Top 5 Freight Mistakes E-Commerce Startups Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Jun 3
/
Tania Nicolson
Think you’ve got shipping sorted? Think again.
Before you hit "order" on your first product shipment, make sure you’re not falling into one of these five common freight traps that cost Startups time, money, and customers. From hidden fees to costly delays, this guide breaks down the mistakes you didn’t know you were making—and how to fix them fast.
Start shipping smarter today.
Starting an online store is exciting—but when it comes to shipping, things can get messy fast.
Many e-commerce founders dive into global trade without truly understanding how freight works. And who could blame them? With so many moving parts—Incoterms, freight forwarders, customs clearance—it’s easy to fall into costly traps.
At Freight Lab 360, we’re here to simplify it. So here are the top 5 mistakes we see startups make with freight—and how you can avoid them.
1. Relying on the Supplier to Handle Everything
The mistake: Handing over control of your shipping to the supplier without asking the right questions.
Why it’s risky:
You often end up paying too much, getting slow transit times, or receiving vague shipping updates. Suppliers aren’t always choosing the best or most cost-effective option for you—they’re choosing what’s easiest for them.
What to do instead: Learn about Incoterms (like FOB or CIF) and understand your responsibilities. Build relationships with your own freight partners or learn enough to negotiate confidently with the supplier’s choice.
2. Choosing the Wrong Freight Method
The mistake:
Picking the cheapest or fastest shipping method without considering your product size, margins, or customer expectations.
Why it’s risky:
Airfreight might get your goods here quickly—but it could kill your profit margin. On the flip side, sea freight is cheaper but might leave your customers waiting too long.
What to do instead:
Compare courier, airfreight, and sea freight options based on your goals. Factor in volume, urgency, cost, and reliability. A flexible freight plan saves money and keeps customers happy.
3. Underestimating Total Costs
The mistake:
Budgeting only for the shipping quote—and forgetting about customs, duties, storage, and local delivery.
Why it’s risky:
Unexpected fees can eat into your profit or delay your launch entirely.
What to do instead:
Create a full landed cost breakdown before you ship. Understand duties, taxes, port fees, local transport costs, and any additional handling or warehousing charges.
4. Skipping the Fine Print on Freight Documents
The mistake:
Not reviewing commercial invoices, packing lists, or the bill of lading closely—or not even knowing what they are.
Why it’s risky:
Incorrect or incomplete documents cause customs delays, penalties, or even shipment refusals.
What to do instead:
Double-check all shipping documents or work with a freight expert who can. Make sure your product descriptions, values, and codes are accurate and compliant.
5. Not Having a Freight Strategy Early On
The mistake:
Treating freight as an afterthought instead of a core part of your business plan.
Why it’s risky:
You miss opportunities to improve delivery times, reduce costs, or create a better customer experience. Plus, freight mistakes tend to happen at the worst possible time—right before a product launch.
What to do instead:
Build a basic freight strategy early. Know your options. Talk to a freight advisor. Use shipping as a competitive advantage—not just a logistics task.
Final Thoughts
Shipping doesn't have to be overwhelming—but it does have to be taken seriously.
These five mistakes can cost time, money, and customer trust. At Freight Lab 360, we’re here to help you avoid the learning curve by giving you practical tools, expert advice, and training made specifically for growing online businesses.
Ready to take control of your freight? **Rolling out in June 2025**
Check out our 3-part masterclass: Freight 101 for E-Commerce—designed to help you ship smarter from day one. Register your interest here
