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How to Decipher an International Tracking Number
Every international shipment is assigned a tracking number for the purpose of, well, tracking it. Parcel tracking tools look for the number in the shipping carrier’s database and return information about the current location of the shipment and its estimated time of arrival. For the system to work well, each international tracking number is unique and conforms to the S10 standard established by the Universal Postal Union.
4 Reasons Why You Should Print Your Shipping Labels Yourself
Each shipment, regardless of whether it is domestic or international, needs a shipping label in order to get to its destination. As a rule, shipping labels are created by post office employees, but some people choose to print them themselves. Here are 4 reasons why you should print shipping labels at home.
A Few Tips to Help You Track a USPS International Shipment
Most national postal services, including the USPS (United States Postal Service), allow their customers to track international shipments by giving each shipment a unique identifier called a tracking number. For the most part, people easily track their packages because the tracking system works smoothly, but it doesn’t mean that no problems ever happen. Let’s figure out together what you should do if you have trouble tracking a USPS international shipment.
The Pros and Cons of Hybrid Shipping Services Provided by the USPS and FedEx
While the phrase “collaboration with competitors” might seem self-contradictory, it is actually a sign of healthy competition. For example, shipping carriers may team up to make their services more affordable for customers and simultaneously reduce their operation costs. The examples of the so-called hybrid shipping services provided by the United States Postal Service (USPS) and FedEx are USPS Global Express Guaranteed (GXG) and FedEx Ground Economy (fomerly known as FedEx SmartPost).
Why Do Shipments Get Held at Customs?
Normally when you order something, you want your shipment to arrive as soon as possible. However, you need to understand that international shipping takes time, and there are situations when delays are inevitable. For example, sometimes shipments get stuck in customs upon arrival to the destination country. Why does it happen? Are there any ways to free your shipment from customs?
What Is the Difference Between Standard Shipping and Flat Rate Shipping?
Typically, the cost of shipping a package depends on its shape, weight, size, and destination. Most postal services and courier companies offer at least two pricing options: standard shipping and flat rate shipping. What is the difference between these two shipping options and which is better?
Shipping to the UK Has Changed Due to Brexit
On December 31, 2020 the United Kingdom finalized its withdrawal from the European Union. This has impacted the businesses of online retailers that ship products to the UK, since new rules for importing goods and services into Great Britain came into effect starting January 1, 2021.
2021 Changes to FedEx Rates, Surcharges and Fees
Every year, postal carriers and courier companies review their shipping rates, and FedEx is not an exception. Here’s a list of changes to FedEx rates, surcharges and fees that have (as of January 12, 2021) or will come into effect in early 2021.
2021 USPS Rate Changes to Take Effect on January 24
Every year, the U.S. Postal service proposes new mailing and shipping rates and files notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) of price changes. Here are the proposed USPS rate increases for domestic and international shipping services that will take effect on January 24, 2021.
How the USPS, FedEx and UPS Are Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has forced many businesses and services to shut down, either temporarily or permanently. However, national postal services and courier companies have continued to operate since they’re part of essential infrastructure. They’re trying to work as normally as possible in order to get things delivered on time, but it would be wrong to say that postal and courier services have been completely unaffected by the pandemic. How are the United States Postal Service, FedEx and UPS responding to the situation?
2020 USPS Rate Changes Took Effect on January 26
Once a year, the United States Postal Service changes its mailing and shipping rates and files the changes to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). The USPS filed the latest notice with the rate changes in October 2019. They took effect on January 26, 2020.
How to Schedule a Package Pickup
So, you’ve created a shipping label online, what’s next? Now you need to ship your package. Regardless of the mail carrier you’ve chosen, there are three main ways to do it: you can drop your package off at the nearest carrier’s location, drop it in a mail collection box, or schedule a package pickup.
USPS Price Changes to Take Effect on January 27, 2019
Back in October 2018, the United States Postal Service announced new postage rates effective January 27, 2019. Here are the most important things you need to know about the postal rate changes.
Printing Shipping Labels for Your Etsy Shop Orders with PostageMaker
Etsy is probably the most popular platform where people from all over the world can sell and buy handmade and vintage items. To make it easier for sellers to trade and make revenue, Etsy offers assistance in processing customers’ payments and printing shipping labels. However, built-in tools offered by Etsy aren’t always the most convenient option, so it may be helpful to learn about third-party alternatives.
Discounted Shipping by USPS, FedEx and UPS
When it comes to international shipping from the United States, there are three most popular options: the United States Postal Service (USPS), FedEx, and United Parcel Service (UPS). They provide shipping services at different rates, and while there rates are, by and large, affordable, international shipping isn’t exactly cheap. Is there any way to get discounted shipping by the USPS, FedEx and UPS?
Discounted International Shipping by USPS
The United States Postal Service (USPS) provides rather affordable international mail services to individuals and businesses. Still, international shipping is by no means cheap, especially when you need to ship large or heavy items. Luckily, there is a way to save money by using special services that provide discounted international shipping by the USPS.
How to Ship Heavy Parcels by UPS for Less
While the United States Postal Service (USPS) generally offers the best overall shipping rates, it does have its drawbacks. For instance, it doesn’t ship packages heavier than 70 lbs so if you need to ship a heavy parcel, you will have to resort to other carriers such as FedEx or UPS. Of course, shipping heavy parcels is not cheap, but there are ways to save some money on it. How to ship heavy parcels by UPS for less?
What Is Dimensional Weight and How to Calculate It
You probably know that most shipping carriers charge for weight: the heavier the package, the more it costs to ship. However, shipping costs aren’t always calculated on the basis of gross weight. Some carriers charge by the so-called dimensional weight when shipping lightweight, low density packages. What is dimensional weight and how to calculate it?
How to Prepare Shipping Labels for Less
To make shipping easier and minimize possible errors, carriers attach the so-called shipping labels to domestic and international parcels. Moreover, many carries enable customers to create shipping labels online using their official service, which is beneficial for both customers and carriers. If you want to save on shipping costs, you can also use third-party services that allow to prepare shipping labels for less.
How to Ship International Parcels Cheaper
International shipping isn’t exactly cheap, especially when you need to ship heavy or bulky items or when you want your parcel delivered fast. Luckily, there is a number of ways to save on shipping costs. For example, you can ship international parcels cheaper by printing discounted USPS labels using PostageMaker.