How Container Selection Helps Lower Shipping Costs

If you're an individual or part of a business who ships regularly as part of operations, chances are you're always on the hunt for ways to limit your overall shipping costs and pay less. And among several different areas you might be thinking about here, one that sometimes goes overlooked is the proper selection of ideal containers for your products.

At Industrial Container and Supply Company, we're proud to offer a huge range of container options for any need, from drum containers to pails, tubs, cans and more. We've helped many clients save untold sums of money on their shipping simply through more efficient container selection and usage, and we'll do the same for you. Here are some of the ways that ideal container selection helps save money on shipping costs in many settings.

Weight Considerations

First and foremost, one of the single largest variables in shipping costs is the total weight of what's being shipped. If you're able to reduce this weight through ideal container selection, you'll not only save money on outright shipping costs but also in storage and labor related to packing. This could be as simple as choosing a lightweight plastic bucket for a paint job instead of a hefty steel pail; it all adds up.

For instance, let's say you need to pack 1,000 gallons of liquid for transport. You could choose a steel container that weighs hundreds of pounds or you could opt for a plastic drum that's far lighter and still strong enough for the job. The light plastic drums weigh only a few dozen pounds, so this single choice could save you hundreds of dollars in shipping costs while taking up less storage space in your facility.

Space Themes

Another factor to consider is the amount of physical space that a container takes up in transit. If you're shipping via air, then large and heavy items can take up more than their fair share of limited cargo space. And even if you're using ground transport, bulkier containers can be costlier to ship.

Once again, certain containers offer a great solution here. Many of our products are designed to carry the same volume of material with far less bulk than other options, so they take up less cargo space while providing all of the strength and protection you need in transit. You won't be left wondering if your container is using up too much space, or if there's a better alternative out there.

Shape Management

Down related lines, the shape of a container is often just as important to consider. If you're carting oddly-shaped items, then they may not fit in certain containers as well; better to go with something else that can offer a snugger fit and use up less space.

For example, if you have plastic toys or other small items that need transporting, we recommend looking into our shallow pails or trays for better shape management. Their tapered design means that you can fit more items into the same space as with a flat-bottomed container; perfect for maximizing efficiency and reducing your overall shipping costs.

Combining Products

One great way of reducing shipping costs is to combine products into one container. This can minimize the total weight of what you're sending and means you won't have to pay for separate shipments.

At Industrial Container and Supply Company, we specialize in helping our clients find the perfect combination of containers for any situation. We offer a variety of sizes and shapes that are ideal for neatly and securely packing together several different products, ensuring you won't have to pay for more than one shipment.

Packing Materials

Finally, consider the type of packing materials you need to use in order to secure your items. Here again, we offer several different solutions that will help you limit your overall shipping costs and make sure everything arrives where it needs to be in perfect condition. From stretch wrap and bubble wrap for fragile items, to corrugated cardboard boxes or other shock-absorbent materials, our packing supplies can provide the extra level of protection and security that you need for a successful shipment.

When it comes to reducing your overall shipping costs, proper container selection is an important part of the equation. Industrial Container and Supply Company has all the ideal containers, packing materials, and expertise required to help you make the most of your shipments. Contact us today and let our team help you save money while ensuring your items arrive safe and sound—everywhere they need to go.