You don't have to go far these days to come across a courier company that offers International services. What you might not realise though is that the company you are dealing with actually outsources your international shipment for fulfillment. This can, in turn, increase the cost of the service to you.

What is an International Courier Service?

An International Courier service is a carrier who will deliver you parcels, letters and packages over borders into countries that differ from the origin of the package. This might mean that standard courier vans or transport isn't adequate and other methods of transport such as ships or planes have to be used. In effect an International Courier service is no different to a standard courier service - it just has the capability of reaching destinations further afield.

Typically, the greater the distance your parcel has to travel the more you will be looking to pay, but the first tip to help you save money is to shop around. Don't settle on the first courier company you come across, find out how much other companies might charge. Don't think that you will automatically get over-charged by using a well known company such as DHL or FedEx. You might find, that because these companies manage the complete shipment process, that you get a better deal than going to a local company down the road.

The second option to help you save money is to approach an International Courier 'broker' service. Broker services will basically do all the leg work for you. From a database of approved and reliable courier services the broker will be able to find out the best deal for you, firstly by sitting down and discussing your requirements and secondly by talking to the courier companies on your behalf. The best thing about a broker service is that they are often free to the consumer, as the courier company will pay the broker a commission if they elect to use their service.

Don't forget that loyalty nearly always pays and is a great and easy way of reducing your International Courier costs. You might find that if you offer repeat business to a courier company that your rates start to drop - however on the flip side some companies might tempt you in by offering promotions on a first shipment - or maybe even offer a discount on the third shipment as that will commit you to at least three consignments.

It might seem like a lot of fuss and hassle to just save a bit of money on sending a parcel or package, but if your business is reliant on an international courier service and sends frequent consignments then before you know it you could make a considerable saving.