Key takeaways
- Cheaper shipping is possible with the right carrier, sizes and volume discount.
- Letterbox packages and smart packaging make a big difference.
- Compare PostNL, DHL and others on your package profile.
- Bundle where possible and automate your shipping labels.
Compare delivery costs using the dimensions and weight of your actual orders. Then choose a carrier and shipping service that fit your destinations, delivery requirements and shipment volume. Include packaging, surcharges and returns in the comparison so the lowest label price is not the only basis for your decision.
This guide goes through them in concrete terms, with the Dutch carriers and package types, a calculation example, and the mistakes that cost starters money.
First understand: what are you actually paying for?
A carrier does not base its rate on a single factor, but on a combination:
- Size (dimensions) — does it fit through the letterbox or is it a package?
- Weight — above certain limits you jump to a more expensive class.
- Volume weight — a large, light box can be judged by its volume, not its actual weight.
- Destination — domestic, Belgium/Germany, or further.
- Extras — track & trace, insured, signature upon receipt.
Dimensions can affect the rate. Compare compact packaging with the product’s protection needs and the carrier’s limits.
Step 1: choose the cheapest package type
In the Netherlands, the distinction between letterbox parcel and parcel is the most important.
| Type | Dimension/weight indication | When | Costs (indication) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letterbox package | flat format; size and weight limits vary by carrier and shipping service | jewelry, accessories, flat packed clothing, books | low |
| Standard package | up to several kilos, normal box | most products | medium |
| Large/heavy package | bulky or > 10 kg | furniture, bulk | high |
A letterbox parcel may cost less than a standard parcel, depending on the service, contract and surcharges. Consciously design your packaging for this: a foldable box, a sturdy envelope with padding, a product that can lie flat. For a jewelry maker or a clothing brand that flat-packs T-shirts, this quickly saves a few euros per shipment — times hundreds of orders per month.
Step 2: compare carriers for your average package
PostNL, DHL, DPD and GLS each charge their own rates per weight class and destination. The cheapest for a light letterbox package is not automatically the cheapest for a heavy package or for shipping to Germany.
Create a parcel profile for your three most common orders: packed dimensions, weight, destination and delivery service required. Obtain two quotes for those exact profiles. Compare labels, surcharges, packaging, insurance and handling time. A lower price for a different service is not an equivalent saving.
Step 3: bundle your volume via a shipping platform
Compare direct carrier quotes with shipping platforms such as Sendcloud or MyParcel. Pooled-volume rates may be available, but the total depends on your plan, shipment profile, surcharges and any existing contract.
Check which label, tracking and returns functions your service and integration support. Batch printing or return labels may require account settings or a supported shipment. This not only saves money but also time. With an all-in-one platform, this link is often already in your dashboard — see simply send from your webshop.
Step 4: pack smart (and pay attention to volume weight)
- Use packaging that matches the rate — no larger than necessary. A box that is too large can push you into a more expensive volume class.
- Light but sturdy: less weight and less chance of damage (and therefore fewer returns).
- Standardize two or three packaging formats. This makes your purchasing of packaging cheaper and your shipping process faster and more predictable.
Calculation example
Hypothetical cost example, not a quote or current tariff: assume €4.95 per parcel and €1.95 per letterbox shipment for 200 shipments, both excluding VAT and surcharges. All parcels cost €990; 100 of each cost €690, a €300 difference before additional packaging, labour and damage costs. Insert your own tariffs and acceptance limits.
Common mistakes
- Sending everything as a package while many products can go through the letterbox.
- Pay the counter price instead of via a platform with volume rates.
- Using boxes that are too large, so you are charged by volume weight.
- Failing to include shipping costs when calculating margin — see what a webshop costs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to send a package?
As a letterbox package, where possible. For larger shipments: compare carriers based on your weight class and destination, and send via a platform with volume rates instead of the counter price.
As a small webshop, do I also receive competitive rates?
Possibly. Compare direct carrier quotes and platform rates, including subscriptions and surcharges. Whether you need a separate carrier contract depends on the chosen service.
What is volumetric weight and why is it important?
A large, light box may cost more because of size limits, volumetric weight or surcharges. The applicable rule depends on the service and contract. Measure outside dimensions after sealing and compare with your carrier terms. Choose a smaller box only after checking that the product remains adequately protected.
Which carrier is the cheapest in the Netherlands?
That depends on weight and destination; there is no universal winner. Compare PostNL, DHL, DPD and GLS for the shipments you send most often.
How do I keep damage and returns low?
Pack light but sturdy and appropriate for the product. Damaged shipments will cost you a return, a replacement product and a dissatisfied customer.
Get started
Pick your three most common shipments today, see which ones can be sent as a letterbox package, and compare two carriers on those formats via a shipping platform. If you want to reduce your costs more broadly, read reduce shipping costs; to charge your customer, see calculate shipping costs.
