Useful Tips When You Request a Courier - 4 Essential Steps

Whether you’re sending a package to a friend, a family member, or selling a product online, rarely is everything crystal clear when you request a courier, especially if it’s the first time you do this. How do you properly pack your goods? What documents do you need? And most importantly, what happens after you place the order?

This article includes all the necessary information to help you send a package smoothly, whether it’s a domestic or an international shipment.

Step 1: Choosing the right courier service

The first step is to select a courier service that suits your needs. If you’re not in a hurry and want to save money, standard delivery is the best option, but it will take longer. If you need your package to arrive quickly, express delivery is the way to go, though it comes at a higher cost. And if you’re shipping internationally, you should know that you’ll likely need to provide additional customs documents.

To compare prices and delivery times, you can check each courier’s website individually, or you can save time by using an aggregator like Altexpress, which presents multiple delivery options in one place. This gives you more flexibility and helps you choose the best solution for your shipment.

Step 2: Preparing your package

Proper packaging is essential to ensure that your package arrives safely at its destination. While using a cardboard box is recommended, there are other options if you don’t have one available. For example, you can use a well-sealed travel bag secured with tape, making sure to attach the shipping label.

If you want to protect your package from moisture or damage during transport, follow these simple guidelines:

• ✅ Protect fragile items

Use bubble wrap, protective paper, or even kitchen towels to wrap delicate objects. Make sure each item has enough cushioning on all sides.

• ✅ Choose the right box

Avoid using a box that’s too large, as the items inside might shift and break. A box that’s too small, on the other hand, might put excessive pressure on its contents.

• ✅ Use compartments

If you’re shipping bottles or similarly shaped objects, opt for partitioned boxes that prevent movement during transport.

• ✅ Seal the package properly

Apply tape on all edges and corners to prevent accidental openings.

• ✅ Protect against moisture 

If your package contains items that shouldn’t come into contact with water, place them inside a well-sealed plastic bag first.

• ✅ Add warning labels

If you’re sending fragile items, don’t forget to attach a visible “FRAGILE” label to alert couriers to handle your package with care.

Step 3: Placing the order and payment methods

The ordering process depends on the solution you choose. If you opt for Altexpress, filling in the sender and recipient details takes less than a minute (or even less if you already have an account and use saved addresses).

For payment, you have several options depending on your preferences and needs:

• ➡️ Online payment – Available via credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard), bank transfer, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

• ➡️ Recipient payment – If you prefer the recipient to pay for shipping, you can select this option when placing the order.

• ➡️ Cash-on-delivery (COD) – If you’re selling a product and need to collect the payment at delivery, the courier will collect the amount from the recipient and forward it to you later.

Additionally, if you’re sending a valuable item, it’s a good idea to opt for insurance so you can be compensated in case of loss or damage.

These options give you maximum flexibility, allowing you to choose the most convenient and secure solution for both you and the recipient.

Step 4: Order confirmation and shipping documents

After finalizing your order, you will receive a confirmation email containing a summary of your shipment, including package details, selected delivery options, and the total cost. This email will also include the AWB (Air Waybill) document, which, depending on the destination and the courier company’s policy, you may need to print and attach to your package before pickup.

Using the AWB code, both you and the recipient can track the shipment’s status in real time. You can find the AWB code in the confirmation email or near the barcode on the shipping label.

If you’re sending an international package, you may also receive additional instructions on completing customs documentation (such as authorizations, declarations, or proforma/commercial invoices).

Regulations vary from country to country, so it’s best to check the specific requirements for your destination in advance.

If you have any doubts, the Altexpress team offers assistance to ensure all documents are correctly completed so your package reaches its destination without issues.

Conclusion

Sending a package can be a simple and stress-free process if you know exactly what to do. Choosing the right courier service, packing properly, and filling out the necessary documents are the key steps to ensuring everything goes smoothly. Whether you’re sending a gift to a friend or an international package, these tips will help you achieve a safe and hassle-free delivery!