With a surge in the count of individuals using online platform for shopping, shipping has become a part of the daily activity for any e-commerce sellers. Though you run an online store, you have to be aware of the insights on shipping as it can be of great value when you are sending your products to your customers.





Having acquaintance of shipping avoids your shipment from getting held up or getting delayed, which might occur if you aren't aware of how things work in the logistics industry. Along with your business strategies, you have to devise a plan for shipping as well. From how to pack your products to POD you should be aware of each and every bit that governs your business. So we have clubbed and listed out a few of the frequently asked questions that a shipper comes across while shipping.



1. How do I book courier online?

Visit our website www.ship.ecourierz.com . Sign up and create an account by giving all the necessary details. Once your account is created, fill all the details of the product being shipped and compare the rates offered by different carrier partners and book free pickup for your desired carrier service.





2.When will the pickup of the parcel be scheduled?

Pick up of the parcel will be scheduled generally between 2 pm to 7 pm of the next working day since the booking of the parcel on our website. If the pickup does not happen even after this time frame or if you want to reschedule the pickup, you may contact or send mail to our support team: support@ecourierz.com





3. How do I pack the parcel?

Packaging the parcel varies with products. In general, you can wrap the product with bubble wrap and place it into a slightly bigger carton box and fill the space with low weight packaging material such as shredded paper, air packets, packaging peanuts, bubble wrap etc.. and seal its mouth with a strong tape. Once you have packed the box, take the printout of the label and affix it on the parcel and cover it with a transparent sheet and seal the edges so that the label is not damaged during its journey. If you are sending three to five packages to the same destination, then consolidate the shipments into one single shipment to reduce the shipping cost as it totally depends on the volumetric weight.





4. How do I track my parcel?

Once you book an order through eCourierz, AWB Number /Tracking Number will be generated in the eCourierz Dashboard. You can enter the AWB Number on this page else you can directly go to the carrier’s tracking page and check the status of your shipment.





5. What does tracking status “exception” and “in-transit” mean?

Exception - This status means that an unforeseen delay is hindering the shipment from delivery such as customs clearance, missing documents, holidays etc..,

In-Transit - This status means that your shipment is on its way to the destination.





6. When will the COD Amount be remitted?

The time taken to remit the COD amount completely depends on the carrier partner which you choose while booking the order. Since COD remittance cycle varies with carriers, it may take a maximum of 15-20 days to remit.





7. What is the difference between Commercial and Non Commercial shipments?

Any shipment sent for personal use i.e you don't earn any income from shipping the product, is considered as non-commercial or personal shipment. Those shipments which are sent for the purpose of selling or trade and which brings you income are considered as commercial shipments. The major contrast between these two is the documents which have to be submitted during the customs clearance while in cross-border shipping.





8. What are the documents required for cross-border shipping?

Some of the major documents required for international shipping are as below:

a. IEC - Importer Exporter Code - Copy

b. Shipment Invoice/ Packing list copy

c. KYC - Company ID Proof & Address Proof of the location same as that of pickup location ( To be handed over to pick up person)

d. Non Dangerous good Self Declaration Certificate if Applicable

e. AD Code Letter from the bank

f. MSDS / COA/ SDF

g. Any other documents required would be informed on basis of product type.



9. What is a proforma invoice?

Proforma invoice is a sample invoice given by the shipper at the time of pick up or shipping of the product and constitutes details of the product.





10. What is volumetric weight and actual weight?

Actual weight - It is the exact weight of the product/shipment including packaging.

Volumetric weight - It is determined by the length, width, height of the shipment which occupies the space in the aircraft. Shipping rate exclusively depends on the highest weight among volumetric and actual weight. Volumetric weight can be calculated by using the below formula:

Volumetric Weight (SURFACE)=Length*Width*Height/2700