How much control do you have over the transport method used to deliver your packages? Can you specify a motorcycle courier, for example, when you book?

Local deliveries

To a certain extent, you have some say over the mode of transport used by a local courier service. You can request a bicycle courier or perhaps a van courier, but most often the type of transport is determined by the size and weight of the parcel and the distance to be travelled. The courier company will balance the cost of the mode of transport with the parcel requirements, so that your parcel will (in most cases) be delivered using the most appropriate and most cost effective method. Whilst you may think it’s cheaper to book a bicycle courier, the time taken to travel longer distances would markedly increase the price, making a van or motorcycle option better in those cases.

Interstate and international

Interstate and international couriers and parcel delivery services use a combination of vans, trucks and airplanes. Again, the choice of transport depends both on the nature of the journey and the requirements of the customer. In this case, you are able to choose your method of transport to a certain extent – by specifying either air freight or road freight when you book your parcel for collection. The details of the rest of the transport will be at the discretion of the courier service as your parcel will be one of countless that they are handling.

Ask your courier company for more details on your transport method options.