In the field of cross-border e-commerce, international postal parcels are a common logistics method. However, for many sellers and buyers, there are still some questions about whether international postal parcels are equivalent to surface mail. This article will explore the characteristics and differences of international postal parcels in depth to help cross-border e-commerce sellers better understand and choose the appropriate logistics method.
1. Definition and characteristics of international postal parcels.
International postal parcels refer to small commodity packages sent through international postal channels. It has the following characteristics:
Weight limit: International postal parcels usually have weight limits, and the specific limits are determined according to the regulations of different countries and regions, generally below 2 kilograms.
Size limit: International postal parcels also have size limits, including length, width and thickness limits, and the specific limits will also vary from country to country.
Economical: Compared with other logistics methods such as international express delivery, international postal parcels have lower freight rates and are suitable for small-value or price-sensitive goods.
Transportation time: Due to the use of postal channels, the transportation time of international postal parcels is relatively long, usually ranging from weeks to months, and the specific time depends on the situation of the destination country and region.
2. The difference between international postal parcels and surface mail.
There are some differences between international postal parcels and surface mail, which include:
Transportation method: International postal parcels and surface mail are both transported through postal channels, but not all postal parcels are surface mail. Surface mail is a specific postal service, which is usually more economical than general postal parcel services, but the transportation time is longer.
Price and timeliness: The freight of surface mail is relatively low, which is suitable for cross-border transportation of small commodities, but the transportation time is longer; while the freight of international postal parcels is relatively low, but the transportation time will vary depending on the destination country and region.
Tracking and guarantee: Surface mail is relatively weak in full-process tracking and guarantee, and generally only provides basic tracking services; while international postal parcels usually provide package tracking services, and sellers and buyers can check the transportation status of the package through the tracking number.
Conclusion: International postal parcel is not equivalent to surface mail. It is a small commodity package sent through international postal channels. International postal parcel is relatively economical and suitable for cross-border transportation of small commodities, but the transportation time is longer. When choosing a logistics method, sellers should weigh and choose according to the weight, size, value of the goods and the buyer’s requirements for transportation time. For important or high-value goods, other faster and traceable logistics methods may need to be considered. When using international postal parcels, sellers can communicate with the post office or logistics service provider to understand the specific service content and timeliness to ensure smooth cross-border logistics and improve customer satisfaction.