How Wholesale Shipping Differs from Retail Shipping

Bulk shipping is very different from standard retail shipping. Retail orders usually involve one or two items shipped in a small box to a home address. Wholesale shipping involves multiple cases of clothing shipped together in cartons or on pallets. These shipments are heavier, larger, and require more planning for proper delivery.

Shipping by UPS for Smaller Case Orders

Smaller wholesale orders that include a limited number of cases are often shipped by UPS or similar parcel carriers. Each case is labeled individually and delivered like a large commercial package. This method is common for buyers placing one to three case orders.

Freight Shipping for Larger Bulk Orders

Larger wholesale orders are shipped by freight carrier on pallets. Palletized shipments are necessary when multiple cases are grouped together for efficient transport. Freight shipping is used for school districts, large nonprofit programs, retailers, and warehouse deliveries that require higher volume logistics.

What a Pallet Shipment Looks Like

A pallet shipment consists of multiple cases shrink wrapped and secured onto a wooden pallet. The pallet is loaded onto a truck and delivered to the destination using a lift gate or dock depending on the receiving location.

Residential vs Commercial Delivery

Bulk shipments can be delivered to residential or commercial addresses. Commercial deliveries are faster and more economical because freight carriers are already structured for business locations. Residential deliveries may require special scheduling and additional access requirements.

What Buyers Should Prepare Before Delivery

Before a bulk shipment arrives, buyers should confirm that they have clear access for delivery, space for unloading, and assistance if needed. Freight deliveries typically require someone to be present to sign for the shipment.

Shipping Timeframes for Wholesale Orders

Shipping times vary based on warehouse location, carrier availability, volume, and destination. Most bulk apparel shipments arrive within several business days after leaving the warehouse.

Tracking Bulk Shipments

Wholesale shipments are issued tracking numbers just like retail orders. Parcel shipments use standard tracking while freight shipments use freight bill numbers that allow buyers to monitor progress throughout transit.

What to Do When Your Shipment Arrives

Buyers should visually inspect all cases upon arrival before signing for delivery. If any cartons appear damaged, this should be noted immediately with the carrier. This ensures accurate documentation if a shipping claim is ever needed.

How Bulk Shipping Affects Total Order Cost

Shipping costs are influenced by distance, order size, weight, and delivery type. While bulk shipping may appear more expensive upfront than a single retail shipment, it results in much lower per-unit delivery costs when spread across the total number of garments.

Key Takeaway

Bulk shipping is designed to efficiently move large quantities of clothing through parcel and freight carriers. Understanding how wholesale shipping works allows buyers to plan receiving, avoid delays, and fully benefit from the cost savings of bulk apparel purchasing.