How to Ship Packages for Less Money

If you have not shipped a package recently, you may be in for sticker shock when you ship out those Christmas presents. Before packaging up those goodies for shipping, use these tips so you can ship the packages for less money.

Get Free Shipping Supplies

The United States Postal Service (USPS) provides free shipping boxes, envelopes and labels for priority mail. The USPS may even offer cheaper shipping rates than FedEx or UPS for your packaged goods. The free shipping supplies can be ordered online from the USPS and will sent directly to your home via your mail carrier. You can check USPS shipping costs online and when you are ready to ship packages, the mail carrier will pick them at your home.

Go Light and Save Money

Newspaper seems to be the most economical packing material to prevent breakage, but newspaper is heavy and adds to the cost of shipping. Go light with packing materials and save money. Plastic grocery bags or popped popcorn make excellent lightweight packing materials. Either material will cushion what is being shipped without adding weight to the package. When using light-as-air plastic grocery bags as packing material, wad them up and stuff them securely around the item, forming a snug fit inside the shipping box. When using popped popcorn, fill the space around the item(s), then shake the box so the popcorn settles, then add more popcorn for a snug, secure fit.

Ship Smaller Packages

Two or three small packages often cost less to ship than one large package. All shippers measure weight and volume and charge accordingly, so shipping a large box which takes up a lot of room will cost more than several smaller boxes. Check with your preferred shipper about their rules and charges for over-sized packages.

Join the Program

Some shippers offer a discount program for frequent shippers. Even if you only ship packages during the Christmas season, join the program and save money on shipping. Sign up for an online account and print shipping labels at home which will at least save you the cost of in-store customer service. Tracking, delivery confirmation and other services are also provided free and online once you join a shipper's program.