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International Parcel Shipping: Big Shipping Companies Offer International Parcel Shipping

Such big names in the shipping industry as FedEx and DHL offer international parcel shipping services. DHL has their ‘At Home Service’, while FedEx has ‘Smart post’. UPS is another big player in the parcel shipping industry, and together they cover pretty much the entire United States. Dividing the country into zones, they can then put together a system of charges and costs depending on distances from shipping points.

There are also smaller independent companies that provide the same parcel shipping services, commonly called consolidators. They often take advantage of the special rate from the US Postal Service, the Parcel Select. These consolidators send the packages that are entrusted to them through USPS Bulk Mail Centers or local post offices. This special rate for bulk shipments allows these independent companies to remain competitive with the bigger shipping companies. However, availing of this type of parcel shipping service has its downside. The delivery often takes a few days longer than a similar delivery using a bigger company’s shipping services. But the savings might be worth it, especially if the package is not terribly urgent.

APX Logistics was one of the largest independent companies or shipping consolidators in the market, but they have just recently closed down. This might mean a rise in prices as one major competitor has withdrawn from the independent market.

The best shipping service to use depends on a few factors. The size, weight, and the other physical characteristics of the item or items to be shipped play a big part in determining shipping costs. Shipping a book or two, for instance, would be much cheaper than shipping an automobile or a piece of exercise equipment. Packages that need special protection such as electronics or glassware might also come with additional costs.

Delivery time would also play a part. Rush shipments are available for higher rates. UPS, DHL, and FedEx all offer next day deliveries at premium rates. They also all offer ways to confirm the delivery of your packages, as well as their own promotional services and add on features for their customers.

The Postal Service itself is actually ideal for light packages. In particular, the USPS offers competitive rates for packages that are under the lightweight category, or about less than three pounds of weight. Parcel shipping with the Postal Service comes with a free shipping box, and you can even choose from different styles. Larger shipping boxes can also be customized depending on the contents of your package.

The international parcel shipping industry would greatly benefit from increased competition. These independent consolidators are really helping to keep the shipping industry alive. With more competition for the market, all the players are forced to try and improve their services as well as make their rates more reasonable, in order to attract more customers.

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