The word “Brexit” is a nickname for the British exit from the European Union (EU), which took place on January 1st, 2021. After four years of negotiations and a nationwide vote, the UK officially left the EU and began a new chapter in its history. However, the departure from the EU has had a significant impact on the country, both economically and politically. As a result, businesses are still trying to navigate the changes and find the right solutions for their operations, especially when it comes to delivery services in Europe. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how UK businesses can choose the right European delivery service in the post-Brexit world.
For small business owners who are new to the changes and regulations that have come into effect since the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU), choosing the right European delivery service can be a challenging task. In order to ensure that your shipments reach their intended destinations in a timely and cost-effective manner, it is important to understand the requirements for shipping to EU countries and to choose a delivery service that is capable of meeting those requirements.
The Impact of Brexit on Delivery Service
According to a survey by Best for Britain, 57% of Britons say that Brexit has created more problems than it has solved, while only 10% believe the opposite to be true. This highlights the impact of Brexit on delivery services and the need for businesses to choose the right delivery service to avoid any problems.
Despite these challenges, many businesses are still looking for the right European delivery services to help them manage their operations. With the right provider, businesses can still enjoy a smooth and efficient delivery process, even in the post-Brexit world.
Understanding the Requirements for Shipping to EU Countries
In order to ship to EU countries, it is necessary to have a valid Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number. Customs authorities use this number to identify the sender and recipient of shipments and to ensure that all required taxes and duties are paid. According to the UK government website’s direction on the matter, obtaining an EORI number is one of the first steps that small business owners should take when preparing to ship to EU countries.
In addition to having a valid EORI number, it is also important to be aware of any specific requirements that may apply to your shipment. For example, certain items may be subject to additional regulations or restrictions, and it is important to have all of the necessary documentation and certifications in order to avoid any delays or difficulties during the shipping process.
What to Consider When Choosing the Right European Delivery Service in 2023
Delivery Coverage
It’s important to choose a delivery service that covers all the areas where you need to send packages, including the UK and Europe. Not all delivery services operate in every country in Europe, so you need to make sure that the service you choose can deliver to your desired destination. Some services may have restrictions or additional fees for certain countries, so it’s important to check this in advance. You can usually find this information on the delivery service’s website, or by contacting their customer service team. Making sure the provider has a wide network of delivery destinations will ensure that your packages reach their intended recipients on time.
Cost-Effectiveness
Cost is always a consideration when choosing a delivery service. Look for a provider that offers competitive rates without sacrificing quality or service. You should also consider any additional fees, such as taxes, customs duties, and surcharges. Consider the total cost of delivery, including any additional fees for special services such as express delivery or insurance. Some delivery services may offer competitive prices, but their delivery speed may be slower than other services. You need to balance the cost of delivery against the delivery speed and reliability of the service to find the best solution for your needs.
Delivery Time
Choose a delivery service that can meet your delivery time requirements. For example, if you need to deliver packages within 24 hours, look for a provider that offers express delivery services. Some delivery services offer express delivery options for an additional fee, while others may take several days to deliver your packages. You need to choose a delivery service that can meet your specific delivery speed requirements. If you have more flexible delivery deadlines, you may be able to choose a provider with more standard delivery times and lower costs.
Package Tracking
Make sure the delivery service you choose provides package tracking. This allows you to keep track of your packages and ensure they reach their destination on time. Many delivery services offer tracking numbers and the ability to track packages online. Package tracking is especially important for expensive or fragile items, as it helps ensure that packages are not lost or damaged during transit.
Customer Service
Delivering to EU countries can be a complex endeavour, and problems can arise. Poor communication or customs regulations can lead to unexpected delays or additional fees. It is essential to have a knowledgeable customer service team that you can rely on in the event of any issues. They should be able to assess the situation and provide helpful advice on how best to resolve it quickly. If a delivery service doesn’t have effective customer service, it may end up costing more time and money than you bargained for! With the right delivery service, however, these potential problems can be avoided, ensuring your shipments reach their destination without hassle or delay.
Reliability
Reliability is another key factor to consider when choosing a European delivery service. You need to choose a service that will deliver your packages on time and in good condition. You should look for reviews and ratings from other customers to get an idea of the delivery service’s reliability. You can also check the delivery service’s website to see if they offer any guarantees or insurance for lost or damaged packages.
Customs and Regulations
With Brexit, the rules and regulations for sending packages to and from Europe have changed. You need to make sure that the delivery service you choose is aware of these changes and can handle any customs or regulations that may apply to your package. Some delivery services may offer customs clearance services, while others may require you to handle this yourself. You should also check if there are any restrictions on the types of items that can be shipped to your destination country.
Based on the above factors, we’ve put together a list of some of the best European delivery services available in 2023:
DHL Express
DHL Express is one of the largest delivery services in Europe and offers a range of delivery options, including express and standard delivery. The company has a wide coverage area, with delivery services available in over 220 countries and territories. DHL Express is known for its fast and reliable delivery services and offers competitive prices for its services. The company also provides a range of value-added services, including customs clearance and online tracking. DHL Express provides reliable services with competitive prices, enabling customers to deliver packages quickly and easily to EU countries.
Parcelforce Worldwide
Parcelforce Worldwide is a leading UK-based parcel delivery service specialising in delivering parcels to Europe. The company offers a range of services tailored to business needs, including express and economy options with guaranteed delivery times and tracking capabilities. Additionally, they also provide various value-added services such as customs clearance and proof of delivery, ensuring that customers’ packages reach their destination on time.
DPD
DPD is a major international parcel delivery service operating in more than 40 countries worldwide. The company offers various delivery services such as standard and express, with online tracking capabilities and delivery notification options available. Additionally, they also provide customs clearance services to help customers avoid any delays or extra fees when sending packages from Europe.
GLS
GLS provides reliable and cost-effective delivery services for businesses throughout Europe, offering both national and international shipping to over 50 countries worldwide. Their services are tailored to business needs, with pickup and delivery options available across all EU countries. Additionally, their customer service team is on hand to provide assistance if any problems arise when delivering parcels overseas.
UPS
United Parcel Service (UPS) is an American multinational package delivery company best known for its fast package delivery services within Europe and other parts of the world. UPS delivers packages through its air network which allows parcels to be delivered quickly at reasonable prices no matter where they are going, whether it is within or outside the EU boundaries. In addition, UPS also provides various value-added features such as value protection insurance, enhanced tracking tools, advanced notification systems, automated customs clearance processes and more.
Royal Mail International Services
Royal Mail International Services has been providing high-quality parcel deliveries around the globe since the 1840s in the United Kingdom; making them an experienced international courier service provider that you can rely on for all your shipping needs across Europe after Brexit too! The company offers multiple express services including same-day collection/delivery options; allowing customers to get their parcels delivered faster without having to worry about any additional costs or delays due to customs regulations or other issues that may arise in the post-Brexit period. Royal Mail International Services also offers tracking capabilities so you can always know where your packages are at all times!
Final Thought
In this blog, we have outlined five of the best delivery services that can help you get your parcels to their destination in time, safely and cost-effectively. While Brexit may cause some disruption to how we trade with Europe, these five companies will ensure that your packages are delivered quickly and reliably no matter what the situation.
We also discussed why the process of choosing the right delivery service in a post-Brexit world in 2023 can be challenging. But there is an opportunity for small business owners to expand their reach, grow their businesses, and reach new markets with the right delivery partner. By understanding the requirements for shipping to EU countries, choosing a delivery service that meets your needs, and taking the time to do your research, you can ensure that your shipments reach their intended destinations on time, on budget, and without any difficulties or issues.
We recommend that you take the time to consider your options carefully, compare delivery services and find a partner that best fits your requirements. With the right choice of delivery service, you can make sure that your business will continue to thrive in a post-Brexit world!
