Small Business Saturday
Prepare your small business for Small Business Saturday shipping with these essential tips. Discover how to stock up on shipping supplies, choose the right shipping options like LTL or TL, and consider special handling needs. Partner with a 3PL like FreightCenter for expert guidance on securing the best rates and navigating the holiday shipping rush effortlessly.
With all the excitement around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it’s easy to forget another critical shipping holiday: Small Business Saturday. This day celebrates small businesses from brick-and-mortar retail locations to Etsy and eCommerce stores and encourages consumers to shop small. This year, Small Business Saturday is on November 25th, and small business owners and operators need to prepare early for increased sales and shipping demands. Below, we go into more detail about Small Business Saturday shipping so that you can make the most of this day.
What Is Small Business Saturday?
American Express started Small Business Saturday in 2010 out of the Shop Small Movement, where shoppers, small businesses, and civic leaders came together to support small businesses and help their communities prosper. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy states that small businesses make up more than 99% of companies in the U.S. and employ over 47% of U.S. workers.
Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday occur back to back, making it more critical than ever to have your holiday business shipping plan ready. According to an American Express study, small businesses are integral to local communities. They are responsible for $4.8 trillion in GDP, equivalent to the world’s third-largest economy. The study also pointed out that $0.67, or about two-thirds of every dollar spent at small businesses in the U.S., stay in the local community. Additionally, the study found that for every dollar spent at small businesses, an additional 50 cents is created in local business activity because of employee spending and local businesses purchasing goods and services.
Supporting Small Businesses
Small businesses make a significant impact, and supporting small businesses means you are part of their impact on the community. From retail locations to eCommerce, there are many ways you can help small businesses.
One of the best places to support small businesses this holiday shopping season is on Etsy. By shopping on Etsy this year, not only will you be supporting small businesses, but you’ll also be buying one-of-a-kind pieces that no one else will be gifting.
If you own a small business, consider helping other small businesses in your community by partnering with them or purchasing their goods or services. Perhaps, your business could also similarly benefit another business. Building strong small business partnerships can help strengthen the businesses, bring in new customers, and increase your business and brand awareness. It’s a win, win, win.
Awards and Endorsements
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
Why Choose FreightCenter for Small Business Saturday Shipping Services?
We are an award-winning logistics company and an American veteran-owned business. Our services offer a unique combination of history, competitive pricing, and unmatched level of service. Over the years and miles, we have formed a dedicated and respected network of industry partners to help customers meet deadlines.
Our mission is to meet and exceed customer expectations in all that we do. We take care of freight shipping from pickup to delivery. Excellent customer service is our hallmark, and it goes a long way in building a relationship of trust. When customers select FreightCenter to handle their freight shipment, they trust us to do the right job.
Small Business Saturday Shipping
This year is predicted to be a busy one for holiday shopping, which means it will also be a busy shipping season. Prepare early and ask yourself these questions to help narrow down your possible shipping needs:
- Do I have enough shipping and packaging supplies on hand?
From crates, pallets, and cardboard boxes to packaging tape, internal packing materials, and more, you want to have your packaging shelves fully stocked.
- What types of items am I shipping?
Consider what kinds of things you’re sending. Any cargo that weighs more than 150 pounds is considered freight shipping (not parcel shipping). Most small business shippers can utilize less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping option, similar to a ride share for freight. Your cargo will share trailer space with other shippers’ items. This helps reduce shipping costs.
- Am I shipping substantial, oversized, or overlength items?
In truckload shipping, your cargo requires full use of the trailer and is especially useful for small business shippers who are fulfilling huge orders to a single destination. You may need to consider full-truckload (TL) shipping for very large or overlength items.
- Does my cargo require special equipment or handling?
Some cargo is more fragile or requires special shipping and handling. In this case, it’s essential to consider particular shipping accessorials or add-ons. Some accessorials, such as lift gate services, may be required, while others may be optional. For example, for the cream of the crop in shipping and handling, you may want to choose white glove services, where your item receives the highest level of service. This option is excellent for furniture, antiques, or other valuable items.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
To create value for our customers by delivering customized shipping solutions that meet their unique needs and to fulfill shipping demands from simple to complex with expertise, guidance and ingenuity.
Rail shipping is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation method that utilizes trains to move goods over long distances. It's known for its efficiency in handling large volumes of cargo, making it a sustainable and economical choice for businesses seeking reliable freight transport options.
Expedited shipping is a premium service designed to meet urgent delivery needs. It prioritizes speed and quick turnaround, ensuring that packages or goods reach their destination faster than standard shipping options. Expedited shipping is the go-to choice when time-sensitive deliveries are essential, providing businesses and individuals with reliable and prompt service for critical shipments.
White glove shipping is a premium service that goes beyond standard delivery, offering meticulous handling, specialized packaging, and in-home setup or installation for valuable or delicate items, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for customers.
Less than truckload (LTL) shipping is a smart logistics solution for businesses with smaller shipments. It combines multiple smaller shipments into a single truckload, optimizing space and reducing costs. LTL shipping offers affordability and efficiency while ensuring timely delivery, making it an ideal choice for companies looking to save on transportation expenses without compromising on service quality.
Work with a 3PL Who Gets Small Business Saturday Shipping
As small businesses, we’ve been helping other small businesses ship more brilliantly and efficiently. Our freight shipping experts can help you with every step, such as sourcing capacity, locking in the best freight rates with top carriers, identifying the accessorials you need, answering your questions, and tracking your shipment from start to finish. We simplify the shipping process for our small business shippers, giving you more time to run your business and make your customers happy.
See how we can make holiday shipping, Small Business Saturday shipping, and standard shipping easy and affordable! Get a free quote or speak with one of our logistics experts by calling 800.716.7608.
We provide competitive freight shipping prices and an all-inclusive, easy-to-use shipping experience for our customers. Exceeding our customers’ expectations results in thousands of satisfied customer reviews and repeat business. We believe in the power of our customer relationships. Check out FreightCenter reviews from real customers, and learn what they have to say about their freight shipping experience!
3 Advantages of Using FreightCenter
Personalized Shipping Options
Do you need accessorials for your shipment? No problem! FreightCenter's user-friendly online booking allows you to customize your order so your freight is well cared for at affordable rates you can't find anywhere else.
Easily Track Shipments
To ensure your shipment gets to its destination on time, FreightCenter offers a way to easily track your shipments. All you need is your tracking number to do so. This way you can relieve any anxiety by monitoring your shipment step by step. With FreightCenter, your shipment is in good hands.
Exceptional Customer Support
FreightCenter's professional team of freight agents is on your side. We'll guide you through every step in the shipping process, from initial quoting to post-shipment support. We prioritize customer satisfaction and ensure your needs are met 100%.
