The Differences Between Parcel and Courier

TL;DR

• A parcel is a box containing items ready for shipment, requiring proper packing to prevent damage.
• A courier is the service or company responsible for delivering the parcel from one location to another.
• Couriers offer different services based on weight, size, destination, and delivery speed, such as door-to-door and next-day delivery.
• Eurosender helps match your parcel with the best courier for your shipping needs, offering tracking and insurance.

What is the difference between a parcel and a courier?

Sending a package but feeling lost in the logistics jargon of ‘parcel’ and ‘courier’? A ‘parcel’ refers to a box that contains items you wish to ship, while a ‘courier’ is the service or person delivering it. In this article, we have gathered the main characteristics of parcel and courier to help you navigate the world of sending packages, whether it’s across town or to the other side of the globe, even if you’re new to the shipping scene.

What is a parcel?

A parcel is a cardboard box that may contain one or several items and is used for shipping the goods from one location to the other. The parcel must be packed properly before it is shipped to ensure its ease of being carried and stacked, as well as to avoid damage during transit.

How to pack a parcel for shipping?

1. Get a strong cardboard box, preferably a new one.
2. If you opt for a used box, make sure it is strong enough and without holes or tears. Remove any old labels.
3. Wrap each item individually with bubble wrap.
4. Pack the items carefully inside the box.
5. Fill empty spaces with packing peanuts, crumpled newspaper or other packaging material.
6. Close and seal the box with adhesive tape.

If you require more information about packing, please check our packing guide below:

You may also be interested in:

• What Is The Safest Way To Send A Parcel?
• Parcel Tracking Explained
• Can I Get a Parcel Collected and Delivered to Me
• What happens if the parcel weighs more than the shipping label?

What is a courier?

A courier is a company which is responsible for the physical handling of parcels and transporting them. Courier companies offer a variety of services for transporting parcels, which depend on the weight, dimensions, collection and delivery countries, and speed of transit.

Door-to-door delivery service

• Skip the queues at the post office.
• Collections and deliveries are performed on the ground floor between 9 am and 6 pm.
• Delivering to over 220 countries and territories.

Next-day delivery service

• Next-day courier services are delivered in 24 hours in Europe.
• Door-to-door shipping.
• Print the shipping label and attach it to the parcel before pick-up.
• Available for shipments of any size.

Parcel return service

• Door-to-door solutions.
• Real-time tracking of your parcel return.
• Same-day collection is available on certain routes.
• Basic insurance is included in the price.

How Eurosender finds the best courier for you

Choosing a courier company to use can be a daunting task because there are many different courier companies which a person can choose from. They all have different price rates and transit times since they work with a specific shipping network.

Eurosender is here to make this job easier. Our platform considers all the information of the parcel and arranges its transportation with the courier most suitable for the delivery. Some courier companies can be a better fit for users who need reduced transit time, while others can be the best option for users looking only for the best price.

When booking with us, all you need to do is place the order using our booking engine and our system will select the best courier for your needs.

Parcel shipping options with Eurosender

Shipping parcels generally refer to smaller, lighter items weighing up 30kg and can be handled by one person. For these parcels, we have multiple shipping options and services, depending on the weight, and dimensions, as well as collection and delivery countries.

Regular

• For parcels up to 30kg.
• Size: Maximum length of 175 cm and 300 cm in total (length + 2x width + 2x height).
• Tracking included.
• You may need to print and attach the shipping label yourself.

Priority

• For parcels up to 30kg (Europe) and up to 70kg (international).
• Size: Maximum length (biggest side of the package) 120 cm with the total measurements (length + 2x width + 2x height), totalling 210cm (Europe) and 230 cm (International).
• Tracking included.

Express

• For parcels up to 70kg.
• Size: Maximum length (biggest side of the package) being 120 cm and the total measurements (length + 2x width + 2x height) 300 cm.
• Tracking included.
• You will receive a label which we ask you to print and attach to the box.

With Eurosender, your parcel is insured!

Basic insurance is included for free on all standard parcels and you can also purchase additional insurance for greater protection.

You may also be interested in:

• Which Is the Fastest Courier to Send My Parcel?
• Which Is the Best Courier?
• How to Send a Parcel From Home
• How Do Standard Courier Services Work?

Standard shipping times

Service	Delivery time
Standard (domestic)	1-2 working days
Regular (Europe)	2-7 working days
Priority	1-3 working days
Express	Within 24h in the EU and 2-3 working days globally

What are you allowed to ship? Check our page about prohibited and restricted items.

Are you ready to ship your parcel?

Start shipping now or get in touch with our logistics team for more information.