Guide to Shipping Services

Look at the major players

The major international shippers have online centers with rates, tools, even financing tailored to small business.

I recommend: Compare the deals at the small-business sites of DHL, FedEx, U.S. Postal Service and UPS. Find tools like rate calculators from DHL and USPS. UPS provides small-business loans and FedEx allows you to reorder office supplies.

For big loads, find a specialist

If your shipping needs go beyond small volume pick-ups, talk to specialists in truckload and cargo container shipments.

I recommend: The Shipping International directory lists specialist shippers.

Shop around

Get an idea of how much services will cost and request a competitive quote from several vendors. This is especially handy if your shipping needs are changing.

I recommend: OneEntry has an easy Web interface that can run different shipping scenarios and generate quotes for small-volume shipments, parcels and commercial freight. Quotes are emailed or faxed back to you.

Use your connections

You may be able to get group discounts from shippers through business organizations you join.

I recommend: The National Business Association teamed with DHL to offer a group rate.

Consolidate services

If you have multiple types of documents, boxes, special-handling requests and delivery locations, you may want to think about consolidating everything through a clearinghouse type of provider.

I recommend: With Unishippers, for example, you get one invoice, for multiple carriers for domestic or international mail, expedited delivery or freight shipments.