How to Ship With Private Parcel Services

Private parcel services let small business owners send packages quickly, and in some cases, cheaper than with the United States Postal Service. There are now so many private services to choose from that deciding between them is a complicated mix of assessing the prices, services and delivery times that each service offers. Read on to learn how to ship with private parcel services.

Instructions

1. Find out which parcel services are available in your area. Go to the websites of the largest parcel services, FedEx, UPS, Airborne Express and DHL, and find the closest service center that would be convenient for dropping off packages.

2. Ship your largest and heaviest boxes with private parcel companies, which will save you money. Consolidate items into the fewest number of boxes to reduce the price.

3. Use your own packaging to save money. Use the packaging from the private service to save time. Save even more time by going to a drop off delivery store that will sell you the packaging and pack the box for you.

4. Make sure the insurance offered is enough to cover the cost of the item. Use a carrier that offers free insurance to save on insurance costs, but upgrade the insurance if it still isn't enough. Read the insurance contract carefully to see whether it covers damage to the item, or if it only covers a missing package.

5. Keep the shipping receipts, which will have a specific tracking number listed for each package. Track the package online at the private delivery service's website to watch its progress as it travels toward its destination.

6. Enforce the shipping company's policies by seeking damages for missing packages, and ask for a refund for packages not delivered when promised. Remember, that delivery services will not offer reimbursements. It is up to you to ask for a reimbursement.