8 Questions To Ask Before Selecting a Parcel Shipping Partner

Finding the best carrier for your small package shipments can be challenging. Every business has its own shipping goals, and the carrier you choose directly impacts delivery speed, costs and customer satisfaction.

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 Unishippers, we've helped thousands of SMBs 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 deliversto 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 dropboxes.

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, often to residential locations) can define the delivery experience — and by extension, their opinion of your business.

Look for small packageshipping 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 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 expertisein 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.

Check out our Parcel Shipping Guide for answers to all your small package questions

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

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

Look for carriersthat:

• Provide customers with tracking and delivery management tools. For example, UPS My Choice^® allows customers to track shipments, give instructions or hold packages for pickup.
• Offer flexible delivery instructions and rescheduling.
• Rank highly in independent consumer satisfaction surveys. In 2024, UPS was ranked #1 on Newsweek's Best of the Best list for shipping and delivery.

Find out why Unishippers 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. In fact, based on 2024 peak season on-time delivery data, here are how the major carriers stack up:

• UPS: 96.5%
• FedEx: 91.8%
• USPS: 90.4%

So, 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 Unishippers 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:

• Competitiverates: 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 Unishippers 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

Need help creating a parcel shipping strategy?

At Unishippers, we pride ourselves on helping SMBs like yours create custom shipping solutions and optimize their logistics processes. As a 3PL provider of choice for 113,000+ shippers across the nation, we offer top solutions and support to help your business thrive. And as part of the nation's largest non-retail authorized reseller of UPS, Unishippers gives you access to affordable rates and service options to meet your unique business shipping needs!

See how Unishippers can help you optimize your shipping for cost savings and better logistics outcomes. If you are ready to talk to an expert about our parcel solutions, reach out for a free consultation today!