Best Shipping Services for Small Business

Small and medium-sized businesses depend on shipping services to deliver the goods their customers’ order.

According to the Census Bureau, almost 231,4 billion dollars was spent on retail e-commerce during the first three months of 2022. This figure represents 14.3 percent of total retail sales in the United States.

The operators of small businesses are often skilled jugglers. Their daily responsibilities include managing the company’s production, marketing, and financial operations, among others, as well as securing new customers.

Shipping is one area that many people who run small businesses also concentrate on. To be more specific, they will inquire, “What is the greatest shipping provider for small businesses?”

Moreover, they will ask, “What is the best and most cost-effective method of getting my products to my clients?”?”

It has been shown that more than half of American consumers consider shipping costs and free shipping when making a purchase decision.

Small businesses can maintain strong relationships with their customers by using shipping companies to deliver goods on time and at a reasonable cost. 

Shipping companies are not uncommon to assist businesses with inventory management and logistical assistance.

Small businesses depend heavily on shipping companies for their supply chains, so we reviewed more than a dozen service providers to determine which offered the best shipping services.

These days, everyone is talking about e-commerce. It is anticipated that by the year 2040, this platform will be responsible for conducting 95 percent of all transactions.

It is essential for businesses, particularly smaller ones, to keep up with the rapid rate of change brought on by the increasing number of individuals who buy their goods online.

A reliable delivery provider is just as important as the development of a shopping website, even though a lot of attention is paid to it.

It’s possible that the process of making a choice can leave you feeling overloaded with all of the available possibilities.

We considered each firm’s reputation, the shipping cost, the amount of time it takes to deliver the items, and how simple it is to conduct business with them.

Continue reading to find out Best Shipping Services for Small businesses in the United States suit your requirements.

Best Shipping Services for Small Business

United States Postal Service

United States Postal Service (USPS), founded in 1775, is our pick for the best overall shipping company for small businesses because it delivers mail both internationally and domestically, delivers packages within 2–8 days, and offers Sunday and holiday deliveries if you pay an extra fee in major U.S. markets. 

The USPS was selected as our choice because its shipping service mail both internationally and domestically.

The United States Postal Service’s shipping rates change depending on the product’s size, location, and delivery speed, which is normal practice for shipping companies that cater to small businesses.

For example, Priority Mail small flat rate boxes within the United States will cost $9.45.3 if guaranteed to arrive within one to three business days.

The company may also qualify for price reductions and customer loyalty benefits. The United States Postal Service (USPS) provides a Click-N-Ship service eligible for spending-based shipping credits.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) provides a service called Click N Ship, which is business-oriented shipping software. 

You can print shipping labels, request that a package be picked up, print customs documents, and even buy stamps from this location.

Additionally, it provides pricing based on a flat cost. In addition to having a delivery time of one to three business days, it also has an insurance value of up to fifty dollars. 

In addition, all the goods can be picked up free of charge at your place of business, so you do not have to leave your business to send them off.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers several services to assist in returning items, including Priority Mail, Ground Return, and Merchandise Return. There is no minimum return requirement across most tiers is a wonderful feature.

It is possible that doing so will make your life simpler because you can include a return label in the package or request one as required. Customers can also print out their return labels however they see suitable.

UPS

The United Parcel Service (UPS) is a global shipping and delivery firm established in 1907 and has its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.

We determined UPS to be the most suitable small business shipping carrier for large items due to its wide range of helpful shipping tools and reasonable prices.

UPS can assist you in determining how to best prepare your items for shipment, and the company can even offer you detailed instructions on palletizing your packages.

UPS, the largest shipping company in the world, offers a delivery option tailored specifically for the needs of small businesses. In addition, it gives customers several choices for air delivery, ground delivery, and worldwide shipping.

The Small Business Program at UPS provides proprietors of small businesses with access to various resources.

UPS allows you to participate in virtual brainstorming sessions with the team that handles their small business solutions and allows you to plan pickups and manage client returns.

They will be able to assist you with mapping out and refining your supply chain, locating chances for increased agility, productivity, and growth, and engaging in conversation regarding additional technologies and services that can help accelerate your business.

Starting at $19.60, the retail price of a big flat rate box transported within the United States with UPS (the exact price varies based on the shipping speed selected).

If you purchase a large flat-rate box of a similar size from the United States Postal Service (USPS), the retail price is $21.50. 

Small businesses can receive UPS discounts and shipping incentives based on the average weekly shipping volume and the desired shipping speed.

You can send packages daily or weekly with the help of the company’s paid pick-up services, which simplify the shipping process.

Additionally, it includes multiple drop-off sites, enabling you to hand over your packages regardless of the time of day or night.

You can navigate through any of its services using the UPS My Choice platform. The delivery section offers options for managing shipments, editing delivery information, tracking packages, and receiving delivery notification emails.

You can even add multiple users to your account if you need additional employees to help with the shipping process.

Additionally, UPS provides a Billing Center, which makes it much simpler for you to streamline the process, as mentioned earlier.

UPS also provides a Marketplace shipping service, enabling users to manage orders from various stores.

It also includes a Return service, which streamlines the process, reduces associated costs, and makes it more user- and wallet-friendly.

UPS provides a variety of tools that can assist you in calculating the cost of your goods as well as the delivery speed.

UPS’s domestic ground delivery service takes around one to five business days, although various delivery choices that take little more than three days are available. 

In some circumstances, UPS can even provide same-day or next-day delivery, depending on the circumstances.

Although not all of the UPS APIs can be used on websites that are directed toward the end-user, UPS does offer additional services that are specifically designed for smaller companies.

These services provide you with dashboards that provide insight into your shipments and tools created specifically for firms that deal in e-commerce.

FedEx

FedEx is a delivery company based out of Tennessee that operates under Federal Express. The company began operations in 1971 and generates more than $65 billion in annual sales.

FedEx provides delivery services to large and small enterprises, despite being best recognized for its work as a federal contractor.

FedEx is a multinational transportation and logistics corporation headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. The company was established in 1973.

We chose FedEx for the fast shipping as it ships internationally to all 50 states in the United States and has Saturday and Sunday deliveries, and it takes between one and five days to deliver in the contiguous United States, whereas delivery in Alaska and Hawaii takes three to seven days. 

Compared to the delivery times offered by other carriers, products sent via everyday delivery could arrive up to two days earlier.

FedEx pledges to provide small business owners with various reasonably priced shipping solutions. 

Customers can take advantage of everyday shipment to most places and complimentary shipping on Saturdays and Sundays.

You can pick up your package at FedEx offices, Walgreens, and Dollar General if you are concerned that it has been stolen or lost. Your clients will appreciate the convenience of picking up their packages from businesses open 24/7.

FedEx does not only provide fast shipment, but they also have an excellent resource center for small businesses.

FedEx offers discounts on shipping and other services besides shipping, such as printing, money management tools, and other incentives.

FedEx hosts an annual competition for small businesses to win grants, with a total of $250,000 distributed across 12 winners in 2021.

FedEx’s website makes it very clear that the shipping fees change depending on the delivery speed chosen by the customer.

We discovered that the most affordable pricing to ship a small box with a delivery time of three days was $12.05; nevertheless, you will need to receive an estimate to determine the exact amount it will cost you to send your items.

Your packages could be delivered more quickly by FedEx, even though this fee is slightly higher than the retail rate of $9.45 you would pay if you choose to ship them through USPS. FedEx provides home deliveries on both Saturday and Sunday.

FedEx also provides small businesses value-added services, such as tools for setting up and establishing online businesses, enhancing the fulfillment and shipping process, and offering customer support.

The Global Trade Manager offered by FedEx makes it much simpler to transport packages internationally. 

It can assist business owners with the appropriate paperwork, taxes, and duties that must be paid for their products to be exported to other regions.

In addition, FedEx gives its customers access to an online shopping center. Utilizing this platform, you can launch your online business, boost sales, and manage customer orders. You will also be able to give customer assistance when required.

Sendle

Founded in Australia, Sendle offers small-business shipping services throughout the country and has been operating in the United States since 2014.

It is our top pick for shipping small products throughout the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, because it can ship tiny packages (weighing up to 20 pounds).

The first $4.44 of the total cost to ship a small shipment is considered the standard amount. Sendle also provides volume-based discounts, which can reduce the cost of the service by up to seventy percent for firms that ship at least two hundred parcels per month. In addition, there are no subscription fees or binding obligations to sign.

It is important to note that Sendle does not offer a fast delivery option, but at the very least most items are delivered within one to four business days.

Sendle has free connections with Shopify, eBay, WooCommerce, and Etsy, making it simple for even low-volume e-commerce firms to use its shipping platform. This makes Sendle ideal for businesses that sell their products online.

Sendle has also been recognized as a B Corporation, demonstrating its commitment to improving the world.

There are no carbon emissions associated with any shipments made through Sendle.

DHL

DHL is the go-to company for worldwide express delivery and freight forwarding throughout the globe via air, sea, land, and rail. 

The organization offers shipping solutions tailored specifically for small enterprises, and its representatives will work with you to select the appropriate plan while also managing all aspects of the customs clearance process. 

In addition, they offer continuous and comprehensive visibility into the progress of your shipments at all times.

DHL is a leading global logistics provider that has been in business since 1969 and is a member of the Deutsche Post DHL Group, which has its headquarters in Germany.

DHL Express is the part of the corporation that caters to the needs of small businesses regarding shipping solutions.

The headquarters of DHL Express may be found in Plantation, which is in the state of Florida. Because handling foreign shipments is one of its primary specializations, we deemed it the most qualified option.

DHL boldly claims that it will make it simpler for local firms to connect with customers in other countries. 

It does this by providing aspiring business owners with a comprehensive range of services, a broad distribution network, and experienced knowledge in handling customs.

The organization provides exceptional materials, such as an introduction to international trade that details the fundamentals of customs, importing, and exporting, for businesses that are just beginning to engage in worldwide commerce.

DHL also offers a comprehensive international shipping guide, which contains guidance on the steps you need to take to guarantee that you have a positive experience with overseas shipping.

DHL is quite proud that it has delivered more than 450 million parcels using its fleet of 29,000 vehicles. More than 2.6 million clients have been amassed through its network of 34,000 shipping terminals, and this figure is expected to continue to rise.

The company’s service and rate guide offer comprehensive information about the fees associated with using DHL for sending packages. 

The costs are quite variable depending on several factors like the size of your shipment, whether or not it is an import or export, the shipping speed, any surcharges, and any additional services you select.

To determine how much it will cost to ship your package, you may either receive an estimate or consult the DHL rate guide. 

It is important to pay attention to the particulars, especially the terms of your shipping agreement so that you are not taken aback by any unexpected developments.

The shipment speed provided by DHL varies depending on the specifics of the delivery as well as the customer’s financial flexibility.

If, on the other hand, time is of the utmost importance to you, DHL Express offers several delivery options that guarantee the package will reach its destination by the end of the next business day.

Ontrac

The Ontrac shipping service provides products and services in Colorado, Washington, California, Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, and Utah.

The company, which began operations in 1991 under the name California Overnight, offers expedited delivery services to a region that encompasses 20 percent of the population of the United States.

Ontract ground, the most popular plan, guarantees that packages will be delivered by the end of the business day.

Ontrac partners with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to transport compact and lightweight packages. 

It does not deliver packages as quickly as some other delivery services, but it still gets your packages to you within three to five business days.

This service is offered throughout the middle of the day for shipments that are required to arrive before noon (during the week) or by 2:00 pm (Saturdays).

The Ontrac system also offers a collect-on-delivery option, through which firms can send packages worth up to $10,000.

ShipBob

ShipBob was established as a third-party logistics provider (3PL) with its main office in Chicago.

We chose the company for its comprehensive collection of e-commerce logistics and shipping services, including shipping, warehousing, and inventory management for small businesses.

ShipBob’s straightforward pricing, which also covers the overall cost you’ll pay to fulfill your customers’ orders, store your items, and manage your inventory, is one factor that sets it apart from the competition.

To sign up, you must pay a one-time implementation charge (you must get a price). 

ShipBob also charges for receiving your inventory (for example, $25 per person-hour for the first two hours), storing your goods (for example, $5 each month), and shipping each order (discounted carrier rates, with free picking after the first five orders). You can also get shipping boxes for free.

Therefore, ShipBob is a good choice for e-commerce enterprises, especially those requiring logistics assistance.

When placing an order before noon, it will be dispatched the same day and can be delivered in two days.

ShipBob has negotiated discounted bulk rates with USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL for domestic and international shipments.

You can select the cheapest shipping price for each order with ShipBob, which provides quotes from all the major carriers.

ShipBob provides free e-commerce software that integrates with numerous essential e-commerce programs.

There are also integrations with marketplaces and e-commerce platforms such as Walmart, eBay, Shopify, WooCommerce, Squarespace, and Wix.

Spee-dee

The Spee-dee Company should be your number one choice if you’re looking for delivery in the Midwest.

The company offers fast and inexpensive shipping to South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The company also delivers packages to a few zip codes in Missouri, Nebraska, and Michigan.

Spee-dee offers delivery services the same day, the next day, and the third day, depending on the weight and zone/area.

Spee-dee provides an on-demand pick-up service for companies that don’t ship frequently. No matter how many packages are shipped, only one pick-up cost is charged.

A free Spee-dee Ship platform is also available to users, allowing small business owners to process and track shipments.

Sellers can use this tool to create labels, calculate shipping charges, and store vital delivery information.

EasyPost

The San Francisco-based EasyPost shipping technology startup was established in 2012.

The EasyPost API allows you to compare prices and shipping times across dozens of carriers, making it the cheapest option.

EasyPost makes it easy for small businesses to find the cheapest delivery option since it integrates with over 100 carriers.

Additionally, there are no fees for companies transporting 120,000 shipments or fewer annually.

The EasyPost API simplifies, automates, and manages small businesses’ shipping processes instead of directly sending products.

The APIs created by EasyPost allow businesses to compare and ship items to dozens of carriers using a single integration, track shipments in real-time, validate addresses, and insure shipments.

The EasyPost APIs can be set up and integrated daily, and accounts can be created for free. However, you will need to create an integration to access the API. 

You may compare costs, examine shipping speeds, produce shipping labels, and track shipments for 120,000 products annually with the free EasyPost base Developer package.

If you ship more frequently, you must request a quote from EasyPost for its Enterprise plan.

However, the Developer bundle’s package volume should be adequate for most small organizations.

LSO

LSO is a local shipping company that offers overnight shipment to the following states: Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Tennessee, and South/East New Mexico.

It takes pride in providing dependable, on-time delivery at a 40% lower cost.

The majority of LSO communities receive packages using this service around 8:30 am. The grade includes complimentary packaging but does not include a signature service (tube, box, or envelope).

If you select this service, you are assured that your product will be delivered by 10:30 am or as late as noon in some rural regions.

This service is for you if you need your client’s package to arrive by 3 pm the following day. Its Monday through Friday pickup makes the shipping process incredibly simple for vendors.

Your customer might appreciate the LSO Ground service if they are not in a hurry. The delivery of packages is guaranteed to take between 1 and 3 business days.

Pitt Ohio

Pitt Ohio, a supply chain solutions provider, provides deliveries to Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois.

You can depend on your Pitt Ohio deliveries to arrive on time at the purchaser’s with a fulfillment rate of 99.98%.

Pitt Ohio provides ground deliveries, allowing company owners to benefit from straightforward pricing that is customizable based on item piece and delivery zone.

Additionally, it has lower assessorial rates and an assigned Account Manager to help you with all of your needs.

Additionally, the company specializes in fast-track expedited delivery, ensuring that your customers get their items by 5 p.m. the following day.

The freight company offers real-time tracking and tracing service, so you can even monitor these shipments.

The Pitt Ohio service covers the majority of Canada as well as the United States.

Pitt Ohio offers next-day delivery to 26 locations, so if you have customers in the Great White North, do not worry.

Dicom

Dicom is a logistics company founded in 1968 as a single-car, one-driver courier service.

The company now delivers in several Canadian regions and the Northeastern United States.

Although the company moves over 80,000 packages daily, it can deliver most packages within 24 hours of shipment 95% of the time.

Dicom provides a range of distribution options for companies. The MaxPak is one example of a prepaid envelope that lets you significantly reduce shipping costs.

It’s a terrific alternative for sectors that sell little, lightweight goods because it can carry up to 10 pounds.

A DexPAK is available from Dicom for larger packages. It can accommodate slightly larger items of 13.8 by 17 inches.

Dicom offers air deliveries in addition to the majority of its ground deliveries. Deliveries can be finished with this service in under 24 hours.

LaserShip

LaserShip is a local last-mile delivery service covering Ohio, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Florida.

LaserShip provides a Residential E-commerce bundle for small enterprises. It is appropriate for many businesses, including retail, clothing, cosmetics, office supplies, and even healthcare products.

Vendors have three delivery options: same-day, next-day, and two-day.

LaserShip offers a customized courier service that includes dedicated route delivery and fleet replacement.

It can carry out scheduled or on-demand same-day and next-day deliveries for the local market.

LaserShip provides vital international delivery services for the aviation, entertainment, automation, and healthcare industries despite its local status.

How To Select Best Shipping Service in the USA?

It was reported that 96% of customers would repeat purchases after receiving a good delivery service.

Your company should consider the following factors when choosing a shipping service to increase sales and revenue:

Weight of Product

What products do you sell? Are they heavy furniture or light cosmetics? When selecting a shipping business, your main concern should be the sizes of your merchandise.

Choosing a flat-price service may be better if you sell tiny things. However, if your products are large, you should choose a business that offers the lowest pricing per unit of product weight or shipment volume.

Your goods can be too large to be approved; therefore, you should consider the company’s weight restrictions.

The weight limit for FedEx deliveries is 50 pounds, while UPS and USPS can accept packages up to 70 pounds.

Volume of Shipping

Discounts are typically given for large purchases. The same is true for shipping. You may be eligible to receive lower prices for each box if you can assure that you will send a significant number of products through a specific company.

Delivery Speed

Almost everything in this universe happens instantly. Some customers are highly impatient, which may explain why they prefer Amazon Prime.

This is why selecting a delivery company that charges a reasonable price for fast service makes sense.

On a related point, you can increase purchases by displaying the projected arrival date of the package on your website. After all, a 46 percent cart abandonment rate can result from the lack of explicit delivery times.

Price

Shipping costs are a major factor, just like any other service. The temptation to select the lowest-priced firm may be great, but you should also consider the previously listed factors.

It’s important to remember that some customers are willing to pay a bit more to receive their items as soon as possible.

The value of some businesses may be superior, while others may charge less for packages under 2 pounds and over 3 pounds.

Choosing the most economical option is not always important because the cost will typically vary according to how hefty your typical things are.

The delivery cost should be considered along with Saturday deliveries, signature requirements, fuel surcharges, etc. 

If you don’t carefully consider the pricing breakdown for each service, you can find yourself spending more.

Tracking Service

The power of knowledge is especially evident when it comes to shipping. You should let your customers know where and when their shipments will arrive. Therefore, you must choose a business with a reliable tracking system.

Most businesses provide tracking services, but a customized website will have a huge advantage.

Customer brand retention will be aided by personalizing this with your company’s logo, colors, contact details, and social network pages.

Delivery Reputation

Opt for a company that has been tried and tested out of all the shipping companies available.

As already said, an excellent delivery service may influence a customer’s decision to make another purchase from you.

Choose a shipping company with a good reputation if you want to retain your customers loyal to your business.

This information can be found online or by speaking with other business owners who have already implemented a shipping system.

Complimentary Packaging

You might be able to get packaging for ten cents or less. In the long run, it can add up even though the amount might not seem significant initially.

You can reduce shipping costs by selecting a business that offers free packaging.

Some even have insulation and bubble wrap inside, which might save you even more money if you send fragile goods.

Courier Safety

You should pick a shipping company with a high safety rate if you are shipping fragile things. Fast delivery is meaningless if the goods are damaged and broken while transported.

You should examine the courier’s safety ratings to determine how they ensure that fragile products are delivered intact, just as you would study a company’s reputation.

Insurance of Parcel

You can benefit from an insured service whether you sell cheap or expensive products. It is normal to set the default value between $50 and $100.

Pick-up

It can take time to visit the shipping company’s office. Additionally, it can be tiresome, especially if you are sending hefty or numerous packages.

If this concerns you, use a shipping company that provides pick-up services. This is usually provided without charge, especially if you intend to ship several packages.

International Shipping Options

Small businesses can expand internationally by selling internationally. A record $4.88 trillion in sales is forecast by 2021, so more merchants are opening their doors to the world.

The best alternative for this possibility is to select a reliable international shipping solution provider.

Cost is typically the main worry because overseas shipping may be rather pricey.

Even if the lowest service could be alluring, you should investigate it further and read user reviews.

It doesn’t matter if buyers have to pay more, as long as their purchases arrive intact and on time.

How Do Small Businesses Ship Goods?

Ground shipment is the typical method most small firms use to ship their products. The United States Postal Service, UPS, FedEx, and DHL are the main carriers in the country that most small businesses utilize to distribute their products.

The USPS shipped and delivered 7.6 billion packages in 2021.

In 2021, UPS distributed over 6.4 billion packages. Over 4.2 billion parcels are delivered by FedEx each year.

How Much Does Shipping Companies Cost?

The shipping company assesses fees according to the shipment’s size, destination, and urgency.

A small package will typically cost $8 to $12, a large package will cost $17 to $21, and delivery time will range from one to five business days.

It is best to compare shops and fully consider your options when looking for the most affordable shipping rate.

How can small businesses ship their products?

When selling products to clients that need to be transported, small enterprises should contract the services of a shipping firm.

The United States Postal Service, United Parcel Service, FedEx, and DHL are the four main carriers in the United States; however, more options are available.

Several firms offer application programming interfaces (APIs) that make it simple to compare shipping charges across multiple carriers. This enables small businesses to be better able to lower the expenses associated with sending their products.

Final Verdict on How To Choose Best Shipping Services for Small Businesses

We evaluated over a dozen shipping companies to determine how much their shipping costs are, how fast you can get your goods shipped, and how easy it is to work with them. It took us a while to narrow the field to just a few companies.

If a small business does not select the right shipping provider, it could mean the difference between success and failure. A customer’s purchase decision is heavily influenced by the available delivery time and returns policy.

With so many online retailers available, having a reliable delivery partner can help secure a high number of sales and increase revenue.

When it comes to selecting a shipping service, you need to think about several different aspects, such as the weight of the product, the shipping volume, the shipping speed, the price, the tracking service, the reputation of the company, complimentary packaging, safety, insurance, pick-up services, and international shipping options. 

When all of these considerations are considered, it is possible to choose a delivery service for your small business that is reliable and economical.

Additionally, we investigated the track records of all small business shipping companies.

Small businesses need shipping firms that offer competitive rates, lightning-fast shipment times, and tools and services designed with their needs in mind.

Our recommendations for small business shipping firms are all trustworthy businesses that can assist you in transporting your items in a timely, cost-effective, and dependable manner.