International Parcel Delivery: A Comprehensive Guide for Shippers

The tremendous connectivity of today’s world has made it possible for the shipping and logistics industry to thrive remarkably, which has further boosted international trade. The shipping industry is the plinth of international trade and it is entirely responsible for the movement of goods and commodities across the globe.

International courier services are on the rise and given the rising popularity of eCommerce, their demand will only boom further in the upcoming years. In 2022, the UK logistics market had a value of US$478.3 billion. The market is predicted to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.18% from 2023 to 2028, according to IMARC Group.

So if you are looking forward to cracking an opportunity in the global shipping business and need a step-by-step guide on international parcel service, then you are at the right place. This blog will walk you through all the aspects of international parcel services and bring together some of the effective strategies to start like a pro as a beginner. So stay until the very end!

Understanding International Parcel Services Right from the Basics

If the global industries are functioning well, it is because international courier services exist. International courier or parcel delivery is the service through which goods and essential commodities get conveniently transported across borders via different modes like air, water, and roadways. Concerning the urgency, distance, and type of commodity, modes are selected by the courier companies to transport goods over long distances. Stakeholders in the shipping industry are highly skilled to competitively handle everything right from picking and packing the goods to shipping them through well-established supply chain networks.

While starting afresh in the industry, you need to have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the international courier service and the trends which drive the growth in the industry. You need to research the markets for the same and study the ongoing technological transformations in the logistics and shipping industry, particularly in the UK logistics market, which is largely driven by automation.

Major Elements in International Courier Services

Parcel Pickup

International courier services usually offer parcel pickup from the sender’s location. This involves scheduling a pickup time and collecting the parcels from the sender’s premises.

Packaging and Labelling

Couriers often provide assistance or guidelines for proper packaging and labelling of parcels to ensure safe and secure transportation. This may include providing packaging materials, labelling instructions, and ensuring compliance with international parcel service regulations.

Customs Clearance

Logistics companies facilitate this process by providing necessary documentation support, such as commercial invoices, customs declarations, and other required paperwork. They often have dedicated teams or agents to handle customs formalities and ensure compliance with the customs regulations of different countries.

Transportation

Parcel service providers arrange for the transportation of parcels from the pickup location to the destination country. This may involve using various modes of transportation, including air freight, sea freight, or a combination of both, depending on the urgency, distance, and specific service chosen by the sender.

Tracking and Tracing

Most international courier services offer tracking and tracing capabilities, allowing both senders and recipients to monitor the progress of their shipments. Tracking numbers or unique identifiers are provided to customers, which can be used to track the location and delivery status of the parcels online or through customer service.

Delivery

Couriers ensure the final delivery of parcels to the recipient’s address. This may involve last-mile delivery services or collaboration with local delivery partners in the destination country to ensure timely and secure delivery.

Insurance and Liability

International courier services often provide optional insurance coverage to protect against loss, damage, or theft of parcels during transit. They may have specific liability policies and claims procedures in place to address any issues related to lost or damaged shipments. 

Customer Support 

Courier services typically offer customer support services to assist with inquiries, provide updates, and address any concerns related to shipments. This can be done through various channels such as phone, email, online chat, or dedicated customer service centres.

What are the Steps Involved in International Parcel Services?

1. Booking: The sender books the courier service and provides details about the parcels, including weight, dimensions, and destination.
2. Pickup: The courier arranges the pickup of the parcels from the sender’s location.
3. Packaging and Labelling: The sender properly packages and labels the parcels according to courier guidelines.
4. Customs Documentation: Sender prepares necessary customs documents, such as commercial invoices and customs declarations.
5. Customs Clearance: Courier handles customs formalities and ensures compliance with international shipping regulations.
6. Transportation: Parcels are transported via air, sea, or a combination of both to the destination country.
7. Tracking: The courier provides a tracking number to track the parcels online or through customer service.
8. Delivery to Destination Country: Parcels arrive in the destination country and undergo customs clearance procedures.
9. Last-Mile Delivery: Courier or local delivery partners deliver the parcels to the recipient’s address.
10. Insurance and Liability: Optional insurance coverage protects against loss or damage during transit.
11. Customer Support: Last but not least, courier service companies offer customer support for inquiries, updates, and addressing concerns, which play a crucial role in brand building and customer retention.

Summing Up

Even if you are following a well-curated strategy to excel in the global shipping industry, learning from existing leading players is equally necessary.

Global shipping aggregators like NimbusPost are catering to the needs of global eCommerce businesses, be it small or large-scale by integrating automation in the supply chains. They collaborate with 15+ courier partners across the UK mainland and offshore postcodes to offer seamless shipping solutions to businesses regionally and globally in about 196+ countries. Their domestic shipping rates start at just £2.9!