subject: Should I Have My Delivery Service Package My Shipment? [print this page] Your first time using a StYour first time using a St. Louis delivery or courier service, you might wonder what services they offer in addition to simply taking your package from point A to point B. There is a lot of variance between delivery companies in this respect. With some of them, particularly the smaller ones, that IS all they do: They transport and deliver your package.
Other St. Louis area delivery services, however, are more full service. They offer additional services, often for a premium charge, that include everything from warehousing, drop shipping, logistical services, document delivery services, and more. Many consumers and small business owners also tend to be interested in whether their delivery company sells packaging materials such as bubble wrap and packing peanuts, and whether they will package shipments on behalf of customers.
This service wasn't offered by any of the major St. Louis delivery services until just recently. It used to be that packaging a shipment fell to the customer, period. But as delivery services began trying to find ways to differentiate themselves, first one, then many of the others, began offering packing services. Nevertheless, there are some companies that still do not offer the service for various reasons.
These reasons can include the fact that it is time consuming and that they do not have the manpower, or that they do not want to be in the retail business when it comes to selling packaging supplies. In addition, while some St. Louis delivery companies offer a service where their delivery driver will actually package a shipment for you on the fly, these orders are in the minority. Most companies only offer packaging at their retail locations by the clerks, as having a driver do it on the fly can wreak too much havoc with shipment schedules.
If you package your shipment yourself, there are a few key points to keep in mind for best results. When packing the shipment for pickup by the St. Louis delivery service, you always want to use a box that can be written on so that the address is clearly readable. In addition, if you are reusing a box that was previously used for another shipment, make certain that the addressing for the previous shipment is completely erased or covered to prevent confusion and incorrect delivery. Finally, if the item is fragile, make certain that your items are well secured inside the box.
