Info about Shipping
Things to note while shipping parcels
There are many times when we may need to ship things to friends, relatives, or some other companies. The shipped item can be a letter in an envelope or a box containing some stuff. Regardless of what you ship there are some basic things that you can take care to ensure that you ship it right and ship it cheap.
• Research for cheap service: There are always variations in the rates that various shipping companies offer you. Before you go and start filling out the forms at the first courier shop you see, go online and look at what offers do the various operators offer. Some companies may be running a discount week while some others may have special rates to your destination. You should not miss out on these.
• Compare the charges and services: While all companies will deliver the parcel to your destination, you can choose from a various value added services that they offer. Some offer signature verification to ensure that your parcel was actually received. Others offer tracking number to track the parcel in the transit. Some others may also insure your parcel for some additional charge, in case it gets damaged in transit.
• Shipping Method: The courier companies offer different alternatives for this. When it comes to shipping the parcel you can go to their center to drop off the box, or they can come and pick it from our house or there are drop boxes where you can leave the parcel. Similarly at the destination you can arrange for someone to pick it from the distribution center or the courier company will drop it at the destination.
• Missed shipment: This is another factor that you can look into. Some times the courier company will attempt to deliver the parcel more than once before sending it back. Other times they just try it once. Another aspect is how long the courier company will hold the parcel at their distribution center before sending it back. This could vary from 1 to 3 weeks. So you must take this into consideration.
• Packaging: This is not so important with durable shipments, but it is delicate, you many need to request for special packaging. Some shipping services provide a solution themselves while others may require you to take care of packaging the parcel properly.
• Waterproofing: This may not be a big problem with parcels as you would ensure they are well lacked. But if you are shipping something in an envelope and are aware of heavy rains at the destination, it is better to water proof your shipping by covering the contents in a plastic bag before placing them in the envelope.
• Customs: If you are shipping something to a different country, always ensure that they shipment is cleared by the customs. If not, it may get confiscated till the duties are paid. Look at ways you can pay the duty before shipping and if that is not possible arrange for the recipient to take care of that.