Cost savings
How to reduce your shipping costs in Canada
Five concrete levers to lower your shipping costs without negotiating with each carrier yourself.
For a Canadian small business, shipping is often one of the largest variable expenses. The good news: several levers can reduce these costs quickly, without changing your products or your customers.
Why do shipping rates vary so much?
Each carrier has strengths depending on destination, weight and format. None offers the best price everywhere. Comparing systematically means paying a fair price on every shipment.
Rates also depend on dimensional weight, delivery zones and surcharges (residential, remote area, fuel). Two identical shipments can cost very differently depending on the carrier you choose.
What are the five most effective levers?
- Bundle your volume to access negotiated rates usually reserved for large shippers.
- Compare more than a dozen carriers on every shipment instead of using just one.
- Optimize packaging to reduce dimensional weight.
- Avoid monthly subscriptions and pay only for the shipments you send.
- Automate labels and tracking to save administrative time.
What is dimensional weight and why does it matter?
Carriers bill on either actual weight or dimensional weight (calculated from the dimensions), whichever is higher. A large, half-empty box therefore costs more than it should.
- Choose a box sized to the product.
- Reduce empty space with compact cushioning.
- Avoid over-packaging that inflates the dimensions.
- Weigh and measure before shipping to avoid adjustment fees.
How much can a small business really save?
By bundling the volume of over 8,000 clients, LAR Shipping delivers savings of up to 70% — with no individual negotiation and no monthly subscription. You pay only for the shipments you send.
Where should I start to reduce costs?
Start by measuring what you pay today, carrier by carrier. Then compare those rates against a bundled platform on your most frequent destinations. The gap quickly reveals your savings potential.
Want to cut your shipping costs? Compare more than a dozen carriers with LAR Shipping and save up to 70% on your shipments.