How to Research Courier Services

Have you started to research courier services?

Whether you need to find one for your ecommerce business or logistics department, it can be challenging to know what to look for when browsing each courier service's website. Some have updates on surcharges, while others highlight the regions they cover. It can lead to information overload.

So what's the easiest way to research courier services? You need to find the right partner you can trust and that will deliver your parcels on time and within budget. If you have no idea where to start, use this guide to help you get the information you need to make an informed decision.

Identify the Services You Need

One of the best places to start is to list the services you need from your courier company. For example, does your online store offer express delivery? Then you'll want to ensure the shipping provider has this option so you can meet your customers' expectations.

You might also want to consider international shipping options. If you're part of a global corporation with offices around the world, you will want to use a courier service that has a reputation for getting parcels to other countries quickly and safely.

Find Out Where They Deliver

There are multiple courier services that can deliver your parcel to any city or town in the country. However, other providers specialise in shipping to capital cities and some regional locations.

Some courier businesses may not offer express delivery to certain parts of Australia. In these instances, you might want to implement a multicarrier solution if you have customers or clients from specific cities that prefer express delivery. You'll be able to select an alternative provider who can meet this requirement.

Investigate Any Surcharges You Need to Pay

One of the reasons you might be choosing to research courier services is that your current provider has implemented surcharges or fees. Many of these businesses have had to include these in their pricing due to the rise in fuel costs and staff shortages.

The types of surcharges are not limited to petrol prices. For example, StarTrack implemented a Manual Handling Surcharge for parcels that don't meet the requirements of the service being used. The goal is to encourage businesses to choose the right offering for the package they need to send. This is just one example. You may be able to avoid paying some surcharges depending on what you need to send.

Look at Optional Extras

When you post a parcel, you might just want the courier service to get it to its destination safely. But if you're shipping valuable items, you may prefer some additional assurance, such as transit cover.

One option to look out for is transit warranty. It can give you peace of mind that your parcel value will be covered if something happens in transit. It's also a good idea if you have to ship an item to a location that is experiencing extreme weather events such as flooding. This option is not available for all products and materials. So it's essential to research what items are prohibited or restricted.

Where to Research Courier Services

There are dozens of courier providers in Australia. You would need a few full days to research all of the courier services. It would mean studying the terms and conditions as well as taking note of all the different pricing models. Thankfully, there is an easier way.

Interparcel's multicarrier shipping solutions makes it simple to compare courier services in one place. You can seamlessly integrate your online store with a few clicks, import orders from multiple ecommerce platforms, and choose the best courier company to send a parcel based on your needs and budget. Find out more about how Interparcel makes shipping easier here!