Your parcel or consignment goes through what stages when shipped from USA to India?

Want to send a parcel to India from USA by using the services of a courier from USA to India on an urgent basis; you have the choice of sending it by express delivery option which takes it faster to the destination. But if you are not in a hurry, you can use the standard international delivery option which will take a little longer to deliver and also you avail lower international shipping prices.

International-Parcel-Delivery-Services-DTDC

Whatever be the mode of delivery, the moment you entrust your parcel with one of the international courier services, it goes through various stages like collection, packing, sorting, shipping, storing and last mile delivery to the destination. 

The service-van which collects your parcel from your home will take it to the collection centre from where it will be assigned a barcode that contains details about the parcel. This stage is called order receiving. Every department in the international Parcel delivery services division of the company which comes in contact with the parcel, updates the status by scanning this barcode. From the collection center via trucking services, it is taken to the fulfillment warehouse that is either operated by the company or by third party logistics providers with proven expertise in international logistics services.

In the fulfillment warehouse, it will be packed as per company guidelines and sorted according to priority and destination. Obtaining all clearances including customs and the adhering to other government norms is also taken care of here. This stage is referred to as the order processing stage.

Once this is complete, your parcel is ready for international shipping. The forklift loads your parcel along with other cargo into trucks and is then enroute to the airport or seaport. On reaching the port, it will be loaded to the aircraft/ship and is then headed to the destination either in transit or directly. This stage is called as transit stage.

After reaching the destination port, the parcel is unloaded and the reverse happens, it is taken by trucks to the warehouse in the destination. Here again, parcels are sorted and the parcel finds its way to the delivery center closer to your delivery address. Now your parcel is in the delivery stage and is finally delivered.

So, these are the stages your parcel to India from USA will go through before reaching the addressee. Even a courier to Europe from USA also follows a similar path because logistics, distribution, and delivery methods are the same everywhere.

Things you need to know before selecting a warehouse facility

With e-commerce throwing up a world of opportunities, online retail competition has only grown and it is so huge that prompt and efficient delivery of purchases is the only way to increase volumes and ensure customer retention. So, success largely depends on the efficiency of logistics, distribution and last mile delivery services and any problems in this create havoc. While small players have an in-house team because they handle lesser volumes, larger players who handle huge volumes depends on international logistics services to take care of their logistics demands. 

International Logistics Services - DTDC

Third party logistics providers who handle international parcel delivery services and trucking services for inland navigation as well as those offering fulfilment warehouses are preferred by large volume players to help them in international delivery of purchases. 

Warehouse - a critical component of supply chain!

Whatever be the mode of logistics, trading companies need to establish a proper warehousing facility to store goods safely and to maintain inventory control. There are a lot of things to be considered while choosing a proper warehouse. 
• Location: 
The warehouse should ideally be centrally located and should offer easy access to international shipping ports, expressways and rail facilities and to also terminals of your international courier services that can help you save on international shipping prices.
• Storage:
The warehouse should have the capacity to meet requirements and should have racks for bulk storage facilities. Racks for storing your consignment courier from USA to India or consignment courier to Europe from USA and also for those marked for express delivery can help streamline the supply chain.
• Layout: 
The optimal layout, though based on requirements, should not be a hindrance to easy cargo flow inside. Facilities with high ceiling and wide columned structures should be preferred. 
• Design:
While equipment is needed to handle bulk cargo, smaller, assorted items need personal handlers, so a warehouse should have a design that allows for seamless operations for both.
• Security:
The warehouse should be adequately equipped with fire fighting gear and products, all fire safety precautionary measures should be in place, it should be climate controlled. 

It should also be secure and well guarded to prevent pilferage or theft and prepped for weather conditions and pests.  

While these are broader considerations, there are other factors too that are to be considered while selecting a warehouse, because your success and on-time deliver depends on the supply chain, of which warehousing is a critical factor. 

So, your parcel to India from USA will definitely go to India at the right time in the right condition, through the right channel for easy delivery, provided your warehouse is in order.

Find out how your parcel is delivered down the chain of command

The first thing that we will do if we have to send a courier from USA to India or courier to Europe from USA is to identify which international courier services can undertake the task for us at the lowest international shipping prices. Once we hand over the consignment to the courier services person who picks it up the consignment from our house, all that we want to know is when it will be delivered. And we really don’t know the mode of transport, how it reaches them, and also who are the people involved in delivering to the final destination.

International-Parcel-Delivery-Services-DTDC

I happened to dig a bit deeper into this because a Parcel to India from USA which I had booked under the express delivery option got delayed by a few hours due to a human error at the destination end. After having traveled so fast to the destination and a simple manual error could create this delay, I wondered what would if the delay happened at the onset itself.  

Thankfully the International Logistics services providers employ efficient unskilled manpower along with highly skilled manpower who is equipped to handle advanced technologies, channelize, and guide consignments for effective delivery.

The first person in this supply chain is the pickup person who collects the parcel to take it to the office of the international Parcel delivery services. Collection center executive then affix a barcode that contains all relevant details and then entrusts it to ground handlers who take it to the truck. The truck driver takes the parcel to the fulfillment warehouses run by third party logistics providers who in turn have packers and sorters who pack and sort accordingly. 

The fulfillment service executive obtains custom clearances and ensures the parcel is ready for international shipping. Trucking services then delivers the parcel to the cargo aircraft assigned for international delivery. On reaching there, the whole process of logistics, distribution, and delivery repeats and finally, the parcel is delivered, thereby completing the delivery lifecycle.

These are people who are directly in contact with your parcel, but there are a whole lot of other supply chain managers, fleet managers, inventory specialists, and technological tracking specialists who are also part of this, keeping a strict vigil on the parcel from start to finish.

Your Guide On How To Pack Fragile And Valuable Items?

With international shipping consignments moving through various channels like fulfilment warehouses, logistics distribution, distribution and international delivery hubs and additionally are transported by using air, road, rail, sea or trucking services, a minor flaw in handling in any of these areas can result in damage of goods. This can happen despite the best efforts of international Parcel delivery services who handle huge volume of cargo for international delivery. 

International Shipping - DTDC USA

So, if you are planning to send something that is fragile or valuable through a courier from USA to India or a courier to Europe from USA or wherever, it is better to pack it properly by using the recommended packaging materials before entrusting with the courier. Most of the International Logistics services providers and international courier services make use of quality third part logistics providers to ensure proper packaging to prevent damage of goods, but mishaps are bound to occur at certain times. 

It is always better to be safe than sorry!

The first thing, that you can to do while sending a valuable or fragile item by a parcel to India from USA, is to take an insurance cover close to the value of the consignment that is to be sent for international delivery. Even if the cost is on a higher side, go for it. An antique piece of jewellery or a rare painting or a memorabilia that you cherish, cannot be rebought. So, to pack these fragile or valuable items, the materials you need and the method to be followed are as follows:

While packing, it is important to have the basic necessary materials at your disposal like packing tape, scissors, pliable cardboard, bubble wrapper, newspaper, high quality packing paper, packing boxes and sturdy double-walled or triple-walled boxes that are at least 1/4” thick. 

The method:

Wrapping is the first step towards a healthy packing of international delivery. The idea is to give a protective jacket around your valuables. Newspapers are good enough but it is advisable to use bubble wraps or polythene foam because of the extra padding during international shipping. Wrap the packing tape all around to give another layer of protection. 

Now, choose a corrugated cardboard box with double or triple-walls of adequate size and place a layer of bubble wrap or foam at the bottom. Keep your wrapped package inside and place foam on the sides so as to ensure that the international shipping package doesn’t move inside. Make it as tight as you can. Repeat the same procedure on top as well. 
Next close the package and secure it all around with packing tape. You can use two or three layers of packing tape all around. Affix a sticker that highlights “Fragile”, “Handle with care”. Place indicators like ‘top’ or ‘bottom’. Now, your courier from USA to India is ready to be taken to the courier office to be shipped. You can even send it through express delivery option by paying higher international shipping prices. 

So, take your time to pack your fragile or valuable items as they need special care and attention. Be organised and systematic throughout the process and don’t forget to label it as “Fragile”.

Career In Logistics And SCM

With trade transcending international boundaries like never before, the scope and challenges for International Logistics services providers has increased by leaps and bounds. The scaling up of their level of operations to meet these increased demands of international delivery of cargo has created a lot of job opportunities and career prospects in logistics distribution and supply chain management. 

International-Logistics-Services-DTDC

International courier services and international Parcel delivery services play an important role in meeting the logistics and delivery demands of the small, medium and large players in manufacturing and retail sector. For example, it is more beneficial for a US based manufacturing company, having operations in both India and Europe, to engage the services of a courier from USA to India or a courier to Europe from USA or a Parcel to India from USA to meet their Logistics Distribution demands so that they can concentrate on their core business. 

Career Prospects In Logistics And SCM:

For offering end to end solutions to manufactures and retailers, the international delivery courier companies establish fulfilment warehouses to help store inventory, offer packaging services and to coordinate with governmental agencies regarding custom clearances, international shipping prices and trade issues. These warehouses employ highly skilled inventory and replenishment specialists to monitor inventory movements, which is an important part of supply chain management, and is a lucrative career opportunity in the International Logistics services sector. 

For those with adequate qualifications in the international delivery field, there are roles like warehouse operations manager, facilities manager, accounting specialists, ERP specialists, logistics analysts, supply chain systems manager, transportation and fleet managers etc which are interesting and highly remunerative and offer a lot of scope for upward mobility. 

With packaging industry being integrated with logistics distribution, companies also employ module packaging experts, food packaging experts and group packaging experts etc. to meet specific demands and being a less trodden path, the demand for them is very high. 

With modern day courier and trucking services keeping a real-time track of freight movement by using GPS and other satellite based navigation systems, subject matter experts and advanced technology specialists in the field, are highly sought after. 

International shipping companies work with third party logistics providers, with expertise in certain fields like warehousing, trucking or express delivery of consignments, also employ a lot of specialists and unskilled workforce in these respective areas. 

International courier services offers non specialist jobs like packers, package handlers, truck drivers, delivery boys and entry level jobs like accounting clerks, customer service and marketing executives are available in plenty and it also offers scope for career progression for those with talent and skills. 
In years to come, the importance of logistics distribution and supply chain management are bound to witness a sharp increase, thereby presenting a lot of job opportunities to those with skills and experience in logistics distribution and supply chain management.

Fast And Quick Shipping For Occasions Like Thanksgiving

season in the USA is one of the busiest seasons for domestic & international delivery and international shipping companies. Normally we are so busy with our day-to-day activities that we always put off sending holiday gifts in advance and run around hunting for express delivery companies during the week leading to the holidays, thanksgiving for example. This is when same day shipping comes in handy. Same day shipping is beneficial for both the senders and the receivers. Especially during the sale season in a selling business, same day delivery would mean customers would buy from you rather than the competitors who are still waiting on the product arrival. This is where logistics distribution and international Parcel delivery services comes handy. 

Third Party Logistics - DTDC USA

There are a lot of advantages associated with same day shipping:

1. Faster service – same day delivery guarantees happy customers and relieved senders. This is ideally the best option for fast and quick shipping which includes express delivery for occasions like Thanksgiving.

2. Reliable – we have all been through the daunting process of following up on our package deliveries, and it is not an easy task. Same day shipping eliminates such problems and lets the customers sit back and relax since they know for sure that their package with the third party logistics team will reach the sender on the same day.

3. Cost effective – Same day shipping brings with it, a lot of benefits and so a few extra dollars wouldn’t matter all that much since we know for sure that the package will be delivered on time and without any loss or damage. 

Although occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas benefit from fast and quick same day shipping, additional benefits like convenience and effective utilization of time and cost make same day shipping a blessing in disguise. The same strategy of same day shipping cannot be used for international courier services, like a courier from USA to India for example, due to the high international shipping prices and the time difference involved. For faster international shipping, it is advisable to send the shipment with the assistance of international courier services a few days in advance rather than last minute, so it reaches the sender for the special occasion intended.

What Is A Courier Company And How Does It Make Life Easier For You?

A basic understanding about a courier company

A company that transports documents, portable packages, envelopes and lightweight objects from one place to another can be identified as a courier company. A courier company is known for its express delivery and prompt services.

Parcel to India from USA - DTDC

DTDC can be recognized as company which provides international courier services. It also offers different types of courier services such as premium, express delivery, and economy to cater to different client requirement. They also have international courier service, suppose someone wants to receive a business agreement copy from the USA or India, they have the option to send a Parcel to India from USA and vice-versa. Similarly, courier companies like DTDC offer a secure way to courier to Europe from US documents.
  
How do courier companies make customer life easy?

Fast Service: In comparison to the regular mail, international courier services companies have different services which assure faster delivery of goods. Customers can also choose express delivery option in case they need to send some document urgently.

The mention of transit time puts the customer’s mind at ease, as they are able to provide an estimated date of delivery.

Track your shipment option: Track your shipment option is a fantastic tool for the customer, especially when the customer has sent important documents through international shipping. At a given point of time, the courier company website reveals the location of the package through this option. In case there is a need for intervention, because the customer feels the package is being sent to the wrong address, they can reach out to the service provider immediately.

Secure delivery of couriers: All packages require the signature of the receiver, through this step international Parcel delivery services companies is providing accountability to the customer and completing secure delivery. In case the package received is damaged or tampered during transit at the time of international shipping, customers can always raise a complaint with the international delivery companies.

Accessibility: Most courier companies have built a wide network and have a strong presence in different regions, a brilliant Logistics Distribution system is in place. In today’s world with friends and families living across the globe, courier companies have made sending goods through international shipping easier. DTDC has an E-Booking service through which customer can access international courier services from their home or office. Customers no longer need to find a physical store; they can use the online E-Booking and send their courier to the desired destination. 

If you have a small business or you are a person who has the requirement to send couriers frequently with the aid of international Parcel delivery services, consider joining the mailing list of the courier companies. Most courier companies send promotional information through emails. To a customer who sends many couriers, they can benefit by applying these promotional offers.

Tips On How To Get Your Goods Shipped For Free

The word free shipping to an online shopper feels like they have hit the Jackpot. Everyone loves the word as it translates into a dollar saved that can be used somewhere else. 

Now getting this euphoric feeling is easier than one can imagine. Many retailers have their brand websites which promote online shopping. If you’re wondering how can you get free shipping through online shopping, here are a few tips on how to avail it.

Tips on how to get your goods shipped for free

International Express Delivery - DTDC USA

Most couriers and third party logistics companies do not directly offer free shipping to customers instead they tie-up with large retailers to deliver shipments to customers. The international courier services companies get into agreement with retailers to provide services such as express delivery, international delivery, and International Logistics services.

Customers who would like to get their items delivered for free should look for items which have a free shipping offer. Example: Nordstrom provides free standard shipping on items sold on its website to anywhere in the United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico for free, plus they also offer free returns.

Walmart also offers free shipping to customers if they shop online on their website, however, they require the order amount to be above a certain level. Example: If your order value is over $ 50 they can ship the item to you for free. Free shipping by most retailers is limited to only the United States of America. They do not offer free shipping on express delivery orders and international delivery requests.

Amazon.com has a similar policy to Walmart where they require the shopper to have an order above a certain amount in order for them to provide free shipping. Amazon Prime customers can get free 2-day shipping from them on their orders. Students can get a discounted Amazon Prime rate when they enroll as an Amazon student. A student can benefit from this service by ordering their books online and getting free shipping.

The availability of free shipping depends on each seller’s policy. Some have a price restriction, while others limit shipping within the USA. Customers can glance over the shipping policy before checking out their orders. The reason why most companies do not offer free international delivery is because it is not cost efficient for them. 

A customer can still take benefit of free shipping by searching online for free shipping coupons for different retailers. These coupons usually have a validity time, but they are worth having a glance if you would like to save money on free delivery.

Supply Chain Market During Halloween

Happy Trick Or Treating

Halloween is just around the corner; the spirit of trick or treating is spreading around the neighborhoods. There is a huge demand for costumes, candy, and chocolates during this time, therefore, retailers and E-commerce companies have stocked their fulfillment warehouse ahead of time in order to ensure timely delivery of the express delivery orders. DTDC has warehouse service and fulfillment warehouses which work around the clock to ensure timely delivery of international delivery products to customer homes.

International Parcel Delivery Services - DTDC USA

Planning For Halloween

People plan and shop for Halloween days before the actual event. There are many shoppers who prefer ordering customized costumes and masks to make an impression. Availability of International Logistics services and options such as express delivery and international shipping has made it possible to acquire the desired objects from anywhere around the world.

The total spending during Halloween time is estimated to reach around 8.4 billion dollars in 2016, as per the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) annual survey.  In order, to meet the market demands, Logistics Distribution is planned ahead by companies. DTDC offers services such as trucking services for B2B clients and domestic courier services and international courier services to B2C clients, enabling them to transport packages, documents, greeting cards, and household decorations related to Halloween.

A delay in delivery of Halloween supplies can have a huge impact on the profit made by the retailers, small businesses, and E-commerce companies during this time. Hence, retailers ensure that the orders for Halloween supplies are placed well ahead and there is sufficient stock in fulfillment warehouses to meet the customer demands.

Various Types Of Orders

E-commerce sites receive many orders during Halloween, not just from the United States of America, but also from Canada, Europe, and other countries. The demand for international shipping for costumes has risen as people from all over the world are beginning to understand and practice the concept of Halloween. Certain websites sell vintage or handmade supplies which are unique and make great gifts. People utilize the international parcel delivery services to send and receive such items.

Halloween is only the beginning of the holiday season in the United States, international Logistics services are required to facilitate the fulfillment of orders which will be placed on Black Friday and for Christmas. By adopting the best delivery system and technology, third party logistics companies are trying to ensure timely delivery of parcels during the holiday season.

Facts And Figures About Costs Involved In International Shipping

The most common fear among people when they think of international shipping is the fear of losing their courier from USA to India. People buy gifts out of love for their families and friends, the thought of them not receiving the package on time or package getting damaged during transit, is one of the reasons why people often get discouraged and do not use international shipping services.

International Courier Services - DTDC USA

Companies are, however constantly working on resolving this problem by providing options such as “track your shipment”. Shipments can be tracked using the shipment number or reference number.

International Shipping Network

DTDC allows you to track up to 25 shipments together, each separated by a comma. This option saves time if you want to track couriers sent from the USA to India, gift cards or greeting cards, and couriers to Europe from the USA that have been sent to numerous people.

DTDC has a direct presence in 20 countries and a business network in over 240 countries, in addition to network partners around the world. This enables DTDC to provide international parcel delivery services on time with ease and at the best possible international shipping prices.

International shipping has always thought out to be an expensive option, however, DTDC has now come up with super low international charges to countries such as India, Europe, Dubai, Mexico and Canada making it a pocket-friendly international courier services.

How To Find Out The Cost When Sending A Package Abroad?

International courier service companies are making it easier to send important personal and business documents securely across the world. In the past, people had to ask someone to carry a package on their behalf.

Now customers can get an online quote and figure out the international shipping prices. The wait is over, customers no longer have to wait for someone to carry a parcel for them, using international shipping they can get their stuff directly handed over.

Assistance On Information To Send A Shipment Abroad 

When it comes to sending, or receiving international delivery, a person must glance over the FAQ section online, which provides information regarding how to pack your shipment, customs clearance, documents required to be attached with the shipment, transit period, countries in which international shipping is available and payment options.

DTDC also offers 24/7 customer service, you can call and reach their advisors or send an email to them. They would be happy to reply to any queries related to international shipping and other courier services.

In current times, many airlines are having strict luggage limits and the pricing for extra luggage is also increasing, thus making international courier services as a worthy option to consider to transport document, and parcels. The competitive rates provided by courier companies can lead to savings for businesses when they want to ship freight and commercial shipments to other countries.