In most cases, express couriers guarantee a smooth shipment of parcels, especially when relying on the most reliable couriers. However, it can happen that a problem occurs with the shipment precisely in those cases where the fastest mode of shipment is chosen.
In fact, problems and special situations occur more frequently in the international shipments or in those of particular goods. With some simple care, however, it is possible to avoid these problems. In this article, we will see what the most frequent problems are and how to avoid them.
Typical problems in parcel shipment
It is important to remember that, without proper care, these listed problems can affect any express courier and any type of shipment.
- e-commerce and companiescompanies handle a large volume of shipments every day. As a result, unforeseen events can occur in international deliveries, import and export processes and the handling of returns.
- private individuals: Many private individuals rely on express couriers to send a parcel quickly and reliably. For example, to send parcels, documents, or pallets of personal effects, express couriers are the safest and most reliable solution to guarantee speed of delivery and certainty of delivery date. Even if the frequency of shipments is lower, unforeseen events can still occur.
Shipping problem 1: delivery delay
In the ordinary course of business, delayed delivery is undoubtedly the most common problem with regard to the shipment of parcels. In fact, in rare cases even the best express courier can deliver a parcel late. Incidentally, it is important to remember that delays in the delivery of a parcel can be of two types:
- delay due to external causesThese rare cases are neither the fault of the courier nor of the sender. For this reason, it is impossible to control them. The main causes of such a delay are related to:
- adverse weather conditions;
- unforeseen traffic, for road deliveries;
- breakdown of the vehicle carrying out the transport.
- delay for internal causesThese delays are due to errors on the part of the sender who has to send a parcel and is in a hurry. Consequently, they can be avoided with a few precautions, which we discuss below. Here are the main causes of delays:
- incorrect documentation;
- improper packaging of the package;
- non-declaration of the contents of the shipment.
How to avoid delays in a parcel shipment
These problems described above can be remedied with some simple precautions.
The first thing is to choose a reliable express courier for the shipment of your parcels. Obviously, a reliable express courier is not totally immune to snags or safe from bad weather. Unfortunately, when you have to dispatch a parcel, it is possible that delays may occur in the delivery of your shipment. However, professional express couriers are better prepared to handle difficult situations. In fact, they know that the unexpected happens.
Another important point is to prepare the shipment properly. Indeed, even the sender can effectively contribute to reducing delivery delays. See the guide on how to send a parcel for all the details to follow.
Shipping problem 2: incorrect tracking information
The second rather frequent shipping problem is the generation of an incorrect tracking number. This can happen when the courier generates the tracking number of the parcel manually.
In this case, the tracking number on the shipping label may be incorrect. Due to this human error, the courier may deliver the parcel to the wrong recipient.
Solution to the problem of incorrect tracking number
Preventing your parcel from getting lost due to an incorrect tracking number is quite simple. Just choose a reliable express courier company that handles deliveries using advanced technology. For fast and secure parcel shipping, the computerised management of your shipment also automatically generates the tracking number of your shipment.
This will minimise the possibility of human error. SpedizioneComoda.co.uk relies on the best express couriers, such as DHL, UPS e TNT. These companies manage their shipments automatically and flawlessly.
Shipping problem 3: Customer rejection
This contingency may affect ecommerce merchants. In some cases, the customer may refuse to accept the shipment. When this circumstance occurs, the express courier returns the parcel to the sender.
The customer may refuse the parcel for any of the following reasons:
- mistaken purchaseThe customer realises that he has not purchased the right articles or that he no longer wants them;
- incorrect articlesSometimes it can be the shopkeeper himself who sends a parcel with the wrong items;
- damaged articlesIf the parcel is damaged, the customer may accept the delivery with reservation. Alternatively, however, he may decide to refuse it and return it to the sender.
Solution to customer rejection
The rejection of your parcel by the customer can cost your company time and money. Indeed, in most cases where the customer refuses delivery, a refund will have to be paid. You will then have to unpack the items and repack them later.
Here is how to overcome this problem:
- choose a reliable express courierShipping a parcel with Poste Italiane increases the possibility of the parcel being lost or damaged. It is advisable to prefer an express courier to send the parcel and ensure that it is shipped correctly without damage. Besides being safer, the shipment will also be faster. By doing so, you will minimise the risk of damage and returns;
- reduce the possibility of cash on delivery payment: dispatching parcels on a cash-on-delivery basis allows your customers to pay at the same time as collecting the parcel. This option increases the possibility that the customer will have time to change his mind about the purchase and refuse the parcel;
- charges extra for returnsEach time a customer refuses or returns a parcel to you, the express courier will charge you a transport fee. One solution is to allow free returns only above a certain charge. Alternatively, you can charge an extra fee for returns.
Shipping problem 4: extra costs when shipping parcels
It may happen that, in order to have a fast and guaranteed parcel delivery, the courier company charges you unexpected costs. Actually, you have to distinguish between two categories of extra costs:
- unavoidable extra costsSome of the costs that seem extra to you are part of the cost of shipping the parcel. For example, the remote areas surcharge. In this case, expedited shipments have a higher cost when the express courier has to deliver to hard-to-reach areas. In Italy, these can be islands or some southern regions.
- avoidable extra costsThese costs are not those payable for optional services, such as Saturday delivery. For example, some couriers may handle any taxes and customs duties in your place. This service is called Delivery Duty Paid (“Delivery charge paid”) and is charged at the end of the shipment.
Solution to the problem of extra costs
To avoid these contingencies, we advise you to check which services are included in the shipping cost. Generally, the express courier company states the cost of the fuel surcharge. As for any extra costs, avoid them:
- changes of delivery addressOnce an order is received, the courier immediately takes steps to process the shipment. Consequently, a change of address results in an extra cost for them as well;
- multiple delivery attemptsExpress couriers generally offer two delivery attempts included in the cost of shipping packages and documents. If your parcel is not delivered on the second attempt there may be an extra charge. Therefore, please make sure that the recipient is present on the day and time scheduled for delivery;
- return costsAs mentioned, most couriers charge a return fee to the sender.
- Delivery Duty Unpaid“ option”If it is an option, you choose to handle any taxes and customs charges yourself.
Shipping problem 5: customs snags in parcels to foreign countries
If you ship outside the’European Union your parcel will be subject to customs control. Consequently, you will have to enclose customs documents declaring the contents of the parcel and the value of the shipment.
Customs controls can sometimes take a long time. The following problems may occur:
- serious customs problemsIn many cases, serious problems with customs procedures compromise the performance of the express courier in the shipment of parcels and may prevent your shipment from being successful. For example, the import of your items may be prohibited;
- customs issues of minor impactThe most common cause of these problems is incorrect, missing or incomplete documentation. For example, one document that is often missing and therefore creates problems for customs is the pro forma invoice. Problems with missing documentation could lengthen the time it takes to clear the parcel through customs and subsequently deliver it.
Solution to the problem of customs documents for a parcel
When it comes to customs problems, prevention is the best weapon. Before sending a parcel, we advise you to prepare your shipment properly. To do so, you should:
- check the list of prohibited articles: each country provides a list of articles whose importation is prohibited. There are also items whose export and shipment is always prohibited. Before sending a parcel, always check that the goods you are sending are not among the prohibited articles;
- correctly complete export documentsShipping of parcels outside the European Union requires certain documents. Always check that you have indicated the exact value of the contents of your fast parcel on the pro forma invoice. In case of false declarations, your shipment will be delayed and customs authorities may detain the package;
- rely on an express courier with a good tracking systemBy tracking your parcel, you can, in fact, find out if it is held up in customs.
What to do in case of difficulties at customs
If your parcel is stuck in customs, you can resort to one of these solutions.
- contact the express courieras mentioned, many couriers are able to mediate in case of difficulties with customs clearance. Your courier may be able to help you;
- checks and settles any chargesIt happens that, after verification, the customs authorities charge you customs duties. In this case, the parcel will not arrive at its destination until you make payment;
- check shipping documentsIf your parcel is stopped at customs, there may be problems with the shipping documents. Make sure, therefore, that you have filled out the documentation for your international expedited shipment correctly.
Conclusion: different shipping problems, one solution
When you send a parcel, unforeseen events can occur. Your parcel may arrive late or it may arrive in the hands of the wrong recipient. You may refuse a damaged parcel, or you may incur extra costs. The customs clearance process can also sometimes be complex.
As we have seen, however, the solution to these problems has a common denominator: choose a reliable express courier. A professional and reliable courier will deliver your parcel on time and allow you to track your shipment.
With an experienced courier, it will be more difficult to incur extra costs. Finally, thanks to the online tracking system, you will know exactly when your parcel is in customs.
ShippingComoda.co.uk works with only the most experienced and reliable couriers for fast international shipping services. We can thus offer you a flawless service while minimising the risk of unforeseen events.
