Top 6 Qualities Your Parcel Shipping Carrier Should Offer

When small-package shipping is a core component of your small to mid-sized business (SMB), your shipping carrier is much more than just a delivery service. It serves as an extension of your brand, handling one of the most critical touchpoints in your customer's experience.

That's why it's crucial to choose a carrier that can consistently meet your needs, deliver on promises and provide seamless logistics. But which carrier is the easiest to work with and provides the solutions to your unique needs? Here are the top six qualities your parcel carrier should offer!

1. Recognition for Parcel Shipping Customer Satisfaction

The experience your customers have with your parcel shipping service can significantly impact their overall satisfaction and perception of your brand. Consumers place a premium on reliable, timely delivery, and UPS^® shipping options stand out in this regard. For example, UPS was ranked #1 in Newsweek's 2024 list of America's Best of the Best for shipping and delivery. And according to a Morning Consult survey (2023-2024), customers are more likely to recommend UPS over other competitors in the industry.

The company's commitment to on-time delivery is also a significant reason why many businesses choose them as their trusted carrier. UPS regularly ranks first in on-time package delivery, outperforming major competitors like FedEx. Their UPS^® Ground service promises delivery in 1 to 5 business days, yet they consistently exceed expectations, delivering 90% of packages within 3 days or less. Additionally, UPS outperformed both FedEx and USPS in peak season on-time performance the past four years. According to ShipMatrix, UPS boasts a 96.5% on-time delivery for 2024, followed by Fedex at 91.8% and USPS at 90.4%

2. Flexible Parcel Shipping Capacity To Support Your Growth

As your business grows or needs additional support during busy times like peak season, the need for flexible parcel shipping capacity becomes critical. Working with a parcel shipping carrier that can quickly scale with your business is essential to avoid delays and maintain efficiency. If your business experiences seasonal fluctuations, or if you're expanding into new markets, having the flexibility to adjust shipping volumes is crucial.

UPS offers a wide range of parcel shipping options that can be tailored to meet urgent demands or more budget-conscious deliveries. Whether you need to ship overnight, via priority service or rely on economical ground shipping, the carrier's flexible capacity allows you to choose the best option for your customers without compromising on service quality.

In fact, the ability for UPS to maintain on-time performance during the holidays, one of the busiest shipping times of the year, shows its reliable capacity to manage increased shipping demands. With this reliability, your business can stay confident that your shipments will arrive on time, no matter the season.

3. Extensive Reach to Expand Your Business

No matter where your business is located, you want to be sure that your shipping carrier has the ability to deliver both nationally and internationally. A robust global network is essential for growing your business into new regions, whether around the corner or around the globe. This is yet another area where the wide-reaching network of UPS stands out.

In addition to providing domestic parcel service to businesses in all 50 U.S. states plus Puerto Rico, UPS operates in more than 200 countries and territories. The carrier has a vast network of approximately 180,000 stores, centers, outlets, drop boxes and UPS Access Point^® locations, plus about 135,000 vehicles on the ground. These extensive solutions ensure your shipments can reach customers nearly anywhere, expanding your market potential.

4. Advanced Expertise for Specialized Shipping Needs

In addition to standard parcel shipping, your business might need to ship non-standard items. In these cases, expertise in handling unique shipments is vital to ensure the safety and integrity of your products.

UPS excels in this area with specialized services that cater to a variety of unique shipping needs, including:

• Perishable items: UPS provides temperature-controlled shipping options to maintain freshness and quality for perishable parcel shipments.
• Oversized shipments: UPS offers tailored parcel shipping solutions for large or heavy items, ensuring safe handling and delivery.
• Hazardous materials: UPS complies with governmental regulations and uses standardized methods for the safe shipment of hazardous goods.

If your business needs to ship specialized products, it's critical to partner with a carrier like UPS that has the expertise and infrastructure to handle these challenges effectively.

5. Budget-Friendly Pricing with a 3PL Provider

When it comes to small-package shipping, keeping costs low while maintaining high-quality service is a top priority. Shipping expenses can significantly impact profitability, especially when managing a large volume of shipments. But the cost structure for shipping carriers can be difficult to compare, as many offer pricing based on volume, rather than rates for one-off consumer shipments.This is where a third-party logistics (3PL) provider like Unishippers can offer a competitive advantage for SMBs. We are part of the largest nonretail authorized reseller of UPS in the nation and manage significant shipping volumes across multiple clients. We leverage this volume to secure better rates with UPS and other shipping carriers.

These favorable rates are often passed along to their customers, giving you access to cost-effective shipping solutions without compromising on service. Working with a 3PL provider can offer SMBs substantial savings on parcel shipping while providing them with strategic logistical expertise and personalized service.

6. Peace of Mind for Your Parcel Shipping Business

Perhaps one of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of working with a shipping carrier is the peace of mind that comes with knowing your logistics are in good hands. It's not just about getting packages from Point A to Point B. It's about having confidence in your entire suite of transportation and logistics solutions. A 3PL partner like Unishippers can provide the reassurance you need through:

• Real-time tracking and detailed shipment updates.
• Shipping expertise and capacity to handle complex logistics needs.
• Comprehensive insurance options to protect against loss or damage.

Having a trusted partner by your side allows your team to focus on core business activities, knowing that your parcel carrier is handling your logistics seamlessly. That's why Unishippers brings you the best of both worlds: the power of the UPS network, combined with advanced shipping technology and a dedicated team that supports your shipping strategy. This combination of expertise, resources and 3PL services provides SMBs with a significant competitive edge.

Want to learn why UPS and Unishippers is the perfect combo for SMB parcel shippers?

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. We are also part of the nation's largest non-retail authorized reseller of UPS, giving 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!