I am helping organize donation supplies for Hurricane Sandy at my church, and we are tackling how to get it up there in the most cost effective way. 2 different people have told me that business to business shipping is MUCH cheaper than regular shipping, but I can't find anything on it. Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks everyone! Turns out it was bulk mailing rates that we were told about, so that wouldn't help us. The Red Cross is only interested in cash donations, and the Fed Ex and UPS stores we contacted couldn't/wouldn't give us a discount (errr). Anyway, we may have a lead on a frat headed up to the area where the charity on the receiving end is, so we maybe able to hijack them to take up our things. Wish us luck!
Can you solicit one of the carrier companies and ask them to join the charitable effort and either reduce rates or donate shipping.
We ship a lot of FedEx and because we have a business account, we do get discounts on our shipping fees.
I'm not sure if that is what you are talking about. If so, you could see if a business would help you with the shipping process in order to support your effort.
Also contacting Red Cross is a good idea. Maybe they will take it for you at no charge.
Have you talked to your local Red Cross? I'd try that. It could be that they could help with the shipping since they may be shipping things too.
Wonderful work you are doing!!
Dawn
I doubt that is true for USPS. Look up the United States Postal Service to see their rates. You may find different rates with different services such as FedEx and UPS. There are several companies that ship goods and I know that their prices vary somewhat. I googled shipping rates and found several company sites.
My cousin works for a company who finds resources for shipping for businesses in the Portland, OR area. However, they primarily work with businesses who sign a contract with them for use of the service over an extended period of time. You may be able to find such a business in your area who would be willing to help you.
