The Process of Using UK Parcel Forwarding Services

Having the ability to send your items internationally can be a challenge especially if you’re looking for a quality reliable parcel forwarding service with clear pricing and fast delivery. The UK parcel forwarding services will make it easy for individuals to send parcels internationally from the UK including individuals purchasing gifts, families, students studying in the UK and companies that sell products online.You’ll receive a physical address in the UK your ordered items will be sent to this address and they will then be sent to your home country (or anywhere else you wish using the parcel forwarding company of your choice. 

This article will explain how UK parcel forwarding works what each stage of the process entails and how to choose a UK parcel forwarding company.

What is UK parcel forwarding?  

UK parcel forwarding is the process of receiving parcels within the UK and then sending them to another country.Instead of requesting that a UK seller sends a package directly to you at your foreign address you send an order to a parcel forwarding warehouse in the UK. The forwarding company receives your parcel then repackages, labels and ships the package to you internationally.

This flow of parcels allows individuals to access exclusively UK licensed products at a competitive price giving them additional shipping options and providing them with more control over the manner in which they receive their parcels.The use of parcel forwarding has seen a rise in popularity among consumers due to the expanded number of customers who can access UK shops there by giving them the ability to buy more products from UK sellers with minimum hassle. 

There are several reasons why consumers choose to buy through parcel forwarder services.

1. Consumers have access to store inventory and products available to UK consumers only.
2. Consumers have greater control over the International shipping costs.
3. Consumers will have greater choice of the various Door to door shipping methods.
4. Consumers have an easier time tracking their parcel and packages.
5. Consumers may also save money by purchasing cheaper delivery options.
6. Consumers are given peace of mind with an easy parcel flow as they can follow the progress of their parcels at every stage of the process.

Signing up and obtaining an official UK address

The registration process is the first part of using a parcel forwarding company to send items internationally. Once signed up to your new account the parcel forwarding company will provide you with a unique address in the UK. 

Once you have your new UK address you can then begin shopping on your favourite UK websites. When checking out from these retail websites simply provide your forwarding address instead of the international address that corresponds with your own. 

Step 1 : Delivery of Your Package to the Forwarding Warehouse

When your package is delivered to the forwarding warehouse, the forwarding company will check it in and create a link between the package and your account. Most forwarding services will send you an email or notification via their dashboard to let you know the package has been received.

At this point in time, the flow of the package will be more transparent. Typically you will be able to view the package’s information which includes:

Name of seller, Weight of package, Size of package, Total quantity of packages received, Length of time in storage, Shipping options available.

Step 2 : Select Shipping Options

At this point the parcel has entered the shipping process. After the parcel is received by your warehouse you will select how you want to send the parcel overseas through your selected provider using the preferred courier, shipping speed and price.

Examples of International Shipping Options Available:

1.  International Express Service
2.  Economical Service Options for Affordable International Deliveries
3.  Door-to-Door with Full Tracking Updates About Your Delivery
4. Signed For Delivery For Added Security

After you select your shipping option, you will also have an opportunity to review the International Shipping Rates. The cost of shipping usually varies based on 3 variables: the weight of the item, the size of the parcel and the destination country. Some providers allow you to compare Multiple Shipping Rates Side by Side so it is easy to find the optimal shipping solution based on cost vs. time of delivery.

Part of step four is to repack and consolidate. Parcel Flow is to move parcels from place to another place, but also to reduce cost. Most Parcel Forwarders offer ‘Repacking’ or ‘Consolidation’.

Repacking 

Instead of always sending an entire outer cardboard box, a parcel forwarder will remove the outer packaging (i.e; cardboard boxes, plastic wrappers, etc.) and then put the item inside a smaller box if possible. By doing this you will save money especially if your parcel forwarder charges by dimension and weight.

Consolidation  

A parcel forwarder can take multiple individual orders that you may have purchased from a number of different UK stores and send them to you in one shipment to your international shipping address.These services will allow customers to decrease the cost of shipping parcels internationally while also increasing the efficiency of shipping parcels internationally.

Step 3 : Customs Forms and Prohibited Items

The final phase of your parcel’s journey, the customs process, requires you to provide information regarding what is contained within your parcel and the value of your goods prior to the parcel being sent out of the UK. The forwarder may request while working together assisting you in the completion of the customs forms online. 

Common prohibited or restricted items are: 

1. Batteries power banks 
2. Perfumes and aerosols 
3. Flammable materials 
4. Restricted Food 
5. Tobacco and alcohol 
6. Controlled substances as well as medication. 

Before you allow your parcel to be shipped internationally, verify the International shipping restrictions of the country you will be shipping to or you risk having your parcel delayed, returned or destroyed by customs. 

Step 4: Tracking and Shipment

When your box is packaged, labelled and ready to ship the company sends it to you. In this case you will receive a package tracking number.

Now it becomes easy to track your box through package shipping tools and courier updates. You can keep tabs on:

1. The package leaving the UK warehouse
2. The package arriving in the destination country
3. The package clearing customs
4. Local courier delivering the package to you
5. Final attempt to deliver the package

Package tracking and parcel tracking are significant advantages of using an established international forwarding service. They give you peace of mind and allow you to track valuable or time-sensitive merchandise while remaining well informed.

Door to Door shipping is the preferred method of many customers because it simplifies the entire process from pickup through to final delivery in one easy step.

Cost of Parcel Forwarding

The cost of parcel forwarding varies depending on various factors. While parcel forwarding may not be the most economical option it can often be the best value alternative when additional services such as flexibility, consolidation or ability to shop in UK stores are required.

You will be charged for:

1. Receiving parcels
2. Storage after your free storage period
3. Repacking or consolidating parcels
4. Charging for shipping
5. Duties or import taxes on your parcel contents
6. Insurance or signature options

To help you find affordable delivery options, review the rates of different courier services. Economy services are usually less expensive but they may take longer to deliver. On the other hand express services generally have a higher cost but they usually provide faster service and better tracking.When you combine several parcels into one shipment your total costs will generally decrease for each parcel.

Advantages of UK parcel forwarding services provide several advantages for individual and commercial customers alike.

1. More Product Variety

UK parcel forwarding uses UK retailers who don’t offer international direct shipping.

2. Better Delivery Supervision

Compare shipping carriers delivery times and cost of shipping internationally prior to dispatch.

3. Reliable Package Tracking

Robust package tracking and parcel tracking provides more transparency and trust in your package’s whereabouts prior to delivery.

4. Flexible Delivery Options

Door-to-door delivery makes receiving parcels easier especially for buyers outside the UK.

5. Save on Bulk Orders

Repacking and consolidating your delivery can reduce overall delivery costs.

Parcel flow systems are also commonly used by businesses to facilitate eCommerce growth and better manage international orders and improve delivery options to customers. 

Considerations when selecting a UK forwarding company

Every forwarding service is distinct.The following items ought to be taken into account while selecting a provider.

1. Price Transparency

Confirm that the shipping company clearly communicates their shipping rates, storage fees and any additional charges.

2. Tracking Support

The forwarding provider should be able to provide you with adequate package tracking as well as parcel tracking.

3. Delivery options

Select a provider that can offer both express shipping services as well as inexpensive parcel delivery options.

4. Repacking Service

Repacking your delivery can reduce the delivery size and decrease the cost for international shipping.

5. Confirmation of Restricted Goods Policy

The forwarding company should inform you of any products that are restricted from international shipping.