Across all industries, small businesses are using shipping services to expand their offerings and cater to a wider audience. By the end of 2024, global e-commerce is positioned to grow by 9.8% and generate $6.9 trillion.
As online shopping continues to grow, consumers have come to expect benefits like free shipping and a more substantial commitment toward sustainability. These evolving e-commerce trends challenge small businesses striving to remain competitive as they balance costs versus service.
That’s where FedEx comes in to help small businesses save money and enjoy other benefits through its programs.
FedEx’s small business programs
FedEx offers multiple programs for small businesses that can help reduce shipping costs and simplify operations.
FedEx Advantage Program
FedEx helps small business owners ship fast for less through its FedEx Advantage Program. This program is available to all U.S. Chamber of Commerce members.
This program provides discounts on FedEx shipping and office services. Members of the FedEx Advantage discounts program gain access to exclusive shipping savings like 50% off FedEx Priority and Standard Overnight and 20% off FedEx Ground and Home Delivery services. The shipping savings amount to an average of $454.12 per year, based on FedEx FAME data from July 2023 to July 2024.
Additional program benefits include:
- 50% off FedEx 2 Day / 2 Day AM / Express Saver shipping services
- 50% off FedEx International Express shipping services
- Up to 20% off FedEx Office services
- Up to 80% off FedEx Freight shipping costs
These *discounts are subject to minimum charges set forth in the FedEx Service Guide, which can be found at fedex.com.
It should be noted that these FedEx shipping discounts can’t be combined with other offers or discounts, and exclude any FedEx surcharges, premiums, minimums, accessorial charges, or special handling fees.
The FedEx Advantage Program is free to join. There aren’t any quotas to hit to remain in the program; you can ship as little or as much as you need and still enjoy all the program’s benefits.
Enrollment is simple and can be completed in minutes through an online form or by calling a FedEx Advantage specialist. FedEx even offers personalized onboarding with its customer service team if you need extra assistance. Once your application is approved, you can access your discounts immediately using your FedEx account! Service discounts are generally available within three to four business days.
FedEx Rewards
FedEx Rewards helps your business earn rewards for shipping. This program is available to all businesses. With a free-to-join membership, you can earn rewards like merchandise and gift cards from big-name retailers to use on your business or share with your team. All you need to get started is an eligible FedEx account — you can even link your FedEx shipping, FedEx Office®, and FedEx Freight® accounts.
Once you’ve joined the loyalty program, you’ll gain access to monthly bonus offers tailored to support your small business. These offers refresh on the first of every month. Just activate the offer by the 15th of each month and start shipping.
New users will also receive a new member welcome offer of a $10 gift card of their choice after they complete their first **eligible shipment. Plus, with your membership, you’ll get FedEx Office discounts and have flexible refund and credit options for eligible late FedEx parcel shipments.
Your small business can use the FedEx Rewards program in conjunction with the FedEx Advantage Program. Members who are eligible for the Advantage Program are encouraged to join the FedEx Rewards to earn rewards on eligible shipments.
The FedEx Advantage Program is free to join. There aren’t any quotas to hit to remain in the program; you can ship as little or as much as you need and still enjoy all the program’s benefits.
Why ship with FedEx?
With a FedEx shipping account, small business owners can put their shipping needs in the hands of a trusted leader in logistics. Here are just a few of the things you’ll get as a FedEx small business customer:
- Resources, support, and perks for your business. FedEx provides entrepreneurs with informational resources and additional perks, including free shipping supplies for certain services. FedEx’s support extends to its network of helpful customer service representatives. These agents can assist small business owners with shipping or packaging questions, simplifying complex logistics like surcharges and specific shipping requirements. In addition, digital sales specialists are available for one-on-one consultations with e-commerce businesses to provide insights to improve their websites and increase customer demand.
- Shipping expertise. Having FedEx by your side can help your business provide the best shipping experience to its customers. From choosing the proper packaging and protective padding to understanding shipping terms and determining customs values, FedEx has the expertise to handle everything. FedEx business account holders are even offered complimentary package testing via the FedEx Packaging Lab to ensure shipments are secure using the proper materials.
- Easier order tracking. FedEx’s tracking dashboard displays up to 20,000 active shipments. The dashboard offers reporting options and can automate the notification process for customers, informing them of their package’s status via email. Plus, FedEx offers account holders picture proof of delivery on select FedEx Express and FedEx Ground residential deliveries, giving your customers an improved shipping experience.
Get the small business shipping support you need from FedEx
Whether you’re starting a new business or looking to improve your current shipping strategy, having a reliable vendor like FedEx can help you save time and money as you grow. From shipping discounts and deep expert knowledge to convenient order delivery and tracking tools, your FedEx account is the key to unlocking shipping success for your business.
Ready to optimize your small business shipping strategy? Visit FedEx’s Small Business Center to explore shipping solutions. U.S. Chamber of Commerce members get exclusive access to big shipping discounts from FedEx. Learn more about the FedEx Advantage® program.
*Eligible services and discounts are subject to change. For eligible FedEx® services and rates, please call 1-800-GoFedEx (1-800-463-3339). See the applicable FedEx Service Guide for terms and conditions of service offerings and money-back guarantee programs.
**For details, a complete listing of eligible products and services for rewards, and information on requesting refunds and credits, please read FedEx Rewards Terms and Conditions and the Program Agreement.
