies may apply a fixed rate based on weight, which varies by company. For example, if your package weighs up to 20 kilograms, the starting fee might be 20 baht, with each additional kilogram costing 15 baht. For parcels over 20 kilograms but under 25 kilograms, the rate could start at 40 baht, with only 10 baht per additional kilogram.
- Free Shipping While not always available, free shipping is certainly popular when offered, as it removes any shipping cost for the customer.
- Flat-Rate Shipping This calculation depends on company conditions and usually includes all factors like shipping time, package volume, weight, profit margin, discounts, and other elements. The benefit is that you pay one fixed price without additional charges.
Tips for Reducing Shipping Costs
If you’re worried about high shipping fees, these tips can help reduce costs:
- Use Sturdy and Properly Sized Packaging: Choose boxes that are strong and fit the items closely to prevent damage during shipping. This can save on unnecessary costs for padding materials or cooling packs for refrigerated or frozen items.
- Look for Discounts: A great shortcut to reduce shipping costs is to find a company offering discounts for bulk shipments. Each company has its own policy, like providing a 10% discount for a minimum of 1,000 kilograms, or a 5% discount for a minimum of 500 kilograms.
- Choose the Right Transportation and Timing: Select the right type of transport that fits the needs of your package. For instance, if you’re sending chilled items, choose a company that offers chilled transportation with temperature control between -15 and -18 degrees Celsius, and ensure delivery takes no longer than 2 days. This helps avoid higher costs by choosing the service best suited for your shipment, such as refrigerated shipping for items requiring 0-8 degrees Celsius within a 1-2 day delivery timeframe.
Lastly, if you’re unsure about shipping fees, the easiest way is to check directly with the company for the rates and any conditions you need to know about.
