TL;DR
- Standard – This option is usually the least expensive, but also relatively slow (1 – 7 working days) and allows to ship up to 30kg parcels.
- Standard-Flexi – an upgrade to the Standard, this option is available in several countries, allowing you to benefit from the possibility of influencing the collection time by printing your own shipping label and reduced maximum delivery time (up to 5 working days)
- Priority – offers same day pick-up and delivery within 3 working days, while allowing you to ship up to 70kg parcels. With our unbeatable prices, priority within Europe may even enable you to ship bigger parcels at lower prices than Standard.
- Priority Express – When time is of the essence, this option will have your items delivered in the shortest time possible. Expect frequent next day deliveries or up to maximum 3 days worldwide.
What different types of courier services are there, based on the speed of delivery and shipment size?
Eurosender and other courier companies offer multiple different ways to ship your items to fit your specific needs. Each of the options has different benefits, which we’ll cover in this blog. It’s important to know that service names and how they work may change from one courier to the other, so we’ll cover our services, which can help you get a good overview:
Standard
Standard courier services involve the collection of small and medium-sized parcels and their transfer to the delivery point. This option is usually the least expensive, but also relatively slow – there’s an estimated time of delivery, which varies depending on a specific route.
- Price: Usually cheapest
- Delivery time: 1-7 working days
- Same day pickup: No
- Parcel size: up to 30kg, up to 175 cm long (longest side of the package)
- Print your own label: No
- Tracking included: Yes
- Insurance: included up to 200€, additional for goods valued higher than that
Standard-Flexi
Standard-flexi courier service is essentially a Standard service upgrade, which is currently available in several European countries. The added value of this service is the ability to print your own shipping label. Because you can print your own label, you can wait for the courier to collect at your address or even drop the package off at the nearest service point.
- Price: Usually costs a tiny bit more than Standard, for it’s extra value
- Delivery time: 2-5 working days
- Same day pickup: Yes, possible
- Parcel size: up to 30kg, up to 175 cm long (longest side of the package)
- Print your own label: Yes
- Tracking included: Yes
- Insurance: included up to 200€, additional for goods valued higher than that
Priority
A truly fast and reliable service, which offers same day pick-up and delivery within 3 working days, while allowing you to send heavier packages that can weight up to 70kg. Priority is the only service among other, which allows for bigger dimensions of the parcel, with maximum length up to Max length: 274 cm and maximum dimensions of up to 400cm (Length + girth ≤ 400 cm).
- Price: Eurosender offers deals that can be even cheaper than Standard while other courier services usually charge more than for a Standard service.
- Delivery time: 1-3 working days
- Same day pickup: Yes, possible
- Parcel size: up to 70kg, up to 274 cm long (longest side of the package)
- Print your own label: Yes
- Tracking included: Yes
- Insurance: Coverage available for purchase during the booking phase, based on the proof of value before transport.
Priority Express
This is one of the fastest shipping options. The courier will deliver the package or envelope within 24h in Europe, and 48-72h globally. When time is of the essence, chose Priority Express option, to have your items delivered in the shortest time possible
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- Price: Usually the most expensive option, due to its flexibility and speed
- Delivery time: 1 (Europe) – 3 (Worldwide) working days
- Same day pickup: Yes, possible
- Parcel size: up to 70kg, up to 120 cm long (longest side of the package)
- Print your own label: Yes
- Tracking included: Yes
- Insurance: Coverage available for purchase during the booking phase, based on the proof of value before transport.
Need to ship multiple items?
Then you might be interested in Freight (LTL, FTL, Van Delivery) – Usually, companies are those that need such shipments, but individuals can also book freight shipments. Based on the type of the load, volume, destination, you can choose whether you need a full truckload (FTL), less than truckload (LTL), or a dedicated van for your needs.
This can be especially useful if you’re transporting bulky and heavy loads or need a dedicated van for transport within Europe – for example if you’re planning on relocating.
Interested in a specific courier? Check out their services:
Need more in-depth information? Let’s cover some of the FAQs in this next section.
Can I select a specific time-frame when ordering a standard courier service?
Usually, arranging a specific time within the standard courier service is not an option. But in some cases, you might be able to get a narrower time frame by calling the local courier directly. Courier services are that courier drivers follow predetermined routes and they operate every working day, between 9 am and 6 pm.
Get your estimated delivery time here.
Can I ship every package with the standard courier service?
It is important to note that not every package is suitable for the standard service. There are many different things that you can ship (suitcases, boxes or sports equipment, just to name a few). However, you have to measure your parcel to know the exact dimensions. Once you know its dimensions, you can check if they meet the standard sizes. If your package happens to be too big or too heavy, the courier might refuse to collect it.
Read all about standard shipping services here.
Can I transport anything I want or are there any courier regulations?
Courier companies have rules regarding what can you transport, and what you cannot. You might want to think twice if you plan to send anything poisonous, hazardous or infectious. Such items are strictly forbidden, and the courier will not transport them under any circumstances.
For a more comprehensive list, you can read our post about prohibited items.
What is my cheapest option if I need to send multiple packages at once?
Depending on the weight of the shipment, it may be cheaper to place your boxes on a pallet and ship them together. Make sure you understand the difference between package and pallet shipping and properly stack all your boxes on a pallet.
Can I ask the courier driver to assist me with the packing?
Courier drivers handle and load parcels onto vehicles, plan and follow the most efficient routes to transport the packages as quickly as possible, and record important tracking information. Unfortunately, the price of standard courier service does not include professional packing assistance, as well as any packaging. Find out what exactly is included in the price of a standard service here.
What if my shipment is improperly packed?
You need to follow courier companies guidelines on how to pack certain items. Not only you will protect the things you will be transporting, but also the courier driver may refuse to collect the package if it’s not packed in the correct manner. Then, once your box it’s being transported, it is prone to damage. If the packaging is not appropriate, your parcel may arrive in bad shape.
Is my shipment insured?
Usually, there is basic insurance included in the price, and you will not have to pay anything additional unless you want to add extra insurance to it. The coverage, however, ranges from a value of up to 50 EUR and 200 EUR.
Read all about shipping insurance here.
Stating the exact address and adding any relevant details are vital factors for a successful delivery
When placing an order, don’t forget to indicate the precise address and double-check all details afterwards. Choosing door-to-door shipping services means that you can order a pick-up from almost anywhere, but make sure you provide as much information as possible. It can save you a lot of time and trouble afterwards.
When is the best time to book a shipping service?
Probably one of the most important things to know about courier services is that you should take your time and plan your shipment. Don’t wait till the last minute with placing your order – take into consideration public holidays and any unforeseen circumstances. Unfortunately, sometimes courier drivers might not pick up your package on the selected date, due to circumstances beyond their control. By planning things and scheduling the pick-up at least 2 days in advance, you should be able to avoid such complications.
Still have questions?
Check our articles that answer the most common questions about shipping.