Small business shipping solutions help businesses quote shipments, create labels, arrange pickups and track deliveries. For businesses shipping within the Western U.S., regional ground shipping can be a practical option when the route, price and delivery timing meet their needs.
Shiplicity is an online shipping platform and authorized reseller of GLS services. Small and midsized businesses can access discounted GLS ground shipping rates, create labels, schedule available pickups and track packages in one place, with live customer support. GLS handles package pickup, transportation and delivery.
Ready to enjoy discounted shipping rates?
Simply click here to get started
Who Can Use Shiplicity for Small Business Shipping?
Packages can be delivered within the Western U.S., depending on the origin and destination ZIP codes, parcel details and available GLS service.
Because service areas and rates can change, the most reliable way to confirm eligibility is to enter the exact origin ZIP code, destination ZIP code, package weight and dimensions in Shiplicity’s online shipping tool.
| Coverage question | Current guidance |
| Where can shipments originate? | Eligible locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington. Confirm availability by origin ZIP code. |
| Where can packages be delivered? | Within the Western U.S. – California, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Idaho, Colorado, Utah and Texas – subject to ZIP-code and service availability. |
| Which carrier is available? | Shiplicity’s current parcel offering is provided through GLS. |
| Residential and commercial delivery | GLS serves both residential and commercial addresses. Available options and surcharges depend on the shipment. |
| Pickup options | Eligible users can schedule GLS pickups. Availability, pickup windows and possible fees depend on location and pickup type. |
| Typical delivery time | Many regional ground shipments are delivered in approximately 1-3 business days. Timing varies by ZIP code, service, pickup time and operating conditions. |
Why Consider a Regional Carrier for Western U.S. Shipments?
A regional carrier concentrates on its network within a defined service area. When a shipment fits that network, the shorter route structure can provide competitive ground rates and practical transit times without automatically paying for an expedited service.
- Regional ground delivery: Many eligible Western lanes are served in approximately 1-3 business days.
- Discounted GLS rates: Shiplicity passes along rates based on its GLS relationship and shipment eligibility.
- No volume requirement: Businesses can create a free account and check rates without committing to a minimum shipment volume.
- One online workflow: Users can enter shipment details, view available services, create a label, schedule a pickup, and track the parcel.
- Human support: Shiplicity customers can contact the support team when they need help with a quote or shipment.
Learn more about regional shipping
What Determines a Small Business Shipping Rate?
There is no single rate that applies to every small business shipment. A quote is calculated using the parcel and route information entered for that shipment. The main factors include:
- Origin and destination ZIP codes
- Actual package weight
- Package length, width and height
- Dimensional weight when applicable
- Residential or commercial delivery
- Selected service and pickup option
- Fuel, delivery-area and other applicable surcharges
- Special handling or signature requirements
Accurate information matters. If the measured dimensions, weight or address differs from the information entered when the label was created, the carrier may adjust the final charge.
How Dimensional Weight Affects Shipping Costs
Dimensional weight reflects the space a package occupies relative to its actual weight. A large, lightweight box may therefore cost more to ship than a smaller box of the same weight.
According to the GLS U.S. Parcel Tariff, dimensional weight is calculated using this formula:
Dimensional weight (lb) = Length × Width × Height (inches) ÷ 166
For domestic shipments within the contiguous United States, dimensional-weight pricing applies only when the package meets or exceeds 5,184 cubic inches and its dimensional weight is greater than its actual weight.
Actual Weight vs. Dimensional Weight: Examples
| Package details | Compact parcel | Larger, lightweight parcel |
| Dimensions | 14 × 10 × 8 inches | 24 × 18 × 14 inches |
| Actual weight | 6 lb | 20 lb |
| Cubic size | 1,120 cubic inches | 6,048 cubic inches |
| Dimensional weight calculation | 1,120 ÷ 166 = 6.75 lb | 6,048 ÷ 166 = 36.43 lb |
| Does dimensional-weight pricing apply? | No. The package is below the 5,184-cubic-inch threshold. | Yes. The package meets the size threshold, and its dimensional weight exceeds its actual weight. |
| Weight used for pricing | 6 lb actual weight | 37 lb when rounded up to the next whole pound |
These examples illustrate GLS’s published dimensional-weight rules, not shipping prices. Final charges depend on applicable service terms and the carrier’s verified measurements.
To help control shipping costs, use the smallest sturdy box that safely fits your product and protective packaging. Weigh and measure the fully packed, sealed parcel, then enter those details in Shiplicity to view an available GLS rate.
A Practical Western U.S. Shipping Example
Consider a California business preparing a small parcel for a customer in Arizona. The business enters the exact origin and destination ZIP codes, a package weight of 6 lb and dimensions of 14 × 10 × 8 inches into Shiplicity. The platform then displays the available GLS service and rate for that specific shipment.
This example illustrates the quoting process, not a universal price or guaranteed transit time. The final options depend on the actual addresses, parcel measurements, pickup requirements and current GLS coverage.
How to Use Shiplicity
- Create a free account: Set up your Shiplicity account online. There is no required shipment volume to open the account.
- Enter accurate shipment details: Provide the origin, destination, package weight and sealed dimensions.
- Review the available GLS option: Check the service, quoted cost and shipment details before proceeding.
- Create and print the label: Confirm the shipment and attach the generated label securely to the parcel.
- Schedule pickup and track: Arrange an available pickup and follow the shipment using its GLS tracking number.
Explore: Shiplicity online shipping
Practical Ways to Lower Small Business Shipping Costs
The cheapest service is not automatically the best choice for every shipment. A useful shipping strategy balances price, delivery requirements, coverage and customer expectations.
- Right-size packaging: Use the smallest protective box that safely fits the product and packing material.
- Measure after packing: Record the final sealed dimensions and actual weight rather than relying on product measurements.
- Check regional eligibility: Use GLS regional service where the shipment fits the network and required delivery window.
- Verify the address: A complete, accurate address can help avoid correction charges and delays.
- Review shipment invoices: Look for recurring dimensional-weight, address or delivery-area adjustments and correct the process causing them.
- Compare the full shipment cost: Consider applicable surcharges and pickup requirements not only the displayed base transportation rate.
Small Business Shipping FAQs
What is a good small business shipping option in the Western U.S.?
For eligible parcels originating in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington, GLS regional service through Shiplicity may offer competitive ground rates and practical delivery times. The best option still depends on the exact ZIP codes, parcel and delivery requirement.
How do I get discounted GLS shipping rates?
Create a free Shiplicity account and enter the origin, destination, weight and dimensions. The platform will display the available GLS service and rate for that shipment.
Which states does Shiplicity serve?
Shiplicity currently supports eligible GLS shipments originating in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington, with delivery within the Western U.S. Confirm availability using the specific ZIP codes.
Does Shiplicity offer UPS, FedEx or USPS rates?
Shiplicity’s current parcel-shipping offer focuses on GLS services. The service choices shown in the platform are available GLS options for the shipment entered.
How much can a small business save?
Savings vary by shipment. Shiplicity saves you up to 60% on eligible GLS rates. Sign up for a free Shiplicity account, enter your exact shipment details to evaluate the available price.
Is there a shipment-volume or spending minimum?
Shiplicity users can open a free account with no volume requirement or commitment. Individual services, pickups and rates may still have their own conditions or fees.
How long does GLS ground delivery take?
Many regional shipments are delivered in approximately 1-3 business days. Transit time depends on the origin and destination ZIP codes, selected service and operating conditions and is not universal.
Does GLS deliver to residential addresses?
Yes. GLS delivers to residential and commercial addresses. Residential, signature and delivery-area charges or requirements may apply.
How are dimensional-weight charges calculated?
GLS calculates domestic DIM weight as length x width x height divided by 166. For shipments within the contiguous United States, DIM pricing applies only when the package is at least 5,184 cubic inches and its DIM weight exceeds its actual weight.
Can Shiplicity schedule GLS pickups?
Yes. Eligible customers can schedule available pickups through the shiplicity online shipping system. Pickup type, timing, location and applicable fees can vary.
What if the destination is outside the available service area?
The shipment may not produce an available GLS rate. Check the origin and destination ZIP codes in Shiplicity or contact the support team for assistance.
Small business shipping in 2026 requires accurate parcel information, careful packaging and a service that fits the shipment’s route. For eligible Western U.S. businesses, Shiplicity combines discounted GLS rates with an online shipping workflow and access to live support.
