Understanding Shipping Zones
Shipping zones are geographical regions used by major carriers like USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL to calculate shipping costs and transit times. These zones are not based on fixed regions like states or cities, but instead on the distance between the point of origin (in this case, our fulfillment center) and the delivery destination. The farther a package must travel, the higher the zone and typically the greater the shipping cost.
How Shipping Zones Are Structured
In the United States, shipping zones typically range from Zone 1 to Zone 8. These zones are measured in mileage bands from the origin point:
- Zone 1: 1–50 miles
- Zone 2: 51–150 miles
- Zone 3: 151–300 miles
- Zone 4: 301–600 miles
- Zone 5: 601–1000 miles
- Zone 6: 1001–1400 miles
- Zone 7: 1401–1800 miles
- Zone 8: 1801+ miles
For example, if your product ships from our South Florida warehouse to a customer in Georgia, it may fall into Zone 3 or 4 depending on the city. That same package shipped to California would fall into Zone 8. Most carriers determine zones based on zip code distance, and this system resets at each origin point, meaning a package sent from New York would have different zones than one sent from Miami, even if the destination is the same.
Why Shipping Zones Matter
Understanding how zones work helps merchants make smarter decisions about inventory placement, shipping methods, and delivery promises. Here's how it impacts your business:
- Cost Efficiency: Lower zones often mean cheaper rates. Strategically storing inventory closer to your customer base can significantly reduce your shipping spend.
- Transit Time: Shipping to a Zone 2 destination might only take 1–2 days, while Zone 8 could take 5 or more. Knowing your zones allows you to set accurate delivery expectations.
- Carrier Choice: Some carriers are more competitive in certain zones. At Geshers Fulfillment, we analyze zone data to select the most cost-effective carrier for each order.
- Scalability: As your business grows, knowing your zone distribution can help you decide when and where to expand fulfillment operations.
How Geshers Fulfillment Maximizes Zone-Based Efficiency
At Geshers Fulfillment, we don’t just move boxes—we move smarter. By leveraging Veeqo, an Amazon-owned shipping platform, we unlock access to deeply discounted Amazon-negotiated shipping rates across UPS, FedEx, USPS, and DHL. This allows us to offer some of the most competitive shipping prices in the industry.
In addition, we optimize every order with software that calculates the best packaging and shipping option based on weight, zone, and destination—minimizing both cost and delivery time. Whether you’re shipping locally or across the country, our logistics network ensures that your customers get their orders faster and more affordably.