Guide to Using Package Delivery Services

Increase your business' productivity by using package delivery services domestically and internationally

By Kelly Shetsky, Anchor/Reporter

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use technological tools to manage package delivery

High-tech package delivery solutions include the ability to manage domestic and international package shipping from your office computer, thanks to a web-based program. Create package labels, reports and schedule pickups without leaving the office.

I recommend: DHL offers two products to help your business with package and delivery services: WebShip and CorporateShip. Schedule a pickup with FedEx online. Simply create a user ID and password. USA Couriers use walkers, bikers, cars, vans and trucks to ensure same day delivery. They also offer priority overnight with late day and early morning pickup and delivery.

Track door to door package delivery for peace of mind

There's no need to wonder if your package delivery company got the shipment to your destination. Instead, use an online tracking system to see exactly where your shipment is.

I recommend: USPS allows you to track and confirm door to door package delivery by entering the receipt or label number online. You can also sign up to participate in their email tracking program, which will send you all activity in the future or all activity to this point. AFPlus allows you to track packaged online using a tracking number or shipping reference number.

Handle billing online to eliminate paper waste

Whether your company specializes in domestic or international package shipping, most delivery services now allow you to pay your bill online. Some, such as UPS, will email PDF invoices to more than one recipient to make business flow smoother.

I recommend: Register for the UPS Billing Center to view package delivery rates and pay your company's invoice with the click of the mouse. Sign in to handle FedEx, including receiving company shipping invoices online and paying via paper check or Electronic Funds Transfer.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Most package delivery companies will estimate the taxes and duties for international shipments.

Guide to Overnight Delivery Services for Business

Discover the quickest, most economical overnight package delivery services

By Frances Sharpe, freelance writer/editor

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

FedEx overnight delivery services

FedEx offers three overnight options for small package delivery: FedEx First Overnight (next business day delivery by 8, 8:30, 9 or 10 a.m.), FedEx Priority Overnight (next business day by 10:30 a.m. to most areas) and FedEx Standard Overnight (next business day by 3 p.m. to most areas). Only for small packages less than 150 pounds, these services offer Saturday pick-ups in many areas for an additional charge.

I recommend: Check ZIP codes for FedEx First Overnight to see if your parcel delivery is eligible for this service. For small parcels that are going to remote areas, FedEx Priority Overnight can get them there by noon, 4:30 or 5:30 p.m. Available in all 50 states, FedEx Standard Overnight is the most economical of FedEx’s overnight package delivery services.

DHL overnight delivery services

With DHL Next Day, your small packages up to 150 pounds can be delivered by 10:30 a.m., noon or 3 p.m. the next business day.

I recommend: For this package delivery company’s quickest overnight option, choose DHL Next Day 10:30 a.m. Check out the optional services available for DHL Next Day 12 p.m., including Saturday pick-up and delivery, hazardous material service, thermo-express, and Sunday, holiday and after-hours service. Many of these services are also available when using the cheaper DHL Next Day 3:00 p.m.

UPS overnight delivery services

UPS Next Day Air Early A.M., UPS Next Day Air and UPS Next Day Air Saver are the three overnight delivery service options available from UPS.

I recommend: For time-critical shipments, choose UPS Next Day Air Early A.M., which guarantees arrivals by 8, 8:30, 9 or 10 a.m. Download package arrival times for this early morning service based on destination ZIP codes. Depending on the destination, arrival times for UPS Next Day Air are 10:30 a.m., noon or end of business day. When afternoon deliveries meet your needs, opt for the cheaper UPS Next Day Air Saver, offering deliveries by 3 or 4:30 p.m. for commercial destinations and by end of business day for residential destinations. Calculate delivery times and rates for your particular shipments on the UPS website.

U.S. Postal Service overnight delivery services

The USPS’s Express Mail package delivery service guarantees parcel delivery to many U.S. destinations by noon or 3 p.m. the following day. Prices start at just $14.40, which is often the cheapest of all the overnight package delivery companies. Bonus: the package delivery services are also available on Sundays and holidays at no extra charge.

I recommend: Calculate overnight postage, order shipping boxes and print shipping labels online. Find additional links for the USPS page from Business.com.

Courier and messenger services offering overnight delivery services

Many same-day courier and messenger services also provide 24-hour turnarounds.

I recommend: Check the listings of courier services at Business.com, which includes overnight services.

International overnight delivery services

The major overnight delivery services offer several international delivery options, some of which include overnight service to certain destinations.

I recommend: Check the transit times for your international package delivery with FedEx.com. Check out international shipping solutions from DHL and UPS. The USPS’s Global Express Guaranteed offers international delivery to select countries in 1-3 days with prices starting at $25.25 for documents and $38 for merchandise.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your budget is a concern, consider ground service when sending a small package locally. Package delivery companies won't guarantee overnight delivery, but packages often do arrive overnight.
• •  Always check rates online before choosing which overnight service you want.
• •  Use the overnight delivery company that provides the additional optional services you need.

Guide to Making the Most of Package Delivery Services

Making the most of package delivery services is the key to meeting business needs

By Kelly Shetsky, Anchor/Reporter

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Know exactly what you're getting before choosing a package delivery company

When your company needs to send and large or small package delivery, you need to know when it's going to get there. Every company is looking to save money, so it helps to know exactly what shipping will cost you. Use online tools to determine both before scheduling a pick up.

I recommend: Calculate the time and cost of domestic and international package shipping through UPS' online calculator. Simply enter the shipping weight and destination. Get local and ground same-day delivery as well as priority overnight from USACouriers.

Handle all shipping needs through a package delivery company

In addition to using package delivery companies for shipping, your business can get everything it needs including boxes and labels without leaving the office. The supplies will be delivered when shipments are picked up or dropped off.

I recommend: Like other package delivery companies, USPS allows you to print shipping labels online and order stationary, boxes and stamps. FedEx Office offers customers the ability to print newsletters, brochures, fliers and manuals.

Pre-pay for door to door package shipping and supplies

Get flexibility and convenience by opting for pre-paid package and delivery services. This makes shipping even easier and more convenient. Instead of boxing each package, weighing it and then paying for the postage, simply use pre-paid boxes and labels to streamline the process.

I recommend: In addition to offering same day package delivery, DHL ShipReady streamlines your businesses shipping by offering pre-paid boxes and envelopes. Get a quote for pakage delivery from 1-800 Courier and pay online before shipping.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Navigate the international package shipping process, including customs clearance and document preparation, using online tools available through package delivery companies.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Accessorials

Accessorials are additional charges on packages that result in extra work being placed on the carrier by the sender. These include charges for lack of information, wrong addresses, and more.

I recommend: View the glossary from Ship North America for an additional definition of the term accessorials.

Bill of lading

A bill of lading is a document used by package delivery carrier services. This document is the record of receipt from the carrier for the packages being shipped.

I recommend: Wise Geek has a more in-depth discussion of a bill of lading.

Certificate of origin

A certificate of origin is a special document used by the package delivery service industry specifying where the product originated. This is a necessary document that some countries require in order for a package to clear the country's customs system.

I recommend: Pick up more information about a certificate of origin from UPS.

Less than truckload (LTL) shipper

A less than truckload (LTL) shipper, as opposed to a truckload (TL) shipper which only operates with full truckloads, is a package delivery carrier that combines small shipments from different shippers. These packages are collected at specially placed hubs.

I recommend: Find out more about an LTL shipper from the discussion at Apparel Search.

Rate-shopping software

Companies use rate-shopping software to find the least costly carrier for packages needing delivery. The software determines the carrier based on the package's weight and final destination.

I recommend: View information regarding rate-shopping software from Logicor.

Tariff code

A tariff code is a set of numbers, consisting of a six to 10 digit number code, that is specific to certain types of products. The World Customs Organization determines the code and it is used for tax purposes on packages shipped internationally.

I recommend: Check All Business for a discussion of the tariff code used by package delivery services.