Make Parcel Collection A Handy Time Saver
If you are someone who is sending a large number of packages each month then the chances are that you will be giving up a proportion of your time to getting them to the delivery company that you use. Obviously if you are only sending a couple of items per month then this may not be much of a hindrance to you. On the other hand however, if you are sending multiple packages every week then you should really consider using a parcel collection service.
From the large number of delivery firms that are now available, there will be a lot that will offer picking up packages as an option. This can be extremely helpful to you if you find yourself making a few trips each week to get your packages on their way along the delivery line. We can use the example of someone that runs their own business from home that makes sales either through catalogues or online. If you are spending a few hours each week taking all of your delivery items to be posted then this is time that could be used in much better ways. Instead of spending the time doing this you could be on the look out for new products, be coming up with new marketing plans or trying to develop your customer base. All of these tasks would be far more beneficial to your business than taking a trip to the Post Office.
All you have to do to get a parcel collection arranged is to phone the delivery company. All they need to then do is arrange a time that they can come to pick the items up and then once they have collected them they have started on their way to the receiver. This is the simplicity of it and due to the fact that there is a large number of businesses that can provide these services, the price is not as high as you may think. So, if you would like to free up a couple of extra hours per week then you really should consider looking into using a professional company to collect your goods.
Hints And Tips When Arranging Your Parcel Delivery
Whenever you decide on any form of parcel delivery, you want to make sure that whatever it is you are sending arrives in the same condition that it left. You definitely wouldnt want to send a valuable item to then find out that it has been broken during delivery. Therefore, whenever you are sending any items, it is important that you make sure that they are packaged correctly. We have given you a selection of tips below that you should look to use whenever you come to package something for a delivery.
Boxes should be durable and double-walled. Remember that items will get stacked in transit and therefore your packaging may need to support the weight of other packages. Boxes may be transported between different depots which means they will be handled a number of times.
Choose the size of the package according to its content. Under-filled boxes are likely to collapse; overloaded ones may burst.
Never tape two items together using tape or similar material, if you have two items that need to be sent in one package then this must be a suitable cardboard box/container.
Make sure to use the best materials you can when shipping any items. Take the strength, durability and cushioning of the boxes into consideration when you are choosing which ones to use.
Choose boxes made of corrugated cardboard, with good quality outer liners. Use stronger, dual-layered board for items that are more fragile.
Limit the amount that the items can move in the box/packaging by using materials around it to provide a cushion.
When sealing your box, make sure you use a good, strong tape.
Put fragile goods in the centre of a package; ensuring they don’t touch the sides. Your item should be well cushioned on all sides.
Any liquids should be kept in a leak free container, packed well and sealed within a plastic bag.
Seal semi-liquids, greasy or strong-smelling substances with adhesive tape, then wrap in grease resistant paper. Always remember that bad packaging may cause damage to surrounding items.
Any powders should be kept in secure plactic bags and sent in rigid fibreboard packaging.
For any items that are fragile use and arrow-up label.
By following the advice mentioned above you will have done everything possible to ensure that your parcel delivery arrives at its destination exactly as you intended it to.
Courier Services Will Prohibit Certain Items
If you need to get something sent using one of the many courier services that are available these days, you need to check the item can actually be sent. You should consider the fact that most courier companies will have a list of items that they will not deliver. You may find that different companies will have different items on their prohibited list so it is always wise to ask them before sending anything that could be on their list. Any of the following items being sent could possibly result in prosecution, heavy fines and/or imprisonment.
Animal products such as furs, skins, body parts and any ivory items.
Banderols / Tax Stickers.
Packaging with any hazard labels attached – if you send something with a hazardous sticker, it is going to be treated as though it is hazardous. Do not re-use old hazardous boxes.
Dangerous goods – eg Explosives / Fireworks / Radioactive Materials /
Deactivated or Replica Weapons and Munitions / Firearms / Swords / Knives / Weapons.
Engines / Generators / Gearboxes or any part containing or having contained oil/petrol unless flushed through.
Fire Extinguishers / Life Jackets.
Food products may not be sent to the US or Canada.
Any items that are being moved under ATA Carnet and anything that is a temporary import or export; items that are being shipped under FCT, FCR and Cash Against Document.
Hazardous materials eg Aerosols / Paint / Adhesives / Chemicals / Flammable resins, solvents, liquids / Compressed Air / Items containing any gases.
Any domestic products such as sink or toilet cleaner that may contain harmful and corrosive liquid.
Any form of liquid such as paint, adhesive or alcohol.
Live animals, Fish, Birds.
Human remains, ashes.
Magnets or items containing ferro-magnetic material .
Keys, tickets for concerts or events and money .
Pornographic materials.
Tobacco and tobacco products / Drugs / Medicines.
Any batteries or power cells that are wet or lithium based.
As long as you check with the company you have selected with to carry out the courier services then you will be fine but as a guide, it is best not to attempt to send any of the above items through a normal courier. If any of the items above match what you need to send then you really need to seek out a specialist courier that will actually deliver them for you.