How Enterprise Shipping Solutions Can Cut Costs for Large Retailers

Large retailers continually seek ways to maximise efficiency and control expenses across their operations. The combination of economic pressures, ongoing supply chain complexities and rising customer delivery expectations makes optimising logistics a top priority to maintain strong financial performance and market standing.

GFS’ Enterprise Carrier Management shipping solutions provide a powerful approach to cost reduction while simultaneously improving delivery capabilities. Our comprehensive systems give retailers the tools to streamline shipping workflows, secure advantageous carrier rates, including discounted shipping rates, and implement process improvements throughout their entire logistics network.

The Hidden Costs of Fragmented Shipping Operations

Many large retailers operate with fragmented shipping systems that evolved over time, leading to several cost inefficiencies:

  • Multiple carrier contracts with varying terms, rates and service levels
  • Manual processes requiring significant staff time for shipping tasks
  • Inconsistent shipping policies across different locations or departments
  • Limited visibility into overall shipping performance and shipping expenses
  • Inability to leverage volume for preferential pricing

These inefficiencies not only increase direct shipping costs, they also create operational overhead that impacts the bottom line. GFS’ integrated platform eliminates these fragmentation challenges through comprehensive enterprise solutions.

How GFS Managed Multi-Carrier eCommerce Services Drive Shipping Cost Reduction

Centralised Carrier Management with GFS

With GFS’ comprehensive eCommerce shipping solution, retailers can consolidate their carrier relationships and gain several advantages:

  • Enhanced negotiating power by leveraging our status as one of the largest carriage buyers in the UK
  • Simplified contract management through GFS’ single platform
  • Optimised carrier selection based on cost, service level and delivery requirements with GFS Checkout
  • Reduced administrative overhead with centralised management through GFS Manager

GFS’ managed multi-carrier services provide eCommerce businesses access to over 1,000 delivery services, enabling retailers to secure competitive rates while maintaining delivery excellence. 

Through strategic partnerships and negotiations with carriers, GFS leverages industry expertise to secure preferential rates for clients of all sizes, making shipping more cost-effective and “bottom-line friendly”.

Automated Shipping Operations through GFS pioneering Enterprise Carrier Management Technology Suite

GFS’ automation technology and shipping software help eliminate manual processes and reduce the costs typically associated with shipping operations:

  • Automated label generation with GFS Selector removes manual processing time
  • Intelligent routing through GFS Expert selects the most cost-effective delivery option
  • Streamlined customs documentation for international shipments via GFS’s Duties & Taxes Calculator
  • Integrated tracking updates across all carriers with GFS Seeker

These automated processes help reduce labour costs while minimising expensive shipping errors and delays. 

Improved Visibility and Analytics with GFS Reportor

GFS Reportor, our comprehensive analytics platform, provides detailed data that highlights opportunities for cost optimisation throughout the shipping process:

  • Detailed spending reports by carrier, service level and destination
  • Performance metrics to identify service failures and excess costs
  • Trend analysis to inform future shipping strategies

With GFS Reportor, retailers gain actionable insights that drive continuous improvement in shipping operations and costs. 

Invoice Reconciliation with GFS Validator

GFS Validator compares carrier invoices against your agreed tariffs to highlight incorrect charges, inconsistencies and surcharges, ensuring you never spend more than expected on shipping. 

Real-World Cost Savings with GFS

Large retailers implementing GFS enterprise shipping solutions can achieve savings in several key areas:

  • Direct shipping cost reductions through GFS’ negotiated preferential rates
  • Operational efficiency gains through automation and streamlined processes
  • Administrative cost savings through simplified management systems
  • Error reduction benefits that prevent unnecessary expenses

A Premier League Football Club using GFS managed multi-carrier solutions reported a “significant reduction in international shipping costs” alongside a “600% increase in parcel volumes in 8 years“.

As one of the biggest buyers of carriage in the UK, GFS leverages substantial buying power to secure competitive rates that would typically only be available to very large businesses.

The Complete GFS Enterprise Solution

GFS’ enterprise shipping platform includes a comprehensive suite of eCommerce shipping software tools designed specifically for large retailers:

By implementing this complete ecosystem, retailers gain full control over their shipping operations while dramatically reducing costs.

Partnership Approach

GFS doesn’t just provide technology — we become an extension of your eCommerce logistics team, offering multi-carrier delivery management and the tools and insights needed to transform shipping from a cost centre into a competitive advantage. 

Our consultative approach includes:

  • Initial shipping assessment to identify immediate savings opportunities
  • Custom implementation plan tailored to your specific retail needs
  • Ongoing optimisation through regular performance reviews
  • Dedicated account management from GFS shipping experts
  • Technical support for all GFS platform components

Contact GFS today to discover how our eCommerce shipping solutions can help your business reduce costs while enhancing delivery performance.