Express parcels and documents
For small, urgent consignments: parcels, samples and documents. We book through express carriers, prepare the labels and invoices, and handle the customs paperwork for dutiable parcels. Collection is from your address, delivery to the consignee.
What it is
Express is door-to-door movement of small consignments by express carriers. The carrier collects, flies or trucks the parcel, clears it through customs and delivers it. It suits parcels, documents and samples that are small enough for a parcel service and need to arrive quickly.
We book the job with an express carrier, prepare the shipping labels and the commercial invoice, and check the paperwork so the parcel is not held for missing details. For dutiable goods we handle the customs paperwork with the carrier or a licensed customs broker.
When to use it
- You are sending product samples to a buyer or a factory.
- You need a spare part delivered to a machine that is stopped.
- Contracts, certificates or originals have to reach someone in hand.
- A first small order is going out before you commit to freight.
- A sample or document set must go to several addresses.
What we handle
- Booking with express carriers
- Shipping labels and commercial invoices
- Customs paperwork for dutiable parcels
- Collection from your address
- Delivery to the consignee
- Checks that the contents are allowed on the service
How it runs
- Quote: you send the contents, weight, size and addresses. We price the parcel and say what is included.
- Booking: we book the carrier and send you the booking details and labels.
- Documents: we prepare the invoice with a clear description and value for customs, and check it against the contents.
- Collection: the carrier collects from your address, or you hand the parcel in as agreed.
- Transit: the carrier moves and clears the parcel. We pass on tracking details the carrier gives.
- Delivery: the consignee receives the parcel and we tell you by email.
What to send us for a quote
| Detail | Why we ask |
|---|---|
| Contents and a plain description | Customs and the carrier need to know what is inside. |
| Number of parcels | Each parcel is labelled and priced. |
| Weight and dimensions of each parcel | Express carriers price on actual or volumetric weight, whichever is higher. |
| Value for customs | Sets the declaration and any duty or tax at destination. |
| Pickup and delivery addresses | Decides the service and the carrier. |
| Date it must arrive, if fixed | Shows which service levels are worth looking at. |
| Batteries, liquids, powders or magnets | Some contents are restricted on express services. |
Good to know
- Express carriers use a volumetric divisor too, and it is often lower than for air cargo. A common figure is 5,000 cubic cm per kg.
- A vague description such as "samples" or "gifts" can hold a parcel at customs. Write what the goods are, what they are made of and what they are for.
- Duties and taxes at destination can fall on the sender or the receiver. Decide before you ship, and put it on the invoice.
Questions
Can I send documents and samples in one parcel?
Often yes, but customs may treat them differently. Tell us what is inside and we will check how to declare it.
Who pays import duty on a parcel?
It depends on the terms you agree with the buyer. Tell us the Incoterm or the arrangement, and we will set the invoice and booking to match.