Light-weight packaging: How to “reduce the burden” of your international shipping fees

In international trade, every penny of cost optimization is crucial. When you are searching for more favorable logistics channels, there is a huge saving space that you may be overlooking at hand——packaging.

International shipping fee is calculated according to the principle of “volumetric weight”: when the volume weight of a shipment is greater than its actual weight, it will be charged according to the volume weight. Volume Weight (KG).

This means that a large box will bring you unnecessary extra tax for packaging.

1. Why is light packaging the key to cost optimization?
   Directly reduce shipping costs: Reduce the volume and weight of the packaging, directly reduce the bulk weight and actual weight, and thus directly reflect on the reduction of shipping costs.

Improved operational efficiency: Smaller, lighter packages mean that space can be saved during storage, handling, and transportation, and the efficiency of the entire logistics chain can be improved.

Environmentally friendly: reduce the use of materials, meet the global sustainable development trend, and improve the brand’s environmental image.

2、The 4 big strategies, “Slim body” for your packaging and shipping fees
Strategy one: 右发动——eliminate “虚胖” space

The problem : Using a large box, filling a large amount of cushioning material inside. This is the most common “waste”.

Solution:

量体裁衣: Choose a paper box that matches the size of the product as much as possible. After placing the product, the internal space should be controlled within 2-3 cm.

Can use variable size paper box: such as airplane box, etc., can be flexibly adjusted according to the thickness of the product.

Abandon the “one piece” thinking: For small products, you can consider using a more convenient express delivery bag or letter.

Strategy 二: Light material——reduce weight from the source

Problem: By default, thick, multi-layered large paper boxes are used.

Solution:

Selection of lightweight materials: under the premise of ensuring compressive strength, select low-weight but high-quality corrugated cardboard. New lightweight high-strength materials are the first choice.

Search alternative Case:

For light goods: Use inflatable air bag instead of heavy foam or paper as filling. They are very light and have good buffering effect.

Consider environmental protection materials: such as honeycomb paper protection is lighter and more environmentally friendly than foam protection; recycled paper pulp molding can be perfectly attached to the product, precise protection and light weight.

Strategy 三: Excellent design——Smart structure surpasses stacking materials

Problem: Relying on multi-layer packaging to provide protection, resulting in layer-by-layer code.

Solution:

Integrated design: the paper box is designed with a reasonable structure, and the interior of the paper box is separated.

线线天天：Use suspension type fixed or structural buffer instead of “ocean volume filling”. Thus reducing the use of fillers.

Strategy 4: Skillful operation——Standardization and flow

Problem: The packaging process is arbitrary and lacks standards, resulting in different packaging costs and weights for each package.

Solution:

Standardized packaging: Establish 2-3 standard size packaging schemes for your core product series.

Training for packaging personnel: Let operators understand the importance of volume and weight, learn to use the most reasonable packaging method, and avoid excessive packaging, under the premise of ensuring safety.

三、Practice case: Economic account of 一笔省
Old plan: A small Bluetooth sound box (actual weight 0.5KG), use a 40x30x25cm large paper box, fill the inside with a large amount of foam. = 403025/5000 = 6KG。 运费按6KG calculation。

轻量化后：Customize 25x15x10cm suitable paper box, use 气柱袋 as buffer. Volume weight = 251510/5000 = 0.75KG. Transport fee is calculated as actual weight of 0.75KG.

Result: Assume 空运单会说50元/KG, Savings per package: (6 – 0.75) * 50 = 262.5元。 If you send 1000 pieces on the month, the savings will be huge.

4. Important reminder: The art of balance
   轻量化doesn’t mean sacrificing protection. We must find the best balance between “reduction” and “protection”.

Test, test, re-test: Before introducing a new packaging plan, be sure to conduct a drop test, vibration test, and pressure test to ensure that the product is not damaged during transportation.

Customer experience: Outer packaging is also part of the brand image. Ensure that the package after lightening is still neat and professional when it is delivered to the customer.

Conclusion
Light-weight packaging is a smart game about “computation”. It requires you to carefully review the entire process from design to warehouse operation. By optimizing packaging size, materials and structure, you can not only significantly reduce international logistics costs, but also improve operational efficiency and fulfill your environmental responsibility.

Take action now, re-examine your package, and reduce the shipping fee for your next batch of goods!