8 Questions To Ask Before Choosing a Parcel Carrier for Your Business

Finding the right shipping carrier for your company's small package shipping needs isn't a simple task. Every business has unique requirements, and your choice of parcel carrier can make or break customer satisfaction, costs savings and operational efficiency.

Whether you're evaluating new small parcel carriers or switching from your current provider, asking the right questions is essential. By knowing what to look for, you can find a partner that supports your growth, manages costs and delivers excellent customer experience.

At Worldwide Express, we've helped thousands of businesses navigate the complex world of parcel shipping. Below, we have created a guide to the eight key questions to ask before deciding on a parcel carrier provider — along with what the answers can reveal about their ability to support your business!

1. What regions do you cover domestically and internationally?

Coverage is one of the first things to evaluate. Some small package carriers specialize in regional markets, while others (like UPS^®) serve businesses globally. Remember these key points:

• Local/regional carriers may offer competitive rates and personalized service, but their networks can be limited.
• National and global carriers provide greater flexibility if you ship across the U.S. or internationally.

For example, UPS delivers to more than 200 countries and territories and supports shippers with a vast network of 180,000+ locations (including UPS Stores^®, Access Point^® locations and drop boxes). Their 135,000 vehicles across the U.S. help ensure businesses can reach customers wherever they are.

Learn more about the broad reach and wide range of parcel shipping services offered by UPS

2. What parcel pickup options are available?

How your packages get into the carrier's network can affect your efficiency. A flexible pickup system helps you integrate shipping seamlessly into your daily operations.

UPS, for example, offers:

• Scheduled pickups at set times.
• On-call pickups when you need them.
• Drop-off options at thousands of UPS locations and 24/7 drop boxes.

Learn more about UPS pickup options and which one might be right for your business

3. What last-mile delivery options do you offer?

Your parcel carrier is the brand your customers interact with as they are receiving their order. That "last mile" (aka the last leg of the shipment journey) can define the delivery experience — and by extension, their opinion of your business.

Look for small package shipping options like:

• Delivery to an alternate location (UPS Access Point^®).
• Proof of delivery documentation.
• Signature requirements for high-value shipments.

Learn more about UPS signature-required services

4. How do you manage returns (reverse logistics)?

Returns are a fact of life in small package shipping, and how they're handled can directly impact customer loyalty. A good shipping carrier makes the process simple for both you and your customers.

UPS, for instance, enables shippers to print or email return labels, so customers can easily return items without extra hassle.

If returns play a big role in your business, ask prospective parcel carriers:

• Do you offer return labels?
• Can customers drop off returns at multiple locations?
• Do you provide tracking for returns?

Get tips and advice for creating a solid returns policy for your business

5. Can you handle specialty shipments?

Not all packages fit nicely in standard boxes. Some shippers need to move items that are perishable, fragile or even hazardous.

UPS has extensive expertise in these areas, including:

• Temperature-controlled shipping for food and pharmaceuticals.
• Regulation-compliant hazardous materials services to keep shipments safe and legal.

If your products require special handling, make sure your carrier can support those needs — and has a proven track record.

Learn about shipping dangerous goods via UPS

6. How will customers experience delivery with you as my carrier?

Your parcel carrier becomes an extension of your brand every time they deliver a package. Poor delivery experiences can reflect badly on your business.

Look for carriers that:

• Provide customers with tracking and delivery management tools.
• Offer flexible delivery instructions and rescheduling.
• Rank highly in independent consumer satisfaction surveys.

For example, UPS My Choice^® allows customers to track shipments, give instructions or hold packages for pickup. And in 2024, UPS was ranked #1 on Newsweek's Best of the Best list for shipping and delivery.

Find out why Worldwide Express and UPS are a winning combination

7. What's your on-time delivery performance?

Timely deliveries are non-negotiable. If your parcel carrier can't deliver on time, customer trust erodes — fast.

UPS is a consistent leader in this area, often outperforming competitors during the busy holiday season. Their UPS^® Ground service has a 1–5 day commitment, yet 90% of packages arrive in three days or less.

When evaluating carriers, ask:

• How do you handle surges in volume (like during the holidays)?
• What is your historical on-time delivery percentage?

Your customers won't blame the carrier — they'll blame you. Make sure you can rely on your provider when demand peaks.

Learn more about why Worldwide Express chose UPS as our trusted parcel carrier

8. How do you help businesses control shipping costs?

Shipping is one of the biggest expenses for many businesses, so it's critical to ask how a parcel carrier can help you save money without sacrificing service.
Here are a few ways the right carrier (and the right partner) can help:

• Competitive rates: UPS offers retail pricing as well as contract rates for businesses with steady or higher shipping volumes.
• 3PL leverage: A third-party logistics partner like Worldwide Express negotiates better rates thanks to the combined shipping volume of thousands of customers.
• Service balance: The best carriers provide cost savings while still maintaining reliable delivery, broad coverage and customer-friendly options.

With the right strategy, you don't have to choose between saving money and providing excellent service. A strong shipping carrier should help you do both.

Learn about other advantages of using a 3PL for your parcel shipping

9. What technology do you offer to make shipping easier and more efficient?

Today's shipping operations depend on smart technology that helps businesses save time, cut costs and stay informed. When evaluating parcel carriers, look for tools that simplify every step — from quoting to delivery.

Look for carriers that:

• Provide a transportation management system (TMS) that lets you compare rates, book shipments and print labels in one place.
• Offer real-time tracking and visibility so you can monitor shipments and manage exceptions quickly.
• Include service rate comparison tools to help you choose the most cost-effective and reliable options.

For example, Worldwide Express gives customers access to SpeedShip^®, our powerful parcel and freight TMS that makes shipping simpler and more efficient. With SpeedShip, you can compare carrier rates, create labels, track deliveries and manage invoices — all from a single, easy-to-use dashboard.

Learn more about how SpeedShip can streamline your shipping operations

Why Businesses Choose Worldwide Express + UPS

Selecting the right parcel carrier is about more than speed and price. It's about finding a partner that:

• Supports your growth strategy.
• Enhances your customer experience.
• Helps you manage costs and logistics challenges.

As part of WWEX Group, alongside our family of brands, Worldwide Express is proud to be part of the largest authorized non-retail reseller of UPS in the nation. That means we provide the financial stability, industry expertise and customer support businesses need to thrive — in both good times and challenging ones.

We also empower shippers with innovative technology solutions like our SpeedShip^® transportation management system (TMS), which allows users to easily compare rates, book shipments, track deliveries and analyze detailed shipping data — all in one platform. This powerful technology helps businesses streamline operations, improve visibility and make smarter, data-driven shipping decisions.

Whether you're shipping locally, regionally or globally, we'll help you streamline parcel shipping, reduce costs and deliver a better customer experience.

Ready to optimize your small package shipping strategy? Request a free consultation today!