Small Package Delivery in Europe Key Terms

Some key terms for delivering packages in Europe

To many U.S. businesses, the idea of successfully delivering packages to customers in Europe is intimidating. The parcel has to make its way across the pond and then be distributed locally to a specific location in a European Union nation. But there are services that help American companies ship and deliver these items efficiently. Reading up on some of the options for getting goods overseas and having them delivered in destination countries will help shippers see what needs to be done to get international parcels where they need to go.

Express mail

Each private company in the U.S. has their own criteria and metrics for express mail, but international express mail will be going abroad and is expedited as efficiently as possible. Express mail setups will accommodate a specific business time line to Europe.

Parcel tracking

Parcel tracking is when a delivery service gives you a tracking number that you can use to monitor where your package is over time. Often, this number is entered into a website for easy and convenient tracking.

Package forwarding

The method of package forwarding allows for better rates on shipping parcels out to Europe, or other areas, from the US. A forwarding company collects all of the senders' parcels and ships them collectively, thus saving the senders time and money.

International mail volume

International mail volume is the amount of mail that goes out from the US to other countries, including Europe. Senders and companies take note of this volume to plan services.

Royal Mail

Royal Mail is England's national mail service. In Europe, Royal Mail competes with other carriers, including other national carriers on the mainland. They also compete with large international shippers like DHL, whose trademark yellow vans can often be seen zipping through the streets of a European city.

Tariffs

One thing that people sending packages to Europe must always think about is the issue of tariffs. Tariffs are international taxes levied for a variety of reasons. They apply to nearly all kinds of mail.