How to courier something

mengele

I have a box that I want to send by courier up the country. How does this work. Is there some depot in cork I send the box into? Any near the airport? Its about 5kg so should it be cheaper than post?

thomil

mengele wrote: »

I have a box that I want to send by courier up the country. How does this work. Is there some depot in cork I send the box into? Any near the airport? Its about 5kg so should it be cheaper than post?

I'm not sure it will automatically be a cheaper option. Courier companies are usually specialised in getting your shipment there fast, and they'll charge accordingly. I used to work for DHL in Germany, and sending a document within that country used to cost around 30€. It would be there by lunchtime the next day, though.

As for the logistics of it, most courier companies do home or office pickups, as well as using fixed drop-off locations, I'd recommend you check their respective websites to find out the details. Depending on the destination, it should usually be there and delivered on the next business day. Transit times might be a bit longer if the shipment is going to a remote location or an island.

With most companies, you book the shipment online on their website, and arrange a pickup at the same time. The pickup window will usually be a couple of hours, so be sure you or someone else is available during that time. If you prefer a drop off at a depot or a designated drop-off point, like a shop, you can select that online as well. Payment is usually done via credit/debit card, PayPal, et. al., and at the end of the process you just print out the shipping label, and put it on the box. A receipt for the courier to sign when he picks up the shipment might also be printed, but that depends on the company.

I highly recommend you shop around and check the websites of all major players:

DHL (Can't leave out my former employer, can I? )
https://www.logistics.dhl/ie-en/home/book-online.html

Nightline:
https://www.nightlinedirect.com

UPS:
https://www.ups.com/ie/en/Home.page

Parcel Connect (Fastway Couriers):
https://www.parcelconnect.ie/send/

FedEx:
https://www.fedex.com/ie/index.html?INTCMP=fedexie

DPD:
https://dpd.ie

Hope that helps a bit.

blindsider

Parcel motel any use?


http://www.parcelmotel.com/send/

TheChizler

An post have a pretty good courier service. Got next day to Italy last week.

two wheels good

An Post charges here.

paulhardman

Check out parceldirect.ie - they offer a pretty good discount for a variety of courier services. Got a package from Ireland to the US in 48 hours in December, for less than An Post's '3-7 days if you're lucky' service...