shipping costs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shipping costs" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to refer to the cost of transporting goods from one place to another. For example, "The shipping costs for the item were surprisingly high."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Budget items like shipping costs are lower.

The New York Times

It would certainly reduce shipping costs.

The New York Times

Then, there are the shipping costs.

The New York Times

High energy prices have increased shipping costs.

The New York Times

"It would save them the shipping costs".

The New York Times - Arts

I don't care what the shipping costs".

The New York Times

The price is $25, plus shipping costs.

The New York Times

The buyer pays the shipping costs.

The New York Times

Amazon often subsidises shipping costs through special deals.

The Economist

It will also significantly cut down shipping costs.

The New York Times

Here are five ways to reduce shipping costs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing online purchases, clearly state whether the "shipping costs" are included in the price or added separately to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid only focusing on the item price without considering the "shipping costs". Always factor in these additional expenses to accurately assess the overall cost of a purchase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shipping costs" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the expenses associated with transporting goods. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

24%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shipping costs" is a very common noun phrase that refers to the expenses related to transporting goods. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, with a neutral register that suits both formal and informal communication. When writing about "shipping costs", remember to consider all the contributing factors and be clear about whether they are included in the listed price. Related phrases such as "delivery charges" or "freight expenses" can be used for variety, but "shipping costs" remains the most universally understood term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delivery charges

Refers specifically to the charges for delivering goods, a more specific term.

freight expenses

A more formal term for the costs associated with transporting goods, especially by freight.

postage fees

Specifically refers to the fees for sending items through the postal service.

transportation expenses

A broader term that includes all costs related to transportation, not just shipping.

handling fees

Covers the costs of handling and processing the shipment, in addition to transportation.

carriage costs

A more formal or British English term for transportation costs.

distribution costs

Encompasses all costs related to distributing goods, including shipping, warehousing, and handling.

supply chain costs

A broader term referring to all expenses incurred throughout the entire supply chain, including shipping.

logistics expenses

Relates to the overall management and coordination of resources to move goods, including shipping.

import duties

Costs associated with importing items across international borders, distinct from basic shipping.

FAQs

How can I reduce my "shipping costs"?

You can reduce "shipping costs" by consolidating orders, choosing slower shipping options, comparing rates from different carriers, and negotiating with suppliers for better shipping terms.

Are "shipping costs" tax deductible?

Whether "shipping costs" are tax deductible depends on the context. For businesses, they are generally deductible as a business expense. For individuals, it may depend on the specific circumstances and tax laws.

What's the difference between "shipping costs" and handling fees?

"Shipping costs" refer specifically to the price of transporting goods, while handling fees cover the costs associated with processing, packaging, and preparing the shipment. They are often separate charges.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "shipping costs"?

You can use alternatives like "delivery charges", "freight expenses", or "transportation expenses" depending on the context.