Sending parcels is becoming more and more popular thanks to the Internet - online trading is gaining new followers every month and practically everyone can sell. For example, through online auctions or via Allegro. In this context, a frequent question is: How much does courier shipping cost? What does the price depend on? Let us dispel these doubts and find out what factors influence the cost of our parcel.
How much does a courier cost - type of shipment
When considering how much we will pay for courier shipping, we must first consider the type of service. Each courier company has various options on offer, which differ, among other things, in delivery time. The faster the parcel has to reach the addressee, the higher the delivery cost will be. Most people usually use a standard service. We realise that everyone likes to have a choice and that the choice of parcel depends on the situation. For this reason, we have prepared various favourable shipping options for our customers:
- From Parcel Machine to Parcel Machine - All you have to do is pay for your parcel and print a label, and then send your parcel at any time, as the facilities are open 24 hours a day. In addition, up to 98% of parcels reach their recipients within 48 hours. Prices for the service start from PLN 11.99 gross;
- From parcel machine to home - Conveniently post your parcel in an InPost machine so that it arrives straight to your address (within two days at the latest). Price of the service: from 14.99 gross;
- From Home to Parcel Machine - you do not have to send the parcel yourself, you can call our courier - the addressee will be able to collect the parcel from the Parcel Machine most probably the next day. Cost of the service: from PLN 16.99 gross;
- From Home to Home - if you are making a larger order, no problem - our courier will collect your parcels from you, and your order will arrive at the indicated address one day after posting. Price of the service: from PLN 19.99 gross.
How much does courier delivery cost - weight and dimensions of the parcel
One of the most important factors affecting the final cost of a parcel is its weight and dimensions. The heavier the parcel, the more you will pay for its delivery. Each carrier sets its own limits for the size and weight of the goods to be shipped - they are not pre-defined and uniformly applied by all transport companies operating on the market. When preparing various goods for shipment, we should therefore pay attention to the dimensions of the package. In the case of very large parcels, it is best to contact the courier and ask about the possibility of the service. What about Parcel Machines? What are the sizes of parcels that fit into the machines?
- size XS - maximum dimensions: 40 X 230 X 400 mm, minimum height: 1 mm maximum weight: 3 kg. Size available only in the InPost Mobile application;
- dimension A - Maximum dimensions: 80 X 380 X 640 mm, minimum height: 1 mm, maximum weight: 25 kg;
- dimension B - Maximum dimensions: 190 X 380 X 640 mm, minimum height: 81 mm, maximum weight: 25 kg;
- dimension C - Maximum dimensions: 410 X 380 X 640 mm, minimum height: 191 mm, maximum weight: 25 kg.
How much does courier shipping cost - distance from point of dispatch to point of collection
Another aspect that affects the cost of a parcel is the destination. The greater the distance, the higher the price of the parcel may be, as the company will use more fuel during transport. Fortunately, in most cases, the charge for shipping across the country is the same. The situation is different if you want to use a same-day delivery service. Then the price will certainly increase. It is also worth paying attention to remote or hard-to-reach locations, the so-called extended zone, and asking the carrier for details if the location you have chosen may be problematic. Of course, international shipments have a completely different price list than domestic shipments, which is also something to be taken into account.
How much does a courier cost - packing a parcel properly
We don't always realise how important it is to properly pack products to be sent out - after all, we want them to reach the recipient in perfect, intact condition. So it's best to get sturdy, high-quality cardboard boxes and fillers. It is also necessary to mark the parcel if the goods are fragile and prone to damage. If for some reason an item cannot be packed in a cardboard box (e.g. due to its dimensions), it is not uncommon for the carrier to charge additional fees. This is because the package in question will not be able to be sorted automatically.
How much does courier delivery cost - summary
The price of shipping is made up of many different factors that are worth bearing in mind. These include:
- type of consignment,
- package weight and dimensions,
- the distance from the point of dispatch to the place of reception,
- proper packing of the contents of the parcel for dispatch.