See Blog Categories

Shipping and Mailing Service: The ABC of Basic Shipping Terms

Diana Zheng
  •  
  •  
February 15, 2022

Shipping is the final stage of a product's eCommerce journey. There are now plenty of options for shipping items, which is convenient for many online shoppers, as they can now buy products anywhere from all over the globe, thanks to the rapid growth of eCommerce.

If you are a new online merchant, you need to know specific shipping and mailing terms to make transactions easier. It will also help you find a good shipping company that provides reliable shipping and receiving services. Read on to learn the shipping and mailing service: the ABC of basic shipping terms!

Advice of Shipment

It is a notice to the local or foreign buyer or receiver if the shipment has already been forwarded. It indicates the information regarding the transportation and eCommerce shipping, including the details of the packing, routing, etc. 

Bill of Lading

It consists of detailed information about the shipment, such as quantity, type, and destination, often serving as the receipt. 

Coverage Protection

It refers to the insurance policy that protects a parcel or package from any unforeseen mishap or accident, including damage or loss while in transit. The carrier will provide reimbursement through processing of claims.

Delivery Duty Paid (DDP)

Before the seller ships the items, they and the customer will agree that the seller assumes the responsibility to process goods transport until they reach an agreed-upon destination. This delivery agreement is called Delivery Duty Paid or DDP. In most cases, the buyer benefits most because the seller shoulders the liability and shipping costs.

Basic Shipping Terms Live Support

Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)

The shipping company provides an estimated time when the end receiver should receive the items. This time frame is called the Estimated Time of Arrival or ETA, and it helps the customers know when to expect their products.

Free Trading Agreement (FTA)

It is a special consignment between two or more nations to lessen the restrictions for imports and exports among them. The policy makes sure that goods and services can be bought and sold across overseas borders with little to no government tariffs, quotas, subsidies, or prohibitions between their exchange.

Hazardous Materials (HazMat)

Hazardous materials or Hazmats are substances that pose plausible health, property, or environmental risks. You can interchange this word with dangerous goods, including toxic fuels, nuclear waste products, and other chemical agents. These products are banned from entering one's country or are FDA-regulated unless you obtain a special permit.

In Transit

When you see that your package is already in transit, it means that your items are already processed and on their way to you or their final destination.

Live Support

Live support refers to customer service offered in real-time to help solve any shipping problems. Whether domestic or international trade, having live support will help a business increase customer satisfaction.

Methods

This refers to either payment or shipping methods. The seller can impose the former on the customer during payment. However, you can also use it in what mail service you want to get, like priority mail, priority mail express, or regular shipping. 

Net Weight

It is the parcel's total weight, including the box or packaging. Net weight can also be one of the *variable costs to calculate for the shipping cost.

Online Tracking

Online tracking allows sellers and customers to keep track of their parcels through an online interface. It also includes the estimated delivery time of the parcel to arrive at its final destination.

Profit Margin

The amount by which the business's income exceeds its outgoing expenses. Profit margin is important to know the flow of your business's revenue flow.

Quota

This may refer to the number of goods allowed to be imported in a certain period. It can also mean the seller and the shipping company's agreement on how many parcels they need to send to get discounts and special promos.  

Return Policy

This indicates what items the customer can return and the time duration of returns or exchanges. 

ABC Basic Shipping Terms Waybill

Surcharge

A surcharge is a charge added on top of the base cost of moving goods. Shipping surcharges can be added during residential delivery, delivery outside of regular service areas, and weekend delivery. Furthermore, some shipping companies also charge the sellers fuel, handling surcharges, and declared value surcharges.

Tariff and Tax

Also known as customs duty, a tariff is imposed upon export goods as they cross national boundaries by the importing country. Meanwhile, tax is set on the buyers purchasing the goods. 

USPS and UPS

United States Postal Service or USPS is meant to mail small packages faster and more cost-effectively. On the other hand, United Parcel Service (UPS) is a publicly-traded company and the largest package delivery company globally and is often confused with USPS.

Variable Cost

Shipping fees aren't the same for all buyers and items, and that is because of variable cost changes. These are factors that shipping companies consider in the shipping fee, including the distance and package's weight or dimensions. 

Waybill

A waybill includes information on the goods that need to be delivered. It indicates the carrier, the destination, and the type of service. 

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK STALLION EXPRESS!

Stallion Express is the leading and cheapest courier for documents and other items within Canada, the United States, and internationally! We let Canadian online sellers compete with US sellers by providing the most efficient and cost-effective postage option. 

We have numerous shipping partners to accommodate your every shipping needs!

Canadian Shipping

Canada Post, Stallion Economy Canada, and UPS

US Shipping

USPS, UPS, FedEx, and Stallion Economy USA 

International Shipping

APC Logistics, PostNL, USPS International

Furthermore, we offer various services, such as:

  • Amazon FBA
  • User-friendly integrations
  • Stallion Protection Policy
  • Easy return policy
  • High-quality shipping materials

Stallion Express can also help you understand shipping and mailing service: The ABC of basic shipping terms. You can also find other related articles on our website to understand Stallion Express more.

Get started today! Ship faster, smarter, cheaper with Stallion.

Get Started Today.  Sign Up for Free!
Written by Diana Zheng

Diana leads the growth marketing initiatives at Stallion Express. As a personal trainer turned digital marketer, Diana is obsessed with equipping eCommerce entrepreneurs with everything they need to scale their online businesses. You can catch her doing yoga or hitting the tennis courts in her spare time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

See more articles
Canada to US: Common eCommerce Fulfillment Issues

While problems and slight hiccups are inevitable in any industry, it doesn't mean you shouldn't do your part to help prevent or resolve these issues. The shipping and logistics industry is no exception because, even though rare, there are common challenges that many shipping providers and carriers experience. This article might pique your interest if […]

Read More
Stallion x Wonderment Partnership

Another integration request unlocked based on clients’ feedback! With our team keeping up with the rapid pacing of the eCommerce industry, Stallion Express has teamed up with the creators behind an application that’s helpful in your tech stack to reduce customer support queries.  We are thrilled to share our latest collaboration with Wonderment, a post-purchase […]

Read More
Stallion May 2023 Recap

We’re excited to wrap up this month full of surprises! These Stallion highlights will provide enough information on announcements worth checking out.  General Updates Stallion Economy Air launch Our latest domestic service, Stallion Economy Air is available for shipments originating in Ontario and B.C. regions, which offers faster delivery through air shipping. This revamp is […]

Read More

Join the Stallion Newsletter

You’ll receive the best tips, strategies, and news on Canadian ecommerce.

Read More

Canada to US: Common eCommerce Fulfillment Issues

While problems and slight hiccups are inevitable in any industry, it doesn't mean you shouldn't do your part to help prevent or resolve these issues. The shipping and logistics industry is no exception because, even though rare, there are common challenges that many shipping providers and carriers experience. This article might pique your interest if […]

Stallion x Wonderment Partnership

Another integration request unlocked based on clients’ feedback! With our team keeping up with the rapid pacing of the eCommerce industry, Stallion Express has teamed up with the creators behind an application that’s helpful in your tech stack to reduce customer support queries.  We are thrilled to share our latest collaboration with Wonderment, a post-purchase […]

Stallion May 2023 Recap

We’re excited to wrap up this month full of surprises! These Stallion highlights will provide enough information on announcements worth checking out.  General Updates Stallion Economy Air launch Our latest domestic service, Stallion Economy Air is available for shipments originating in Ontario and B.C. regions, which offers faster delivery through air shipping. This revamp is […]

Hear what online sellers in Canada are saying

"Stallion Express is a game changer for small business owners like myself. My online store wouldn't be where it's at today without the Stallion Express team."
Dorothy Wong
"Outstanding service. Delivery is always on time. Accessible location. Expert staff. There's nothing else I could ask for."
Norma Joseph
"Stallion Express has been fulfilling my shipments with excellence for the longest time. With their quick actions and unparalleled customer service, they are the best shipping company."
Lena Hulsey
Stallion Express
Ship faster, smarter, and 
cheaper with Stallion Express
© 2022 Stallion Express  |  Legal
Ship faster, smarter, and cheaper with Stallion Express
Stallion Express 2020  |  Legal
menuchevron-downcross-circle linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram