Parcel Delivery Services to Europe with DHL Europlus

DHL Europlus is a highly economical road based parcel delivery and courier service operating across Europe. If you choose this service goods will be signed for at their destination, but whilst in transit goods do not have the same levels of traceability as using parcel delivery services such as the DHL Air Express. If speed and tracking is a priority for you then we would recommend using the air service.

Labelling & Documentation

Parcels being couriered using the DHL Europlus should have the full destination address and contact telephone number clearly labelled and securely attached. It is also recommend that you also attach a return address and contact telephone number as a back up.

Upon collection of your parcel your driver should leave you with a carbon copy of the delivery note which will contain a tracking number. You can use this number to track your shipment using the DHL Web Tracking Facility.

Volumetric Weight Charging

The charge of all shipments is based on either the weight or volume of the shipment. Sometimes a package may occupy a lot of space but may not weigh very much. This reduces the amount of other items which could go in the same shipment and if charged by weight, uit may not be cost effective for the courier to transport the goods. 

To overcome this, parcel delivery services calculate the Volumetric Weight of each package which basically means that bulky items may be charged at a higher rate than the actual weight of the shipment due to the dimensions. Different courier services may use a slightly different calculation to work this out.

The formula to calculate the volumetric weight on the DHL Europlus service is as follows: multiply the 3 dimensions together and divide the result by 4000.  The end total is the volumetric weight or your parcel. 

• If the volumetric weight is less than the actual weight of your parcel, you will be charged for the actual weight.
• If the volumetric weight is greater than the actual weight of your parcel, you will be charged for the volumetric weight.

Some examples of this calculation can be found on the DHL Europlus Information page of www.transglobal.org.uk. 

Maximum Size & Weight Allowance Restrictions

The following package restrictions are applicable to the DHL Europlus services:

• Maximum size per item: 120cm x 100cm x 120cm high (incurs no surcharge below these dimensions)
• Any shipment including or exceeding 120cm will incur a £15 surcharge
• Maximum weight for loose items: 31.5kg
• Maximum weight for palletised goods: 1000kg
• Any shipment exceeding 240cm cannot be sent on this service.

Remote Area Surcharge

If your collection address or delivery address is considered to be in a "remote area", DHL apply a flat rate charge of £15+VAT. You can search DHL's remote area databse by following this link.

Prohibited Articles Information

Please refer to our previous post outlining general restricted parcel contents and prohibited package content which applies to most courier services. For DHL specific information, please refer to their website.

Further information about how the cost of your shipment is calculated can be found in our Parcel Delivery & Shipment Rates post.

FedEx Worldwide Parcel Delivery Service Information

FedEx is one of the worlds largest transportation companies offering worldwide parcel transportation. The main difference with the FedEx service if booking via Transglobal Express is that  your goods would be collected via another carrier and brought to our warehouse before being forwarded on to FedEx. This can add an extra 2 days to the overall transit time so if speed is a priority for delivery of your parcel then we would recommend considering an alternative carrier. If you have the flexibility of allowing an extra 2 days onto the transit time, FedEx offer an excellent service - particularly to the USA, South America and to the Far East.


Collection 

When booking FedEx services through Transglobal Express you have the option of either arranging delivery of your goods to a receiving center or Transglobal will arrange for a third-party courier (usually City Link) to collect and transport your goods to the Transglobal warehouse. It is important for you to check that any carrier collecting your parcel has Transglobal Express as the delivery address. If the courier transports you goods directly to their final destination you may incur extra costs for which you will be liable.


Labelling & Documentation 

When using FedEx services, please lable your goods with a 'to' and 'from' address and include contact telephone numbers.

You must also include 3 copies of a commercial invoice / packing list which clearly states a full description of the goods and their value. Transglobal Express have blank PDF and Excel packing list templates available for you to download and complete. Once you have completed your packing list, please email a copy to sales@transglobalexpress.co.uk and seal a copy inside an envelope and attach to your shipment.  


Volumetric Weight 

The charge for delivery of your shipment can be based on the weight or volume of your package. The volumetric weight of a shipment on FedEx service is calculated using the following formula: 

Multiply the 3 dimensions together and divide the result by 6000

• If the volumetric weight is less than the actual weight of your parcel, you will be charged for the actual weight .
• If the volumetric weight is greater than the actual weight of your parcel, you will be charged for the volumetric weight.

An example of the calculation can be seen on the FedEx Services Information which is available on the transglobal.org.uk website.  


Maximum Size & Weight Allowance Restrictions

• The maximum size per package is 330cm 'girth'

Girth is calculated by adding together the 2 smaller dimensions and multiply by 2. You then add the result to longest dimension of the package to give you the 'girth'.

FedEx will carry up to 32kg worldwide without restriction and most areas up to 68kg. 


FedEx also offer an Air Freight service to many countries based on the same tariff. These countries include the USA, Canada, most of the Far East and many others. Please call 0870 027 3338 to see if your destination is covered. The maximum weight per single piece (palletised) is 1000kg.


Restrictions 

FedEx will only carry personal effects to USA and Europe and no hazardous goods are accepted on to this service. Please refer to our previous article outlining prohibited and restricted parcel contents. For FedEx specific conditions of carriage, please follow tis link.


** All information provided is based on FedEx worldwide delivery services as supplied through Transglobal Express and may be subject to change. We recommend that you refer to the guidelines of the actual courier service if you are in any doubt.

UPS European Parcel Delivery Service Restrictions & Information

Transglobal Express offer the following parcel delivery service through UPS:

• TG Express Saver is provided by UPS using their "Worldwide Saver" service and transports your shipment by air.
• TG Expedited is a cheaper but slightly slower air service than "Worldwide Saver". If you need your parcel delivering and speed is not a priority then you can make some great savings using this service.
• TG Express is provided by UPS using their Transborder Standard service. This is a road service which delivers throughout Europe.

Labeling & Documentation

If you have booked your UPS service through Transglobal Express you will be emailed a bar-coded UPS which must be printed and a copy securely attached to each package. Manual airway bills can not be provided by the driver on this service so it is important that you have access to a printer.


Invoices

If you are sending your package or parcel to a non-EU country it must be accompanied by 3 copies of a commercial invoice or packing list. Any country not listed here will require a commercial invoice.


Volumetric Weight Charging

The charge of your shipment is calculated based upon its weight or volume. Sometimes bulky items may be charged at a higher rate than the actual weight of the shipment due to the dimensions of the item.

The formula to calculate the Volumetric Rate on the UPS services is as follows: multiply the 3 dimensions together and divide the result by 5000.  The end total is the volumetric weight or your parcel.

• If the volumetric weight is less than the actual weight of your parcel, you will be charged for the actual weight .
• If the volumetric weight is greater than the actual weight of your parcel, you will be charged for the volumetric weight.

Surcharges and Additional Costs

The below information outlines any additional costs which may apply to your shipment depending on a number of factors. All surcharges related to EU deliveries will be subject to VAT.

• UPS Extended Area Collection & Delivery Charge - this is the UPS equivalent of a 'Remote Area Surcharge'. This will be applied if either your collection or delivery address is considered to be in a remote area. The extended area surcharge is a minimum of £13.50 + fuel per shipment or £0.25 per kg, whichever is greater. To view a list of all UPS extended area definitions, please follow this link.
•   UPS Residential Delivery Surcharge - A cost of £2.00 per shipment is charged if delivery is to be made to home. This also applies if delivery is being made to a business operating from home.
• Address Correction - a charge of £4.55 per shipment will be applied if any part of the address is missing or incorrect. 
• Incorrect Account Number - a cost of £8.00 per shipment will be charged if your account number is missing or invalid.
• Additional Handling - an additional charge of £2.45 per package is applied on any article that is not in a cardboard box or:
•  is encased in an outside shipping container made of metal or wood
• is cylindrical (such as a tyre / drum / pail or barrel) and not fully encased in a corrugated cardboard shipping container
• any package with the longest side exceeding 150cm or its second longest side exceeding 78cm
• a package with an actual weight greater than 32kgs
• each package within a shipment where the average weight per package is greater than 32kgs and the weight for each package is not specified on the source document or the UPS automated shipping system used.
• Additional Handling - any article that is above the girth* of 330cm or above 70kg will incur an additional fee of £27 per package.
• DDP Shipments - an additional fee of £12 + duty & tax value is applied on any shipment in which the destination duties and taxes are not paid by the consignee and are billed back to the shipper.

Maximum Size & Weight Allowance Restrictions

• The maximum weight per parcel is 70kg to most areas and 30kg to some others
• The maximum size per package is 330cm girth
• The maximum length per package is 270cm

*Girth is calculated by adding together the 2 smaller dimensions and multiply by 2. You then add the result to longest dimension to give you the 'girth'.  An example calculation is included on the Transglobal.org.uk guidelines for UPS Services.

Restrictions Refer to our previous article outlining prohibited and restricted parcel contents for general package content guidelines. UPS specific service information can be found by following this link.

Collection Restrictions UPS are unable to collect from Northern Island.

** All information provided is based on UPS services as supplied through Transglobal Express and may be subject to change. We recommend that you refer to the guidelines of the actual courier service if you are in any doubt.

TNT Economy Express European Delivery Service Restrictions

The TNT Economy Express service is a worldwide parcel delivery service of which the level and rates are particularly competitive throughout Europe and including Eastern block areas.

Parcel Labelling & Documentation Airway Bill 

TNT Economy Express services can be booked directly through the website. A copy of your Airway bill must be attached to each individual parcel.

If you book the service through Transglobal Express, you can take advantage of their discounted rates making TNT Economy Express a very cost-effective parcel delivery service. Once your booking has been made, Transglobal Express will generate the airway bill on you behalf and email it through to you to be printed and attached to each parcel. 

If you do not have access to a printer your driver can supply you with a manual airway bill which must be completed by hand. If this is the case you must tick the appropriate "TNT Economy Express" service. You will be liable for additional charges if any other service is selected. If booking through Transglobal Express, you must also insert their customer account number which can be obtained from customer services.

Shipments bound for non EU countries will need to be accompanied by 3 copies of a commercial invoice/packing list. This should include a full description and value of your goods and customs will use this information when they conduct their security checks.

Volumetric Weight Charging 

Volumetric weight is the term commonly referred to by courier and parcel delivery services for the chargeable weight of your parcel and is calculated based on the weight and volume of your parcel. 

The formula to calculate the Volumetric Rate on the TNT Economy Express service is as follows: multiply the 3 dimensions together and divide the result by 4000.  The end total is the volumetric weight or your parcel.

• If the volumetric weight is less than the actual weight of your parcel, you will be charged for the actual weight .
• If the volumetric weight is greater than the actual weight of your parcel, you will be charged for the volumetric weight.

Examples of this calculation have been included in Transglobal Premium's guidelines for TNT Economy Express Restrictions

Maximum Size & Weight Allowance Restrictions 

There are maximum size and weight restirctions in place on the TNT Economy Express delivery service.

• The maximum size per piece is 240cm x 120cm x 180 cm high.
• The maximum weight for loose items is 70kg
• The maximum weight for palletised goods is 1000kg

Restrictions

No hazardous goods or prohibited items will be accepted onto this service. Further guidelines for prohibited and restricted parcel contents has been posted here.


TNT specific information can be found at their website - http://www.tnt.com/express/en_gb/site/home.html

*** All information provided is based on TNT Economy Express services as supplied through Transglobal Express and may be subject to change. We recommend that you refer to the guidelines of the actual courier service if you are in any doubt. Transglobal Express also have a dedicated customer services team on hand to assist with any enquiries you may have.

DHL Air Express Parcel Delivery Service Restrictions

DHL Air Express is a premium worldwide parcel delivery service suitable for both private and business customers. As with any parcel delivery and courier service, DHL have specific requirements and restrictions in place which you should consider before booking on to their service. The following information provides and overview of everything you will need to consider to ensure that your parcel is collected and delivered without delay when using the DHL Air Express Service.


Parcel Labelling & Documentation Air Waybill 

You will need to attach an Airway bill to your package. All good parcel delivery service providers will have the facility for you to generate one through their website. The DHL Airway Bill is barcoded and you will need to securely attach one copy to your parcel, and keep a second copy for yourself. If you do not have access to a printer you will need to complete one by hand. A blank copy can be obtained from you DHL driver when he comes to collect your parcel. You will need to enter the full collection and delivery address details along with contact telephone numbers.


Invoices 

If you are shipping a parcel to a non-EU country you parcel must be accompanied by 3 copies of a commercial invoice or packing list. Many courier website will offer the facility to produce a basic packing list for you, however if you have one of your own we strongly recommend that you use that instead.


Volumetric Weight Charging

We have previously posted information about how parcel delivery and shipment rates are calculated which you may be interested in reading. The charge of your shipment is calculated on weight or volume. Sometimes bulky items may be charged at a higher rate than the actual weight of the shipment due to its dimensions - or the volume of space it takes up. This is known as Volumetric Weight.

The formula to calculate the volumetric weight on the DHL Air Express service is as follows: multiply the 3 dimensions together and divide the result by 5000.  The end total is the volumetric weight or your parcel.

• If the volumetric weight is less than the actual weight of your parcel, you will be charged for the actual weight .
• If the volumetric weight is greater than the actual weight of your parcel, you will be charged for the volumetric weight.

Examples of this calculation have been included in Transglobal Premium's guidelines for DHL Air Express Restrictions


Remote Area Surcharge 

If either your collection address of delivery address is considered to be in a "remote area", DHL apply a flat rate charge of £15 plus VAT. You can search DHL's remote area databse by following this link.


Maximum Size & Weight Allowance Restrictions

Shipment size and weight allowance restrictions will vary depending on the destination of the shipment. Further information relating to DHL Express shipping restictrictions can be accessed from their website.


Prohibited Articles Information

We have previously posted articles outlining general restricted parcel contents and prohibited package contents. For DHL Air Express specific information relating to prohibited and restricted commodities, click here.

*** All information is based on DHL Delivery Express services as supplied through Transglobal Express. We would recommend that you refer to the guidelines of the actual courier service if you are in any doubt. You can access quotations for discounted DHL Air Express service by following this link.

Door to Door Courier & Parcel Delivery Services

In todays competitive market it is often difficult to find the time to make sure that you are getting the best possible service and at the cheapest price. With a huge variety of courier and parcel delivery services to choose from, how do you know which one will give you the best value for money without any easy method of comparing like-for-like quotations. This can be a time consuming process but if you are prepared to put in the time it can lead to you making some significant savings.

We have previously posted some tips on 'choosing which courier service is right for you'. This offers some practical steps for you to take when researching courier companies and to help you to make the important decision about which parcel delivery service is most suited to your needs.

With the pressures of day to day business, it can be very easy to delay researching your courier suppliers and default to using heavily established parcel delivery services such as DHL, UPS, FedEx or TNT. It is important to note that you will most likely be paying a premium on using these courier services. Even if you can pass on these expenses to your customers, by reducing your outgoing costs you will have far greater flexibility to either increase your profit margins or reduce you delivery charges - making your services even more appealing to your customers.

If you haven't got the luxury of time to research courier companies, why not take advantage of the excellent rates and high quality customer service offered by Transglobal Express. Transglobal Express can offer you the parcel delivery services of DHL, UPS, TNT and FedEx at a fraction of the cost that you would be charged if you went direct to the courier. Better still, you will only need to input your package details into the website once to receive quotes from each parcel delivery service. Combine this with the significant savings that you will make by taking advantage of Transglobals discounted rates with each carrier and you are guaranteed to receive a great value parcel delivery service along with excellent customer service. Further information is available about the benefits of using Transglobal Express.

International Courier Services from Transglobal Premium

Transglobal Express hold accounts with many of the top international courier services to ensure that you receive the most competitive price possible.

We provide dedicated websites offering free no-obligation quotations for Air Freight and Sea Freight services, and courier and door to door parcel delivery services.

Finding an International Courier to ship your parcel has never been easier, as Transglobal Express allows you to compare quotations from DHL, TNT, UPS, DPD and FedEx. No registration is necessary until you decide to place your order.

For further information on each individual courier service offered by Transglobal Express, please use the following links:

• Air Freight
• DHL Europlus
• TNT Express
• DPD
• DHL Air Express
• UPS
• FedEx 
• Sea Freight 

Parcel Delivery Service Collection Times

Collection times with any courier or parcel delivery service will vary depending on the flexibility of the courier service you are using. It may also depend on the type of account you hold or the type of service you have chosen. Some parcel delivery services will allow you to pay more for a specific booking slot, but you will be paying a premium for this type of service.

The following information outlines the anticipated collection times with each of the carriers used by Transglobal Express:

• DHL Air Express - Collections can normally booked within a 3 hour window. The latest available "Goods ready time" will be shown online during the booking process.


• DHL Europlus - We are unable to make AM or PM bookings with DHL Europlus, if you book in advance of the collection date, the goods must be available for collection between 9am and 5.30pm. If your booking is processed before midday, same day collections can usually be made providing the goods are available for collection up until 5:30pm. 


• FedEx - If you book on to our FedEx service your parcel will be collected by City Link. Bookings must be made by midday and your parcel must be available for collection between 2pm and 5pm.


• Eurotrux - This is a business-to-business parcel delivery service supplied by TNT. Collections can be usually be arranged for the same day providing the booking is made before midday. Goods must be available for collection between 2pm and 5pm.

For most postcodes, collections can be booked between 2pm and 5pm on  UPS Worldwide, UPS Expedited and UPS Standard services. It may also be possible to arrange a later booking on request.

Restricted Package Contents on Parcel Delivery Services

All Parcel Delivery and courier services have a policy which lists any items which are either prohibited or restricted.

Prohibited items will not be accepted for shipment under any circumstances. 

Restricted items can be shipped subject to approval by the courier.

The list can vary from courier to courier and we recommend that you check with your individual courier to see what restrictions they have in place on their delivery services.

If you are sending a restricted item, you should notify your courier in advance. By not doing this you risk them rejecting or delaying the delivery of your parcel and you may incur additional charges if you attempt to send a restricted item without first informing them. Restricted parcel items will usually be accepted as long as they are sufficiently packaged. However, no compensation will be awarded in the event that they become lost or damaged in transit.

We have previously posted a list of prohibited items on all parcel delivery services. The following listed items are examples of restricted parcel contents with the majority of parcel delivery services:

• Perishable food
• Furniture - Flat packed furniture can be accepted, check with your courier)
• Cash (including cheques or any other vouchers with a face value)
• Personal Effects
• Living or dead animals
• Works of Art
• Body parts or human remains
• Jewellery, including watches (Transglobal parcel delivery services using UPS can accept jewellery or watches up to a value of 500 USD)
• Liquids or alcohol
• Precious metals or precious stones
•  Legal or business documents
• Antiques
• Tobacco products
• Animal fur or skin
• Televisions - Unable to accept televisions on any Transglobal (UPS) service

This list is not exhaustive and further information is available from transglobalexpress.co.uk. Please check with your courier for confirmation of their package restrictions. For specific to individual carriers, please use the following links:

• UPS's unacceptable items list
• DHL's Standard Prohibited Commodities
• FedEx Prohibited Items and Conditions of Carriage - Refer to section 8
• DPD's unacceptable items list
• TNT's Shipping Restrictions - TNT cannot insure certain items which include (but are not limited to) glass items, laptops and televisions.

Advice and guidance on how to package your parcel is available here.

Prohibited Package Contents on all Parcel Delivery Services

It is important for you to be aware that there are many items which are not accepted on to any International Parcel Delivery or Couriering services. Restricted and prohibited items can vary depending on which parcel delivery service supplier you are using.

We have put together the following guidelines outlining common items which can not be accepted for carriage or storage. This list is not exhaustive and we strongly recommend that you check the guidelines of the individual courier before attempting to send you package. 

PROHIBITED ITEMS

The following items cannot be accepted for storage or carriage with any parcel delivery service:


Explosive Material

• Fireworks
• Ammunition - cartridges for weapons or gunpowder
• Helium
• Weapons or detonators
• Fire Extinguishers
• Safety matches, torch or cigarette lighters
• Vehicle Airbags
• Life Jackets & Self-inflating Rafts
• Camping Stoves and Fuel Containers

Toxic Chemicals

• Cleaners and Solvents
• Insecticides
• Liquid Bleach and Chlorine
• Adhesives
• Radioactive Materials
• Wet-Cell and Lithium Batteries
• Pepper Spray
• Infectious Substances

Flammable Materials

• Paint or turpentine
• Compressed air or gas cylinders
• Fuel - Cooking fuel or any flammable liquids
• Gasoline
• Aerosols or Perfumes
• Mercurial Thermometer or Barometer
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Hair Curlers containing Hydrocarbon Gas

Narcotics

• All illegal drugs

The police and/or HM Customs will be informed immediately if any illegal drugs are found. This includes Khat. If Khat is found in your shipment you will be fined £100.


Other Items

• Blank Credit and/or Debit cards

This list is not exhaustive and further information is available from transglobalexpress.co.uk. We strongly urge you to refer to the guidelines your chosen courier service. The following links should point you in the right direction.

• UPS unacceptable items list
• DHL's Standard Prohibited Commodities
• FedEx Prohibited Items and Conditions of Carriage - Refer to section 8
• DPD's unacceptable items list
• TNT's Shipping Restrictions - TNT cannot insure certain items which include (but are not limited to glass items, laptops and televisions

International Parcel Delivery Documentation

Regardless of which International Parcel Delivery service you choose to use, it is important that all the necessary documentation is in place before you send you package internationally. This will ensure that your parcel will be delivered without any problem or delay. All good courier and parcel delivery services will be able to advise you on the required documentation for each destination.

The following information is intended to help you understand and access the documentation you will need to have in place to ensure smooth delivery of your parcel.

• Packing Lists - All shipments being transported by air have to go through a security process during which time they will be x-rayed. We recommend that you attach a packing list to you parcel which will allow the operator to know the contents of your parcel before it is x-rayed.
• Non-EU Destination Shipments - All shipments being transported to non-EU destinations will require 4 commercial invoices. If you are sending a parcel privately you are required to include a valued packing list.

  Where possible you should use your own invoices if you have them.

• If you booked through Transglobal Express or Transglobal Premium the online booking system will generate and invoice / packing list for you. Please note that the details and value of your parcel must be entered in order for you to do this.

Alternatively, we have basic templates and customs forms available for you to download. Click here to access templates for the necessary International Parcel Delivery Documentation.

International Freight Forwarding

International Freight Forwarders play an important role in delivering a shipment to overseas destinations. This involves ensuring that goods are delivered to their destination on time and in pristine condition. They also take care of the complex documentation required to import and export goods without delay. This documentation includes:

• Commercial Invoices
• Export Declarations
• Bills of Lading

Delivery or shipping dates are included in the shipping contract. 

International Courier and Freight Forwarding companies are fully licensed and accredited. Customs are advised to check the accreditation of a freight service before signing any agreement. 

Some Freight Forwarding services will also get involved in the packaging of goods ready for transportation. This ensures that they reach their destination undamaged. They also work with customs officials to ensure the safe transportation of goods.

• Click here for more detailed information about freight forwarders and their role in international delivery. 
• For further information about the Shipping and International Parcel Delivery Documentation, click here.

International Couriers - Tips to help you when choosing which courier company is right for you

International parcel delivery is a highly competitive market. With so many courier companies to choose from, how do you know which one is offering the right service for you?

1. Customer Testimonials - Who better to judge the reliability of a service than the people who use it? Look for customer testimonials on the courier companies website. You may be able to contact the customers and ask about their experiences with the courier. You could also try looking for recommended courier services on popular forums and consumer websites. Customer satisfaction ratings will also give you an idea about competency of the courier company.


2. Reliability - Building a reputation for reliability and prompt, timely delivery is essential to any courier company offering an international parcel delivery service. Don't be afraid to research the company and look for a courier service that is known for prompt parcel delivery.


3. Safe Delivery - A good courier service will not only get your parcel to its destination on time, but it will also get it there in one piece! Some simple background research into a company will give you an insight into the types of goods they can handle, from heavy to fragile. If in doubt, contact the courier company direct and ask about the nature of the goods you wish to send. They should be able to advise you on the right courier service for your shipment, as well as offer advice on how to package your parcel for safe shipment.


4. International Customs & Taxes - Look for a firm that offers you the right service at the right price. Try to find a courier company that offers cheaper international taxes and customs rates, as this will reduce your overall expenses. A good courier company will be able to advise you on any paperwork that needs to be completed to ensure you parcel is delivered without delay.


5. Tracking Options - Online parcel tracking is a service offered by most courier companies. This allows you to easily track the progress of your parcel from collection through to delivery, and identify if there have been any delays with the shipment without the hassle of having to phone the courier company directly. For your own peace of mind, try to choose a courier company which allows you to track your parcel via their websites.

With a wealth of information available on the internet, it is very easy to research the credibility of a courier company. Customer testimonials will often testify to a couriers reliability, efficiency and affordability. It may also be worthwhile checking out discount courier services who re-sell the services of all the big courier firms but at a fraction of the cost.  

• How to choose the best parcel delivery service
• Customer feedback on Transglobal Express services

The Importance of Freight Forwarders and their role in International Parcel Delivery

Freight Forwarders are specialists in ensuring the smooth delivery of freight or goods to any destination across the world. They are skilled in dealing with any freight related problem and ideal for any business who needs to send large shipments internationally on a regular basis.


Historically, Freight Forwarders were primarily important for the import and export industry, however increased worldwide shipping demand has lead to the introduction of additional challenges and Freight Forwarders are now an essential service to all courier companies.

By using ther services of a Freight Forwarding company you gain access to expert professional advice and logistical guidance. They offer far greater flexibility by offering a greater range of parcel delivery and shipment options by offering air freight and sea freight services. Shipment methods can therefore be individually tailored to meet any budget and timescale requirements. 

International Freight Forwarding can be confusing and it is important that all the correct paperwork is completed and submitted to the right authorities. Freight Forwarders will take care of all the necessary documentation and are well versed about all customs and international shipping laws so you can be sure that your shipment, large or small, will be delivered quickly and efficiently and without delay.


For further information, you may be interested to read the following related articles:

• Efficient Parcel Delivery - Air Freight Services Uncovered 
• Parcel Delivery services offered by Transglobal Express
• What are the advantages of using Air Freight to send a parcel abroad?
• What Air Freight service options are available?
• What are the advantages of sending a shipment by Sea Freight?

Parcel Delivery and Shipment Rates

Various factors will effect the fees charged by parcel delivery companies, including size, weight, destination, type of goods, and type of delivery service.

If you want next day delivery, you will be paying a premium for this service. Likewise, if you wanted to send a parcel to East Asia you would be charged more than if you wanted to send a parcel to Europe.

You may also incur additional charges if you want to send perishable goods which will need refrigerated units. Or you may want to take out additional parcel delivery insurance against loss or damage. You will be made aware of and agree to any surcharges of this kind prior to confirmation of your order.

There are two main criteria to calculate the final rate for your shipment:

• The destination of the package (UK and European shipments include VAT as an additional charge).

• The size and weight of your shipment.

You will be asked for the physical size and weight of your parcel during the quotation stage of the process. It is important that the information you provide is as accurate as possible to avoid additional charges and delay in delivery of your parcel. All carriers will check the weight and dimensions of a package and adjust the charges accordingly.

The Volumetric Weight of your package will also be taken into consideration when calculating the final cost. This is a term which refers to the amount of space that a parcel occupies.  If a package is lightweight but occupies a larger volume of space, the final charge will be calculated based on the volumetric weight (for example, balloons occupy more space than they weigh).

Parcel Delivery Services offered by Transglobal Express

Transglobal Express offers much more than just a courier and parcel delivery service. We are also a Freight Forwarding company offering Air Freight and Sea Freight services. We are account holders with many of the top national and international courier companies and we are able to offer their services at discounted rates due to the volume of business we pass on to them.

Heres a quick break down of what you can expect if you choose one of our door to door parcel delivery, air freight or sea fright services.

Door to Door Courier and Parcel Delivery Service

•  SAVE MONEY - Our rates are generally around 50% less than the carriers standard rates. You receive the same service but pay a fraction of the cost. 
• SAVE TIME - Our online booking facility is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access free, no-obligation quotations and book collection and delivery of your parcel at your convenience. One simple quotation through our website allows you to compare prices from each of the leading courier companies. 
• AVOID CALL CENTRES - We have a dedicated customer services team who are available to offer advice and support. They have access to key account personnel within the courier companies and will be able to deal with any problems quickly and efficiently on your behalf.

Air and Sea Freight Services

• COLLECTION THROUGHOUT MAINLAND UK - We will arrange for your parcel to be collected from anywhere within the UK mainland.
• WORLDWIDE PARCEL DELIVERY - We can offer Air Freight services on all major airlines to over 900 airports worldwide.
• CLEARANCE & DELIVERY AT DESTINATION - Our new air freight service now includes clearance and delivery at destination.
• Sea Freight part load service to all key ports and terminals worldwide. 

Excess Baggage Forwarding

We offer excess baggage forwarding on all services by air and sea.

Further Information

• For an Air Freight quotation visit www.transglobalexpress.co.uk
• To access a Sea Freight quotation, please visit www.transglobalexpress.co.uk
• For a quotation for our door to door courier service, please visit www.transglobalexpress.co.uk

How to choose the best parcel delivery service

Most parcel delivery services work in a very similar way. You book your delivery with the courier company, and your parcel is collected and transported by the courier who then delivers the parcel to your recipient. The trick is finding a courier who can provide a service which is reliable, cost-effective, and meets your own specific requirements.

Below we have posted some guidelines aimed at helping you to choose the best parcel delivery service for your shipment.

• Always opt for an intermediary parcel delivery service provider. They can provide you a 'discount courier service' and supply comparative quotes from all the leading courier companies. They also offer discounted rates so you can be sure that you are getting good value for money.
• Even when you book through an intermediary, you are getting the equivalent of the courier company's full price service. You receive the same protection as if you booked with them direct. It varies between couriers how much you will receive if a parcel is damaged or lost but it is usually a maximum of about £50 per item. You should always check before to see what protection you have with your carrier. You should also check the courier's terms and conditions to confirm that your item is covered.
• If your item is valuable, most intermediaries will offer parcel delivery insurance, which is an additional surcharge covering your parcel for a higher value. Insurance surcharges are usually very reasonable and will allow you to cover your shipment up to a value of £1000. You will need to request the additional insurance cover from the intermediary as this will not be included as standard. If you do need to make a claim you will need to be able to prove the value of your shipment. It is worth checking the terms and conditions of the carrier before taking out the additional insurance.
• Some couriers will offer 'Express' and 'Rapid' delivery options. These terms can mean different things to different companies so always check the specific timescale in which your parcel will be delivered. If you want delivery of your package to be within a specific time you will need to find a parcel delivery service that offers that facility. Always check before you book.
• Not all parcel delivery companies are equipped to handle big shipments. Check that your chosen parcel delivery service can courier your parcel before you book. Most companies will ask for the weight and dimensions of your parcel prior to offering you a quotation.

 
Try to consider the above guidelines when choosing which parcel delivery service is right for you. These have been designed to ensure that you receive the best value courier service which suits your particular needs. If you are in any doubt at all then ask the courier company before you book!

For further information about choosing the best parcel courier service, visit www.transglobalexpress.co.uk.

Transglobal Express Parcel Packaging Service

Choosing the most appropriate method to package your parcel is key to ensuring that your parcel arrives safely and without delay.

Always try to choose the right sized package for your item. Boxes which are too big are likely to get squashed; packages which are too small for the item is likely to burst in transit.  Always use high quality materials and consider strength and durability when selecting your wrapping supplies.

If you find yourself short and need to get your parcel sent out at short notice, Transglobal Express can offer the following packaging solutions:

• Standard boxes* (59 x 40 x 54cm)
• Large boxes* (60 x 49 x 58cm)
• Pallets* - We can secure and wrap your boxes onto a suitable sized pallet which can be heat treated and stamped as required (depending on the destination).
• Wooden crates* - All crates are made to measure.

*Prices for all of our packaging options can be supplied on request.

All shipments must be wrapped and packaged and may be rejected by the courier if they are deemed to be insufficiently packaged. This is not only to protect your goods, but also to prevent damage to other parcels during transit. Our standard and large boxes are reinforced double-walled cardboard boxes and can be delivered direct to your door on a next day service via DHL.

Please refer to our article 'DHL Packaging Advice for Safe Parcel Delivery' for further information and advice for how to package your parcel.

Efficient Parcel Delivery - Air Freight Services Uncovered

Air Freight services play an important role in cargo transport and there are many people involved in successfully making the service as reliable and efficient as possible.

Air Freight agents are responsible for importing and exporting cargo by ensuring that inbound and outbound air freight shipments are directed to their respective destinations, and within the required timescale. Certain air freight agents may also specialise in specific parts of the world.

Prior to transportation, cargo needs to be assembled on the basis of their destination and space for the shipment needs to be arranged in the transport being used. Air Freight agents will then take bookings from customers and arrange for the collection of the goods.

In addition to the above, Air freight agents also fulfil the following reponsibilities:

• Preparing the required documentation
• Notifying of any shipment delays to the individuals concerned
• Unloading goods and contacting customers
• Weighing the transported shipment and calculating the cost
• Coordinating and managing the movement of cargo to between international destinations

Two very important checks to ensure successful international parcel delivery...

Excess baggage charges is a common issue when it comes to air transport, irrespective of whether it is a commercial or domestic airline.  If you were going on holiday, you would expect to pay excess baggage charges on your luggage if it is overweight or if you have too many items. Similarly, sending a parcel internationally can become quite expensive if you incur excess baggage charges.

Here are a couple of important checks for you to consider prior to packing your parcels, when requesting a quotation, or before booking a parcel delivery service to any destination.


Check Baggage Allowance

It may sound simple, but the first and most important thing for you to do is to check the maximum baggage weight allowed. The size and weight of your package could mean the difference between the package being sent via passenger air transport and specialist courier cargo plane.

If you can send your package via passenger air transport, you can make significant savings. Check the weight of your package to ensure that it meets the allowance specified by the courier company. Also, if you received a quotation for delivery of a parcel based on specific parcel weight and dimensions, double-check the weight and dimensions of your package against those which you entered at the quotation stage.

Couriers will check the weight and dimensions of a package and additional charges will be incurred if they are found to be greater than those quoted for.


Check the Contents
 
Shipping goods from one place to another is generally not difficult and most goods carrier services offer a reliable delivery service for a variety of shipment types. However, there are certain things which can not be taken onboard.

For this reason , you should be aware of the list o f items which can not be shipped to a specific country. This will save yo u time, money and reputation as you reduce the risk of delay or failed delivery of your package.

We have published a list of common restricted and prohibited items which can not be accepted for carriage or storage. This page also contains further links to each courier's specific unaccepted and restricted items.

If you are at all unsure about whether your item will be accepted for international parcel delivery, please contact our customer services team who are available to offer you information and advice.


Related Links

• Packaging advice for safe parcel delivery
• How much does it cost to send my parcel internationally?
• Prohibited Package Contents on all International Delivery Services