10 shipping tips every small business should know

Carriers measure exterior dimensions, not what's inside. Enter those numbers when buying your label, and round each side up to the nearest inch. Entering the wrong dimensions can trigger adjustment fees charged automatically after delivery - with no warning.

Dimensional weight pricing means a large, light package can cost more to ship than a heavier one in a smaller box. Carriers charge based on whichever is greater: actual weight or box volume. Right-sizing your packaging is one of the simplest ways to pay less per shipment.

Estimating weight leads to carrier adjustment fees - charged after delivery, no notification. A basic postal scale costs under $20 and pays for itself after the first avoided adjustment. It's the cheapest insurance you'll buy for your shipping operation.

A barcode that bends across a box edge or seam can't be scanned reliably, which can cause delivery delays or flags. Apply labels to the largest flat face of the box, press out air bubbles, and print at high quality so the barcode reads clean every time.

USPS offers free Priority Mail boxes in multiple sizes, delivered directly to your address at no charge. A lot of new sellers don't know this - just keep in mind they can only be used with USPS Priority Mail flat rate services. Order at usps.com/store and keep a stock on hand so you're never scrambling for packaging right when you need it.

The best rate changes with every shipment - weight, box size, and destination all shift the answer. No single carrier wins every time. With Shippo, you compare rates across 40+ carriers side by side before you buy, so you're always picking the right option without the guesswork.

USPS systems need a short window to register your payment. Drop off too quickly and your package can be flagged as unpaid - even though it isn't. Just wait an hour. It's a simple fix for an entirely avoidable headache.

USPS flat rate wins for heavy packages going long distances - pay one price regardless of weight or zone. But for a light package going nearby, standard Ground is almost always cheaper. The only way to know for sure is to compare both options before committing, which Shippo shows you automatically.

More than 1.7 million packages go missing every day in the US, and carrier-included coverage is limited - USPS covers up to $100 on Priority Mail, while UPS and FedEx charge a minimum fee on top. Shippo Total Protection covers loss, damage, or theft for as low as 1.25% of your order's value. File a claim online and most are reimbursed in under 3 days.

Every label you buy in Shippo includes a tracking number. If your store is connected to Shippo, that number syncs back automatically after each label purchase - your customers stay in the loop without any extra work on your end. Not connected yet? Here's how to set it up.