Online selling and shopping have been around for some time now. However, it was only recently that the e-commerce industry boomed. A report from Statista revealed that in 2019, almost 2 billion consumers bought goods or availed services online. E-retail services reached more than $3.5 trillion globally in the same year.
This change in shopping behavior has also had a huge impact (both positive and negative) on the shipping companies who deliver the packages: UPS, FedEx, USPS, and DHL (for international shipping). Over the last two years, Box & Send Business Center saw huge spikes in UPS packing and shipping requests for domestic shipping and DHL packing and shipping requests for international shipping.
UPS Packing and Shipping During COVID-19
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic further boosted the influence of e-commerce on consumer behavior. During the peak of the pandemic, most people shopped from home and used shipping centers like Box & Send Business Center for final packing and shipping to their final destinations.
Considered an essential business, Box & Send Business Center was fortunate enough to remain open to continue to meet the local Melbourne and Palm Bay communities’ UPS packing and shipping needs during the quarantine earlier in the year, as well as those for USPS, FedEx, and DHL.
Factors affecting UPS shipping costs
A lot of people often consider only the package size and weight when considering shipment costs. However, these are only part of the overall costs for UPS, FedEx, and USPS shipping. Below are the other crucial factors that affect shipping costs.
- Shipping lead time
One of the most important factors to consider when computing shipment costs is the delivery lead time. Some will be delivered on its usual lead time (ex. 1 week, 2 weeks, or 1 month) Others are for “rush” delivery. It usually depends on where and how it will be delivered – either by sea, air, or land.
- Shipment’s declared value and insurance
Waiting for your goods to be delivered can be nerve-racking, to say the least. That is why it is a good idea to put some kind of protection in place for the items while they are in transit. Purchasing shipping insurance from the carrier you ship with will ensure protection from the expense that you might incur in case the package gets damaged or lost along the way. UPS and FedEx give an automatic $100 of shipping insurance, USPS does not provide any included insurance.
Shipping insurance usually costs depend on the item’s declared value. The higher the item’s declared value, the higher the insurance you have to pay. It might be heavy on the budget, but it will ensure peace of mind until the items have been received. It’s important to note that any insurance claims will need to be supported with paperwork (receipt, invoice, etc) showing the value of the goods.
- Surcharges
Carriers sometimes charge surcharges if the items will be delivered to hard-to-reach areas. These said charges are meant to cover the expense of offering service to these remote and less accessible areas. Box & Send Business Center will evaluate such surcharges to avoid surprise costs later on.
- Payment method
There are different ways to pay for shipments, such as e-wallets, vouchers, credit/debit cards, or collect on delivery (COD). COD is a popular payment method in some parts of the world for those who do not have a credit/debit card or have no way to pay electronically. COD costs are usually determined by the carrier prior to the item’s release for delivery.
UPS Shipping versus USPS Shipping
Box & Send Business Center offers packing and shipping services courtesy of our partner couriers: UPS, FedEx, DHL and USPS. However, the vast majority of our customers tend to choose UPS or USPS shipping over FedEx for domestic shipments because of price.
Common UPS and USPS questions often asked:
Q. Is it cheaper to ship UPS or USPS?
A. In terms of fees and surcharges, the USPS is usually cheaper than UPS. If you are planning to shop small packages, you might want to consider the former as it offers better shipping rates for smaller packages. But if you are to ship larger packages, better go with the latter as it offers the best value in that category.
Q. Is UPS Next Day Air Saver the same as “overnight” shipping?
A. UPS Next Day Air Saver is an overnight shipping service that ensures next-day shipment. It also offers a slightly lower shipment fee than the usual UPS Next Day Air with a delivery time of no later than 10:30 am the following morning.
Box & Send Business Center offers all UPS shipping options, including:
- UPS Early AM
- UPS 3-Day Select
- UPS 2nd Day Air AM
- UPS Ground
Q. How long does it take shipping UPS Ground?
A. In general, UPS ships the vast majority of ‘ground’ shipments in three days. You will receive the estimated delivery delivery information and tracking number with your receipt from Box & Send Business Center.
Q. How long does USPS Priority take to deliver?
A. In general, USPS ships the vast majority of priority shipments in three-five days, but there is no guarantee with the Post Office. You will receive the estimated delivery information and tracking number with your receipt from Box & Send Business Center.
Box & Send Business Center | One-Stop-Shop for Small Business
As an authorized shipping agent for UPS, USPS, FedEx, and DHL, you can rely on Box & Send Business Center. We’ve helped small businesses and consumers with their packing and shipping needs for over 25 years in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL.
Box & Send Business Center is also a UPS drop-off location.
Aside from shipment services, Box & Send Business Center offers a variety of small business services including:
- Private mailbox rentals (Real Street Address)
- Confidential shredding services
- T-shirt printing
- Promotional products
- Signs and Banner printing
- Digital Marketing Services
Because at Box & Send Business Center, we do more than packing and shipping. We also care for your business!
Conclusion
Imagine life without delivery couriers and UPS packing and shipping centers like Box & Send Business Center. Without them, online businesses would not be able to thrive, especially in the midst of the pandemic.
Have to ship a package UPS or USPS in Melbourne, FL? Looking for promotional items or a printing supplier? Need marketing advice for your small business? No need to look anywhere — Box & Send Business Center has got you covered!