What to Look for When Choosing an International Courier Service

Do you have to send a parcel overseas?

It could be for your ecommerce business which has just expanded to a global audience, or for the company you work for that has clients worldwide. No matter the reason, you require an international courier service.

Sending a parcel overseas might seem daunting to many people. There are a lot of additional factors you need to consider compared to shipping a package in Australia. You must also complete some extra paperwork to ensure it arrives safely and on time.

But where do you start when looking for an international courier service? Before browsing through the various terms and conditions on provider websites, note down these essential features you’ll want.

Ensure Your Parcel Can Be Shipped Overseas

Before you start your search for an international courier service, you should ensure your parcel can leave the country. An excellent place to start is by reviewing the list of Prohibited and Restricted items on the Interparcel website.

For prohibited items, you can select the location you want to send the parcel as well as the courier service you plan on using. Restricted items can be found at the bottom of the page. These objects are deemed unsuitable for shipment by our services.

If you do choose to send a parcel containing these items, there may be surcharges, delays, or confiscation by authorities. It’s also vital to note that no transit warranties or guarantees apply to these objects.

It's also good practice to review the customs websites of the destination country. They will outline what can be sent via an ecommerce store or a business.

Understand Where the International Courier Service Delivers Parcels

Not every international courier service delivers parcels to everywhere around the world. Some might only ship to the US or UK. Others can get your package to any location themselves or via one of their partners.

You might want to look at the provider’s reputation in that country. Do they provide exceptional experiences when delivering parcels from overseas? You might want to consider an alternative international provider if they don't.

Find Out Who is Delivering Your Parcel

You should also delve deeper when choosing an international courier service and understand who will deliver your parcel. Some providers partner with local businesses to get your package to your customer or client. Meanwhile, larger companies will have an established network they utilise.

Some of the international courier services known worldwide are DHL, FedEx, TNT, and UPS. That means this company will not only pick up the parcel from your location but will also deliver it to your customer or client.

Check the Minimum Dimensions for International Parcels

One of the factors that stop ecommerce stores or logistics managers from looking to send parcels overseas is the costs. If your business sells small or lightweight items, it might not be financially viable to ship products to customers or clients overseas.

Browsing through the terms and conditions is recommended to determine the minimum dimensions and the costs involved in shipping it overseas. An easier option is to use the Interparcel International Bulk Solution. It allows you to combine small, lightweight parcels into one package to send to DHL eCommerce.

They will then unpack it and get the orders to their destination. It helps save on pick-up fees and meets the minimum dimension requirements for international delivery.

Learn What Additional Services are Available

The last thing you want to do is stress about your parcel while it’s travelling overseas. When choosing an international courier service, take a look at what their policies are in regards to warranties and insurance.

The type of service you’re using will determine how much your parcel will get covered as a result of loss or damage. The good news is that with Interparcel, the first $100 is free and included as part of the service. If your item is more valuable, you can purchase additional transit warranty. Be sure to read through the terms and conditions before adding it to your cart.

How to Easily Choose an International Courier Service

Choosing an international courier service is an important task for an ecommerce owner or logistics manager. You want peace of mind knowing that your parcel will arrive safely no matter what country you’re shipping to. By spending a little time researching providers, you’ll be able to select the right company to deliver your package.

Getting the best rate from an international courier service is easy. With Interparcel’s multicarrier shipping solutions, you can easily compare prices from all the popular providers in one convenient dashboard. Click here to find how to start shipping easier today with Interparcel!