CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Amazon Prime Day 2020 has been a windfall for the e-commerce world. The big takeaway for consumers is to ship early this year to make sure your holiday packages get to their destination when you want them there.
The e-commerce world exploded with business, doubling and sometimes quadrupling volumes. Consider it one of the few positive side effects of COVID-19 and lockdown orders.
“We are already at unprecedented and record-breaking volumes for e-commerce and shipping and now we are headed into the holiday season where we expect to that double or triple again,” said Mario Paganini with Shippo.com.
Paganini said Shippo can help find consumers find the cheapest rates.
Remember, it’s all about weight and distance when you ship a package, that’s what determines the price you pay. Overall, Paganini said the United States Post Office will be your cheapest way provided you adhere to shipping deadlines.
Shippo posted a blog about USPS, complete with information on shipping rates and deadlines.
If you wait, but absolutely positively need it there quicker, Fed-Ex and UPS will cost more but will get it done.
Two important things to remember: first, weather can always be a factor in some destinations, and secondly, a lot of goods come from China where delays have been rampant.
Don’t forget surcharges this year because of COVID.
The USPS said it will apply a surcharge starting October 18 which will run until December 27. The charge will be anywhere from 24 cents to $1.50 per package.
Fed-Ex could likely impose the same, with rates varying from $1 to $5.
UPS will likewise be the same with rates possibly in the ballpark of $1 to $5. Weight, distance, and how much the shipper has shipped in the last year could be considered.