Introduction
It is only natural that every person wants what’s good for them, but when you want to send valuable items, you’d want the best of service. We have compiled the most important signs to look for in an international courier service before deciding to use them for your logistical needs. Although there are many factors that come into play and some of them are dependent on your needs, we have accumulated those points that are affected by the international courier service. Here are five points to look for in your international service provider.
The Pricing Model
Let’s face it; money talks. The most crucial parameter has got to be the pricing packages offered by the courier service. You wouldn’t want to opt for the cheapest service provider though. The tradeoff is shocking! For a few bucks less, you would be devoid of some of the most important services that come with the package. Some companies offer very cheap prices and will somehow move your package from point A to point B. This is not what you want. The pricing packages need to be affordable but they need to cover all the services that are crucial for a smooth customer experience. We will discuss the other points in a short while; the points that many companies sacrifice in order to offer cheap prices to potential customers.
Pricing is decided by the destination country as well as the source. Choose a courier service which offers free pickup and covers a lot of regions. All companies can deliver your package to the United States, the Middle East, and Europe. However, it is your location that matters; few companies offer to pick up your package from say three-tier cities or even rural areas. If you do not live in a metropolitan city, you might need to choose a helpful and affordable service provider much like UBT International.
Another factor is the weight. The heavier your package is, the less is the cost per unit weight. Another area where you can save a few bucks is the packaging. UBT International offers packaging advice. Get in touch with them to know what kind of boxes or wraps you’d need to send those important parcels abroad from India.
Punctuality
Time is money; yes we are obsessed with money because let’s face it, this is the practical world and you want the most efficient courier service. If your package does not reach on time, there is no use for spending on sending the services. Look for courier services that have reliable delivery partners. Some of the big names to look for are DHL, FedEx, Fastway, and TNT. These companies have been in the logistics industry for a while now and know how to handle tricky situations. They will ensure that your package reaches on time. UBT International offers free pick up and door-to-door delivery from India and has a good network of delivery partners.
Another point that can be covered under this point is the availability of order tracking. Albeit a small functionality, online tracking can prove to be a deciding factor in choosing your international courier service. Always go for a company that offers tracking of your packages. This way, you can know where your package is and how much more time it would require to reach the destination.
Security
Even if the package reaches on time, it is useless if the contents of the package are damaged or destroyed. This is why proper packaging and documentation is required. If you are shipping edible items, for example, it would be wise to check the expiry date and the kind of packaging material used. As far as choosing a courier service, some companies offer protective shields and extra padding to breakable items. Another example is that if you are sending documents, it is wrapped in waterproof sheets. You would want to contact the company for sound packaging advice because a safe delivery outweighs other important factors anyday. Even if the company is charging a few extra bucks in return for a guarantee of safety, we recommend you to do business with them.
Customs Advice and Documentation Experts
Before a package is shipped across international borders, proper documentation is necessary for the customs of the destination company to review. This is an important measure taken b y nations and states to ensure that no unwanted cargo enters their borders and that no contraband makes its way inside their country. Documentation is a key step and needs to be fulfilled by courier services properly. Choose a company which has a good staff of documentation experts. These people would also give you genuine customs advice and will warn you about what you cannot send to the destination country. Every country has specific rules and it can become complicated if you take this in your hands. A general rule is that weapons, inflammable items, plants, seed, ivory, etc are not allowed, but there are always exceptions. For example, if you are sending wool or woollen products to Australia,there is an extra document that needs to be filled. Similarly, if you want to send expirable products, you would need to mention that on your documents. For more information, always check out the official customs website of the destination country. Alternatively, you can contact UBT International’s helpful support staff and they will guide you through the entire process.
Technology Driven and After-Sales Support
If you are confused between two options, alway go for the company which is more comfortable with working with new technology and is open to innovation. Technology is the future of logistics, just like any other industry. You can ask the support staff of the company about how they screen the packages, how they manage the outgoing packages, and whether they use any CRMs and ERPs to help their business. A company which is open to technology is an open-minded company.
Many companies also tend not to focus on customer relationships after a contract is signed/order is placed. Keep in mind that an ethical and serious company values customers above sales. Customer satisfaction and customer relations is the key to success. Always read the reviews that other customers leave on the official websites of the courier service.
UBT International offers a wonderful set of packages for your international courier needs. Check them out at https://ubtpro.com/.
Conclusion
A perfect blend of all the above factors result in a great international courier service. All five factors mix to make the most satisfactory and the most delicious concoction. We hope you get the best service out there!