Courier, express and parcel – the differences
Courier service: direct point-to-point delivery by a dedicated driver, often the same day. The fastest and the most expensive. Express: prioritised delivery with a time guarantee ("by 12 noon" or "next day", for instance). Parcel: standard B2B/B2C delivery through the network with no time guarantee – the cheapest option.
The limits of CEP and when you need a forwarder
CEP services generally accept consignments up to 31.5 kg per item and a maximum girth of 300 cm. Larger, heavier or bulkier consignments fall to freight forwarding. From one pallet upwards (approximately 100–500 kg), pallet shipping through a forwarder is usually cheaper and more reliable than CEP.
Digital CEP booking and API integration
Modern CEP providers offer APIs for automated label creation, tracking updates and invoicing. Shop systems and ERP solutions can be integrated directly. For B2B senders with high parcel volumes, annual contracts with volume tiers are worthwhile rather than individual bookings.
