How Much Does a Courier Cost?

Most people rely on courier services to ship urgent documents, cards, and packages. The cost can be $70 to $240, depending on the parcel type, delivery service, and optional insurance that can be purchased. The packaging size, destination, and the value are factors used to calculate the courier rates.

A courier transports commercial documents or packages and offers tracking information and professional packaging. The courier works for a company and charges a flat rate for the services.

Type of good being transferred – The type of item you’re trying to ship determines the cost.

Weight of item – Courier prices per kg are factored into the average courier rates. This affects how much the courier can transport when bringing a bulk selection of packages on a van or aeroplane. The weight can also increase the cost of fuel.

Package measurements – The size and dimensions of the package also determine how much space the item will take up in a van or aeroplane. Large packages always cost more to ship even if they’re lightweight.

Shipping distance – The distance between the two shipping locations because it determines how far the courier needs to travel to transport your package. Expect to pay less with the courier price if you’re shipping an item within the same city or region where you live as opposed to across the country.

Location – Where you live can affect how much you pay, depending on how difficult it is to travel to other locations from your region. You may live in a remote area, which means the courier prices will be higher rather than in populated areas that are in proximity to other states or cities.

Season – The season or time of year when you ship the item affects the courier delivery cost because there may be more demand for their services. The end of the year is known to be the busiest time of the year for couriers. More people are shipping gifts to loved ones, which can increase how much you pay for international or domestic courier rates.

Time to be delivered – There’s a standard timeframe when each courier can ship items. Still, they can also have the package arrive sooner if you want to pay more. They’ll need to spend more time and energy having the package arrive at an earlier date. This means you can expect for the same day courier prices to be higher or to pay more with an overnight courier cost.

Level of service – You get what you pay for with the cost of courier services. Each additional service will end up costing more. Customers can pay more for tracking information, insurance, and having the package signed for will increase the rate to ship it.

International – Overseas courier charges are higher because the courier needs to travel father to transport packages. The cost is an average of $25 to $85 for standard parcels.

Domestic – The average domestic courier cost is an average of $9.

Same day – The same day courier cost usually has a base rate of $12 to $20 and can be as high as $30 for a standard package.

Overnight – Shipping an item overnight can come with a flat rate for most couriers despite the weight or size of the item. The cost can range from $15 to $80, depending on the type of courier that you use and the distance.

Standard – Most couriers charge their rates based on the type of job, but some standard rates can be based on kilometres.

Regional courier delivering plants to a residence. | Source: Coast To Country Taxi Trucks

Pallet shipments – Pallet shipments can cost an average of $130 to $260 for ten pallets.

Luggage – Shipping luggage can be an average of $50 to $200. The cost is influenced by the size and weight of the bags, as well as the distance.

Insurance – Courier insurance can protect all types of items shipped and is an average of $X.

Pet – The pet courier service cost ranges from $100 to $300 for pets shipped within 500 kilometres. The international courier cost for pets can range from $250 to $550.

Courier truck delivering goods to a suburban residence. | Source: TLI Transport

Pricing – The postal service offers lower rates compared to a courier service because they include fewer amenities. Duties and tax are also added to the cost of shipping a package through the postal service.

Quality – Courier services are known to be an excellent way of shipping packages and can deliver items in the quickest timeframe. They have fewer size restrictions, real-time tracking information, and professional packaging. The postal service offers standard packaging and provides tracking information at an additional cost.

• Inquire about licensing before shipping items.
• Read online reviews from former customers.
• Research the courier’s reputation.
• Read the fine print when visiting their website.

How to Create an Accurate Estimate

• Determine how much you plan to ship.
• Consider the distance of how far your box needs to travel.
• Weigh the items in advance.
• Consider the season when the item is being shipped.

1. Ship Items in Bulk – The main factor used to calculate the courier fee is the volume of what is being shipped. Ship more packages on a single account to pay less without limiting what you’re able to send.
2. Become Friends with the Courier Representative – Getting to know the courier representative that you ship packages with can allow you to have leverage with how much you pay. The courier is the one that adjusts the rates and can negotiate what you pay.
3. Obtain a Flat Rate Option – Flat rate options are offered by most couriers and can reduce the different variables used when calculating the courier service cost. Utilize options like flat rate boxes to limit your expenses. Compare and select the best price by asking the courier about the different prices for time zones and distances.

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources