Efficient shipping is the lifeblood of success for businesses of all sizes. But when you’re a small craft brewery or a well-established online retailer, how do you get your products to customers quickly, securely, and cost-effectively? This is where parcel shipments come in.
What is parcel shipping? It’s a convenient and cost-effective method for businesses to send individual packages directly to customers. The benefits of parcel shipping for businesses are numerous, making it a popular choice for a wide range of products. This guide will explore the advantages of parcel shipping, how it works, and how it compares to other shipping options.
What Does Parcel Mean in Shipping?
In the context of shipping, parcel shipments refer to an individual package typically weighing less than 150 lbs, with some carriers having maximum dimensions of around four feet in length and width combined.
Each carrier has specific size and weight limits, so it’s important to check before you ship. This differentiates parcels from documents and letters, which are typically much smaller and lighter and have their own separate classification for shipping.
Examples of parcels include boxes containing merchandise, clothing, and even craft beverages. Understanding what qualifies as a parcel is key to choosing the most cost-effective shipping method for your business needs.
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How Does Parcel Shipping Work?
The process of small parcel shipping is generally straightforward. Here’s a simplified overview:
- Sender Packages the Goods Securely: This involves selecting appropriate packaging materials (boxes, coolers, etc.) that can withstand the rigors of transportation and protect the contents from damage.
- The Parcel is Picked Up by Carrier or Dropped Off at a Location: Many carriers offer pick-up services at your business or residence, while others have drop-off locations at carrier facilities or partnering retail stores.
- Carrier Transports the Parcel Through Their Network: Once collected, the parcel enters the carrier’s network, sorted, and transported through their hubs and distribution centers for efficient delivery.
- Recipient is Notified of Delivery or Required to Sign for the Package: The recipient is typically notified of the upcoming delivery and may be required to sign for the package upon arrival, depending on the chosen service level.
5 Benefits of Parcel Shipping for Businesses
The parcel shipping process offers a multitude of advantages for businesses, making it a popular choice for a wide range of products. If you’re considering small parcel shipping services to streamline your operations, here are some of the benefits you can expect:
1. Cost-Effectiveness
For small packages, parcel shipping is generally more economical compared to freight shipments. Additionally, flexible service options like standard ground shipping versus expedited options cater to different budgets. Small businesses with high-volume shipping can also leverage partnerships with managed logistics companies to negotiate competitive rates.
2. Convenience
Small parcel shipping can streamline the fulfillment process. Readily available drop-off locations at carrier facilities or partnering retail stores eliminate the need for complex logistics arrangements. Online tracking capabilities provide real-time visibility into the shipment’s progress, allowing businesses to monitor deliveries and keep customers informed. Furthermore, many carriers offer easy integration with popular e-commerce platforms, enabling seamless shipping management directly from your online store.
3. Scalability
Parcel shipments adapt to your business needs, whether you’re a small company starting out with a few packages a day or an established business experiencing seasonal fluctuations with high volumes during peak periods. There’s no need for dedicated warehousing or large upfront investments in logistics. As your business grows, you can easily scale your shipping operations up or down to match your needs.
4. Wide Reach
Established parcel shipment carriers boast extensive delivery networks that span nationwide and even worldwide. This allows businesses to reach customers like never before, opening doors to new markets and a broader customer base.
5. Faster Delivery Times
Parcel carriers offer a wide range of service levels to cater to diverse customer needs. Standard ground shipping provides a cost-effective option for non-urgent deliveries. For customers who require faster delivery times, expedited options such as overnight or two-day shipping are available. This flexibility ensures you can meet customer expectations for fast and reliable delivery.
Image source: Canva
Parcel Shipping vs. Other Shipping Options
While small parcel shipping is a valuable tool, understanding its distinctions from other shipping methods is crucial for making informed decisions:
- Freight Shipping: Freight shipments are typically used for larger quantities of goods on pallets, with weight and size limitations significantly higher compared to parcels. This option is more cost-effective for bulk shipments and provides flexibility for businesses shipping temperature-sensitive goods.
- Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipping: LTL shipments cater to businesses with shipment volumes exceeding parcel weight limits but not enough to fill an entire truck. While cost-effective for moderate volumes, LTL shipping can involve additional complexities compared to small parcel shipping services, such as finding reliable LTL carriers, scheduling pick-ups, and potentially palletizing goods for transport.
- Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers: 3PL providers offer warehousing and fulfillment services for businesses. While they can streamline logistics, they add an extra layer to the process compared to direct parcel shipment. This option might be ideal for businesses lacking space or resources for in-house fulfillment.
Outsource Your Logistics with Brew Movers
Brew Movers is your partner in success! We understand the unique challenges of shipping beers, wines, and spirits across North America. That’s why we offer a one-stop shop to optimize your small parcel shipping needs with competitive rates and a reliable network that reaches customers across the nation.
Simplify your supply chain with expert logistics management. From small parcel shipping services to cold chain shipping and beverage packaging, we handle it all. It’s our goal to take the weight of maintaining an in-house logistics management system off your plate so you focus on what matters most—growing your business!
Contact Brew Movers today and discover how our expertise can minimize shipping costs, streamline your operations, and expand your reach.