When sending a parcel, there is always a bit of worry involved, even when you double-check whether all the details are written correctly, the item is packed safely, and how much time it takes to reach the destination country.

Packlink is the online comparison tool that reduces your concerns by letting you choose a reputable courier company for a very attractive price. Not only do you get excellent service and an easy-to-use interface but also secure and rapid delivery.

Packlink has partnered with leading courier companies in the market like UPS, TNT, DHL, Evri, DPD, GSL, and others. Our prices are up to 70% cheaper on international shipments and up to 50% cheaper on domestic ones.

We can promise to support you and handle any issue or question you have for us. However, we can only propose an estimated delivery date for your parcel. Many things cannot depend on us, like harsh weather conditions, customs clearance, and reaching remote locations.

Read on to learn what you can do to speed up the delivery and make it problem-free.

How to Send a Parcel?

The easiest way to search for the most affordable prices is to go to the Packlink comparison tool and indicate your parcel's exact measurements. Choose a pick-up location and destination address with the correct postcode, and click on "Ship now". You can request to ship more than one parcel by clicking on "+" and typing additional information about the following packages.

Before deciding on the shipping options and courier company, you can request a quote and compare what offer suits you the best. For all the shipments, you will always receive tracking statuses.

The available courier delivery options are standard, express/next-day delivery, and economy. The transit time for the standard is about 3 working days, for the express is the next or same day, while for the economy, the transit is longer, up to 4-6 days. Note that the specific transit time is hard to predict and highly depends on the location and other factors.

Where to Find an Estimated Delivery Time of a Parcel?

When choosing a courier company to book, you will see the specific delivery time and date indicated on the website.

The estimated delivery time depends on the locations and service you prefer to choose unless you book express shipment instead of standard shipping service, so the parcel reaches the recipient faster. It is the courier who informs you when the parcel is ready to pick up. It is also not possible to arrange a delivery for an exact date and hour. However, Packlink offers you to choose a timeframe, for example, from 9 AM to 2 PM or from 2 PM to 4 PM. If you are not at home at that time, you can leave instructions on your door for a courier. You may also reschedule a pick-up date and postpone it to the following working day.

How to Properly Pack a Parcel?

Once the shipment is booked, you need to pack your item correctly. Otherwise, your parcel will be in transit longer than expected due to transportation problems. With Packlink, you can send a small or large parcel almost anywhere in the world.

There are 4 rules you need to follow when packing your item:

• External Packaging: Opt for high-quality and durable packaging, for example, a carton box. It is not recommended to use second-hand boxes as they were utilized before and can be in bad condition. Make sure to find packaging that fits your item snuggly, so it will not be damaged.
• Internal Packaging: While protected from the outside, your item should be well-packed from the inside, too. It shouldn't shake or move during transit. In order to protect it from damages, wrap it into a moulded foal, bubble wrap, or a foam sheet. If you send a large item, you can attach it to a pallet and wrap it into a stretch film.
• Sealing: Tape your box so it will not open, and add extra carton cardboard, if necessary.
• Documentation: The courier companies scan the label to see its destination and receiver. It is important to attach the tag with a barcode in a visible place. If there is any needed documentation to add, make sure to include it too.

There are special requirements for packing fragile or heavy items:

• Wheels and tyres: Tyres and wheels should be wrapped and packed into a box.
• Bicycle: Unscrew and pack all parts of the bicycles separately in cardboard.
• Musical instruments: Wrap the musical instrument and place it in its case with some cushioning.

If you plan to send a fragile item or important documents, you can opt for Packlink insurance that covers:

• Damage to the shipment
• Partial loss of shipment
• Total shipment loss

What Does a Courier Company Do With a Parcel?

Once the courier company picks up your package, they will assign you a shipment tracking number and follow their designated route to deliver parcels. You can check the tracking status on Packlink's official website or the courier's web page.

If your parcel's tracking status shows "Still in transit" for longer than it should be, then there can be an issue regarding your package. This status can be a result of one of the following issues.

Customs Clearance

When you send a parcel within the United States, Great Britain or European Union, the items shipped through the border are not checked for any special documentation unless they are part of a state monopoly or a prohibited item.

A customs declaration is required if you send a package to or outside the EU, US, GB. Make sure to provide the required documentation, or contact the seller to do that for international parcels.

If your parcel does not pass the customs clearance, it may stay there until the requirements are fulfilled or be returned to the sender.

Lost Package

Hardly ever do the parcels get lost, but it can happen. In this case, you need to report it to Packlink.

Restricted Items

Another reason the parcel can be stuck in transit is that you have included prohibited items to your package. You need to check what is prohibited from sending before confirming the order. Here is the list of forbidden items:

• Alcohol deliveries and any flammable liquids
• Jewellery and money (including chequebooks, banknotes, and credit/debit cards)
• Pieces of art and antiques (older than 50 years old)
• Explosives and toxic substances
• Animals and plants
• Perishable goods (those that need to be transported at a certain temperature or any other condition)

There are also non-compensation items that are not covered by the parcel insurance that you should know of:

• Documents and tickets
• Containers, luggage, suitcases when sent without packaging
• Glass
• Gambling tickets

Incomplete or Wrong Details

The most common cause that prolongs the transit time is an incomplete address. To prevent undeliverable shipment, make sure the address is correct before confirming the booking.

Packlink highly recommends verifying all the necessary details (e.g., number of parcels, addresses, type of service) before confirming the order and issuing the payment. However, if you spot wrong details written in the confirmation, you should immediately contact our Customer Service through Packlink's Support Center.

It is recommended to inform us as soon as possible before the contracted courier company picks up the order; otherwise, it could be harder to modify the details.

If you are sure the address is correct but the courier cannot find the recipient, you still have an opportunity to change the collection details.

Overweight Item

Your parcel might not be cancelled when already in transit, but the courier may request you to pay additional surcharges. The weight is easily detected because couriers have to weigh the packages and arrange the transportation for each driver.

Bad Packaging

Sometimes couriers cannot continue the transit of goods when the packaging is damaged or if the item is not securely attached or packed. This is because it can further damage the parcel or the staff taking care of the package.

What Are the Courier Company's Depots?

The package is transported from different depots and picked up by various drivers. At each depot, your package is scanned to check for any prohibited items, so make sure to avoid those.

If the driver delivers the parcel unsuccessfully, they can leave the parcel at the local depot. It is where your package stays until you can come for it. Depending on the courier, you might need to contact the depot and schedule a date for the package to be delivered again.

What Happens to Undeliverable Shipments?

This depends on the location of your parcel. If your parcel is stuck in customs, then it is kept there until further notice. If the parcel stays at the depot, you may contact the office directly to modify the pick-up point. Such cases are relatively easy to deal with because they are fixable but require your involvement.

If your package contains dangerous items or can potentially hurt the driver, it can be stored in a courier's depot. The courier may contact you to ask for further action to either return the package to the seller or destroy it.