Drop Shipping is a supply chain term used to describe a technique that involves retailers. In drop shipping, retailers do not maintain any inventory. Orders for merchandise are sent directly to manufacturers and wholesalers, who then ship goods directly to the customer. Usually customers will pay for shipping in the checkout process online. Retailers then make a profit from the difference between the retail price and the wholesale price.

Small businesses and online auction sites also use drop shipping. Many manufacturers ship custom items to end customers that are initiated by orders from retailers.

Drop shipping can benefit businesses. Inventory is not needed, and shipping is handled by the manufacturer or wholesaler. This reduces costs on having to move the inventory from wholesaler to retailer and then ultimately to customer.

Below is an informational video clip on drop shipping.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlvuOQ–grc

At ShippingDiscounts.com, we can take care of your company’s drop shipping needs. Contact us today to inquire about shipping your products.

Here at ShippingDiscounts.com, we know that cash flow is especially important for our customers. We’ve put together these four easy tips to help you increase your cash flow this spring.

1. Use a third-party logistics company like ShippingDiscounts.com. We have already done the work of negotiating great rates with over 40 carriers nationwide, and we can pass these savings along to you every time you ship.
2. Ship in Bulk. Generally,  the price per pound will decrease as the weight of your shipment increases. By sending  fewer, heavier shipments of your goods, you can bring your cost per unit down.
3. Weigh your freight accurately. Weight is an important factor in pricing both LTL and international  shipments. The more accurate your weight, the less likely it is that your freight will be reweighed and assessed an additional fee. Not sure where to start? Smaller items can often be weighed on a bathroom scale.
4. Refer a friend. We offer a paid referral program at ShippingDiscounts.com. If you know a business that could benefit from deeper freight discounts, call us or send an email to contact@shippingdiscounts.com.

Take your business to the next level this spring by taking control of your shipping costs.  ShippingDiscounts.com is your source for the tools and expertise to save money and streamline your shipping.

When shipping internationally it is a good idea to remember the following:

**Package boxes well. Do not add packing material that will weigh down your shipment (as this will increase weight and the overall costs of shipping).

**Don’t forget customs fees!

**Include Coupons. Customers will likely utilize your business again with an incentive.

**Do not send candy or food with your shipment as doing so could potentially pose problems with customs.

**Write the address clearly and in marker.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp8yVvfFJYk

FMCSA is short for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Why is the FMCSA important?

All motor carriers must register with the FMCSA in order to operate. Depending on the type of operation, a variety of registration documentation must be filed with the administration in order to carry out business operations. The FMCSA implements many rules and regulations in order to keep people and their businesses safe. The primary mission of the FMCSA “is to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and buses.”

The FMCSA has four main strategies:

-Develop regulations that balance between safety and efficiency

-Target high risk carriers and enforce safety regulations

-Implement and distribute educational messages

-Partner with the motor carrier industry, as well as Federal, State, and local agencies to reduce bus and truck crashes

The FMCSA has a portal of online tools that can be useful to you. The website is called SAFER. SAFER stands for Safety and Fitness Electronic Records System.  All documentation to register with FMCSA can be found on the SAFER website. The most useful information on this site for customers is the Company Snapshot search capability. As a customer you can search any freight carrier and find out detailed information about the carrier. This information includes where they are located, the types of freight they are willing to transport, the insurance they use, as well as their inspection, class, and safety ratings. This information can be valuable to you when deciding which carrier to use for transporting your freight. At ShippingDiscounts.com, we encourage our customers to become knowledgeable about the transportation industry and the carriers involved. It is in your best interest to know your carrier and what they have to offer along with their great low shipping rates!