How to Optimise Global Shipping Costs \| with SAMOS [SAMOS e-commerce LTD](/)Open main menu Search Services Pricing Resources Blog [ Login ](https://connect.samos-e.com/login) ![Illustration with shopping cart, package with failed delivery notice, and location icons illustrating ecommerce shipping cost optimization.](https://fls-a23386ec-a833-4d54-8bab-79a51619651d.laravel.cloud/384/conversions/Main-Graphic-24-main.jpg) How to Optimise Shipping Costs \| SAMOS ======================================= Discover how to reduce ecommerce shipping costs without compromising delivery. From smarter packaging and carrier selection to customs compliance and returns, explore practical ways to improve shipping efficiency, control costs and deliver a better customer experience. ![Picture of Simon Perkins](https://fls-a23386ec-a833-4d54-8bab-79a51619651d.laravel.cloud/129/conversions/TBA41DHHU-UB8G6TW2C-a6e01c7f48ad-512-main.jpg) Simon Perkins Commercial Director at SAMOS - [1. Optimise your packaging to reduce shipping costs](#content-1-optimise-your-packaging-to-reduce-shipping-costs) - [2. Understand dimensional weight and avoid paying to ship empty space](#content-2-understand-dimensional-weight-and-avoid-paying-to-ship-empty-space) - [3. Get your shipping labels and customs documentation right](#content-3-get-your-shipping-labels-and-customs-documentation-right) - [4. Choose the right international shipping service](#content-4-choose-the-right-international-shipping-service) - [5. Review your shipping routes and destination strategy](#content-5-review-your-shipping-routes-and-destination-strategy) - [6. Use the right mix of carriers](#content-6-use-the-right-mix-of-carriers) - [7. Make your returns process more economical](#content-7-make-your-returns-process-more-economical) - [8. Measure total shipping cost, not just the carrier rate](#content-8-measure-total-shipping-cost-not-just-the-carrier-rate) 2nd November 2026 Updated 4 hours ago Share this article - [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://samos-e.com/blog/charges/how-to-optimise-shipping-costs-samos"e=How%20to%20Optimise%20Shipping%20Costs%20|%20SAMOS) - [Share on WhatsApp](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=Discover%20how%20to%20reduce%20ecommerce%20shipping%20costs%20without%20compromising%20delivery.%20From%20smarter%20packaging%20and%20carrier%20selection%20to%20customs%20compliance%20and%20returns,%20explore%20practical%20ways%20to%20improve%20shipping%20efficiency,%20control%20costs%20and%20deliver%20a%20better%20customer%20experience.%0ahttps://samos-e.com/blog/charges/how-to-optimise-shipping-costs-samos) - [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://samos-e.com/blog/charges/how-to-optimise-shipping-costs-samos&title=How%20to%20Optimise%20Shipping%20Costs%20|%20SAMOS&summary=Discover%20how%20to%20reduce%20ecommerce%20shipping%20costs%20without%20compromising%20delivery.%20From%20smarter%20packaging%20and%20carrier%20selection%20to%20customs%20compliance%20and%20returns,%20explore%20practical%20ways%20to%20improve%20shipping%20efficiency,%20control%20costs%20and%20deliver%20a%20better%20customer%20experience.) - Copy Link **How to Optimise Ecommerce Shipping Costs Without Compromising Delivery** Choosing the cheapest international shipping service can seem like an easy win for an ecommerce business. But what happens when that low-cost shipment gets held up in customs, a parcel is returned because of an incomplete address, or a failed delivery creates extra work for your customer service team? Suddenly, those initial savings don't look quite so attractive. It's a situation we see regularly in international shipping. Businesses focus on securing the lowest carrier rates, only to find that additional charges, delivery problems and operational inefficiencies eat into their margins. The solution isn't necessarily to spend more on shipping. It's to **optimise your shipping operation so that every shipment delivers the right balance of cost, speed and reliability.** With decades of experience in international shipping, we've seen how relatively simple changes can make a meaningful difference to ecommerce shipping costs. From packaging and carrier selection to customs documentation and returns, there are several areas worth reviewing if you want to reduce shipping costs without compromising the customer experience. Here are the practical steps we'd recommend starting with. [\#](#content-1-optimise-your-packaging-to-reduce-shipping-costs "Permalink")1. Optimise your packaging to reduce shipping costs -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Packaging is one of the easiest places to start when looking to reduce ecommerce shipping costs. Oversized boxes, unnecessary protective materials and inefficient packing processes can all increase the cost of getting an order to your customer. The aim is to protect the product while using as little space and material as reasonably possible. Consider these improvements: - **Use custom-fit packaging.** Choose boxes that closely match your products, or use variable-depth packaging that can be adjusted to suit different order sizes. - **Review your protective materials.** Lightweight cushioning, such as air pillows or suitable bubble wrap, can reduce packaging weight and volume. Always ensure the materials provide adequate protection for the product and journey. - **Choose packaging that's strong without being excessive.** Well-designed corrugated cardboard packaging can provide sufficient protection without adding unnecessary weight or bulk. - **Standardise your packaging sizes.** If you ship a wide range of products, reviewing your most common order profiles can help you identify opportunities to reduce the number of box sizes you use and improve packing efficiency. The benefits extend beyond the cost of packaging itself. More efficient packaging can reduce dimensional weight charges, make parcels easier to handle and help you fit more shipments into available transport capacity. The important thing is to strike the right balance: saving money on packaging is a false economy if it leads to damaged goods, customer complaints and costly reshipments. [\#](#content-2-understand-dimensional-weight-and-avoid-paying-to-ship-empty-space "Permalink")2. Understand dimensional weight and avoid paying to ship empty space -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- One of the most overlooked factors in international shipping costs is dimensional weight, sometimes called [volumetric weight](https://samos-e.com/resources/volumetric-weight-explained). International carriers commonly calculate charges using whichever is greater: a shipment's actual weight or its dimensional weight. The precise calculation and rules vary by carrier and service. This means that a large, lightweight parcel can cost considerably more to ship than you might expect. If you're sending a small product in an oversized box, you could effectively be paying to transport empty space. To keep these charges under control, consider the following: - **Use mailers for suitable products.** Clothing, textiles and other non-fragile items may be shipped in durable poly mailers rather than rigid boxes, reducing parcel volume. - **Vacuum-pack soft goods where appropriate.** Compressible products, such as clothing and bedding, can often be packed more compactly, reducing the space they occupy in transit. - **Review your largest and lightest shipments.** These are often good candidates for a packaging review because their dimensional weight may significantly exceed their actual weight. - **Check carrier-specific volumetric rules.** Divisors, measurement requirements and rounding rules can differ, so calculate costs using the rules that apply to your chosen service. Even a small reduction in parcel dimensions can make a difference when you're shipping thousands of orders internationally. The best approach is to review the dimensions and billable weight of your most frequently shipped products, then identify where a packaging change could deliver the greatest savings. [\#](#content-3-get-your-shipping-labels-and-customs-documentation-right "Permalink")3. Get your shipping labels and customs documentation right ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Accurate shipping information might not seem like a major cost-saving opportunity, but mistakes can create expensive problems further down the line. Consider a parcel with an incomplete recipient name or missing house number. It might enter the carrier network without an obvious problem, only to encounter difficulties during customs processing or final delivery. The result could be a delayed shipment, additional handling, a return to sender or a replacement shipment. These are avoidable costs that can quickly erode your shipping savings. Before dispatch, make sure you: - **Provide complete recipient details.** Include the recipient's full name, street address, house or apartment number, postcode, city and contact details where required. - **Describe goods accurately.** Generic or vague descriptions can complicate customs clearance. Provide a clear description of the product being shipped including full [HS codes](https://samos-e.com/resources/what-is-an-hs-code). - **Check customs declarations.** Ensure the declared value, product classification and other required information are accurate and consistent with the shipment. - **Prepare the necessary documentation.** Depending on the destination and goods, this may include a commercial invoice, customs declaration, commodity code and other supporting documents. - **Check destination-specific requirements.** Import rules, documentation requirements and restrictions vary by country and product type. Errors can lead to delays, additional handling charges, duties or taxes being assessed incorrectly, and potentially penalties where applicable. They can also increase the workload for your customer service team. For more detail, take a look at our shipping [labelling](https://samos-e.com/resources/how-to-create-shipping-labels) guide. [\#](#content-4-choose-the-right-international-shipping-service "Permalink")4. Choose the right international shipping service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Service selection is where ecommerce businesses can often uncover significant savings. Express shipping can be essential when customers expect urgent delivery, but it isn't always necessary for every order. Paying a premium for speed that your customer doesn't need can increase fulfilment costs without adding meaningful value. Instead of automatically choosing the fastest available service, consider the delivery commitment you're trying to meet. Does this destination genuinely require express delivery? Would a standard or economy service meet the customer's expectations? How much does the price change between service levels? A tiered shipping strategy can help you match the service to the shipment. Time-sensitive orders might justify an express service, while less urgent purchases could travel through a more economical option. **The objective is to pay for the service your shipment actually needs, rather than automatically paying for the fastest one.** [\#](#content-5-review-your-shipping-routes-and-destination-strategy "Permalink")5. Review your shipping routes and destination strategy ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The route a shipment takes can influence its transit time, reliability and overall cost. Depending on the destination, service and type of shipment, different routing options may be available. A route that looks attractive on price alone might involve additional handling, less predictable connections or a greater risk of disruption. When reviewing your international shipping routes, consider: - **Destination-specific services.** Compare the available options for your main export markets rather than assuming one service is equally competitive everywhere. - **Transit time and reliability.** A slightly cheaper route may not be worthwhile if it regularly causes delays or misses delivery commitments. - **Customs clearance arrangements.** Understand where clearance takes place, which party is responsible for the required information, and whether the process introduces avoidable delays or charges. - **Shipping volume by destination.** If a significant proportion of your orders go to a particular market, it may be worth reviewing whether a different service or routing arrangement could improve your overall costs. The most economical route isn't necessarily the shortest physical distance. It's the route that delivers the right combination of cost, transit time, reliability and clearance efficiency. [\#](#content-6-use-the-right-mix-of-carriers "Permalink")6. Use the right mix of carriers ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Relying on a single carrier for every shipment may appear straightforward, but it can limit your ability to optimise costs. Carrier pricing and performance vary according to destination, parcel dimensions, weight, delivery requirements and service level. One provider might offer competitive rates to a particular market but be less attractive for another. A [multi-carrier strategy](https://samos-e.com/blog/shipping-logistics/what-is-multi-carrier-shipping-benefits-for-ecommerce) allows you to select the most suitable service for each shipment profile. For example, you might use one carrier for time-sensitive deliveries to key markets, another for lightweight parcels, and a more economical service for destinations where customers are happy to wait longer. Using multiple carriers doesn't automatically guarantee lower costs. The value comes from understanding where each service performs best and allocating shipments accordingly. A shipping partner can help you assess these options without creating unnecessary complexity for your fulfilment team. [\#](#content-7-make-your-returns-process-more-economical "Permalink")7. Make your returns process more economical ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Returns are an important part of the ecommerce shipping equation, yet they're often overlooked when businesses review their outbound delivery costs. The cost of a return isn't limited to the transport charge. It can also include handling, customer service, inspection, restocking and, in some cases, the cost of replacing or refunding an item. One area worth examining is the speed of your returns service. For example, if a customer returns a non-urgent item, does it really need to reach your warehouse within one or two days? A more economical service might be perfectly suitable, depending on your returns policy, customer expectations and operational requirements. The goal isn't simply to make returns cheaper. It's to create a returns process that's commercially sustainable while still meeting your customer commitments. [\#](#content-8-measure-total-shipping-cost-not-just-the-carrier-rate "Permalink")8. Measure total shipping cost, not just the carrier rate ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- One of the biggest mistakes ecommerce businesses can make is judging shipping performance on the price of the initial label alone. A more useful measure is the total cost of getting an order successfully delivered. That means considering the carrier charge alongside packaging, surcharges, customs-related costs where applicable, failed deliveries, reshipments, returns and the operational time spent resolving problems. For example, a lower-cost service may look attractive until you account for the additional work created by delivery exceptions. Equally, a more reliable service might justify a higher initial price if it reduces expensive failures. To understand where your money is going, start tracking a few key metrics: - **Cost per successful delivery:** What does it cost to get an order to its intended recipient? - **Shipping cost by destination:** Which markets are the most expensive to serve? - **Delivery success rate:** How often do shipments arrive without requiring intervention? - **Customs delay and exception rates:** Where are documentation issues or other problems occurring? - **Return and reshipment costs:** How much are delivery failures and reverse logistics adding to your overall spend? Reviewing these figures regularly helps you move beyond headline rates and make decisions based on the commercial performance of your entire shipping operation. **International shipping cost optimisation doesn't have to be complex** International shipping involves a lot of moving parts. Carrier pricing changes, destination requirements evolve, and a service that works well for one product or market may not be the right choice for another. That doesn't mean optimising your shipping operation needs to be complicated. Start with the areas where you can identify the clearest opportunities: review your packaging, understand dimensional weight, improve your shipping documentation and compare services against your actual delivery requirements. Then look at the bigger picture. Are your carriers competitive across all your destinations? Are your routes delivering the right balance of cost and reliability? Are returns and delivery exceptions adding unnecessary expense? Small improvements across several areas can be more valuable than securing a marginal discount on one carrier rate. **How SAMOS can help you optimise international shipping costs** At SAMOS, we understand that every ecommerce business has different products, customers, destinations and delivery expectations. There isn't a single shipping solution that works for everyone. With decades of experience in international shipping, we help businesses navigate the complexities of cross-border delivery, identify opportunities to improve efficiency and find shipping solutions that align with their commercial goals. Whether you're reviewing carrier options, looking to improve delivery performance or trying to bring your overall shipping costs under control, the starting point is understanding how your current operation performs and where improvements can make the biggest difference. **Want to find ways to reduce your international ecommerce shipping costs without compromising delivery?** [**Get in touch**](https://samos-e.com/contact-us) **with SAMOS to discuss your shipping requirements.** ![Picture of Simon Perkins](https://fls-a23386ec-a833-4d54-8bab-79a51619651d.laravel.cloud/129/conversions/TBA41DHHU-UB8G6TW2C-a6e01c7f48ad-512-main.jpg) Simon Perkins Commercial Director at SAMOS - [1. Optimise your packaging to reduce shipping costs](#content-1-optimise-your-packaging-to-reduce-shipping-costs) - [2. Understand dimensional weight and avoid paying to ship empty space](#content-2-understand-dimensional-weight-and-avoid-paying-to-ship-empty-space) - [3. Get your shipping labels and customs documentation right](#content-3-get-your-shipping-labels-and-customs-documentation-right) - [4. Choose the right international shipping service](#content-4-choose-the-right-international-shipping-service) - [5. Review your shipping routes and destination strategy](#content-5-review-your-shipping-routes-and-destination-strategy) - [6. Use the right mix of carriers](#content-6-use-the-right-mix-of-carriers) - [7. Make your returns process more economical](#content-7-make-your-returns-process-more-economical) - [8. Measure total shipping cost, not just the carrier rate](#content-8-measure-total-shipping-cost-not-just-the-carrier-rate) 2nd November 2026 Updated 4 hours ago Share this article - [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://samos-e.com/blog/charges/how-to-optimise-shipping-costs-samos"e=How%20to%20Optimise%20Shipping%20Costs%20|%20SAMOS) - [Share on WhatsApp](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=Discover%20how%20to%20reduce%20ecommerce%20shipping%20costs%20without%20compromising%20delivery.%20From%20smarter%20packaging%20and%20carrier%20selection%20to%20customs%20compliance%20and%20returns,%20explore%20practical%20ways%20to%20improve%20shipping%20efficiency,%20control%20costs%20and%20deliver%20a%20better%20customer%20experience.%0ahttps://samos-e.com/blog/charges/how-to-optimise-shipping-costs-samos) - [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://samos-e.com/blog/charges/how-to-optimise-shipping-costs-samos&title=How%20to%20Optimise%20Shipping%20Costs%20|%20SAMOS&summary=Discover%20how%20to%20reduce%20ecommerce%20shipping%20costs%20without%20compromising%20delivery.%20From%20smarter%20packaging%20and%20carrier%20selection%20to%20customs%20compliance%20and%20returns,%20explore%20practical%20ways%20to%20improve%20shipping%20efficiency,%20control%20costs%20and%20deliver%20a%20better%20customer%20experience.) - Copy Link Who is SAMOS? ------------- SAMOS is parcel logistics company based in London, specialising in creating and engineering customer-focussed e-commerce parcel delivery and returns solutions. 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