Differences between courier service and postal service

Should You Go For Courier Delivery Or Postal Delivery?

Check out what each of these services mean!

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Have you ever been caught in a situation whereby you have something to post or deliver yet unsure if you should use a courier service or postal service? With the steady stream of courier services available today, things have now changed and you don’t have to wait for days to receive your delivery! Courier service and postal service although similar in many ways, are two different branches of theory. If you have ever been confused over the differences between both services, it’s time to get them right!

Here are just some of the key differences that can help you quickly distinguish a courier service from a postal service:

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COURIER SERVICE VERSUS POSTAL SERVICE COMPARISON CHART

BASIS FOR COMPARISON	COURIER SERVICE	POSTAL SERVICE
Meaning	A courier company is one which delivers messages, packages and mail and is known for their speed, security, tracking service and specialisation. The courier service was developed to offer a faster and more secure alternative to the usual mail or parcel delivery service.	Postal service is an office or station of a government postal system at which mail is received and sorted, from which it is dispatched and distributed, and at which stamps are sold or other services rendered. They are also often referred to as the department of a government system that is charged with the transportation of mail.
Coverage	Courier companies often offer services across the nation. Depending on their network, they can also offer services catering only to niche markets, specific locations or even extend their service beyond the nation. For instance, overseas services with own overseas or agent offices.	All over the world. This of course includes local service for the country it is based in.
Availability of Service	Available throughout the year except on Saturdays (depending on countries), Sundays and Public Holidays.	Available throughout the year, including weekends and public holidays, unless otherwise stated.
Pick up method	You can request for a courier with just a phone call and he/she will appear at your door-step to collect your documents, packages or items.	You have to visit the post box or post office in order to post your documents, packages or items. Most often than not, you have to either queue to have your item tagged and paid they can be collected and dispatched by the postman or use the self-help kiosks.
Speed	24/7 service, fast turnaround service within same day, unless specified by customer.	Time bound delivery, usually deliver within 24 – 72 hours.
Rates	Rates vary from company to company and from destination to destination. Time you request for courier service is also a factor. Charges can cost as much as double at 1 am instead of 3 pm.	One rate across the nation, with varying prices for each different size category, except for overseas mail and packages where weight and location are determining factors.
Tracking of Status	Provided by some courier companies, depending on their level of technology and system.	Provided by the government postal service itself.
Who should use this service?	• People who needs 24/7 fast turnaround from as short as within 2 hours or simply just same day service from point A to point B or two-way service (e.g. Documents that needs to be signed and returned immediately).      • People who wants to be able to track their item location instantly online and inform their recipient about the whereabouts of the item.      • People who forgot or are too busy to pick up things (e.g. picking up dry-cleaning items).      • People who just want personalised, convenient service.      • People whose recipient can only receive item at a specified time or wants to receive it personally.	·    • People who don’t mind queuing or using the self-help kiosks at post office.      • People who don’t really require 24/7 fast turnaround (item can be delivered within 24 – 72 hours).      • People who wants to send items overseas and still be able to track the general status of an item (non real-time location tracking) in case of non-delivery or item gone missing.      • People who prefers fixed pricing or keeps costs to a minimal.      • People whose recipient can receive item at specified location at all times or simply deliver direct to letter box.

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Advantages of Courier Service

• 24/7 service
• Can be arranged even when you are on the go
• Fast, same day delivery from as short as within 2 hours
• Reliable and safe
• Ensures that your documents, packages or items reaches the right person in the right place, every time
• Saves time and (sometimes) money
• You have the choice to look for low-priced service
• Better and personalised service
• Real-time location tracking of your documents, packages or items which allows you to inform the recipient when the courier is reaching (round the corner or 3 streets away), thus ensuring security, guarantee and time bound delivery!
• Forgot something important but no time to go back and pick up the items? A courier service can help you pick them up and have them delivered to where you are in as fast as 2 hours.

Advantages of Postal Service

• Time bound delivery (same day delivery like speed post-delivery, next day delivery or delivers within 24 to 72 hours)
• Guarantee
• Wide network (can even deliver to overseas!)
• Saves cost and time
• Fixed pricing, which can help in keeping your costs to a minimal
• Reliable and safe
• Online status tracking of your documents or parcels
• You can always count on undelivered items being delivered back to the nearest post office (and that’s why you need to leave a return address!)
• A self-collection or redelivery notification card is dropped off at the recipient’s door-step or letter box if no one is at home when the item is being delivered. All undelivered items will be sent back to the post office.

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