Your Package Probably Costs More Than It Should

Why Your Package Costs More Than It Should (And What You Can Do About It)

Let’s face it: shipping is weirdly complicated.

You plug in the address, weigh your item, pick a service, and hope for the best. Then the label prints, you drop off the package, and, just like that, you’ve paid… what, $14? For a book? To go two states over?

If you’ve ever walked away from a shipping counter feeling like something didn’t add up, you’re not alone. And if you’ve ever felt like your package cost more than it should, there’s a good chance you’re right.

The truth is, most people are making small mistakes that add up fast. The carriers aren’t exactly making it easy either. Between confusing rate structures, dimensional weight pricing, surcharges, and sudden fee adjustments, it’s a mess.

So let’s clear the air a bit.

Here are four big reasons your shipping costs are probably higher than they need to be and what you can do to fix them. 🛠️

1. You’re Using the Wrong Box (Even If It Seems Fine) 📏📦

This is by far the most common mistake I see. You grab whatever box you have lying around, pack your item, and send it on its way.

No big deal, right?

Wrong. If your box is bigger than it needs to be, even if it’s lightweight, carriers will charge you based on its size, not just its weight. It’s called dimensional weight pricing, and it’s how they account for the space your package takes up in the truck or airplane.

Pro Tip: Flat-rate boxes are only a good deal for heavy items going long distances.

For example, let’s say you’re shipping a T-shirt. You could put it in a padded mailer and pay around $4–$5, or you could toss it into a bulky Amazon box and suddenly you’re paying $10+ for the same thing.

What to do instead: Use the smallest packaging that safely fits your item. Don’t go overboard with padding unless you need it, and be strategic about when you use flat-rate boxes.

2. You’re Not Comparing Carriers 🔍🚚

This one’s huge. Every shipping carrier has its strengths and its blind spots. USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL… they all price things differently depending on weight, zone, and packaging.

Most people stick to the same carrier out of habit. Or worse, they walk into a brick-and-mortar shipping store and pay retail rates (don’t even get me started on how inflated those can be).

What to do instead: Use a platform (like I’d Ship That) that compares rates for you. We’ll show you the cheapest option based on your shipment. No guessing. No logging into five carrier sites. Just click, compare, print. 🖨️

3. You’re Not Adding Insurance (Until It’s Too Late) 🛡️📦

I get it, insurance feels optional. That is, until something goes wrong.

⚠️ Warning: Most carriers only cover $100 of value by default (if that). Don’t risk it!

Packages get lost. They get damaged. It happens more than people realize. If you’re sending anything valuable or fragile and it’s not insured, you’re rolling the dice. And once it’s gone or broken, good luck getting reimbursed.

What to do instead: Add insurance for higher-value shipments. It’s cheap, and it could save you hundreds. We offer affordable insurance right in the checkout flow when you’re printing your label, no separate forms, no hoops.

4. You’re Missing Out on Tax Deductions (If You’re a Business)

If you’re selling on Etsy, eBay, Poshmark, or just running a small side hustle, your shipping costs are usually tax-deductible. That means every label you buy, every box you use, every mile you drive to the post office that’s potential money back in your pocket at tax time.

But if you’re not tracking it? You’re missing out.

What to do instead: Ship through a platform that logs your shipping history. We keep all your receipts and tracking in one place, so when tax season rolls around, it’s all right there, no digging through email or old files.

Wrapping It All Up 🎁

Shipping doesn’t have to be this confusing. It really doesn’t.

But until the big carriers decide to simplify things (don’t hold your breath), the best thing you can do is arm yourself with a little knowledge and a better tool.

That’s what I’d Ship That is built for. It’s not just about printing labels. It’s about helping you ship smarter with better rates, fewer surprises, and tools that actually make life easier, not harder.

So the next time you’re about to ship something, try running it through our site. No commitment. Just a simple way to compare rates, print labels, and keep more money in your pocket.

Shipping should be simple. We’re here to make sure it finally feels that way. 👍