Parcel - March/April 2009 - (Page 20) Choosing an International Parcel Carrier Here’s some clarity on an often overwhelming subject — B y R o d o l f o Wo l n i e w i t z — inside cargo containers aboard ships and airplanes, as well as on trucks and trains. The next category is couriers, who offer day-definite delivery and handle every step in the supply chain. Finally, there are mail providers who partner with postal authorities to deliver your parcels. You may have thought couriers and freight forwarders were your only choices for international shipping because there is still a misperception that the U.S. Postal Service is the sole option for mail services. But in truth, the mail industry has become increasingly competitive, and many businesses are surprised to learn about the combination of significant postage savings and competitive transit times that mail companies offer. Between freight forwarders, couriers and mail providers, the category of carrier that’s best for you depends primarily on Whether you’re a startup exploring growth options or a wellestablished business seeking to expand, the international market — particularly Europe — presents an excellent opportunity. Evaluating whether your company should pursue customers abroad is a major decision, of course. Even after you’ve made up your mind to target the international market, you still must choose a shipping company, which may seem daunting as well. The fundamental issue is which type of carrier makes the most sense for your business, but fortunately, answering several basic questions for yourself can make the selection process much clearer. When you’re shipping large quantities of parcels overseas, you have three main categories of carriers to choose from. First, there are freight forwarders, who transport palettes of shipments A courier may be able to get your parcel to a remote residential location, but you’ll surely pay a premium. By partnering with post offices, mail providers can offer delivery to any address the local postal carriers visit on their appointed rounds. 20 MARCH 2009 | www.PARCELindustry.com http://www.PARCELindustry.com
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