Top 5 mistakes to avoid when sending parcels this Christmas

By: Transglobal Express
Date: 07/12/2023 15:42
Category: FedEx

The Christmas rush is fast approaching. Whether you're sending gifts or goods, we know it's a hectic time of year, and that you'll want to stay on top of your shipments and make sure they arrive on time.

Don't worry - we've put together a handy list of common mistakes to avoid, which will help to ensure a smooth and seamless delivery.

1. Last minute planning

When planning your Christmas shipping, the earlier the better. Most carriers will deliver right up until Friday 22nd this year but they are dealing with large volumes of parcels, which can lead to some small delays. We recommend allowing for at least one additional working day.

Be sure to check the last shipping dates for each carrier (they will vary by service and destination), but always try to allow for extra time where you can to ensure a smooth shipping experience.

2. Insufficient packaging

The last thing you want is for shipments to arrive damaged or broken. Proper packaging ensures your parcel arrives in one piece.

Choose a strong box and use plenty of inner cushioning. The contents of your parcel should be well-packed enough to be able to withstand a drop from waist height - and don't rely on 'fragile' or 'this way up' notices.

While we love a good gift wrap, Christmas wrapping paper should not be used on the outer box, as it is easily torn and shipping labels may come off. International shipments may also need to be opened for inspection by customs.

3. Incorrect customs information

Speaking of customs - be sure to avoid delays with customs clearance by providing the correct and accurate information.

Check that you're using the right commodity codes, which are used to classify goods for custom purposes. You can use the UK government website to look these up. Or you can use our code finder when booking with us.

If you're shipping to customers internationally, also consider utilising DTP and IOSS options for duties and taxes. This will not only make the process smoother but also avoid any complications for your customers like having to pay surprise customs fees.

4. Insufficient inventory

This one's for the businesses. Maintaining your inventory is essential if you want to ensure that you have enough supplies to complete requests by the holiday season. Insufficient inventory can cause delays and dissatisfaction for customers.

To this end, consider fulfilment options that will ensure quick despatch—especially if it means you can skip the customs queue by storing locally.

5. Inefficient shipping solutions

If you use an e-commerce platform such as Etsy, eBay or WooCommerce, arranging shipping for each of your shop orders can be a slow process. Our integration options are a great way to make things more efficient and hassle-free. Import shop orders to your Transglobal Express account, get a quote, compare prices and make bookings with ease.

Whatever your worries about shipping for Christmas this year, we could be the solution. Get in touch with our team if you have any queries at all - and we'll do whatever we can to help.