Calculating the average cost of shipping an ecommerce order can be complex due to various factors such as package weight, size, destination, and shipping speed. However, a general guideline is that shipping costs typically range from 10% to 15% of the total order value in ecommerce. For instance, if an order totals $100, the shipping cost might be around $10 to $15.
In terms of actual dollar amounts, the average shipping cost per order varies significantly across industries. For example, home and beauty products have one of the lowest average shipping costs per order at $6.03, while electronics have the highest at $10.60. These costs can fluctuate based on the shipping method and carrier rates, which are expected to increase in 2025 due to rate hikes by major carriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS.
To manage these costs effectively, ecommerce businesses often optimize packaging, negotiate better rates with carriers, and consolidate shipments to reduce costs per order. Additionally, using local warehouses and preventing order splitting can help minimize international shipping expenses. As shipping costs continue to rise, finding efficient strategies to manage them is crucial for maintaining profitability and customer satisfaction in the competitive ecommerce market.