Glossary » Parcel Shipment

What is Parcel Shipment?

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Parcel shipment refers to the transportation of commodities that, due to their size, can be wrapped and tied up with a lightweight covering, such as boxes or envelopes.

Such goods are usually dispatched through the postal office or other private courier services. Parcels include any goods that fall within the size and weight limits set by the carrier.
Understanding the parcel shipment meaning is important for an enterprise or an individual who wants to send items efficiently. This is meant for commodities that are incapable of filling up a truck or container to be transported. It is very economical, especially in the e-commerce platform where bulk shipments are often impractical.

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How Does Parcel Shipment Work?

Parcel shipment begins by carefully packing the items of shipment by the sender and labelling them with the correct address. When ready, the sender selects a carrier service, which may be a national postal service or an international courier company.

The shipment is then either collected by the courier or dropped off at a collection point. At this stage, the carrier assumes responsibility, employing its distribution network to make sure the delivery of the package. During transportation, at each checkpoint, the package is scanned so that the sender and the customer can track in real time the location of the package.

Why is Parcel Shipment Important?

For businesses, parcel shipments are a way to reach customers wherever they may be, with the convenience of lower costs compared to other shipping methods. For personal users, it offers a reliable means of sending distant gifts, documents, and items.

Parcel shipment definition also encompasses express shipping, where items of urgency are delivered quickly. This flexibility allows senders to choose a delivery time frame to suit their needs and, therefore, is highly adaptable to various circumstances.

What are the Costs Involved in Parcel Shipment?

The cost of shipment generally depends on several factors related to a package, including its weight and size, destination, and speed. Carriers offer pricing tiers ranging from budget-friendly options to premium express services.

Businesses often negotiate partnerships with carriers to secure bulk or frequent shipping discounts. Many carriers also provide online calculators to help estimate shipping costs based on the specifics of the parcel, which can help with financial planning and budgeting.

How Can You Ensure a Smooth Parcel Shipment Process?

Correct packaging ensures that the parcel reaches the recipient intact. Strong packaging prevents potential damage to the items inside and reduces the occurrence of such incidents. A properly printed label showing an address and contact is a prerequisite for every successful delivery.

Consider taking insurance if the contents are precious. Most carriers nowadays offer a tracking service, which you can use to track the shipment’s journey.

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