TNT Express expands its low-carbon fleet in UK and Ireland

Good news for environmentally conscious UK shippers: TNT Express announced last week that its new fleet of collection and delivery vehicles across the UK and Ireland is much greener and more efficient! If you  regularly book UK parcel deliveries, it's likely that your parcels may have already been delivered in one of TNT's new vehicles, which have been undergoing a fleet renewal programme since late July 2013.

Alistair Cochrane, MD of TNT UK & Ireland, with the new low-carbon fleet

TNT has been replacing old vehicles as they reach the end of their operating life. 300 new delivery vans have been ordered, with 200 vehicles having been delivered to date. The  new delivery vans benefit from a more aerodynamic body design and reduced fuel consumption while still being able to carry the same volume of parcels. The new boy design reduces drag, and with the overall weight of each vehicle has been reduced by 200kg by the introduction of plastic to the body construction. 

Transglobal Express offer TNT delivery services at a fraction of the cost of booking with the carrier directly. Click here to get a quote and book your door-to-door courier service today!

DHL Tradeteam wins Bramwell Pub Company logistics contract

DHL Tradeteam, the drinks logistics arm of international shipping and logistics company DHL, has become the strategic logistics partner of the Bramwell Pub Company, a business comprising over 190 pubs across the UK, under the 'Varsity', 'Smith & Jones' and 'Wild Lime Bar and Kitchen' brands. Tradeteam, which recently won the "Best Logistics Company" accolade in the 2013 Drinks Business Awards, plans to work with Bramwell to ensure a more efficient logistics service.

Roger Moxham, Chief Executive of the Bramwell Pub Company said: “We are delighted to be working with Tradeteam, one of the sector leading logistics specialists. Currently, the general managers receive multiple deliveries throughout the week. This appointment sees us take one step towards our goal of streamlining our business to make it more efficient and enabling our licensees to focus on delivering what matters most; compelling customer service and driving sales.”

Gavin Murdoch, Managing Director of Tradeteam added: “This is excellent news. As Bramwell’s primary drinks logistics partners we look forward to working closely together and applying our sector expertise to drive efficiency across Bramwell’s entire operation.”

A guide to Courier Services: how to weigh and measure your parcel

If you want to send a parcel within the UK or overseas via a courier service, the first thing you will want to do is get a quote. This way, you can easily compare prices and get the best possible deal for the service you require. Several factors determine the cost of sending your parcel. In addition to the destination country of the goods you'd like to send, the weight and dimensions of your parcel will also determine the price, and you will need to supply this information in order to get a quote. 

This seems simple enough, doesn't it? And it is! But there are a few areas where it's possible to slip up, and if you do not quote your parcel's weight and dimensions accurately at the point of obtaining a quote, you risk incurring additional charges from the carrier when they measure it themselves while it is in transit. Of course, no-one wants this to happen, so we've compiled a list of tips to assist you with careful measuring to ensure that the price you see is always the price you pay! 

Always aim for accuracy

If you're unsure of your parcel's exact weight and dimensions, at the point of obtaining your quote, you may be tempted to estimate it rather than giving exact figures. This is not advisable since all carriers weigh and measure the parcels themselves and levy charges if they find inconsistencies. While (gu)estimates may work to give you a rough guide on cost, at the point of booking you really should have weighed your parcel using quality scales and determined the length, height and width as accurately as possible. 

Measure the furthermost point of each dimension

Consider the image below. Which is the correct way to obtain the dimensions for this suitcase? Most first-time shippers (and even some seasoned shippers!) would probably be tempted to measure their shipment in accordance with the image on the left, but the measurements on the right are the correct ones to quote when obtaining a quotation. 

Carriers such as UPS and DHL Express use lasers to measure the parcels transported through their networks and this equipment measures from the furthest most point of each side of the parcel. In this case, including the wheels, the handle and the strap around the suitcase would be necessary in order for your dimensions to agree with those that the main carriers would measure using their specialised equipment. The same goes for cardboard boxes that are bulging at the sides. Aside from an indication of poor packaging, such instances could incur extra fees if they are not measured correctly.

Include your packaging in your quoted weight

It may sound obvious, but the weight of your parcel comprises both the items you wish to send as well as the cushioning to protect them and the shipping carton in which they are sent. Ideally, you should book deliveries only after your parcel is packaged so you can quote the correct weight.

Protect yourself

It's quite rare, but carriers make mistakes too when weighing and measuring your parcels! If you have followed all of the advice above and you are still contacted about a size or weight discrepancy, it's great for you if you have evidence to support your position. Before you send your parcel, why not cover yourself by taking photographs of it on the scales on which you measured it, and against the tape measures that you used to determine the dimensions?

For further information or to get a quote, please visit www.transglobalexpress.co.uk 

PR | Transglobal Express encourages heavyweight shipments to USA & Far East in the run up to Christmas

• Special rates for TG Express Worldwide available until 31^st December 2012

Bromborough, 11^th September 2012: From now on customers will be able to take advantage of Transglobal Express’ new heavyweight rates, which are amongst the most competitive available.


“By utilising the surplus capacities of one of the world’s largest courier companies, we are now able to offer our customers special rates for heavyweight shipments to USA and the Far East. These special rates are available with immediate effect and will run until Christmas”, said Lawson Archer, Managing Director of Transglobal Express.

As one of the leading independent courier & freight providers in the UK, Transglobal Express aims at offering quick, safe and cost-efficient services. TG Express Worldwide comprises all of these benefits. On-forwarding and final delivery is completed by one of the world’s leading carriers known for its outstanding service quality and reliability.

During the booking process, customers will be given the opportunity to book a collection from their UK address or organise their own delivery to a Transglobal Express receiving point.

As with all of our services, TG Express Worldwide has been fully integrated with the user account area, from where customers can access their labels and track their shipments. This promotional offer is expected to run until 31^st December 2012. Bookings for can be made at www.transglobal.org.uk.

- END -


Media Contact
Transglobal Express – PR & Media
Miriam Sauter
Tel.: +44 (0) 845 145 1212 
Email: miriam.sauter@transglobalexpress.co.uk
Internet: www.transglobal.org.uk
Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/transglobalexpr

Company Profile
Transglobal Express is one of the UK’s leading international courier and freight forwarding providers. Since its incorporation in 1993, Transglobal Express has gained an excellent reputation for its high quality air freight, sea freight and worldwide courier services. 

In 2005, Transglobal Express moved its premises from Birkenhead to a purpose built office and warehouse facility based in the Wirral International Business Park, enabling the company to centrally control and manage its International Courier, Air Freight and Sea Freight shipping services.

Download - Press Release (PDF)

  

eBay-Tip: How to Save on Back to School Clothing & Shipping Costs

In August 2011, UK families had to fork out an average sum of £191.96 on back to school clothing. In fact, many poorer parents spent about 40 percent of their monthly salary on the increasingly high costs of stationary, gym kits and other back to school equipment (Guardian, 03/08/2011).

No wonder many parents decide to look at alternative ways of shopping and shipping school uniforms, especially now that we are only a few weeks away from the start of the new academic year.

The World of eBay 

For most of us eBay shopping is the first idea which springs to mind when thinking about savings. Why invest a lot of money knowing that your children will have outgrown their school uniforms within a year anyway?

Organising your own shipping

Ask the eBay seller if he / she would consider letting you organise the shipping of your purchase. 

Shipping back to school clothing or stationary via courier can save you time and money. Most courier services will offer you a section of various discounted express and standard parcel services. Plus, you will be able to track your shipment’s progress at any time. No more worrying about delays or lost parcels. 

This way you can ensure that your children have everything they need for their first day back at school whilst also saving a few quid, you might want to spend elsewhere.

Where to book cheap courier services

To get a quote for your shipment and compare a range of low-cost services, visit TransglobalPremium.co.uk

Can you collect my parcel from my home address?

Most courier companies carry out parcel collections from the sender’s home address. In fact, this is a very convenient, popular alternative to queuing up in the post office.

However, there are a few points which you should consider before booking a home collection with the courier company of your choice.

1. Labelling

Always ensure that your parcel has the label and packing list attached to the outside packaging. If you send multiple parcels, each of them has to have these two items. This is a simply way of ensuring that none of your parcels get lost or put together with a different shipment.

2. Be at home!

Somebody needs to be available for the hours of your requested collection also known as “ready-time”.  If you know in advance that you will not be at home, ask a neighbour or a friend to cover for you and to hand the parcels over to the driver.  

3. What if my parcel does not get collected?

Should your parcel collection fail, always ring the courier service with whom you booked and ask them to arrange a second collection. Sometimes a driver may leave a notification card, so remember to check your letterbox. 

Depending on the carrier, a failed collection surcharge may still apply. Also be aware that some carriers may only attempt to collect your parcel for a limited number of times.

4. Re-arranging your parcel collection

If you would like to re-arrange your collection because you cannot make the original date, get in touch with courier company and ask for a re-booking. Collections will usually be carried out during the weekend and not on the weekend. Have this in mind when asking for a new date.

Have your parcel collected by a fast, cost-efficient and reliable courier service. Visit TransglobalPremium.co.uk and get a free, no-obligation quote.

DPD Action Plan for Olympic Games 2012

Today, the courier service, DPD, announced its action plan for the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012 in London. 

Its Olympics Project Team has developed a detailed plan responding to the increase demand of parcel deliveries during the Olympic Games as well as to the possibly large scale of congestion.

 

The DPD action plan is aimed at ensuring on-time deliveries / collections throughout this summer and looks as follows:

• additional facility to open near London Bridge DPD depot
• increased number of routes in operation
• assistants hired to support DPD drivers with on-foot parcel deliveries
• early AM as well as late PM deliveries to be scheduled
• increased number of customer service / hotline staff
• coordination of events to carried out by DPD Olympic Specialist
• daily updates for London

Please note that certain venues will not be accessible. For more details, please refer to the DPD lockdown venues list.

Source: DPD

Collect a Parcel - Courier Services for Parcel Collections in the UK

Nowadays, you can easily arrange your parcel collection online and have your parcel collected by a courier service. Independent courier service agents like Transglobal Express make it possible for customers to save money and time. 

Why waste your time queuing if your can book your parcel collection and delivery online?

Not only will the courier driver come to your house / office, but you will also have the peace of mind to have personally handed over your consignment. That way you can be sure that your parcel is on its way straight to the next depot.

The collection time may vary according to your selected courier service.

>> DHL Air Express

• DHL parcel collection to be booked within a 3h window. 
• Notice with latest available collection time shown during booking process.

>> DHL Europlus

• DHL same day service
• Bookings to be made before midday for parcel to be collected before 5.30pm. 
• If collection booked in advance, consignment has to be ready to go between 9am and 5.30pm. 

>> UPS Parcel Services

• UPS parcel collection to be arranged between 2pm and 5pm. 
• Special cases: later collection may be possible. Please contact Transglobal Express if you would like to discuss this option. 

>> DPD and TNT Parcel Services

• Customers required to have consignments ready before midday if want to have them collected on same day. 
• Parcels to be collected between 2pm and 5pm. 

For any further questions about parcel collections and courier services, please visit the Transglobal Express website.


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• Send Chocolate By Courier | Tips & Tricks

Send Chocolate By Courier | Tips & Tricks

Image c/o LoveFood.com

Whether white, dark, crunchy inside or filled with nougat, we all love chocolate. And what a sweeter way could there be than to send chocolate to a friend or family member, but are we allowed to send chocolate by courier?

Yes, Transglobal Express allows consignments containing chocolate or other sweets as long as they are reasonably packaged and non-perishable.

One way to ensure that your chocolate does not get damaged, melts due to high temperatures, or freezes because it is too cold in the van, is to place it in a heat resistant container. Aluminium foil is also a cheap way of protecting your sweet goods. 

If you decide to send a chocolate using a courier service, make sure to ask if there are any packaging guidelines or restrictions you may need to consider. 

Is your parcel ready for dispatch? Then why not get a quote with one of our courier services?


You might also like:

• How to Send a Bike | Packaging Guide for Bike Delivery

Advice for SMEs : How to Save Money on Parcel Delivery Services

Hands down. These days everybody has to dig deeper into their pockets. Particularly small and medium businesses often find themselves in a struggle to compete with large enterprises who can afford deliver their products for free.

In this case, SMEs face one of their biggest challenges. Offering competitive prices and quick parcel delivery can quickly overstretches one’s already tight budget.

Discounted prices

Transglobal Express has always pushed for cheap prices. We spend a great deal of time negotiating the best rates and parcel services with leading carriers. As one of the UK’s premier worldwide courier providers, we can get you the best discounted rates. With Transglobal, you can save up to 67% on standard delivery rates.

Save time

Our in-house IT team invests a lot of time into developing our website and making it efficient and user-friendly as possible. Within a few steps, you can compare rates, make a booking, select a collection time and print out all the necessary documents needed for your parcel delivery.

Not quite convinced yet? Then have a read though our customer feedback.

Go global

Did you know that our parcel services serve 750 airports worldwide? We can ship your consignment to most international destinations – from Afghanistan or Alaska, to the USA or Zimbabwe. Our integrated booking system is connected with those of our carriers including DHL, UPS, DPD, TNT and FedEx. This way you can directly compare prices, book and track your shipment.

Recently, we launched a range of new country information pages. For example, if you want to send a parcel to USA, simply visit our USA country page and download the relevant customs forms, or read up on any import delivery information.

We hear you

Since our establishment almost 20 years ago, we have always put our customers first. Each member of our customer service team is specialised in certain field. Therefore, we will always make sure that your question is forwarded to the right person. 

Moreover, we have direct access to our carriers’ key account personnel in order to solve your queries as efficiently and quick as possible.

Related articles

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The Great Christmas Parcel Rush - Ways to Avoid Long Waiting Hours

According yesterday's reports by the Daily Mail,

Royal Mail customers have increasingly "experienced difficulties" over their parcel collections from local post offices.

Waiting times varied between 20 minutes in North Shields, North Tyneside and up to 90 minutes in Cambridge where approximately 70 people queued to collect their Christmas parcels.

Teacher, Jo Starkey (31) from Chorlton-cum-Hardy near Manchester, complained that she could "never park so [she] had to walk" despite being highly pregnant.

Image c/o North News & Pictures Ltd / Daily Mail

The Royal Mail stated that it would extend its opening hours for 1,400 local post offices whilst also delivering on sundays - but who knows if weather changes or else may affect deliveries...

Door-to-Door Parcel Deliveries - A Time-Saving Alternative

These days rarely anyone can afford to waste time on queuing up at the post office when this time could be spend somewhere else. Online courier services like Transglobal Express have enabled us to fit our parcel collections into the right slot in our dairies. With collection windows of as little as 3 hours, we can have our collected from our doorstep can send our parcels on the same day and have them collected from our doorstep.

On top of that, we can track and trace shipments using the Internet. Like Transglobal Express, many online courier services have discovered new ways of contacting a customer service advisers, i.e. about packaging guidance or insurance. Those of us who prefer instant online contact, can simply log into a live chat, tweet, Google+ or Facebook their questions.

Why not spare ourselves long waiting hours in the cold especially if online courier services offer the same service as booking with the carriers directly?

Source: DailyMail.co.uk / TransglobalPremium.co.uk

Related articles

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• Track your Parcel with DHL & UPS (transglobalexpress.blogspot.com)
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Online Shopping – How to Save on Delivery Costs

Today, the Daily Mail reported the latest stats with regards to this year’s Christmas online shopping.

“For the week ending December 9, consumers spent $5.9 billion online, up 15 per cent from the same period a year earlier (…) E-commerce spending for the first 39 days of the 2011 holiday season reached $24.6 billion, also up 15 per cent versus the corresponding days last year.” (Source: Daily Mail)

Are you planning on doing your Christmas shopping online this year? Did you know that you can often choose your own delivery method  such as a cheap courier service?

Here is an example.

Imagine, you finally found the right present for a friend. You clicked “buy” and were forwarded to the delivery overview page. Your online retailer gives you the choice of the following options: standard, free saver or overnight delivery.

You are being faced with some rather limiting choices. Either your parcel might be delayed if you decide on one of the first two “cheaper” delivery options, or you have to pay horrendous delivery charges to get your parcels delivered on the next day.

However, there is a third, much cheaper choice!

Most online retailers like Ebay or ASOS Marketplace give you the option to organise your own delivery. You can either collect the consignment yourself, or arrange for a courier service to come and pick it up.

Sending or importing parcels using a cheap courier service can save you a good deal of money. Imagine saving £10, £15 or more on delivery charges using a cost-efficient courier service like DHL, UPS, TNT or DPD. The courier driver would come to the seller’s door, pick up your parcel and deliver it directly to your home address.

Moreover, you can ensure a quick delivery by using express airway or road-based parcel services. Not to mention the peace of mind that it gives one when being able to track a shipment online. You might even decide to order to an enhanced transit liability for only £5 which would insure your goods for a value of up to £250.

Any further questions?

Why not get in touch with the applicable seller and ask him/her if they would be up for a door-to-door courier service. You can also contact a Transglobal Express customer service advisor who can help you with any queries regarding your parcel delivery.

Online shopping has always been easy, but now you can also save yourself a couple of quid!

Related articles

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DHL introduces changes to export regulations for Saudi Arabia

According to DHL, changes to export regulations for shipments going to Saudi Arabia are going to take effect on 1st January 2012.

You can find a checklist on Transglobal Express. 

Related articles

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UK ranks 6th amongst World’s Most Connected Countries

~ DHL GCI calls for better connected world in order to improve trade 

“It’s clear that global connectedness has enormous room to expand, even among the most ‘connected’ countries. […] The free trade of products and services contributed significantly to global prosperity.” (Dr Jan Muller, Deutsche Post DHL)

Connectedness, as stated by Dr Jan Muller, proves to be the central part of future economic growth. Recently published research by express delivery and parcel services market leader, DHL, strongly focusses on the “Global Connectedness” of countries. 

Moreover, it emphasises the connection between information, capital, trade and migration. According to DHL Global Connected Index (GCI), this tightknit bond can have a significantly improve trade flows, especially for larger countries. 

Out of 125 ranked countries, the UK came 6th. In fact, it out-ruled its competitors in terms of breadth. High scores were given for the UK’s four main strengths such as information, trade, capital and migration. All of them are closely intertwined contributing to a great breadth. In conjunction with long distance exports with the USA, this special "connectedness" helps the UK in having a high impact on international trade flows.

Beyond that, the UK’s transport and communications structure were ranked second in the world by DHL, the company itself being a prime example for an innovative, highly connected parcel delivery service.

(Source: DHL)

Track your Parcel with DHL & UPS

One of the many advantages of using an International door-to-door courier service over traditional postal services is that you can track the movement of your parcel at every stage of its journey. Parcel tracking is available through the websites of all top courier service providers and it is the fastest way for you to find out exactly where your parcel is.

With every shipment you place you will be given a unique tracking number which you can use to input into the parcel tracking tool on carriers website. This enables you to access your parcels current location and you can follow the progress of your consignment throughout it's journey. All leading UK courier and parcel delivery services will offer parcel tracking as a standard part of their services.

DHL Express Parcel tracking provides real-time details of your shipment’s progress as it is shipped through the DHL Network. UPS Parcel Tracking provides a number of tracking options and allows your track by reference number and receive email updates about the progress of your shipment.

Are you looking for a cheap, cost-effective parcel delivery service using a professional courier service? Do you want to be able to keep track of your parcel with real-time information?

Transglobal Express can provide UPS and DHL parcel delivery services a significantly reduced rates. We are highly competitive on all international delivery destinations and particularly on the cost of sending a parcel to USA or Australia.

Receive the same benefits and the same service as you would if you sent direct with DHL or UPS, but take advantage of our discounted rates. Parcel tracking services are also included which you can access through our website www.transglobalpremium.co.uk or direct through the carriers website.

If you have booked a parcel delivery service through Transglobal Premium you can track your shipment here.

Parcel Courier Services - Would you benefit from using a global courier?

Parcel courier services can be of benefit to both private and business customers. They can offer a much more individualised and personal parcel delivery service and you do not necessarily have to pay a premium to take advantage of the benefits.

If the answer is 'Yes' to any of the following questions, you would benefit by using the services of a professional parcel courier.

1. Do you need something delivered urgently and are you worried that a traditional postal service will not get it there on time?
2. Do you intend to send a parcel containing a valuable item which would benefit from special care and attention?
3. Do you want to be kept up-to-date with the progress of your parcel once it is in transit?
4. Are you a business or solicitors who needs to send legally-sensitive documents to a client which will require great security and high priority delivery?
5. Do you need to send a parcel overseas and do you need to make sure it arrives safely and on time? 
6. Are you a product manufacturing company who needs to get a prototype to a client for a presentation at short notice?
7. Do you need to send a parcel but have specific requirements which determine how they should be transported
8. Do you have a unique delivery request that traditional postal services can not provide?

Parcel courier services have the flexibility to adapt their service to accomodate your needs. If you need your parcel delivering urgently they will be able to arrange collection, transportation, and delivery of your parcel so that it arrives on-time and in-tact. If your parcel contains valuable contents, parcel courier services can provide great care and attention to ensure that your parcel doesn't get damaged in transit, and all reputable courier services will also offer insurance cover to protect the goods against loss or damage - please check with your individual courier to find out about their standard cover and terms and conditions. Some couriers will offer standard insurance covering items for up to a maximum value (of around £50) which will be included in the price.

Parcel Tracking is one of the key benefits of using a parcel courier. This enables you to use the couriers website to 'track' the progress of your package throughout its journey, and to be the first to know once it has been delivered safely. Courier services offer a much more personal service as well, meaning that confidentiality and security are paramount when delivering important parcels or legal documentation to their destination. Modern courier service operate across a global network which spans out across all european and international destinations. This ensures that wherever you need you parcel delivering to, your requirements can be met with ease and efficiency.

Parcel courier services can provide a much more personal service and will collect your shipment from your door. You may need refridgerated units to transport perishable goods, you may need your parcel delivered in short a timescale, or you may have a large bulky item which is difiicult to transport. Whatever the special needs or requirements of your shipment, parcel couriers will endeavour to provide you with the individual parcel delivery service you need.

Parcel Packaging - Protect Your Parcel During Transit

The parcel delivery industry is currently a thriving and highly competitive market, operating worlwide on a daily basis. Regardless of where in the world you want to send your parcel, the process has never been easier and if you are prepared to shop around you can take advantage of some fantastic deals. Regardless of whether you want to send a parcel within the UK, or send a parcel internationally to destinations such as the USA, India or China, it is really important that you think about how you will protect your parcel during transit. 

How to package a parcel is a technique which is quite often overlooked. A well protected parcel will not only arrive at its destination undamaged, but will also not damage any other parcels within the same shipment. It is very easy to leave arranging a parcel courier service until the last minute but what if you do not have suitable packaging materials to hand to protect your parcel? Would you delay sending the parcel whilst you sourced the materials? Or would you be tempted to make use of any materials you have at hand and send the parcel with 'adequate' packaging? 

With a little bit of planning you can source suitable packaging materials in advance, find the best prices for your packaging materials, and save yourself the stress of having to make claims for a parcel which has arrived damaged.

• Use an experienced and reputable parcel delivery service. Make sure that they are equipped to meet your requirements; can they deliver within the required timescale? Do they offer parcel tracking facility? Do they offer standard insurance cover against damaged parcels?
• Consider how you will package your parcel; what is the size and shape of your parcel? Will you wrap it or would a box be more suitable? Will you need to include a note to the parcel recipient? If so, how will you attach this?
  
  If are using a box to protect your parcel:
  • Find a box the right size - not too small and not too big! If the box is too small for the package it is likely to split in transit and the contents could spill out causing loss and/or damage. If the box is too big the package will be free to move around inside the box making it susceptible to damage.The box could also get squashed by other parcels during transit if there is too much free space inside.
  • Place your item at the centre of the box and use padding to 'cushion' the goods on all sides. This prevents movement and helps to support the box from the inside.
    
  • Use corrugated cardboard to support the inner walls of the box - this will help to prevent it from buckling easily.
  • Use bubble wrap or foam for cushioning.
  • Use sticky tape to secure the bubble wrap around the item if necessary. 

• If your parcel item is partricularly vulnerable, notify the courier or parcel delivery service provider when you book the shipment. if necessary, consider leaving a note stating 'Fragile' or 'This Way Up'. This offers no guarantee but at least you are doing your best to notify the driver of the vulnerability of your shipment.
• Parcels containing liquid or powdered items may be best packaged seperately to avoid damage to other items if there is a spillage. Ensure that all tops are on secure and the goods are very well cushioned.
• Make use of the couriers parcel tracking facility to check the progress of your goods.

Whilst parcel courier services make every effort to ensure your goods are handled with care and arrive safely at their destination, you should always try to help them by ensuring that the parcels are packaged securely for their protection. Many courier services will check the standard of packaging and can refuse shipment if they consider it inadequate. Save yourself time and hassle by offering suitable protection for your parcel.

For further packaging advice to ensure safe parcel delivery, click here.

Transglobal Express provide discount parcel delivery and courier services with TNT, UPS, DHL and DPD. For a no obligation parcel delivery service quotation, visit www.transglobalpremium.co.uk. We also have a dedicated customer services team on hand to help you. In the unlikely event that there is a problem with your parcel being lost or damaged in transit, we will handle the claims process direct with the courier on your behalf.

International Mail Order Distribution - UK & International Courier Services

Mail order businesses can function in a variety of ways. Whether you are using an online shop or a traditional mail order catalogue, there is always one expense which can not be avoided - the cost of delivering your customers orders! The mail order distribution business model centers wholly around package delivery. When you are operating parcel distribution on a national and international level, it is important to consider the most cost-effective means of delivering your products. 

Why is Cost Reduction Important to a Mail Order Business? 

The most important aspect of any business model is to keep your expenses as low as possible in order to maximise your profits. The cost of parcel delivery can be a huge drain on your business funds if you are with the wrong supplier. Looking for opportunities to reduce your postage costs will not only reduce your overall spend, but also give you opportunity to:

• Improve you overall profit
• Reduce your customers charges and gain competitive advantage
• Reduce delivery fees to attract return custom and new business

In short, reducing your delivery costs will give you far greater flexibility to gain a balance between your charges and your profits. 


Package delivery costs are passed on to my Customer, why should I worry about reducing them? 

Reducing your delivery costs in the first instance will increase your profit margin. If you charge you customers the existing delivery charge and reduce your own spend there will be more money available to invest in your business.

You may also consider reducing your customers charges as this will make you seem cheaper in comparison to your competitors. You could do this either by reducing your delivery charges, or by offering reduced product costs and recouping the loss on your delivery charges.

The lower your charges, the more customers you will receive and the more likely they will be to remain loyal to you.


How to reduce your UK and International delivery costs 

Going direct to the postal services like Royal Mail or courier services such as DHL, TNT and UPS can be expensive. Most of these companies will offer you discounts if you are sending a large volume of packages. As a mail order company you may already be receiving discounted prices but you can still be prepared to shop around.

Look for courier service broker who may be able to offer you a substantial reduction in your parcel courier costs. Courier brokers receive discounts from all the top courier service companies. The chances are that they will be receiving far greater volume discounts due to their buying power.

The added benefit to you as a Mail Order service is that you may also be able to gain further discounts on top of their already discounted courier prices depending on your volume of business. As a mail order service, you may be in a good position to negotiate reduced prices - some third-party parcel delivery providers may offer reduced rates to you once you have established a regular pattern of orders with them.

• Choosing the right Business Courier service 
• UK and International Courier Services offered by Transglobal Express
• Benefits of Using Individualised Courier Service
• Air Freight or Sea Freight
• UK & International Door to Door courier services

Business Courier Services - Choosing the right one!

1. As a business you’ll want to maximise on your profits and choose an intermediary service rather than going to a courier directly. They will be able to provide you with the best possible price from a range of different courier service. This way you can be sure you are getting the best possible deal.

2. When sourcing a courier service you’ll need to know exactly where in the country you want to send your parcel to in order to get the most accurate quotation. You may find that there is a huge difference in the cost of sending a package to populated cities in relation to more rural areas.

3. If your business sells goods online you will be able to link your shipments to your ecommerce system. This reduces the amount of time spent booking deliveries and everything will be automated for you

4. Courier services offering "Express" and "Rapid" services do not necessarily get your parcels to their destination any quicker. Ask the courier directly or refer to their terms and conditions to view their advised transit times.

5. It is common for Businesses to be trading internationally and not just locally. You might need to organise delivery for a specific time, so you need to find a courier company who is capable of supplying this service. Don’t forget to allow for different time zones  if you are sending a parcel to the USA or any other international destination.

6. Find if your courier service insures valuables or whether you’ll need to arrange it yourself. If they do, find out how much they are covered for. You need to will need to decide how important the goods are to you and consider if it is worth taking out the extra insurance.

7. Most courier companies will have size restrictions. If you’re sending large parcels across the world you will need to check that you’re within their maximum size limit.

8. Compare the different services that couriers have to offer. You might need to prioritise and compromise if you can’t get the exact service you need. Is speed of delivery a priority for you or can you save money sending a parcel on a slower service?

9. Use the online tracking tool to trace the progress of your parcel from anywhere in the world.

10. The cost of sending your package shouldn’t be the deciding factor when choosing an international courier company. A smaller company might be more expensive as they haven’t got the same status a larger company, but might offer a better and more personal service. A larger company might offer a quicker service, but it might be more expensive. You’ll need to choose the best value for money to ensure that your parcel arrives in one piece, and on time.

Top Postage Tips for eBay Buyers and Sellers!

eBay is the world's most recognised online marketplace, with individuals and small businesses trading through it on a daily basis. eBay provides users with easy access to buy and sell merchandise online, and has the capacity to enable them to reach an audience on a local, national and international level. The following guidelines provide some useful tips to help you send or receive parcels purchased through eBay with ease and efficiency.




1. Make sure you are not paying over the odds for your postage
 
You may have made huge savings by winning your dream item at auction for a fantastic price. Make sure you don't pay over the odds to get it delivered by suggesting to the seller that you will arrange your own delivery service. Get some comparative quotes from parcel delivery carriers to ensure the seller is charging you a reasonable fee.

If you are selling on eBay, make sure your postage costs are as low as possible. This will attract positive feedback from your customers and they will be more likely to buy from you again. Low postage fees reduce your overheads so shop around - your customers don't want to feel as though they are being over-charged.

2. Securely Package your Parcel
 
Any parcel being sent by courier or mail service is at risk of damage during transit. Make sure you securely pack with strong materials to reduce the risk of damage and to avoid receiving negative feedback or having to deal with returned items. Corrugated boxes are ideal for protective packaging. 

If you are reinforcing flimsy items with corrugated sheets, make sure the ribs of the corrugated sheets don't lie in the same direction, otherwise the package will be easily bent. When using Jiffy bags, don't rely on just the sticky strip. These can often be of poor quality. Reinforce Jiffy bags with extra tape to make sure they stay sealed and this will also serve as extra padding. Refer to our earlier entry on DHL Packaging Advice for Safe Parcel Delivery.

3. Be selective with your Parcel Delivery Service

Thousands of eBay users use standard mail services such as Royal Mail and Parcel Force on a day-to-day basis but are they always getting the best value service? With a whole host of courier service around it is a very competitive market and well worth your while shopping round. Don't just go to the Parcel Delivery service direct, third-party courier companies resell the services of all of the top couriers at discounted rates. Further information on choosing the best parcel delivery service is available here.

4. Insure the package against loss or damage

Always check to see if your parcel is covered under any standard insurance. If you are using a courier service your parcel will often be covered up to a value of around £60. Take out extra insurance on expensive items to cover them for loss or damage. It usually costs around £5 extra and guarantees that neither you or your customer will be out of pocket if anything does go wrong during shipment. Let your customers know the insurance is in place as this reflects well on you and your business.

5. Cover yourself when you send and receive your parcel

Always check the weight and dimensions of your parcel before you send. This avoids any weight and size discrepancies with the parcel carrier. Most carriers will ask you to sign when your receive the goods. This is not only to confirm that the goods have been received, but to confirm that they have been received undamaged.

Always check the goods before you sign - even if they try to pressure you to sign without checking. This covers you if there is a problem and the item is damaged. Remember, it is their policy which states that you should sign to confirm that you have received the goods undamaged therefore they have to weight for you to check the goods - don't let them pressure you!

• Further information and advice on how to package a parcel is available in our article on  DHL Packaging Advice for Safe Delivery.
• Advice on choosing the best parcel delivery service is available here.
• If you are looking for free, no-obligaton quotations for DHL, TNT, UPS and FedEx parcel delivery services at discounted prices, please visit www.transglobal.org.uk.