How to send a parcel abroad by courier? A step-by-step guide

Sending a parcel abroad via an international courier? Today this is truly a simple task that will only take you a moment, provided of course you use the services of a reliable courier service broker like SpeedPack. You just need to remember a few basic points, which we describe in detail below. Read on!

Step 1: Check what you can send abroad by courier

International transport and international courier services are carried out based on standardised procedures and applicable legal regulations. These specify, among other things, what can be sent in international parcels and what definitely cannot (for example, valuable items such as jewellery, as well as alcohol or medicines). So before you send your parcel, check carefully the list of items excluded from courier services. This type of information is provided on the website of every carrier / courier service broker (usually in the terms and conditions of their services).

Step 2: Pack your parcel properly

An improperly packed and inadequately secured parcel risks damage to its contents. Moreover, the courier may refuse to accept a poorly packed shipment. Therefore, to avoid potential problems and not waste time repacking, it is worth doing it properly from the start. First and foremost, you will need an appropriately sized cardboard box – new, sturdy, allowing you to comfortably pack the item being sent. To prevent the contents of the shipment from shifting inside the box, and thus getting damaged (especially if it is a delicate, fragile item), fill the empty spaces between the cardboard box and the item with bubble wrap, stretch film, or alternatively paper or polystyrene balls. A strong, adhesive packing tape will also be useful here to properly seal the box. Remember that an international parcel should have a regular rectangular shape (no parts of the shipment contents should protrude beyond the packaging). Unusual parcel dimensions and a non-standard shape may result in the shipment being classified as non-standard, and therefore more expensive to send.

Krok 3: Book a Courier

Using the services of a professional courier service broker, at this stage you will complete all necessary steps – conveniently and quickly online. Finally, the courier will come to the address you specify and collect your parcel, which will then be sent abroad. However, before that happens:

1. Choose the route for your parcel, i.e. the country of origin and the destination country.
2. By specifying the dimensions and weight of the parcel, as well as the type of packaging, its value, and contents, you will receive detailed information including the price of the transport service and the delivery time.
3. The next step is choosing a specific carrier.
4. After entering the sender and recipient details in the appropriate fields, you can choose the date for your parcel to be collected by the courier (remember that the final collection time is determined by the courier company employee and the courier themselves, as they set the route).
5. Based on the generated order number (the correct number from the body of the email confirming your order), you can make payment for the courier service. Simply choose one of the available payment methods, then enter the amount and provide the order number the payment relates to.

Step 4: Track your international parcel

You can monitor your shipment at every stage of delivery. All you need is the shipment number, which you simply enter into the systemu na stronie broker whose services you are using.