Couriers are make over a million deliveries each day; some expedited, some normal. On busy days, we’re even making close to 2 million deliveries.
That’s why we understand why some people become anxious about scheduling deliveries. For some, there are too many factors to consider.
How do you pack your item? How do you schedule a parcel pick up? How can you book expedited shipping?
We’ll answer all those questions and guide you thru the whole process of booking expedited shipping. Keep on reading to learn what steps you need to take to send a parcel and how to do it right.
1. Know the Shipping Rules
Before you organize a courier, make sure they can handle your item for expedited shipping. Each country has a list of prohibitions. In Canada, for instance, you can’t mail explosives or any item that’s controlled or illegal.
Some restrictions might vary by region, too. Make sure you check with the destination of the package, as well.
This will save you time and a lot of headaches later on. If you’re unsure, give the courier a call.
2. Pack Your Items Carefully
Ensuring the safety of your delivery package is on both you and the courier. On your part, you have to make sure it’s packed securely; on their part, they have to handle the package with care.
We’ll take care of that second part, and we’ll show you how to do the first part.
First, get a box or an envelope in an appropriate size for your item. For boxes, make sure it has enough room for stuffing and other protective stuff, too.
Assess the box, as well; the material should be thick enough to handle more weight other than your items. Couriers might place something on top of the box; if you choose a flimsy one, it might collapse.
Then, use some bubble wrap, polystyrene packaging peanuts, styrofoam and else to secure your item inside. Make sure there’s no more space inside for the item to move.
Fasten the box shut using some packing tape, and make sure to use tape on the bottom, as well. Seal the edges; extra tapes won’t hurt. Check out our packing guide for more tips.
3. Schedule a Parcel Pick Up
There are many ways you can do this; you can schedule a pickup online or by phone, for instance. There might be other ways to do so but that depends on the company. In general, though, a courier company should now offer online booking services, as we do.
You’ll have to create an account, wherein you’ll supply your name, address, and other information. You can use this address for the pickup, or you can specify another address.
When you’re booking, the courier will need other information. This includes the delivery location, your parcel details, and your preferred delivery option.
Sometimes, you have to choose between different package options. Other times, you enter the measurements of your parcel. The courier company will base the quote on that.
Not all courier services also give you a guaranteed time for pickups. They’ll mention their pickup hours and you have to make yourself available for those hours.
Some services have guaranteed time frames, though. Pick the most convenient timeframe for you and make sure you’re available for the whole duration, as well.
4. Pay for the Delivery
Once you have confirmed all the details in your booking, pay for the label online. The payment methods will vary depending on the courier service, too, so you might have to make sure of that before booking their service.
Upon payment confirmation, you’ll arrive in the next screen, where you can print the shipping label. Print it and attach it to your parcel.
You should also get a tracking number for this delivery. If you wish, you can write it on the side of the package for extra protection. If the label goes missing, the dispatcher will still be able to deliver it to the recipient using the details on their system.
The amount you’ll have to pay depends on several factors. We take into account the pickup and delivery locations and how fast you want it delivered. For expedited shipments, expect to pay more.
The size and weight of your parcel matters, too, because the price will also depend on the type of vehicle needed to transport it.
Make sure you’re okay with the price quote before proceeding with the booking.
5. Be There for the Pickup Schedule
You won’t want to miss the parcel pick up time. Make sure to take note of your chosen pick up day (and time) and then make sure you’re available.
Don’t worry, the courier will arrive as scheduled; you only have to be patient. In the rare case that the courier doesn’t show up at the agreed date and time, you can contact us anytime.
For emergencies wherein you have to leave the house, get someone else to meet the courier. Ask for a favor from your neighbor or enlist a friend or relative. Exhaust all possible options; someone has to be there when the courier comes.
6. Track Your Delivery
The only thing left to do is wait for the receiver to get the package you sent. In our company, you can do this via the online portal.
You should also get proof of delivery over the internet and proof that the dispatchers have received your package.
Couriers have this service not only to give you peace of mind over your delivery but also so that you can bring our attention to any issue you find as soon as possible. If a delivery is late, for instance, you can call our phone numbers to assist you with that matter.
Choose a Respected Courier Service
A reliable courier service won’t let you down, from the first time you submit an inquiry to booking a parcel pick up schedule to the actual delivery service. That’s why you should take extra care when choosing the right one you can trust.
We hear you. Contact us today for more information.