Package Consolidation Explained (Reduce Volume, Improve Protection)

Package consolidation combines multiple deliveries into one shipment. It can help reduce shipping cost by cutting unnecessary packaging and, in many cases, lowering dimensional (volumetric) weight—while also improving protection by packing items together more securely.

What Is Package Consolidation?

When you shop from multiple stores, each retailer may ship your items in separate boxes. Consolidation allows those packages to be:

• Grouped into one shipment, instead of multiple
• Repacked more efficiently to reduce empty space
• Shipped under one tracking flow (depending on service and carrier)

This is particularly useful for e-commerce shopping across multiple stores, promotions, or split shipments.

Why Consolidation Can Reduce Shipping Cost

Shipping costs are often driven by the higher of:

• Actual weight, or
• Dimensional weight (size-based)

Consolidation can help by:

1. Reducing total volume (fewer boxes, less empty space)
2. Eliminating redundant outer cartons (multiple big boxes become one efficient box)
3. Lowering volumetric weight when bulky packaging is removed

When Consolidation Makes the Most Sense

Consolidation is typically a strong choice when:

You have multiple orders arriving close together

Example: 3–6 packages from different stores during sale periods.

Your items are lightweight but bulky

Example: apparel, shoes, accessories, toys, or mixed retail packaging.

You want fewer shipments (and fewer separate shipping charges)

One consolidated shipment can be more cost-effective than paying shipping multiple times.

You want improved protection

When items are packed together carefully, they may move less during transit than in loose retail packaging.

When Consolidation May Not Reduce Cost

Consolidation is not automatically cheaper. It may not help when:

• One of your packages is already compact and efficient
• Your items are heavy and dense (cost driven mainly by actual weight)
• You need to ship items urgently and can’t wait for all packages to arrive
• Items require separate handling due to restrictions or compliance

A quick estimate can clarify the likely outcome.

Consolidation vs. Dimensional Weight (Why It Matters)

Many customers expect costs to be based on weight alone—but size often drives the price.

If your total shipment becomes:

• Smaller and tighter after consolidation → dimensional weight may drop
• One large bulky box after consolidation → dimensional weight may still be high

That is why understanding dimensional weight is key.

How to Request Consolidation (Typical Workflow)

While steps can vary by dashboard setup, the workflow usually looks like this:

1. Wait until all packages arrive

   • Ensure the shipments you want to combine show as received/ready.
   
   
   
   


2. 
   

   Select the packages to consolidate

   
   
   • Choose the deliveries you want to combine into one shipment.
   
   


3. 
   

   Choose your packing preference (if offered)

   
   
   • Standard consolidation
   • Extra protection (if available)
   • Remove unnecessary packaging (if available)
   
   


4. 
   

   Confirm and proceed

   
   
   • Consolidation is performed, and the final shipment details are updated.
   
   


5. 
   

   Estimate and pay

   
   
   • Your final cost is calculated based on weight, dimensions, and selected services.
   
   

Best Practices (To Maximize Savings)

• Consolidate items with similar handling needs (apparel + accessories is usually easy)
• Avoid mixing restricted items with regular items (can complicate shipment)
• If you care about retail boxes (e.g., collectibles), do not request box removal
• Run estimates before and after changes whenever possible:

Frequently Asked Questions

Does consolidation always reduce volumetric weight?

Often, but not always. It depends on whether consolidation reduces overall box size and empty space.

Will consolidation delay shipping?

It can add handling time because consolidation happens after all packages arrive and are processed.

Can I consolidate packages from different stores?

Yes, this is one of the most common reasons customers use consolidation.

Is consolidation the same as repacking?

Consolidation combines multiple packages into one shipment. Repacking focuses on reducing box size/void space and improving packing efficiency. Many services include repacking as part of consolidation, but not always.