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What Happens If My Parcel Is Lost or Damaged Using a Courier Service?

When you book a courier, you’re trusting someone to deliver more than just a parcel. You’re trusting your courier to deliver reliability, speed, and peace of mind. At eCourier, we take that responsibility seriously. However, even with the best systems in place, occasional issues such as lost or damaged parcels can occur on rare occasions. In this article, we’ll explain what happens in those situations, how we handle them, and what you can do to protect your shipments.

How Couriers Handle Parcels

As pioneers in technology-driven courier services, our modern courier networks are highly intelligent and efficient. At eCourier, parcels are scanned at multiple stages from collection to delivery.

When a scan is done, it reflects in our real-time GPS tracking, ensuring visibility at all times. This allows our operations teams to closely monitor your item’s journey and easily identify any issues which may arise.

Despite these systems, factors such as label errors, incomplete addresses, or unforeseen events can cast a cloud over operations – usually resulting in delays, or sometimes, the misplacement of consignments.

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If Your Parcel is Lost

If your parcel doesn’t arrive when expected, don’t panic – our team is here to help. The first step in this situation is to contact our customer service with your consignment/booking reference number. This is the number you receive on your booking confirmation which begins with the number eight and is typically eight digits long.

Once our customer service is alerted, they will begin to trace your item’s journey to locate it’s last known location. Our professional agents will typically get this information in a matter of minutes. In many cases, parcels are simply delayed or have been rerouted and can still be delivered successfully.

If the customer service team confirms that the parcel cannot be located, our operations and escalations teams will jump in to solve the matter efficiently. If an item is confirmed as lost, we follow a clear and transparent claims process. Depending on the service you booked and the declared value of your parcel, you may be eligible for compensation.

Our friendly team will keep you informed throughout the process, ensuring the matter is solved quickly and fairly. Customer satisfaction is of great importance to eCourier, meaning strong communication and total transparency is just a few of the values that echoes through our customer care.

If Your Parcel Arrives Damaged

Our couriers are trained to take every precaution to ensure your parcel arrives in perfect condition, every time. However, damage can occasionally occur during transit.

If your parcel arrives damaged, please document it and report it to our customer services team immediately. Providing photos of the packaging, its contents, and any other relevant information related to the issue will be necessary in this situation. This will help our team assess what happened and process your claim efficiently.

We’ll investigate the issue, determine the cause, and offer an appropriate resolution. Where applicable, we’ll provide compensation and take corrective action to prevent similar issues in the future.

Damaged cardboard package with fragile sticker on porch steps with foam peanuts.

How eCourier Prevents Loss and Damage

At eCourier we strongly believe that prevention is the best form of protection. We are continuously investing in the technology, training, and quality assurance to keep parcels safe and in mint condition.

Our couriers are trained in proper handling techniques, and our vehicles are tracked using GPS technology as well as digital proof-of-delivery systems.

Customers can request photo proof-of-delivery to see visually what condition the driver had left the parcel in, and where. This can be requested for most of our bookings to help promote transparency with our valued customers.

We also encourage our customers to package their parcels securely. Use strong boxes, bubble wrap, and waterproof tape. Clearly label both the delivery and return addresses, and avoid reusing old or weakened packaging materials.

Our team is always available to provide packaging advice for particularly fragile or high-value items.

The Process of Reporting a Lost or Damaged Parcel

Each booking with eCourier includes a standard level of goods coverage, and additional insurance options are available for high-value or delicate items. Should your parcel be lost or damaged, our claims process is straightforward and transparent.

To make a claim, please provide the following:

  • Your tracking or consignment number
  • Photos of the parcel and packaging (if damaged)
  • Proof of item value, such as an invoice or receipt
  • A brief description of the issue

Once we receive your claim, our escalations team will review it and guide you through each step until resolution. We understand that prompt action is key, and we aim to settle all claims as quickly as possible.

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Your Role in Keeping Your Parcel Safe

While eCourier takes every precaution, customers play an important part in ensuring safe delivery. Double-check delivery addresses, use appropriate packaging, and include a return label inside your parcel. Small steps like these can make a big difference in reducing delivery risks.

Before sending a parcel, think:

  • Have the required labels been attached onto my goods?
  • Have addresses been proof-read and checked?
  • Are all contact details valid and proof-read?
  • Have the goods been securely packaged using quality materials?
  • How will the weather potentially impact my parcel if I decide it can be left outside when delivered?
  • Can I provide Permission to Post where appropriate to avoid my goods being returned due to failed delivery?
  • Have I requested the right proof-of-delivery for my same day consignment?

Why eCourier?

We understand that trust is essential when choosing a courier. eCourier is built on reliability, transparency, and exceptional customer care.

Our commitment to technology, sustainability, and customer service ensures that every delivery is handled with precision and professionalism.

Final Thoughts

Parcel loss or damage can be stressful, but when you send with eCourier, you’re choosing a partner who takes responsibility seriously.

We’re here to support you every step of the way, from safe handling to swift resolution. If you have any questions or need help with a delivery, contact our friendly support team today.


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