Once a customer has clicked on the ‘Place Order’ button, they start anxiously waiting for the goods to be delivered. However, there are times when the said goods they are awaiting are coming in from a different continent, across the ocean from where they reside. So, in such cases, the delivery can take some time.
Well, what if someone doesn’t have a lot of time on hand and needs the product urgently? For this, there are several different options which they can choose from, and one of them happens to be EMS shipping. These shipping options ensure that the goods are delivered to the customers efficiently and on time. If you’re interested in learning more about EMS shipping, keep reading below.
What is EMS Shipping?
EMS – Express Mail Service – is an international postal service that offers quick and reliable delivery of parcels and documents. This shipping aspect is managed by different postal services globally and is one of the most used options when it comes to time-sensitive deliveries.
The EMS shipping is perfect for both domestic and international shipping deliveries. It guarantees that the parcels reach their destination on time or as quickly as possible, depending on where they have to be delivered.
How Does EMS Shipping Work?
Given that EMS shipping is one of the most widely used forms of shipping within the courier industry, you must understand its working and process too. Here is how EMS shipping works to streamline logistics and avoid any hurdles in shipment:
Pickup or Drop Off
EMS allows customers to send parcels through it either by dropping the parcel at the post office or scheduling a time for EMS service to pick it up. To schedule a parcel pickup, customers can contact their local post office or use any online scheduling tool provided by the EMS. Through this tool, customers can enter the pickup location and time, along with any other additional required details.
Processing
Once received by the local postal authority, the parcels are then processed and prepared for international transit.
Transit
Given that the whole point of EMS is quick and efficient deliveries, the parcels are usually transported by air for faster deliveries. Although parcels must pass through customs before flying out, the customs clearance process is expedited for such deliveries, reducing any delays and ensuring reliable and quick deliveries.
Final Delivery
Once the parcels have arrived in the destination country, they are then given to the local postal service of the said country for any final delivery. Given that the local postal services know the areas well, they ensure to deliver the package to the designated doorstep safely.
EMS Shipping Delivery Time
The delivery time for EMS shipping usually depends on where the parcel has to be delivered. However, customers expecting an international delivery usually receive their parcels within 3-10 days after dispatch. While business owners strive to expedite package delivery after an order is placed, several factors, including customs clearances, local postal service operations, weather conditions, and holiday seasons, can hinder timely deliveries.
Here is a general breakdown of the expected delivery time for EMS shipping:
- Domestic EMS Shipping: Parcels are delivered within 1-3 business days
- International EMS Shipping: Depending on the destination and customs, international deliveries take about 3-10 business days.
EMS Shipping Cost
The EMS shipping doesn’t have a standard cost, and the price is determined based on the parcels’ weight, size, and the country where it has to be delivered. Businesses and individuals can obtain EMS shipping rates at the local post office or by using an online calculator present on any national postal service website. The EMS usually offers great competitive rates in comparison to other couriers, making it one of the most used options for both individuals and businesses.
If you are someone who wants to know what factors might impact your EMS shipping rates, then we have a breakdown listed for you:
- Weight: the heavier the package, the higher the cost will be.
- Size: Bulky Parcels tend to incur additional charges, especially when they exceed certain size limits.
- Destination: The farther the destination is from the shipping country, the more the price will spike.
- Service Level: There are several levels of services within EMS, which can impact the price of the delivery
How to Track My EMS Shipping?
One of the best aspects of EMS shipping is how easy it is for you to track your shipped parcels. The service offers advanced tracking features that provide detailed information on the current position of your package or its location within the shipping journey. This not only enhances visibility to keep better track of your packages but also provides shipments. Here is a breakdown of how EMS tracking works, or in what ways you can track your EMS packages:
Real-Time Updates
EMS provides its customers with proper live tracking information at each stage from the time of pickup all the way to final delivery.
Enhanced Visibility
Proper tracking numbers are assigned to each package, allowing users to enter them on the postal service’s website and receive detailed updates on the shipments
Customer Assurance
Knowing the exact location of the package builds a sense of satisfaction within customers and strengthens their trust.
EMS vs Other Shipping Carriers
Apart from EMS, there are many other shipping carriers in the market, too. So, which one is the best to pick? Here is a comparison guide for you to understand which shipping carrier would work best in what aspect of shipping:
Features: EMS, DHL/FedEx/UPS, National Postal Services (USPS, Royal Mail)
Speed: Fast and consistent for international routes. Fast but at a premium price. Slower, especially for international routes
It is more economical for global express services. Tends to be expensive, especially for small packages. Cheapest for domestic use, but not for global express
Tracking provides a reliable tracking through postal systems. Great real-time tracking, Basic to moderate tracking
Coverage Strong global reach throughout Strong but limited in remote areas Strong domestically but limited internationally
Custom Handling: Smooth through postal channels, Smooth and professional, but costly, often delayed, and inconsistent
Best For: Affordable and reliable international shipping, Urgent time-sensitive shipments, Budget-friendly domestic shipments.
Best Practices for EMS Shipping
To ensure efficient EMS shipping, it is essential to understand some of the commonly used best practices. Here are a few of them:
- Always complete the correct customs declaration with a detailed and honest item description and product value.
Example: a jewelry seller from India handships jewelry to Canada, and clearly labels her packages as ‘handcrafted brass necklace with a declared value of $20. This helps her parcels pass through customs smoothly and without any delays.
- Ensure to pack your items with proper packaging materials like bubble wrap or sturdy boxes and waterproof labels.
Example: If a skincare manufacturer ships samples of their product to a distributor in another country, using double-layered padded boxes to ensure the glass bottles remain undamaged during transit is a smart choice.
- Monitor your EMS parcels online using the tracking number you receive during dispatch
Example: If an international student needs to send their documents to a school in the UK, they can use EMS tracking to ensure that their envelope reaches the admissions office within six working days.
- Always ensure and check whether or not the destination country to which you are shipping restricts or bans any of the items you are sending
Example: An herbal shop from Thailand avoids any issues by confirming that the dried herbs that they are shipping are permitted in Australia before shipping via EMS.
Shipping from China to the US with NextSmartShip
If you are looking for a reliable shipping service that offers timely and efficient shipping from China to the US, then we highly recommend that you look into NextSmartShip.
NextSmartShip is a service that offers cost-effective logistics options for e-commerce businesses. It specializes in end-to-end fulfillment and handling everything from warehousing in China to international shipping and last-mile delivery in the US. The service partners with trusted carriers and offers flexible shipping options from express to standard and economy, whichever suits your budget and timeline.
With its automated order management technology and real-time tracking services, NextSmartShip is one of the best options for businesses that are looking to scale their US deliveries efficiently.
FAQs
Yes! EMS shipping ensures that all packages reach your doorstep or the address you have provided during dispatch.
EMS has a list of products that it does not ship. These include high-pressure spray cans, fire extinguishers, underwater breathing apparatus, helium gas, refill gas for lighters, matches, etc. Hence, it is always suggested to look up the list of products that cannot be shipped before you plan on choosing EMS.
Yes! While EMS shipping does have a custom clearance, the packages are inspected and declared for shipping on priority, ensuring a faster delivery.
Conclusion
If you are someone who wants to know more about EMS shipping, then we hope this article was helpful in shedding light on it. For quicker and faster delivery services, we highly suggest that you check out NextSmartShip. The service is incredible and will ensure your packages reach their destination safely and on time.
