| Parcel shipping services are provided by big industry | | | | delivery time, resulting from the utilization of a slower |
| players like FedEx and DHL. For example, FedEx has | | | | delivery method, the corresponding cost for such |
| their 'Smart Post', while DHL their 'At Home Service'. | | | | parcel shipping would also be lower. The size and |
| Together with UPS these three companies treat the | | | | weight of the items will be a factor on the best |
| U.S. as zones, and each zone is charged with | | | | shipment and delivery method that should be made |
| different rates with consideration to the distance | | | | use of, for one's shipping requirements. |
| from the shipping points. | | | | UPS, FedEx, DHL offers delivery confirmation of your |
| There are also the independent players who provide | | | | packages. Each has its own service promo and |
| parcel shipping services. These are commonly called | | | | bundles of add-on services to attract customers. |
| the consolidators. These independent companies | | | | Next-day deliveries are also offered at a higher cost. |
| compete against the major players in the industry by | | | | The USPS is ideal for packages under the lightweight |
| utilizing a special rate from USPS - the Parcel Select. | | | | category, which are usually less than 3 pounds of |
| The packages that these consolidators handle are | | | | weight. With USPS Priority Mail or with the USPS First |
| driven to USPS Bulk Mail Centers (BMCs) or to the | | | | Class, delivery times will be at two to three days. |
| local post offices. The downside of this is the speed | | | | USPS parcel shipping also provides a free shipping box |
| of the delivery, as it would go for a few days more | | | | with different styles to choose from. Customization |
| than, if you were taking the services of FedEx, DHL | | | | of your shipping boxes is offered if you are shipping |
| or UPS. The positive side though is the savings that | | | | large volumes. |
| one gets out of these independent providers of | | | | The parcel shipping industry would be better with |
| parcel shipping services. | | | | more competitors like these consolidators. They |
| One of the largest independent consolidators is APX | | | | make the prices more competitive and of course, the |
| Logistics, but unfortunately, they closed shop this | | | | services as well. The consolidators provide valuable |
| year. With one major competition down, the other | | | | alternatives to the public, and the parcel shipping |
| players will most likely increase parcel shipping costs, | | | | services become more affordable to most of the |
| affecting those who regularly avail of such services. | | | | people who are looking for reasonable costs to their |
| The basic considerations in parcel shipping are the | | | | shipping needs. |
| cost of shipping and the delivery times. With a slower | | | | |