01753 776000Picking the perfect courier service is no easy decision for any business. There are a lot of things to consider and questions to ask before you can narrow down your choices. If you have a lot of queries regarding courier services, then we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 of the most frequently asked courier service questions with answers to help.
- What Makes a Good Courier Service?
- What Makes a Bad Courier Service?
- What’s Intelligent Routing Software?
- What’s Courier Booking Software?
- What’s AEO Status?
- How Much Does a Courier Service Cost?
- How Do Courier Services Handle Customs Clearance?
- What’s The Difference Between Using a Courier and Regular Mail?
- What are the Different Types of Courier Service?
- Can an International Courier Fulfil All of My Shipping Needs?
1. What Makes a Good Courier Service?
When looking for the best courier service available for your business, a good place to start is their reviews. See what others are saying about them and if it’s all positive, then it’s a good sign. If you read a lot of negativity, then it might be best to steer away.
It’s also a good idea to look at some of the options and features they can provide to benefit you. These can include:
- Expertise.
- Flexibility.
- Competitive pricing.
- A Brexit strategy.
- Excellent customer service.
- An extensive transport network.
- Bespoke solutions.
- A proactive approach.
- Accreditations.
- Customs clearance.
- Knowledgeable, helpful and compassionate.
2. What Makes a Bad Courier Service?
Like the point above, a high rate of negative reviews suggests that the courier service might not have the greatest track record. That can be anything from offering poor customer service and communication to being unreliable or dishonest with the promises they make.
If they don’t offer the features above, it doesn’t necessarily make the courier service a bad option. However, it does show that they lack in certain areas which could hold your business back. Look to avoid those that offer a one-size-fits-all approach and instead, work alongside one that caters to your needs.
3. What’s Intelligent Routing Software?
The intelligent routing system takes certain factors into account when making a decision on which route a particular shipment will take. Usually, a courier will use a tried and tested journey for the shipment to take, believing that it’s the most efficient route.
However, that’s not always the case. Factors such as customs, geography and even service affecting weather play a huge role. Intelligent Routing takes such factors into account, and will then work around them to find the most optimal route for your shipments.
Intelligent Routing isn’t something every courier service offers. Find out more about how intelligent routing works here.
4. What’s Courier Booking Software?
Courier booking software has been designed to help businesses like yours manage your day-to-day distribution needs. It boosts both effectiveness and efficiency by eliminating the use of paper and the reliance on email to manage the entire process.
That means you can focus less on searching endlessly through paper and emails, and more time focusing on the business tasks which actually matter - so you won’t be staying late.
Courier booking software makes the best use of the resources available. Each booking procedure becomes more seamless by offering an all-in-one solution. To find out more about why the right courier booking software can be so useful to your business, check out this blog.
5. What’s AEO Status?
Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status is an international accolade that recognises quality. If a courier service has this certification, then it shows that their role within the international supply chain is secure and that they’re well-established in the industry.
Think of it as a hallmark for quality, so courier services with this status have an edge over other alternatives. If you find a courier service with this status, it shows they’re capable of carrying out correct procedures and meeting both legal exportation requirements and EU standards.
6. How Much Does a Courier Service Cost?
A lot of variables can determine the cost of a courier service. Firstly, it can depend on the company you choose to work with. That can then be broken down into the types of services they offer. This can include next-day delivery, international shipping and, in some cases, same-day delivery as well.
However, the price shouldn’t be the determining factor when making your decision. It’s also about finding real value with a courier company and what they can offer alongside regular services.
For example, cheaper options might seem attractive at first, but they may not put a great deal of emphasis on customer service. They might not want to build a relationship with you or might not offer unique add-ons, such as fulfilling bespoke or last-minute requests.
Instead, keep an eye on courier services that offer competitive pricing along with the ability to meet your requirements.
7. How Do Courier Services Handle Customs Clearance?
Shop around before making your ultimate decision. One of the main things that will help with smooth customs clearance is working with the right courier partner.
As they’re likely to be experts, they can help get your goods through customs while maintaining the speed and security of the delivery. Whether it’s offering expert tips and advice or having contacts to make the process seamless, they should have methods in place to make it as fast and efficient as possible.
8. What’s the Difference Between Using a Courier and Regular Mail?
If you need to send a package that is not time critical, or doesn’t require tracking and proof of delivery, then you can head to the nearest post office or similar regular mail service that have very limited options.
However, if you have a need for regularly sending items and you do require tracking, proof of delivery and hands on customer service in order to keep your business running then the postal service isn’t the most practical option, you’ll benefit from working with a dedicated courier partner who can offer such services.
9. What Are the Different Types of Courier Service?
Again, the types of courier services can differ from company to company. At Crossflight, we have a range of services to suit your needs. These include:
- International.
- Domestic.
- Express.
- Timed delivery options.
- Same-day service for domestic deliveries.
- Overnight.
- Onboard courier.
By having these options available, you don’t have to settle for a generic approach. Instead, you can receive a service that best meets your requirements, ensuring your items reach their destination on time and within budget.
10. Can an International Courier Fulfil All of My Shipping Needs?
By choosing the right courier service, you won’t need more than one to fulfil your international shipping needs. During your search, make sure you find out the features they offer which will indicate that they can fulfil all your needs.
If needs be, get in touch for more tailored solutions before committing.
Wondering if You Need a New Courier? Get Your Checklist And Find Out
Choosing the right courier service is never an easy task. You shouldn’t rush and pick the first option you see or leave it too late that it begins to damage your business. To help you weigh up your options, we’ve created a free checklist to help determine the best course of action.
From signs that you need a new courier company to tips on choosing the right courier service to work with, we’ve covered it all. To get your free copy, click on the link below.
