What is a Courier Service? Types and Benefits for Medium to Large Businesses

In 2023, 48% of consumers wanted delivery to be faster compared to 43% who wanted it to be cheaper. For online businesses, this highlights the importance of dependable and fast couriers in order to keep up with market trends and consumer expectations.

Couriers are vital for eCommerce success as they provide services with a range of delivery speeds such as same-day and next-day delivery, ensuring your customers are happy.

In this blog, we’re going to dive into what a courier service is, it functions and benefits, and how you can choose the right partner for your eCommerce business.

A courier is simply a company (or employee of a company) that transports commercial packages and documents. Common ones here in Canada include FedEx and UPS. 

However, unlike the old-fashioned mail service (aka, the post office), couriers offer many different ways to send your packages and a range of courier service benefits, alongside fast and reliable delivery.

So when should you choose a courier over other services? Here are some situations where opting for a courier will likely be the best fit: 

Postal services are typically government-run, such as Canada Post, and handle a vast volume of mail, leading to longer delivery times and less personalized service. Conversely, couriers are private businesses that prioritize getting your packages delivered quickly and dependably. They also make customer service a top priority.

With offerings like express shipping, courier companies help eCommerce stores keep up with demanding timelines and customer expectations.

Courier services differ from parcel carriers in several ways, despite both being involved in the transport and delivery of goods. 

When it comes to shipping timeframes, parcel carriers are suitable for standard deliveries;, however, they won’t be suitable for faster timeframes (such as same-day and next-day delivery). 

Courier services also offer personalized services and extra care for your goods, unlike parcel carriers that are more generalized and with which there may be a higher risk of damage. 

Local Courier Services

Local courier services focus on short-distance deliveries within a specific area or city. If your business needs to deliver products quickly within the same city, these services are just what you need.

International Courier Services

International courier services help businesses connect with customers no matter where they are in the world. They take care of the customs paperwork for you and keep tabs on your package's journey to guarantee it gets to where it's going without a hitch or delay.

Standard Delivery Services

Standard delivery services offer a balance between cost and speed. While not as fast as same-day or overnight options, standard delivery is reliable and cost-effective, making it suitable for non-urgent shipments.

Same-Day Couriers

Same-day courier services are the fastest option available, ensuring that packages are delivered within the same day they are sent. This service is ideal for businesses that need to meet urgent customer demands or provide expedited service.

Overnight Courier Services

Overnight couriers guarantee delivery by the next business day. This service is slightly slower than same-day delivery but is still incredibly fast, providing a reliable option for urgent shipments.

Rush and On-Ddemand Courier Services

Rush and on-demand courier services give businesses the freedom to get things delivered right away, even if it's outside normal working hours. These services are always on standby, ready to handle last-minute deliveries and emergencies at any hour of the day or night (but these definitely come with a cost!). 

• Efficiency: Couriers streamline the delivery process, reducing the time it takes for products to reach customers.

• Reliability: With advanced tracking and secure handling, businesses can trust that their shipments will arrive safely and on time.

• Customer Satisfaction: Fast and reliable delivery enhances the customer experience, leading to increased satisfaction and repeated business.

Courier service costs depend on a few things, like how fast you need the package delivered, how far it has to travel, and its size. Ultimately, it is going to be more expensive than a regular postal service like Canada Post – but you are getting more for your money.

A cost-benefit analysis typically shows that the advantages of using a courier service outweigh the expenses, particularly for businesses that rely on timely deliveries.

• Reliability and Speed: Ensure the courier has a track record of fast and reliable delivery of goods! Their level of service will be reflected in your business.

• Coverage Area: Choose a courier that can deliver to all the locations your business serves.

• Cost and Value for Money: Compare prices and services to find the best value for your products – sometimes the cost of insurance outweighs the higher price if you are shipping expensive goods.

• Customer Support and Additional Features: Look for couriers that offer excellent customer service and additional features like tracking and insurance.

Here at eShipper, we take the complexity out of shipping. With our platform, you can compare discounted shipping rates and transit times from all major carriers for your courier services in one click.

With 23+ years of shipping experience, we can help tailor your shipping services no matter your needs. We continue to grow our relationships with the most reliable carriers in the world to give you the best shipping rates, including UPS and FedEx.

Reach out to us today and let’s get your courier services set up together,at preferred rates we’ve negotiated on your behalf.

For any eCommerce business aiming to thrive, choosing the right courier partner is extremely important. These services guarantee swift and secure deliveries that keep customers coming back. 

You can count on us here at eShipper for reliable support in navigating the world of couriers and fast, reliable shipping.