8 Ways To Spring-Clean Your Shipping Strategy

April 08, 2024

by Jaidyn Farar

Spring is in the air! That means a few things: the smell of fresh-cut grass, summer vacation planning, and no more early-morning icy windshields.

During this time of renewal and regrowth, why not take a closer look at your shipping strategy and weed out what’s not working? Just as you spring clean your house, take time to spring clean your business processes and set yourself up for success during the rest of the year.

In this article, we’ll share tips, resources, and technology solutions to help you get organized.

1. Dust off your data

Just like clearing away dust reveals hidden surfaces, cleaning up and organizing your shipping data can uncover insights into customer preferences, shipping trends, and areas for optimization.

Article: Let Shipping Data Drive Your Business Forward
Podcast: Simplifying Supply Chain Visibility
Solution: EasyPost Analytics

2. Polish your packaging

One of the most satisfying parts of cleaning? Making sure every smooth surface—whether it be doorknobs or wood furniture—shines. Much like polishing these surfaces, refining your packaging materials and design puts the finishing touch on the shipping experience.

The right materials not only enhance your brand image but also protect your shipments during transit, reducing the risk of damage and returns.

3. Scrub your shipping rates

We all know how frustrating stubborn stains can be—and how satisfying it is to scrub them away, revealing a clean floor underneath. High shipping rates can feel just as irritating as a stain that refuses to budge.

By negotiating with carriers (or using a shipping solution that provides discounted rates), you can feel better about your shipping and save money in both the short and long term. Even a clean floor can’t compare!

Article: How To Calculate Shipping Costs
Solution: EasyPost Shipping API

4. Freshen up carrier and supplier relationships

Logistics is an incredibly relationship-driven industry; the partnerships you form can make or break your shipping strategy. If your carrier and supplier relationships are feeling a little stale, it’s probably time to freshen things up.

Nurturing positive relationships leads to better service, more reliable deliveries, and potential cost savings through negotiated deals or incentives.

Article: Choosing a Carrier: From Shipping to Delivery
Podcast: Building Better Supplier Relationships

5. Organize your inventory

Warehouse feeling a little cluttered?

If your warehouse isn’t operating efficiently, you’re probably facing the consequences: inaccurate orders, stockouts, and shipping delays.

Just as organizing clutter makes a room feel more spacious, implementing inventory management systems and best practices can create a more efficient warehouse environment—and a better consumer experience.

Article: Inventory Management: Benefits, Process, and Best Methods
Podcast: Tips for Last-Mile Success

6. Sanitize security measures

When customers trust you with their personal and payment information, you’re responsible for keeping that information safe. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures on your website protects sensitive data and prevents potential breaches or fraud.

In addition to protecting personal information, you should take steps to protect the packages you ship. Lost, damaged, and stolen packages harm both your business and customers, so invest in shipping insurance as a reliable safety net.

Article: Why Package Insurance and Protection Matter for Your Business
Podcast: Ecommerce Cybersecurity Strategies
Solution: EasyPost Shipping Insurance
Solution: Norton Shopping Guarantee with Package Protection by EasyPost (for Shopify stores)

7. Tidy up tracking and communication

Improving tracking and communication systems ensures that customers are kept informed at every step of the delivery process, reducing inquiries and enhancing transparency.

Article: How To Improve the Package Tracking Experience
Solution: EasyPost Tracking API

8. Freshen your focus on sustainability

Adopting eco-friendly cleaning products minimizes your personal environmental impact, but what about your business? Becoming more sustainable might seem daunting, but reducing your business’s environmental footprint doesn’t need to be complicated or costly.

Do your part to preserve the environment by integrating sustainable practices, such as using recyclable materials or purchasing carbon offsets, into your shipping strategy.

Podcast: Sustainable Shipping Tips for Small Businesses
Solution: Carbon-Neutral Shipping