International Shipping: How to Choose the Best Parcel Delivery Company

International shipping is a complex and challenging service that requires expertise and professionalism. Only this way can delivery services deal with potential risks and incidents that might arise in the process. With this in mind, it becomes obvious that you cannot select just any delivery provider and hope that it will do an excellent job.

The much better solution would be to thoroughly assess all the popular delivery services according to the list of essential criteria and select the best courier for international shipping. Only this way, you might be certain that your parcel will be delivered promptly and without any damage. Let's take a look at those criteria that matter when you choose a delivery service for yourself or your business.

Understand Your Shipping Needs

Begin with a definition of your needs and priorities. Those who use delivery services often know that finding a company that matches their needs is half of success in a positive shipping experience. Some main points to take a look at are:

• shipping destinations - do you need your parcel to be delivered locally (e.g., Chicago) or globally (e.g., Ukraine)?
• package types - do you need assistance with documents, gifts, commercial goods, or heavy freight delivery?
• shipping frequency - is it one-time, occasional, or regular service?
• budget and delivery time expectations - what are those? Are you on a tight budget? Is it an urgent matter?

As soon as you answer those questions honestly, you will have an idea of the delivery service that you are looking for.

Key Factors to Compare When Choosing a Company

Once you have answered all the questions and have a clear image of the best international courier, you can start comparing different companies according to the key factors mentioned below. Ideally, take 2-3 direct competitors that are experts in the same delivery zone for a fair comparison.

For instance, you need to have your parcel delivered to Poland urgently. The first thing you should check is to find a company that focuses on parcel transportation to European countries, including Poland. That is the starting point. If Poland is on their list, check the main features of their services to evaluate the overall quality of the provided transportation.

Delivery Speed

As shipping from the US to Poland is time-consuming (might take up to a month in such cases), double-check if the estimated delivery time is within your deadlines. Also, ensure there is an express delivery service available. Even if delivery speed does not matter currently, it might be necessary in the future.

Economy options

For those who are on a tight budget or simply are not willing to pay more when there are cheaper options, there is an economy delivery. When choosing it, you should remember that shipping is done by sea, and it is much slower than by air.

Despite its obvious advantage - the price, transportation by sea is not recommended for fragile or high-value objects, as there is a higher possibility for the package to be lost or damaged.

Typical Transit Times by Region

When shipping from the US to Canada, the transit time would be much shorter than transportation to a European country or Asia. Still, different providers have various timings for their reasons.

Some can deliver a parcel to a European country within a week, others might need two weeks for the same route. Whether you choose an express or economy option also matters for the final transit time.

Pricing & Fees

Often, shipping prices include different factors, like base shipping rates, dimensional weight, surcharges, duties, and import/export tariffs. Some delivery services might have such hidden fees as area surcharges, residential delivery fees, oversized item charges, and customs brokerage fees.

To avoid unpleasant surprises, check the pricing model of the shipping company you plan to select. This way, you will have a clear vision of how prices are calculated and will be able to make well-thought-out decisions.

Tracking & Visibility

Depending on the delivery service, you might expect some or all of those:

• real-time tracking that most major delivery services offer via API or dashboard;
• delivery notifications, like Email/SMS updates at key milestones;
• proof of delivery provided via digital signatures, photo capture, and timestamped logs.

Those services make the shipping time stress-free, as you know exactly where your package is at the moment. Moreover, such visibility gives a recipient an opportunity to plan their time and receive a package as soon as it is possible.

Customs Support

Professional customs support might be a pleasant bonus that makes the shipping process clearer and issue-free. When choosing a reputable provider, you might expect assistance with the following aspects:

• documentation handling, including help with commercial invoices, HS codes, and origin declarations;
• customs clearance process, including pre-clear shipments electronically to avoid delays;
• navigation with local restrictions smoothly due you strong networks in your destination countries.

To have such a service in place, always double-check the delivery service’s customs-related services.

Insurance & Liability

For international shipping, insurance is a must, as it is a long-distance transportation and there are high risks of damage or package loss.

Look out for couriers that offer declared value coverage. It sets the delivery service’s maximum liability and often includes up to $100 insurance. Some companies, like Meest, also have a 5% fee for higher values. This is extremely useful for packages containing expensive items. Furthermore, it is rare to find, but there might be third-party insurance that covers full value regardless of the delivery service's fault. It is ideal for high-value and fragile objects.

Customer Service & Support

When it comes to customer service, consider shipping companies that offer 24/7 support via live chat. This way, you might expect to have an answer to your question whenever it is convenient for you.

Moreover, always check the claims process when picking a courier. It should be transparent, with clear timelines and documentation requirements. Check if there is local language support, as it is especially important for resolving issues in destination countries.

Types of International Shipping Companies

When choosing an international shipping company, you can select from five main company types, namely:

1. Global couriers that provide fast, reliable door-to-door service with robust tracking and customs support. They're ideal for time-sensitive shipments and e-commerce businesses needing global reach. This list of such companies includes FedEx, DHL, and UPS.
2. National postal services normally offer cost-effective shipping options. Those are good for small parcels. Lower cost makes delivery slower and less predictable, though. Yet, if speed is not your priority, consider such companies as USPS, Royal Mail, and La Poste.
3. Regional specialists who focus on specific markets. They offer deep local expertise, competitive pricing, and tailored services that global couriers may not match in those regions. Their list includes such leading companies as Meest USA (Eastern Europe), Aramex (Middle East), and SF Express (China).
4. Freight forwarders that coordinate large-volume and bulk shipments via air, sea, or ground. They’re essential for B2B logistics, as they offer flexibility, warehousing, and customs brokerage.
5. E-commerce shipping aggregators integrate multiple delivery services into one platform. They simplify rate comparison, automate label generation, and streamline fulfillment for online sellers. Those are companies such as Easyship and Shippo.

Each type serves a distinct purpose, so take it into consideration when choosing a reliable delivery service for your package to ensure smooth delivery to a destination country.

How to Compare and Select the Best Delivery Service

The easiest way to choose the best international delivery service for your needs is to take the following actions:

• evaluate reputation and reviews - as long as positive feedback prevails and customers are satisfied with the service, you can choose it;
• compare service levels side-by-side to see which one offers the best cost-speed-quality balance;
• using rate calculators and comparison tools to ensure you select the most cost-effective delivery service;
• do trial shipments and performance testing if you plan to have multiple shipments.

As long as you are fully satisfied with a selected delivery service based on those criteria, you can be certain that you have selected the best shipping company for your needs.

Case Studies & Scenarios

Here are some business-related cases on how to select the most suitable shipping company that matches business goals. They illustrate how different businesses choose the best international shipping company based on their unique needs.

E-Commerce Brand That Needs Delivery Speed and Tracking

Context: A small fashion brand in Ukraine searches for a fast, trackable delivery to the United States and Europe.

Solution: They might choose Meest, which offers reliable delivery, real-time tracking, and issue-free customs handling. Given its local expertise, it would be much easier to handle deliveries from Ukraine. Thus, it also decreases the number of lost packages and delays. As a result, higher customer satisfaction is critical for a customer-oriented business.

Manufacturer That Ships Heavy Equipment

Context: A US exporter needs to ship oversized parts to Southeast Asia. It expects minimal delays and full customs support.

Solution: Partnering with a freight forwarder like Kuehne + Nagel, which offers multimodal transportation, might be a perfect option. This company also provides warehousing and expert customs brokerage. The company’s experience ensures compliance and cost efficiency for that US machinery exporter.

Startup Using Aggregators for Flexibility

Context: A tech startup sells through Shopify and ships to multiple continents. Normally, it does not have a lot of orders, but it experiences big volumes from time to time.

Solution: They use an e-commerce aggregator like Easyship. It integrates with their store and offers dynamic rate comparisons across FedEx, UPS, and local couriers. This lets them optimize cost and speed per order.

Tips for Successful International Shipping

Even though international shipping might be overwhelming, it is the right approach that can make the process smooth and stress-free. Follow those useful tips to ensure seamless cross-border delivery of your goods:

Know Your Destination Requirements

Every country has its own rules and requirements, and passing customs without a problem might be a real challenge. Unless you research regulations in the destination country before you drop off your package for delivery, and follow the rules and requirements described there.

Fill in the Customs Declaration Correctly

That is the aspect that requires attention and accuracy. Make sure to provide only accurate information when filling in the customs form. Include a clear, detailed description of the contents, their value, and intended use.

Use Professional Packaging

Secure, tamper-proof, and weather-resistant packaging is what it takes to protect shipped objects from damage. Use bubble wrap, sturdy boxes, and tape recommended for international shipping. By spending a little extra time on packaging, you increase the possibility of having your goods shipped intact and decrease the chances of the necessity to deal with insurance.

Label Clearly and Correctly

Ensure recipient information is legible and accurate. Provide name, address (including postal code), phone number, and country. Moreover, do not forget to include a return address in case customs or delivery services can’t complete the delivery.

Manage Customs Fees and Duties

If you are sending goods that are over the duty-free limits, be ready that you will need to deal with fees and duties. Decide upfront who will pay duties and communicate this clearly. It can be you or the recipient. Some delivery services allow duties to be prepaid to improve customer satisfaction. Make sure to take advantage of it if there is such an option, as it can speed up your delivery.

Track and Communicate

Transparency builds trust and helps resolve issues faster if something goes off course. Thus, whether you send a parcel to your friend or a customer of your online shop, share the tracking number and communicate efficiently if there are any questions about the delivery.

Conclusion

Finding a trustworthy international delivery service is critical for successful cross-border shipping. This guide covers all the essential aspects to consider when choosing a company that meets your needs in terms of delivery.

Whether you need a professional service for your e-commerce operations or you just need a one-time shipment to Europe, you can find the right delivery service and have a smooth delivery experience simply by following the tips above.

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