It is not all that long ago that the phrase “cheap courier” might have seemed like a contradiction in terms. The idea of using a specialist to deliver parcels overseas would be something that would only be considered by businesses that needed to ship products to clients quickly and reliably. Quite a lot has changed over the last ten years or so and one consequence of those changes is that more of us than ever before are turning to online couriers in search of good deals and dependable services.
Competition Had Made Delivery Cheaper
As demand for a given product or services rises two things can be expected to happen. Either the supply remains the same and prices rise or supply increases and prices tend to fall as a result of competition. While you can no doubt think of at least a few examples where this does not hold true, it is fair to say that increased supply has indeed led to more affordable international parcel delivery services. A quick online search will present you with a multitude of couriers promising the lowest prices for the very best services.
Do You Recognize The Courier?
If you find yourself worrying about whether an online courier can live up to their promises there are a few very basic points that you can use to identify the genuinely first-class services available. Probably the most telling of these will be whether a courier is partnered with a recognized global carrier or not. There are currently only four such carriers (soon to be three if UPS’s proposed takeover of TNT is completed in 2013) and you’ll likely have heard of them before now: DHL, FedEx, TNT and UPS. As long as your courier works alongside at least one of these you can at least feel assured that whatever you’re sending will travel with an established worldwide delivery specialist.
So, why not cut out the middleman and deal directly with the experts?
Making The Final Decision
The short answer, as it seems to be so often these days, is cost. The large global carriers operate on a model that is generally designed to work best for businesses sending out tens, if not hundreds, of items on a regular basis – this type of traffic did, after all, represent the clear majority of the volume handled until very recently. Many smaller couriers simply buy the services of their larger partners in bulk at appropriately discounted rates and pass those same services on to you at a price that represents a significant overall saving.
As you can see, a cheap international delivery does not mean you should need to compromise on the level of service you receive. It is more than possible to find a truly great price and still feel confident that your parcel will arrive intact and on time.
What service have you used in the past for international shipments?
