The word “parcel” is used to represent various things. For some people, it represents objects; others might mean lands. It can also mean a quantity of something. Here, we will contextualize the word “parcel” for better understanding.
A parcel is a wrapped bundle that is often called a package. One or more objects wrapped in a piece of paper to be posted or sent somewhere are referred to as a “package.”
Differences Between a Parcel and a Package
In British English, a parcel and a package have similar meanings. The difference between them is in their shapes. A parcel has a more regular shape than a package.
On the other hand, in American English, the word “package” is usually used instead of “parcel.” The term “parcel” is associated with smaller packages that only one person can carry. Most times, a parcel is shipped or mailed.
A package is usually larger than a parcel and is mostly not shipped or mailed out. So, using either word depends on the context in which the word is being used.
When in doubt as to which word to use, the term “package” is a safer option.
How is a Parcel Delivered?
As the world evolves, people and businesses respond to the clarion call of evolution. This response is also evident in how people and items are conveyed within and across borders.
This birthed the parcel delivery service.
Parcel delivery is a transport service that involves moving parcels from a sender to a recipient, the parcel’s original owner.
A carrier is a middleman between the sender and the recipient. His job is to pick up the parcel after it is sorted and deliver it to the recipient.
This is the common cycle of a parcel being packed, sorted, and dispatched to a delivery agent or carrier to deliver it to its recipient.
Types of Parcel Delivery
The parcel sizes and delivery times determine the various types of parcel delivery. Some types of parcel delivery include:
- Express Parcel Delivery:
It refers to parcel delivery that must be executed within 24 hours. This service is more expensive than others because it requires swift packaging and delivery to its recipient.
It is usually made for parcels with high value. Such packages are often under 30kg and delivered through several modes of transportation. The ultimate goal here is same-day delivery.
- Single Parcel Delivery:
This type of parcel delivery implies the delivery of one parcel at a time. This method of delivery is usually carried out within 24-48 hours.
- Conventional Parcel Delivery:
This kind of delivery is done for heavy-weight objects which take a longer duration of time to be delivered. Usually, there are no restrictions to the weight of parcels in this delivery.
How to Send a Parcel to Someone
There is more to sending a parcel than simply packaging the items.
A few steps have to be followed carefully to prevent the parcel from getting lost in transit or being delivered to the wrong person.
To send a parcel to someone, you need to do the following;
- Label the parcel with the sender’s and recipient’s addresses and contact information for easy accessibility.
- Select a courier service that soothes your parcel delivery needs. The courier service company will assist you with parcel delivery.
- Next, book a pickup with the courier service to get the parcel from you. In this scenario, you are the sender.
- After handing your parcel over to the courier service, the next step is tracking your package. Several courier services companies like DHL have very good tracking systems that allow the sender to track the parcel delivery progress.
- You will be alerted when your parcel is delivered to the recipient.
Types of Parcel Packaging
Parcels can be packaged in different ways depending on their sizes and special requests by the sender of the package. Packaging contributes majorly to determining the value of a parcel.
Paperboard boxes are good for packaging items that are less resistant to moisture. For some other things, corrugated or cardboard boxes are a better packaging option.
Moreso, plastic packages are useful for packaging parcels as well. Such packages can even be recycled after use.
For food, tea products, and clothing items, foil-sealed packs are good for packaging.
Parcel packaging is as important as parcel delivery, and how a parcel is packaged speaks volumes of its quality.
Packaging a parcel also makes it easy to identify it. Packaging saves you the trouble of getting parcels lost in transit.
How do I Pack a Parcel for Courier?
Before handing your parcel to a courier, you must prepare it for delivery. After purchasing your items, a few steps have to be taken. Some of these steps include;
- Wrap your things in a good wrapper.
- Find a suitable bag or box to pack your parcel.
- Insert your address in the box.
- Secure all the edges of your parcel box with good masking tape.
- Label your package for easy identification.
- Send your package out to the courier service for delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are parcels called parcels?
The word “parcel” comes from an Anglo-Norman word that means “part.” To form a parcel, little bits of items will be put together, and a part forms a whole. This is the concept of a parcel, which is why the name is used.
Is an envelope a parcel?
No, an envelope is not a parcel. But an envelope can be classified as a parcel when it weighs more than the size of a regular large envelope. A large envelope does not weigh more than 13 ounces, and an envelope that weighs more than this is classified as a parcel.
Is a parcel and a letter the same thing?
The difference between a parcel and a letter is the size. While large letters can weigh no more than 750g, parcels weigh more.
Final Words
It is established that a parcel is similar to a package but not a package. The difference between the two is in their sizes.
A parcel can mean several things. Here, the package is a pack of items, boxed to be delivered to a recipient through a courier service. Now, parcel delivery is a common job function that makes it easy to move parcels within and outside the shores of a country.
In summary, you must carefully pack your parcel, deliver it to the courier service or call the courier service to pick up the package from your house for delivery.
