In contemporary times, it has become more the norm than the exception to utilize the services of a courier service company to carry out your delivery related needs, regardless of whether it is in context of domestic or international sectors. If you have ever dealt with a reputed cargo company, you will be well acquainted with the fact that they handle your packages in an efficient and streamlined manner. They handle packages as compact as documents to the ones that encompass larger dimensions like household goods or your travel bags
A slew of customer-oriented services
Reputed and well-established courier companies offer a vast range of services in order to retain a large clientele and attract more and more customers. They offer innovative services that include packing your goods, picking up the package from your doorstep, shipping household items, and even offer their warehouses to keep your goods safe till they can be shipped or relocated.
Reliable and cost-effective options at your fingertips
Courier companies are known to offer their customers several options in terms of delivery services. These may vary in accordance with your needs, your budget, if the package is time-sensitive or even if you have specific expectations. Moreover, they will ensure that your package gets to its destination within the estimated timeframe, in addition to catering to the aspects of visibility by providing tracking details. What’s more, they will also have an extensive network that will include destinations across the world.
Fruitful partnerships
Some courier companies have proactive collaborations or vibrant partnerships with other companies in order to boost network connectivity. They have tie-ups with other courier companies like DHL or FedEx, thus ushering in share code agreements that boost the quality and quotient of services. This is sometimes incredibly prudent if the company in question does not deal with a particular destination, but its partner company does.
Various methods of transport
Your shipments or packages can be sent through a variety of modes. These include land, air, or road transport. Your choice of the type of transport would be dictated by your distinct needs. For instance, do you want the package to reach its destination within a certain timeframe or is this aspect irrelevant? Is the package too big to be sent by road, which means that you would have to look at the option of shipping or air freight. Whatever be your needs, your preferred courier company would be at your service 24/7, 365 days a year.
Regardless of whether you are sending a gift to your friend who lives abroad or are sending valuable documents to a university, you need to employ the services of a courier company that lends efficient delivery coupled with affordable and realistic rates that are commensurate with the quality of services on offer. It’s a fact that a major fraction of people who retain the services of a courier company focus primarily on the costs involved, but its important to check if the rates are practical. Here is how you can go about doing that.
Reviewing costs
Most people succumb to the temptation of going for the lowest price. But this could prove to be a huge mistake in the long run. Even though you want prices that are deemed to be reasonable, you have to consider the entire package through a prudent prism. Would it be preferable for you to pay Dh20 and have no benefits, insurance, tracking details and in fact no assurance at all that your package will be delivered safely or would you rather shell out a few more bucks in order to ensure that the services you receive are impeccable? Spending a few additional bucks will get you benefits plus the assurance that the delivery will be carried out in a professional manner.
Money back guarantees
Did you know that some reputed courier companies even have a money-back guarantee in case your delivery fails to make it within the specified timeframe or is considerably delayed? This is a fair way to ensure that in case you are dissatisfied with the services offered by the courier service, you get your money back. Usually, this does not happen with reputed companies since they offer the money-back offer based on their level of competency and confidence of getting the job done. In the rare case that they fail, the company may even offer you discounts and special offers for the future in a bid to retain you as a client.
Quality of service
When it comes to the services offered by courier companies, there are several factors that you must take into account. For instance, explore their professionalism. Do they have a dedicated customer support team who respond to queries and complaints instantly? Does the customer support team talk in a respectful manner and address your concerns courteously? Call them personally and you will get insights into how the team functions. Another aspect to consider is if the rates are in sync with the quality of services provided by the courier company. Some reputable companies will indicate a definitive timeframe within which your delivery will be completed.
How many times have we waited at the luggable claims belt for an extended period of time looking out for that one particular piece of baggage? The sheer joy of spotting the baggage is reflective of your desire to get out of the airport as soon as possible and be on your way. Then there is that category of unfortunate travelers who succumb to the scourge that is “lost baggage”. Even though losing your baggage is something that does not frequently happen, the possibility of it occurring always looms large. How easy would it be to avoid all these hassles and have a way of bypassing the curse of checked-in luggage. This could be applicable regardless of whether you are embarking upon a plane journey, a road trip or even a sojourn on a long-distance train. Here are the benefits if you choose a courier company to deliver your bags instead of lugging them along.
Save your valuable time
You can arrive at the airport relatively late if you have no bags to check in. Moreover, sometimes if you are transiting between destinations on different airlines, then your baggage will not get a through check-in. Thus you will have to collect your bags once again at the transit destination and then proceed on. If your bags are shipped through a reliable courier company, this will not be an issue, not to mention the time you will save by not hovering around the baggage claims belt at the end of your journey.
Carry as much baggage as you want
How many times do you end up coughing up valuable Dirhams just because your baggage crosses the prescribed limit? Yes, you want to go on a trip and you want to carry all your favorite things. Why not just use a fraction of the cost that you will pay the airline to utilize a courier company to deliver your bags to the destination?
Save your precious baggage
Aaah! The pain of watching your coveted piece of luggage emerging from the baggage belt with a few dents and unsightly markings may make you shed a few tears. It may be the pink suitcase that has always been your favorite or a bag that has been gifted by someone special. Airlines have a notoriety for mishandling baggage, but you can avoid this scenario by shipping your bags. A reputed courier company will ensure that your bags reach their destination in top condition. Moreover, you can also avoid a situation where the airline potentially loses your bags.
Sometimes we all need to send a package that would entail roping in the services of a courier service company that provides air freight services. It could be a small package that you want to send as a gift to a dear friend who lives abroad or it could be a large cargo that needs to be sent to a destination overseas. Whatever be the reason, it is essential that you hire a courier service that carries out the delivery in an efficient, reliable and affordable manner. With the existence of so many courier companies, sometimes it can be a hassle to choose one that takes your priorities into account. This is why it is important to carry out a thorough research that would take several factors into account.
A company that addresses your specific needs
The courier company that you choose should be dictated by the type of package that you mean to send. While some companies wield the expertise at carrying out minor deliveries like small packages or simple envelopes that contain documents, others retain the experience to handle cargo and large packages. Moreover, its important to check if the courier company is adept at handling the kind of item that you want delivered. For instance, if you intend to ship hazardous liquids, you may need to employ shipping or land based transportation services. Also make sure that the company you choose is familiar with customs and their specific regulations.
Is the company a seasoned one?
Some companies have vast experience in the domain of air freight, while others may only be recently exploring the sector. The fact is that the seasoned companies would obviously be proficient in handling your delivery expectations since they understand the various intricacies of the job and may sometimes even pick up your items and pack them in an appropriate manner. Thus, you can avoid all the little jitters and be assured that your package is in safe hands.
Network of services
Regardless of whether you are in the UAE or anywhere else in the world, when you are thinking of sending a package by air freight, make sure that they have adequate reach across the globe. Some courier companies may be restricted to the Middle Eastern region while others may have a comprehensive network that is spread across the globe. The courier services that have a wide global reach may predictably have better services since they deal with air freight packages on a regular basis. A company that is reliable will handle your packages in a professional manner as opposed to the disdain displayed by less competent courier services.
If you are new to sending a package to a domestic or international destination, you may be inclined to wonder about the different types of services that courier services offer in terms of methods, timeframes etc. Knowing a few fundamental things about courier services will help you narrow down the choices when it comes to your specific delivery requirements.
Standard services
This is the most basic of services that a courier company offers. It usually involves collection of your package. The courier company then sorts the packages and dispatches them to a depot that falls in the vicinity of the delivery location or is nearest to it. The timeframe for standard deliveries is usually a few days and accordingly, this option is also predictably the most affordable.
Overnight services
This option essentially mimics the standard service with a few frills. This sort of delivery takes place the next day after it has been handed over. You can choose this option for packages that are time-sensitive or need to reach someone within a specific time period.
Express services
As the name clearly indicates, such deliveries happen on the same day. Though this service can be an expensive proposition, it can be availed when you need to send a package urgently. Considering that your package is delivered the same day, the costs involved need not be viewed through a negative prism. In case you want to avoid delays, this option would be the one to go for.
International services
If you wish to send a package to an international destination, modern methods of delivery can make it a fairly simple process. Depending on where you want to send the package, you can choose a courier service that operates or has suitable tie-ups in the destination country. Also ensuring that the company you choose is reputed will have a positive impact on factors like customs and port clearance.
Sending a package overseas or domestically is an activity we all are inclined to do at some point in our lives. This is particularly relevant in this day and age when transportation has become so easy and fast thanks to flights, ships and cargo trucks. However, you can still get stumped by some courier services that are so unprofessional that it provokes you to think deeper when you go about hiring one. Here are some questions you should be asking yourself before you hone on to an agency to make the delivery for you.
Do they appear to be professionals?
A courier service that is well-established and has a marked presence in the domestic and international sector will have a professional demeanor. They will have a well-equipped website with details of their services and a dedicated customer support team that helps you with general or specific queries. Professionalism is a virtue that does not need to be demonstrated, rather it can be easily gauged if you look closely enough.
Do they have a warehouse?
A courier company that has its own dedicated warehouse is sure to have control and security over the packages and cargo items since they have the space to house them. Moreover, you can rest assured that your parcel is safe until it leaves the warehouse.
Does the company offer tracking services?
Anyone who sends a package would obviously be interested in knowing about its whereabouts. You may want to check in on the progress of your package and whether the estimated delivery date is being compromised. A great courier service always provides tracking details once the package leaves the warehouse.
Do they appear legitimately qualified?
It’s a fact that not all courier services are born equal. Some are certainly better than the others. An established company will have a dynamic team, the right resources and also the skill to handle all delivery-related issues. Moreover, they will also have the expertise to handle packages based on specific aspects like size, value etc.
Do they simplify the process?
If you get a headache every time you deal with your courier company, its time to review your choice and latch on to a more professional company. Reputed courier service companies make the process simplified for their customers. All you have to do is to tell them your needs and expected delivery timeframe. Presto! That’s it. You wont even have to make a trip to the company since they can collect your package right from your doorstep.
We know how complicated it can sometimes be to find a courier service that is in sync with our requirements. Moreover, most of us are familiar with situations where a promised delivery timeframe overshoots, causing a lot of inconvenience and loss of faith, not to mention that sometimes a delayed package causes other related complications. For instance, it may be the hard copy of a document that needs to reach a destination within a specific time period. Imagine the stress it would cause if the delivery was delayed because you failed to choose a cargo service provider that fits the bill.
Experience counts
There is a reason why you should choose a courier service that has loads of experience under its belt. Plenty of people make the mistake of falling prey to courier service providers who promise efficient delivery and then fail in fulfilling the same. A waste of valuable time as well as money! An experienced company does this kind of job day in and out and is well versed with delivery parlance. They know just how to pack goods appropriately and make the promise of a delivery timeframe which is practically possible.
Logistics and other matters
A courier company that has been in the game for a long while is bound to be familiar with the logistics involved. They have cordial and good relations with officials at ports, airports and other delivery points and have tie-ups with other agencies as well. Thus, you can ensure that your package will make it even through international domains with minimum fuss. A dependable courier service caters to the aspects of logistics, timeframes and deliveries that are sensitive to time.
Relationship with customers
Courier service companies that are efficient usually demonstrate a reputation that precedes them. Its usually through word-of-mouth and great customer testimonials that you get an insight into the company’s general reputation. Moreover, they maintain constant contact with customers, providing information at every step of the delivery process and ensure visibility through tracking details.
The success of a courier company depends on the quality and dependability of the services it provides to clients. If a courier company does not deliver on its promises, its inevitable that its client base will gradually start shrinking. It is not only frustrating when your delivery is not completed as scheduled, but also puts the credibility of the company under the scanner. Here are some pointers that indicate that the courier service you are dealing with is indeed a credible one. Since there are a plethora of courier companies out there, it becomes vital to consider some aspects before honing on to one.
Strong domestic and global footprint
When choosing a courier service, one of the most foremost things to consider is if they have a marked presence both in the domestic and international sector. A well established company would have branches in various destinations or at least some solid tie-ups with other delivery agencies. This would ensure that you can send your package anywhere, anytime.
Consistent service through the day
A reputable courier service would be open to its customer’s needs at all times. You can check if the company is open all the time with a dedicated customer service team that resolves queries and also if they are ready to pick up packages without any constraints of time.
Insurance cover
This is truly one of the most important facets that set a courier service apart from its competitors. The company should be able to offer an insurance cover in case your package is lost, damaged or even misplaced. Thus, the insurance cover ensures that you are compensated for the loss of goods. Moreover, if you are sending high value packages, some companies lend you additional insurance coverage.
Cost-effectiveness of services
Since cost and budgeting is an important factor when you seek any service, your courier company is no exception. It is often prudent to compare the services and prices that different companies offer and then arrive at a calculated decision.