[pratikraveesh]

I was searching through the forum regarding information on sending application packets / documents via courier services. While there are a few threads on getting goods from abroad with online buying guides, I could not collect any useful information regarding sending documents (important ones). Hence creating a new thread which I hope will help me in taking a good decision.

I have a few queries regarding this and would appreciate inputs from members having personal / relevant experience. As it is a first time activity for me, there are chances I may have missed out something important which must be kept in mind. Let me know if there are any.

I need to send application packets (for my Son) to a few University’s abroad. My requirements are:-

• The service must be reliable
• Must reach in time
• Online tracking option for checking delivery status is preferred
• Must be reasonably priced

Although I have discussed this with a few courier service teams, I do not have any experience with them regarding their performance.

Some other queries I have in mind are-

• Which are the most preferred ones?

• Do they offer student discounts if there are more than one (say 5) University applications? I am told some of these offer discount coupons if the number of applications are more than one?

• Anything I must keep in mind regarding packing / packet size etc?

• Can I send original documents if required?

• Do the service / cost have anything to do with the country I am sending these documents to? I believe longer distance couriers will be proportionately expensive.

Anything else to be taken care of or kept in mind? Would appreciate any inputs on this.

Thanks in advance.

[aravind84]

Hi,

The most reliable ones I have always looked upto are
1. DHL - very reliable, timely delivery
2. FedEx - Reliable, timely delivery
3. UPS - haven't tried so far so no personal feedback

All the above have online tracking and DHL has some discount offers.

[mayankjha1806]

I have used Fedex for sending important financial documents and they not only arrived safe and on time, i was also able to track them all the way. Its been sometime so do not remember exact cost but must have been a few thousands at the minimum.

I believe others are also equally reliable but have used them personally.

[vnabhi]

I had to send my experience certificates to PMI at Pennsylvania as my application got randomly picked for audit.

DHL and Blue Dart were charging Rs 2500 for the packet that weighed 200 gms. As it was my personal expenditure, I chose DTDC, who charged Rs 950. They have a tie up with TNT. They have a tracking option too, and I will start tracking from tomorrow. The courier was sent yesterday, and it is supposed to reach by Friday, Nov 25th.

I will update this thread on that day.

[arjithin]

I suggest DHL or Fedex. they give you tracking numbers and peace of mind.
YOu can also try to give it to someone who is travelling to the destination county and get it posted over there (I got few documents from India this way).

My suggestion is not to send the originals via courier, there is an element of risk as sometimes it gets lost in the customs queue (though the chances of such a miss is very minimum in the case of an outbound courier from India using DHL or Fedex).

[coolclouds]

I sent some land registration docs to my brother in law in USA through DHL. It reached on time without any issues and the tracking was helpful. I think DTDC also does the job well.

[bigron]

DHL , enough said. Have sent everything from passports / licenses / property papers /degrees etc.You cant go wrong with them. But that does not mean things cant go wrong .

[pratikraveesh]

Originally Posted by aravind84

3. UPS - haven't tried so far so no personal feedback

Will have a look at UPS also.

Originally Posted by vnabhi

As it was my personal expenditure, I chose DTDC, who charged Rs 950. They have a tie up with TNT. They have a tracking option too, and I will start tracking from tomorrow. The courier was sent yesterday, and it is supposed to reach by Friday, Nov 25th.

I will update this thread on that day.

Will check DTDC also, do keep us updated.

Originally Posted by arjithin

YOu can also try to give it to someone who is travelling to the destination county and get it posted over there (I got few documents from India this way).

Idea worth trying.

Originally Posted by coolclouds

I sent some land registration docs to my brother in law in USA through DHL. It reached on time without any issues and the tracking was helpful. I think DTDC also does the job well.

Ok

Originally Posted by bigron

DHL , enough said. Have sent everything from passports / licenses / property papers /degrees etc.You cant go wrong with them. But that does not mean things cant go wrong .

Ok

[pratikraveesh]

vnabhi, any update from you regarding DTDC? I got in touch with the DHL guys, they told me there is an offer for student application packets, I will update this thread once I get more information.

[panky12345]

having used in the past, DTDC is best of the lot

[humans]

Not sure if you want to use it, but I have even used our old India Postal Dept speed post service and even that delivered on time and was the cheapest option.

[pratikraveesh]

Originally Posted by panky12345

having used in the past, DTDC is best of the lot

I am getting confused now, any reason why you suggest DTDC?

Originally Posted by humans

Not sure if you want to use it, but I have even used our old India Postal Dept speed post service and even that delivered on time and was the cheapest option.

I don't mind as long as it serves my purpose. What purpose did you use it for and how much was the price difference?

[humans]

Originally Posted by pratikraveesh

I don't mind as long as it serves my purpose. What purpose did you use it for and how much was the price difference?

I used it for some visa and passport documents and the price difference 2 yrs ago was about Rs 300/-.

[panky12345]

Originally Posted by pratikraveesh

I am getting confused now, any reason why you suggest DTDC?

Used it couple of times for the same purpose as yours (atleast 20 different occasions).. each time the consignment delivered on time and significant price difference between Fedex and types!

[Wolfheart]

Being in the immigration business I have been using Skynet couriers for shipping clients' applications. They're reliable and very cost effective. Since your applications will consist of copies (certified or otherwise) you can use this service. Fedex or UPS wil cost a lot more.

www.skynetwwe.com