How to reduce costs when shipping goods from the Middle East

Usually, people tend to work more efficiently and reduce costs. But, when it comes to costs of shipping from the Middle East, many believe they are fixed and cannot be changed. That’s where they lose out on potential savings. There’re numerous ways to reduce costs when shipping goods from the Middle East.

Of course, you can always ask your movers for some tips, but there are some hacks most moving pros won’t tell you about. Luckily, here are some tips you can use to reduce costs when shipping goods from the Middle East.

Reduce costs when shipping goods from the Middle East by considering goods union

Consider uniting goods from multiple suppliers to combine shipments. Or combine your shipments with other nearby companies to the same retailers and reduce costs. Find help on sites like fourwinds-ksa.com or some local business organizations to find a co-shipping partner. Also, to reduce shipping costs try taking smaller, fewer container shipments and consolidate them into larger. 

Estimate the transportation mode

Of course, the fastest way of shipping is via air, but if you want to reduce cost when shipping goods from the Middle East pick the sea option. Think about alternate methods of transportation or even a combination of multiple modes, if necessary. Get a shipping quote from different transportation providers. Assess if you can cut costs by using a combination of air, sea and ground transportation.

Try to become a regular

Be loyal and build a relationship with your carrier. This way he is going to work with you every day. Plus, it’s going to get a regular flow of freight in the same lane each day. He is able to market those backhauls and build out his network. 

Why would you send out annual RFPs to find a new carrier, if you can develop a relationship with your current one? This strategic, long-term relationship will save you money. You can even consider signing a longer-term contract and lock in a better rate. It’s better than adjusting each year to rising prices.

Ship on off-peak days to reduce costs when shipping goods from the Middle East

 You can save a lot of money if you ship a day later or earlier. Usually, Friday is an off-peak day for shipping consumer goods. This is because most customers try to get their product to store by Thursday. Plus, Mondays are a low-volume day to consider if you’re trying to reduce costs. Also, shippers of non-consumer type products can use this tip. So, learn how to prepare a car for shipping and do it on off-peak days.

Design packaging earlier

Design packaging earlier in the shipping process to adjust for transportation and warehousing needs. Blocking, dunnage, and bracing are necessary to ensure the products arrive safely. Especially when it comes to a long journey. But, sometimes they can be used in excess. So, work with your packaging supply and use the appropriate amount of dunnage for safe transportation.

Be an efficient loader

Carriers base their price on an estimated two-hour loading time. Be a fast loader and reduce costs when shipping goods from the Middle East. Also, this helps you build a better relationship with the shippers. For them, your effective means they can get on the road quicker and service more customers.