What is rate shopping?

Overview

Rate shopping is a process by which you’re able to compare different service levels across multiple carriers (UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL, etc…) The best carrier for the job is often the cheapest option. You likely don’t have too much of a preference as to what carrier delivers your package, just that it is delivered safely and on time.

What’s the advantage?

Although it may be obvious that you’d like to compare rates across a single carrier (think traditional postage options from USPS like Priority Mail and First Class packages). It may not cross one’s mind to compare against other carriers. That’s the advantage of cross carrier rate shopping! You can get the best price possible by pitting the various carriers against each other. Here’s a classic example: For larger parcels, USPS is more expensive, but for smaller ones it is often the cheapest solution