What Do You Need to Know About Courier Services?
A courier service presents a specifically designed service made for sending parcels from one location to another. Most of them can be booked online, which is a significant advantage in today’s time. Courier services also include two options when it comes to sending parcels :
- Senders can have their parcels taken by the courier
- Dropping packages by themselves at the marked location (which will get picked up by the courier later)
Functions of Courier Services
Premium Service
One of the common misconceptions regarding courier services is that they are the same as postal services, which is definitely not the case. The main difference refers to the time frame of the delivery of the parcel. Courier services are all-inclusive and used for collecting and sending all sorts of different packages. On the other side, postal services are used mainly for sending and receiving letters and document parcels.
Speed and Productivity
Nobody says that postal services are slow and unsteady, meaning that using the Post is actually a reliable option considering how many packages they handle daily. Still, the most accentuated function of courier services is the general speed and productivity of delivering parcels. Those of you that depend on international shipping should consider using a courier instead of postal services that don’t include premium features. Postal services evaluate deliveries by a specific date, while courier services provide more convenient and accurate time frames.
Restrictions
Another perk of using courier services is that the services mentioned above have fewer size and weight restrictions than postal services.
Provide Tracking
Fortunately, courier services provide real-time tracking. Postal services also offer tracking solutions, but they seem to be more general regarding the location and the arrival day. Using a courier service will provide you with real-time tracking offering the parcel’s location at any given moment. You can also phone the courier that is assigned to you to gain updates on your package. Remember that today’s market offers a wide range of courier services ranging in quality and dedication. We advise choosing a certified courier service with a reliable customer support service that accentuates the customers’ needs and compliances. Selecting a postal service for international shipping assistance will only include basic tracking in terms of departure and arrival. Courier services accentuate international tracking.
Packaging
Although packaging might seem like a trivial issue, there is a crucial difference between courier and postal packaging. Whichever you choose, ensure that the packing is professional to safely and adequately address the desired address. A legit courier service will provide proper advice on packing the parcel as an expert. Some courier services offer include professional packing services making sure that parcels arrive at the given location safely.
Additional Expenses
Additional expenses include duties and tax-related to international shipping, especially when it comes to using postal services. On the other hand, courier services offer DDP features (deliver duty paid), providing a much easier and reliable experience.
Types of Courier Services
SDS-Standard Delivery Services
Standard Delivery Services refer to an already set guideline depending on the place you live in. In most cases, this means that the package needs to go under certain weight and size restrictions (mostly 50kg). They usually take up to 2-3 days to deliver the package, and standard delivery services are the cheapest as long as you aren’t in a hurry and know the exact weight of the parcel.
Delivery on the Same Day
Same Day Delivery services are the most overall mean of courier services. Why? Well, as the name says, you’ll get the parcel on the same day. It’s perfect if you are in a hurry. Keep in mind you will probably need to book the order on time ( usually before noon), leaving time for the services to arrange the route as long as the delivery is local.
OSS-Overnight Shipping Services
Opting for an overnight shipping service will surpass the standard courier service working hours (08 a.m.-05 p.m.). Businesses ( like firms that offer building materials) that cannot run during rush hours mostly choose the overnight shipping option. An overnight shipping service is an excellent option for skipping the rush hour and avoiding traffic.
On-Demand Deliveries
The speed of rush and on-demand delivery services is close to astonishing, meaning they are available as soon as possible. It takes about four hours for the delivery to be on the way- an excellent choice for important documents and valuables. Also, people use it for medical emergencies and returns of already delivered goods.
Parcel Services
New generations use parcel services mostly. These deliveries are usually very small and delivered very briefly. Exceptions that get delivered within an hour include food and local deliveries. Additional packages can be delivered in the same way as long as they are labeled a specific way. Of course, parcel services are used predominantly for local needs.
How to Use a Courier Service Properly?
- The first step includes measuring the parcel and filling in the form. Do not forget to write down the size and weight of the parcel while being accurate.
- Make sure to explore all of your options and choose a certified and reliable courier service with good customer support and proper work ethics.
- Next, book and pay online. Keep in mind some courier services offer various discounts if you book on time.
- Drop off the parcel at the marked location or make a deal with the service for the courier to pick it up. Choose according to your own needs and preferences.
- Tracking
Finally, most dependable courier services offer real-time tracking meaning you can track the parcel’s location at any time.
Summary
If you are in a dilemma between the courier and postal services, we hope the text above helped you decide. Keep in mind choosing a messenger service Brooklyn over a postal one includes a couple of perks like premium services, real-time tracking, increased punctuality, professional packing, and avoidance of additional expenses.