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.
Are you in a job that demands a lot of relocation, or are you a student who intends to relocate to another country? Regardless of the reason of your move, it is a fact that moving can be stressful and requires an incredible amount of planning ahead. Not only does the move demand that you pack things but you have to take matters into your hand and make the move as seamless and hassle-free as possible. When moving, why not choose a courier service that would do the delivery for you?
Slash the stress
Moving can be stressful especially when you leave behind a familiar way of life and friends. In this scenario, you don’t need to be saddled with the additional burden of having to deal with an annoying courier service. When you choose a delivery service that pays attention to all the nitty gritties of moving, you will have one less thing to worry about.
Let the experts handle all your delivery needs
A professional delivery service eliminates all the potential problems that can arise when you are sending your packages. A delivery service that is in touch with all your needs will have all the necessary expertise needed to deal with the various facets associated with the delivery. They know exactly how to pack your delicate stuff so that it reaches the destination in the condition that it was packed in.
An experienced delivery service makes all the difference
When choosing a good courier service, you would want to hire a company that boasts of plenty of experience in the delivery of all types of cargo and that would include baggage, household goods and other products. A great courier service will pack and ship your goods carefully at prices that are reasonable and realistic.
When it comes to sending a package or cargo to a particular destination, dispatching it through air is indeed a practical idea. However, you need to be familiar with a few tips that will help you make the most of the choice and also enables you to gain an incredible delivery experience.
Choose a cargo service provider you trust
Picking the right cargo service is the first step to ensuring that your package reaches its destination safely and in one piece. This means exercising a certain amount of prudence and research to choose the provider who lends optimum importance to your requirements. For instance, if the cargo service in question is levying questionably high charges or demonstrates inadequacy in efficiency or delivery dates, it is time to reconsider your choice.
Be in tune with regulations
When you send a package overseas, its imperative to consider the rules and regulations that govern the destination country. It would be worthwhile to ensure that the cargo you intend to send falls in the “safe” category. In case your cargo is banned in the destination country, it would only cause unnecessary trouble and provoke suspicions, thus delaying or even effectively combating motives of effective delivery.
Pay attention to paperwork
Making sure that your paperwork is in order will ensure that your cargo is not delayed at customs and will not interfere with the intended schedule of delivery. Compromising on this most important of aspects will only invoke needless hassles that could have been avoided in the first place. Double check the papers and the invoices before the package exits the door.
Visibility matters
When you enlist the services of a cargo service provider, insist that they provide you tracking details that enable you to monitor the progress of your shipment all along the way. This will go a long way in slashing your level of anxiety and is also a definitive indicator of the company’s credibility.
If you need to send a package anywhere, anytime, there is no need to look beyond ABC Cargo. Efficiency is our motto. We ensure that your package reaches its destination unscathed. With ABC Cargo you will never need to worry about your package. Our professionalism is matched only by our efficient service. ABC Cargo is always at your service.