What’s the Cheapest Way to Ship Packages? 2025 Best Rates & Discounts

Beeontrade · April 2025

*7 min read*

From the Editor’s Desk

As we move further into 2025, cost efficiency in freight operations remains top-of-mind for supply chain managers. The e-commerce boom and heightened demand for fast fulfillment are pushing logistics teams to rethink their shipping strategies. The question on everyone's desk: what's the cheapest way to ship packages without compromising reliability?

This article demystifies the 2025 landscape of shipping costs. Whether you're a 3PL navigating peak season volumes, or an import-export decision maker balancing margins, we break down current rate trends, digital shipping hacks, and reliable discount options that align with your budget.

Key Observations

Demand Trends

• High parcel shipping demand continues, driven by cross-border e-commerce.
• Shippers increasingly blend services (postal + express + freight) to meet price-performance goals.

Carrier Behavior & Capacity

• Major carriers are optimizing zone-based pricing, favoring regional and hybrid models.
• Service tiers now focus on predictive delivery windows and lower-cost thresholds.

Regulatory Updates

• New international parcel rules in effect from April 2025 require clearer customs data.
• Green shipping initiatives offer rebates for consolidated last-mile deliveries.

Strategies to Unlock Cheap Shipping in 2025

1. Use Regional Carriers and Consolidators

While FedEx and UPS remain dominant, regional carriers like OnTrac, LaserShip, and Spee-Dee Delivery now offer competitive rates with faster turnarounds on local routes. Consolidators such as DHL eCommerce and Pitney Bowes bundle multiple shipments for cost-efficiency across national lanes.

Best Practice:

• Compare transit time zones by carrier route maps.
• Leverage volume tiers for better negotiated base rates.

2. Optimize Package Dimensions & Weight

Dimensional weight (DIM) pricing models mean smaller, well-packed parcels ship cheaper. Using packaging that fits snugly into a standard size tier (e.g., USPS Flat Rate boxes) can cut expenses by up to 30%.

Best Practice:

• Train warehouse teams on smart packing techniques.
• Utilize shipping software that auto-calculates DIM weight.

3. Leverage Digital Freight Marketplaces

Platforms like Shippo, EasyPost, and Freightos offer transparent price comparisons, API integrations, and access to bulk-discounted rates. For bulk freight, Beeontrade’s partners deliver competitive all-in rates, helping shippers reduce freight spend significantly.

Best Practice:

• Connect your ERP or WMS to digital quoting tools.
• Automate label printing with preferred carrier defaults.

4. Explore Hybrid Service Models

Economical shipping often results from mixing services. USPS + DHL eCommerce or UPS SurePost provide express pickups with postal last-mile delivery—ideal for non-urgent items under 10 lbs.

Best Practice:

• Use shipment value thresholds to route orders to the cheapest tier.
• Track performance metrics to avoid service blind spots.

Beeontrade’s Perspective

At Beeontrade, our mission is to empower B2B logistics with tailored, cost-effective shipping solutions. From digital rate engines to strategic carrier partnerships, we help our customers harness predictive logistics and 3PL visibility to lower costs while increasing service reliability. In 2025, that means thinking smarter—not spending harder.

Sources

• Freightos. “Global Freight Market Update.” https://www.freightos.com
• Shippo. “Shipping Rate Calculator 2025.” https://goshippo.com
• DHL eCommerce. “Economy Parcel Services.” https://www.dhl.com
• Pitney Bowes. “2025 Parcel Shipping Index.” https://www.pitneybowes.com
• EasyPost. “Carrier Comparison Tool.” https://www.easypost.com