Picking a courier looks simple until you see ten different prices for the same box. Speed, tracking, limits and customs handling all change from one carrier to another. Use these six criteria to decide.
1. Delivery speed
Express services (DHL, UPS, FedEx and similar) usually deliver in a few working days. Economy and postal services such as Correos can take longer but cost less. Decide first how urgent the parcel is.
2. Total price, not the headline price
Compare the full cost: base rate, fuel surcharge, remote-area fees, insurance and any customs fees. Our guide to worldwide shipping costs explains each component.
3. Size and weight limits
Each carrier sets maximum length, girth and weight. Oversize or non-standard parcels may be rejected or charged extra. Remember that the courier bills the greater of real and volumetric weight; see how to calculate international postage.
4. Tracking and delivery experience
Look for end-to-end tracking, delivery notifications and the option to redirect or collect from a pickup point. For international parcels, tracking that continues across borders matters a lot.
5. Customs handling
For shipments outside the EU you need correct documents: commercial or proforma invoice and, for some services, customs declarations. Read our page on customs documents and always describe the content accurately.
6. Insurance and claims
Standard liability is often limited. For valuable goods, add insurance and keep the invoice, photos and packaging in case you need to claim.
Tip: the easiest way to compare is to enter your parcel once in the shipping calculator and review prices and delivery times side by side.
If you are consolidating several purchases, remember that one bigger box shipped with a single courier is normally cheaper than several small ones. See package consolidation.
