The company that you choose to deliver your package can have a significant impact on your time, finances, and satisfaction. When looking through your options for package delivery services, ask yourself these six questions:
1. What Type of Package Delivery Services Do They Specialize in?
Depending on your needs, this can be a deal breaker when choosing the right delivery company. Some companies may only offer standard or “express” local or national shipping. Others will have a plethora of services available to you, including international freight shipping by sea or air, over-sized and oddly shaped package shipping, and baggage delivery services.
2. How Long Have They Been in Business?
This question is used to qualify the company’s commitment to their line of work as well as reveal their experience in the shipping and delivery industry. Companies that have been in business for a decade or more are a good place to start. These package delivery services are established, likely have a regular and satisfied customer-base and will probably have a great track record.
3. Does the Delivery Company Subcontract Their Services?
If a company subcontracts their services, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Many companies do this in order to increase efficiency and to improve baggage shipping and receiving times. It is still an important question to ask, however, so that you are fully familiar with who is going to be handling your package along the way.
4. Is the Company Licensed for My Area?
International shipping companies typically have this detail covered, but they may not always. Licensed shipping companies have posted a monetary bond. Be sure to ask the question so that you know you’re fully protected should something happen to your items.
5. Does the Company Have a Physical Office or Warehouse?
Somewhat tied to asking about how long a company has been in business, a company with a physical office or warehouse gives you the peace of mind that it is an established business and not one that is likely to pick up and take off. If the company does have a physical office or warehouse, pay it a visit. See how operations are run, chat with a couple of employees, and get a sense for how things work.
6. What Kind Of Tracking Do They Offer?
The package delivery services on your shortlist of companies should offer some form of tracking. Preferably, they will offer real-time tracking where your package’s tracking number can be typed into a website and its whereabouts revealed. Others may only offer an email update for when your package is delivered. Whatever company you choose, make sure that the one selected offers the type of tracking you feel the most comfortable with using.
