How to choose a suitable international courier?

Choosing the right international courier is essential to ensure the safety of goods, timely delivery, and control logistics costs. Here are some suggestions to help you make a choice:

1. Determine the delivery needs

Product nature: clarify the nature of the shipped product, such as whether it is charged or liquid, because different products may have different shipping restrictions and requirements.

Package type: Understand whether it is a single product, multiple products or container transportation, which will affect the transportation method and cost.

Destination country and time limit: clarify the destination country of the goods and the required transportation time, so as to choose a courier company that can provide corresponding services.

2. Understand the characteristics and advantages of courier companies

UPS: A leading global logistics service provider, with main service areas in the United States, Europe, Asia, etc., mainly land transportation, and also domestic aviation business. Fast time limit, good service, can mail to more than 200 countries and regions around the world, but the freight is relatively high, and there are strict restrictions on consigned items.

DHL: A leader in global express, intercontinental transportation and air freight, and a global shipping and contract logistics provider. It can be mailed to more than 220 countries and regions around the world, with convenient express query, timely update of order numbers, and fast problem solving. However, it is not cost-effective to use small freight, and there are strict restrictions on consigned items.

FedEx: An international express company that provides services such as overnight express, ground express, and heavy cargo delivery. It is strong in Southeast Asia, and its prices to Central and South America and Europe are more competitive. However, the freight is relatively high, and there are also strict restrictions on consigned items.

TNT: An internationally famous Dutch company with fast timeliness, strong customs clearance capabilities, convenient inquiries, and timely problem handling. It has the best customs clearance capabilities in Western European countries among the four major international express companies. But the price is higher than other international express companies.

3. Consider price and cost

Freight calculation: Understand the freight calculation methods of different express companies, including first weight, additional weight, fuel surcharges and other fees.

Discounts and offers: Cooperating with logistics agents or express companies may provide freight discounts or other offers.

Cost-benefit analysis: Considering factors such as freight, timeliness, and service quality, choose the most cost-effective express company.

4. Evaluate service quality and reliability

Cargo tracking system: Choose a courier company with a complete cargo tracking system to understand the location and transportation status of the cargo in real time.

Customer service response speed: Understand the courier's customer service response speed and problem-solving capabilities so that problems can be solved in a timely manner when they arise.

Customer evaluation and feedback: Refer to other customers' evaluations and feedback to understand the courier's service quality, transportation timeliness, and cargo safety.

5. Consider other factors

Customs clearance ability: If the goods need to be cleared quickly, it is more appropriate to choose a courier with strong customs clearance capabilities.

Special service requirements: If the goods require special packaging, refrigerated transportation and other value-added services, make sure that the selected courier can provide these services.

Environmental protection and sustainability: Consider the courier's environmental protection policies and sustainable development measures, and choose a courier that matches your values.

Choosing the right international courier requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors. By clarifying the shipping needs, understanding the characteristics and advantages of the courier company, considering the price and cost, evaluating the service quality and reliability, and considering other factors, you can make a more informed choice.