Parcel shipping: A roadmap for merchants to ship with maximum efficiency

Think with me for a moment, what would you do if you tried to buy a product and sent an inquiry about its price or details and the reply was delayed?! Perhaps if you were not in dire need of this product, you would have backed out of the idea of buying it entirely, or at least from this specific store. The same is true when you buy a product from a store and your order is delayed in arrival. Perhaps in this case, you will form a negative impression of this store and this may be your last purchase transaction with them.

This is a natural matter, as we simply live in a fast-paced world that has created customers with high expectations and required businesses to meet the needs of these customers and serve them efficiently, accurately, and with great speed as well.

And considering the issue of parcel shipping as a fundamental pillar of the purchasing journey, it was necessary for store owners to provide a shipping service that exceeds customer expectations and gains their satisfaction.

But what is the parcel shipping process, what are the general conditions for successfully shipping them, and what steps should be followed to deliver parcels locally and internationally? This is what we will answer in this article, so keep reading until the end.

First, what is parcel shipping?

The term parcel shipping or delivery refers to: The strategy of transporting packages weighing less than approximately 150 pounds (68 kilograms), divided into parcels that are packed and placed in a standardized box so that they are easy to handle, transport, and deliver to the end consumer.

This innovative method is usually carried out by specialized logistics companies that transport parcels to help ship and deliver a number of products as quickly as possible and at the lowest possible cost.

It is worth noting that small businesses as well as retailers rely on parcel delivery service to reduce the expenses of the shipping process, in addition to the speed of delivery compared to other methods or strategies.

What is the difference between shipping shipments and shipping parcels?

• A shipment refers to shipping a large group of various items and heavy weights,

• Unlike the term parcel, which refers to a small-sized and lightweight shipment, often with non-diverse items, and is usually sent via mail or specialized shipping companies.

Accordingly, there is confusion between the terms parcel shipping and cargo shipping, so we will clarify the differences between them in this paragraph.

Differences between cargo shipping and parcel shipping:

You may wonder about the fundamental difference between the parcel shipping process and the cargo shipping process. In fact, it appears that both terms are one due to the close association with the word shipping, but there is a fundamental difference that makes both processes different, as follows:

• Weights:

Parcel shipping deals with shipments of specific weights determined by specialized parcel shipping and delivery companies, while cargo shipping specializes in large and multi-weight shipments.To clarify with an example, if we assume that you want to ship 20 boxes, it is not normal to rely on a parcel shipping strategy because it will not be practical in this case due to the weight, the diversity of goods, etc. However, if you have a small-sized and lightweight shipment and want to deliver it as quickly as possible, you can rely on the parcel shipping service provided by specialized shipping companies or mail companies.

• Transportation methods:

The transportation methods used differ between parcel and cargo shipping processes. Cargo can be transported by rail, large trucks, large ships, and also airplanes, while small trucks are mostly used in transporting parcels according to your needs from the contracted shipping company.

• Shipping companies:

The cargo shipping process requires specialized shipping companies that perform various logistics services, from receiving it to delivering it to the end customer, and this requires many complex operations. Likewise, the parcel shipping process also requires a specialized shipping company, but this process is carried out smoothly and easily compared to the cargo shipping process.

• Shipping representatives:

Only one representative can handle the shipped parcels, while cargo requires an integrated team to handle, ship, and deliver it safely.

• Nature of products:

Not all types of products and goods can be shipped via the parcel shipping mechanism, while this can be done using the cargo shipping strategy due to the variety of options it provides in terms of delivery methods and the diversity of products being shipped.

It must be noted that there are conditions that must be observed for the successful shipping of parcels for commercial activities.

The most important conditions that must be observed for successful parcel delivery for e-commerce store owners:

The following are some of the conditions that must be observed for successful parcel shipping:

• You must ensure compliance with legal and customs standards and requirements to avoid any problems or delays in the parcel shipping process.

• You should also ensure that the dimensions and weight of the parcel comply with the standards recommended by the shipping or postal companies.

• You must also use shipping boxes and high-quality packaging materials and protective fillers to secure the goods inside the parcel and protect them from damage during transport.

• You should choose shipping services that meet the needs of your e-commerce store in terms of speed, cost, and geographical coverage to provide a distinctive shipping experience for customers.

• You must also ensure that all required forms and documents are filled out correctly, such as the shipment form and commercial invoices. International shipping may also require additional documents such as certificates of origin.

• You must be careful to use tools that enable you to track the shipment and monitor the movement of parcels and know their location in real-time, allowing you to provide accurate information to customers about the status of their shipments.

These are some of the basic conditions for shipping parcels for e-commerce store owners. We emphasize that you must review the shipping policies and conditions of all international shipping companies or local companies you wish to deal with, due to the differences in conditions among different service providers.

To professionally ship parcels locally and internationally, you must go through several steps, the most prominent of which we review in the following paragraph.

Steps that must be followed to professionally ship parcels locally and internationally:

To ship parcels locally and internationally through parcel shipping companies, you must go through several steps, as follows:

Step one: Ensure that your shipments comply with the standards for parcel shipping and delivery:

This is one of the important steps you will go through when shipping your parcels locally and internationally. You must ensure that the standards for parcel shipping are met, which are:

• The type of products to be shipped.

• The weights of your shipments.

• Ensuring the dimensions of the boxes in which the products will be packed.

And know that there may be some slight differences between one shipping company and another, and the matter depends on your needs and requirements, on the basis of which you will choose the appropriate company.

Step two: Pay attention to professional packaging and wrapping:

You must professionally pack and wrap the products in the designated boxes to ensure the safety of the products and their safe arrival to the end consumer. Therefore, if you are an e-commerce store owner and you pack and wrap the products yourself to ship them through parcel shipping companies, you must consider using the appropriate boxes for the nature of the products in terms of weight and size and compliance with the standards of the selected company. You must also choose the ideal packaging and wrapping tools that ensure the preservation of the products, which contributes to packing them well, ensuring their safety and preventing damage to the shipped products.

A set of tips for perfectly wrapping your parcels:

• Use strong shipping boxes appropriate for the goods to be sent. The selected boxes must be able to withstand the weight and pressure resulting from the handling and shipping process and be resistant to damage.

• Use high-quality internal cushioning materials such as plastic bubbles, corrugated paper, and insulating materials to protect the goods from shocks and vibrations during transport. The goods must also be tightly sealed and surrounded by filling from all sides to prevent damage.

• Ensure that the goods are secured inside the parcel well to prevent their movement during transport. You can use strong adhesive tapes to secure the goods in place and avoid slipping.

• Include labels with clear instructions on how to handle the parcel, such as (fragile, breakable), in addition to including recipient information such as address and phone number, and so on, which are written in shipping policies for parcels.

• Ensure compliance with all customs laws and instructions related to packing and wrapping, and follow the specific customs instructions for each country.

• You must inspect and test the parcels after packing and wrapping them before actual shipping to ensure the stability of the goods inside and prevent them from colliding during transport and movement.

Step three: Fill in the information correctly:

You must fill out the parcel shipping form correctly so that the data is accurate, clearly written, and legible, thus ensuring the delivery of the parcel as quickly as possible and preventing its loss.

You should include sender and recipient information, delivery location, and other important details that will contribute to preserving the products and delivering them at the specified time and place.

Step four: Include a detailed statement with the parcel to clarify its contents:

The parcel to be shipped internationally and locally via mail must include a statement through which the contents of the parcel are described in terms of the products it contains so that mail or parcel shipping companies can undertake to keep the products safely and set a compensation clause in case of damage.

Step five: Choose the appropriate mail parcel shipping services:

After preparing your parcels, it is time to choose the appropriate parcel shipping and delivery services for the nature of the commercial activity and your needs, and this will require you to ask some important questions:

• Do you want to rely on fast mail parcel shipping services to ensure the delivery of the parcel to the end consumer as quickly as possible?

• Or do you want to rely on regular mail services to ship parcels within three days or more?

• Also, do you wish to ship and deliver parcels via any shipping method, whether it is: land, or air?

These are all questions that need to be answered according to your needs, the nature of your commercial activity, and the products to be shipped.

After reviewing the steps, here is a list of some of the best parcel delivery companies in Saudi Arabia.

Best parcel transport companies in Saudi Arabia in 2025

Aramex

Aramex is one of the oldest and most famous shipping companies in Saudi Arabia and the region, and it provides local and international services that include express shipping, parcel delivery, and customs clearance, with a wide network of branches and warehouses. In recent years, the company has focused on developing its technical infrastructure, providing accurate tracking tools and special services for e-commerce stores through multiple partnerships with major platforms, which has made it a reliable option for merchants and individuals.

SPL (Saudi Post)

SPL (formerly Saudi Post) has transformed into a modern platform for postal and logistics services, and now offers competitive delivery services that include sending, local and international shipping at competitive prices and a strong infrastructure. SPL has strengthened its partnerships with government agencies and e-commerce stores, provided advanced tracking services and direct integration with store applications, which has brought it back as a reliable and low-cost option in the market.

SMSA Express

It is one of the leading Saudi companies in the shipping sector, covering all regions of the Kingdom with a strong distribution network and fast and reliable delivery services, and offers comprehensive solutions for local and international shipping, in addition to mail, storage, and medical services. SMSA has launched faster technical support tools and active customer service, and has also supported e-commerce platforms with flexible delivery options and cash-on-delivery features, making it a preferred partner for store owners.

NAQEL Express

It is a Saudi company specializing in local and international shipping, covering more than 500 cities and villages within the Kingdom, and is characterized by providing effective and advanced shipping solutions through integration with e-commerce platforms and a real-time parcel tracking service. NAQEL has invested in digital infrastructure and expanded the scope of its logistics services, which has helped it meet the needs of emerging and large stores alike, especially in the same-day delivery and refrigerated delivery sectors.

Zajil Express

It is considered one of the oldest land transport companies in Saudi Arabia, and is famous for its competitive prices and wide coverage within the Kingdom, and offers delivery services for parcels and goods, in addition to economic shipping services and other distinguished services that match customer needs. Zajil has witnessed development in recent years in terms of digital infrastructure and customer service, and has also introduced more accurate tracking systems and improved the user experience, which has increased the reliance of small and medium stores on it for daily delivery operations.

DHL Express

DHL is one of the most prominent international shipping companies operating in Saudi Arabia, and is characterized by its speed in cross-border shipping, and its services for companies that need precise and time-definite delivery. Although it is higher in cost compared to local companies, it is the optimal choice for sensitive shipments and international parcels, and it also provides effective integration with e-commerce store management systems and multi-lingual customer service.

Mrsool

It is one of the leading direct delivery applications, allowing representatives to deliver anything from anywhere in the same city, and is heavily used for same-day delivery of light parcels. Mrsool has proven its efficiency in the Saudi market by providing a reliable instant delivery service, without the need for long-term contracts, and is an ideal option for stores that need fast on-demand delivery.

You should know that insurance is of great importance when shipping parcels, and we will clarify that in the following lines.

The importance of insurance when shipping parcels for e-commerce store owners:

There are several reasons why it is important to pay attention to parcel insurance when shipping them, including:

• Guaranteeing the financial value of the products:

Insurance allows for the protection of the financial value of the goods being shipped. If the parcel is lost or damaged during transport, the insurance company bears the financial responsibility and compensates the owner of the parcel for the lost or damaged value.

• Risk coverage:

Parcels may be exposed to many risks during shipping, such as: loss, damage, or theft, and this creates the urgent need for appropriate insurance to cover these risks and thus the possibility of compensating for potential losses.

• Commitment to customer requirements:

Insurance is considered one of the important factors to motivate customers to deal with e-commerce stores. When the option of insurance is provided, customers feel confident that their goods will be protected and that in the event of any loss, they can receive fair compensation.

Insurance plays a crucial role in protecting goods and financial value during the parcel shipping process. Therefore, as an e-commerce store owner who ships parcels regularly, you should consider purchasing appropriate insurance to protect your assets and provide confidence to your customers.

To avoid shipping delays for your parcels, which negatively affects your e-commerce store and the loss of customer satisfaction, we have compiled some important tips for you below.

A set of important tips to avoid parcel shipping delays:

• Ensure that the information on the parcel is accurate. The parcel information must contain all the correct details, such as the recipient's name, delivery address, and phone number.

• Prepare the necessary documents for the customs clearance process in advance to avoid any delays at customs.

• Be aware of the common causes of shipping delays, such as emergencies, supply chain disruption, and weather factors, and put in place a complete plan to deal with various scenarios and ensure the fastest and best quality delivery of parcels.

• Choose reliable shipping or mail companies that guarantee you the delivery of parcels to customers at the specified place and time.

• Stay away from transportation methods that can cause delays in shipping and delivering parcels to consumers.

Parcel shipping has many benefits for various commercial activities, especially small and medium-sized ones, the most prominent of which we present below.

Benefits of relying on parcel shipping for various commercial activities

Initially, it must be pointed out that you are the only one who will be able to determine your needs and thus determine the method you want to ship and deliver your products according to your financial resources, and the nature of the products to be shipped in terms of weight, size, quantity, type, etc.

Relying on the parcel shipping mechanism as a logistics service has many advantages and benefits, including:

• Cost reduction:

When you rely on specialized parcel shipping companies or mail, you can benefit from the large volume features that those companies provide, and thus you can get lower prices for parcel shipping compared to what you might face when carrying out shipping operations yourself, which contributes to reducing costs and increasing profitability.

• Unifying parcel shipments:

The parcel shipping system allows for the unification of shipments and working to sort and group them into one container and then ship and deliver them to the end consumer as quickly as possible instead of shipping each parcel separately, which contributes to reducing the cost expended in the shipping process.

• Flexibility in the delivery process:

Parcel shipping allows for complete flexibility in the product delivery process, especially for e-commerce store owners, as they can easily grant shoppers the ability to track shipments through a sophisticated control room that allows sending notifications to both consumers and the customer service team to solve problems professionally and in a manner that is fast, smooth, flexible, and easy, allowing, for example, changing the delivery location for parcels and so on.

• Gaining customer satisfaction:

Relying on parcel shipping contributes to gaining customer satisfaction and enhancing their loyalty to the commercial activity by providing a distinctive and unique shipping experience that motivates them to repeat the purchase process and thus increase sales.

Finally: What are the shipping challenges faced by business owners?

Owners of emerging, small, and perhaps medium-sized businesses face some challenges related to shipping companies that can be summarized in several points as follows:

• Getting excellent and reduced shipping prices, especially for small and emerging businesses, due to the connection of shipping prices with the number of shipments. The greater the number of shipments, the lower the shipping prices, which represents a great challenge for small or beginner businesses that do not have a large number of orders throughout the day.

• The difficulty of choosing between the available shipping companies and differentiating between them to contract with the best, due to the presence of many shipping companies, which represents great confusion and challenge for business owners regarding the process of choosing and contracting with the best and avoiding companies that offer mediocre and bad quality and sub-par services.

• Some problems that may arise as a result of contracting with any shipping company resulting from not setting sufficient clauses to guarantee the rights of both parties, which forces you to fully commit to dealing with a specific shipping company as a result of this contract, in addition to the lack of sufficient flexibility to try other alternatives.

To overcome the various shipping challenges, you must look for innovative solutions such as shipping gateways like Oto, the leading shipping gateway in the Arab world, and use oto for shipping and enjoy complete flexibility to control your commercial activity and all your operational processes through a simple and smooth control panel.

You can now create a free account in Oto and enjoy shipping your products through more than 200 local and international shipping companies and switching between them according to your needs and requirements, thereby gaining customer satisfaction and enhancing their loyalty to the brand.

A final word

Parcel shipping is a vital part of modern trade operations. With the development of technology and the advancement of logistics services, there are many emerging technological trends that aim to accelerate delivery operations, especially "parcel delivery," and improve operations within supply and delivery chains.

Therefore, you must choose specialized and reliable parcel shipping companies that operate according to the latest innovations and new technologies to ensure meeting your needs and providing a unique shipping experience for customers.