For these reasons, International shipments can be quite expensive, especially when delivering time sensitive consignments overseas.

There are a wide variety of options available from FedEx to DHL and UPS to TNT. All of these providers offer a wide variety of services and costs. Some are stronger in some areas and weaker in others. For example FedEx dominates in the United States however is sometimes viewed to be weak in Europe. DHL however is often felt to be strong in Europe but not too good in the US. TNT on the other hand is often felt to be too expensive to many areas.

There are alternatives to these leading brand providers. Many smaller courier companies that offer International courier services are called consolidators and often ‘cherry-pick’ between the leading providers and pick those services according to individual routes. For example they could chose FedEx to the US and DHL to the rest of the world. This way the best service can be guaranteed and, given the large volumes often going through these companies, cost savings can still be achieved.

In essence any International Courier user needs to be confident of two things: (1) it is getting the best service in terms of guaranteed deliveries, and (2) it is getting the best value for money.

Considering point 1, an International Courier user needs to know that their parcel or package is going to reach its destination within the promises set out by the courier company. For example, it should arrive in one piece, in the same condition that it left and it should arrive within the time scale agreed and paid for by the customer.

On point 2, it is important that the customer is not overcharged for the service. Sometimes it is wise to shop around for your Courier.