Receiving Parcels

Receiving Your Parcel

Everything you need to know about getting your delivery . from tracking to what to do if things go wrong.

Whether you're expecting a parcel from a friend, a business, or an online order shipped with Swift Express Courier , this guide walks you through the complete receiving process . from tracking your delivery to what to do if something goes wrong.

How the Delivery Process Works

Once a sender books a shipment with Swift Express Courier , here's what happens on the way to you:

  1. 1

    Shipment Created

    The sender creates your shipment and receives a 12-character tracking ID. They may share this with you so you can follow your parcel from the start.

  2. 2

    Parcel Collected or Dropped Off

    Swift Express Courier collects the parcel from the sender's address or the sender drops it at a service centre. Tracking activates at this point.

  3. 3

    Processing at Origin Facility

    Your parcel is sorted, weighed, labelled, and scanned at our origin depot. For international shipments, customs documentation is generated here.

  4. 4

    In Transit

    Your parcel travels by road or air to the destination country or region. Tracking updates are generated at each transit facility scan.

  5. 5

    Customs Clearance (International Only)

    For cross-border shipments, the parcel is cleared through customs. This typically takes 1–3 days but can vary by country and declaration accuracy.

  6. 6

    Out for Delivery

    Your parcel arrives at your local delivery facility and is loaded onto a delivery vehicle. You'll receive an "out for delivery" notification if you've subscribed to updates.

  7. 7

    Delivered

    The driver delivers to your address. If a signature is required, you'll need to sign. A delivery confirmation with timestamp is added to your tracking record.

Delivery Attempt Scenarios

Successful First Delivery

You or an authorised person is home. The driver delivers and marks the shipment as delivered. You'll receive a confirmation notification.

Safe Place Delivery

If you've authorised it, the driver may leave your parcel in a safe, sheltered location and photograph the placement for your tracking record.

Neighbour Delivery

With your permission, the driver can leave your parcel with a neighbour. You'll be notified of which property it was left at.

Card Left . Rebook

If delivery is unsuccessful, a card is left with instructions on how to rebook, redirect, or request another delivery attempt.

Redirected to Service Point

You can redirect your parcel to a nearby Swift Express Courier service centre for convenient collection at your own time.

Returned to Sender

After 3 failed attempts and a 7-day hold period, the parcel is returned to the sender. Contact us before this happens to arrange alternative delivery.

Tracking Your Incoming Parcel

Ask your sender for the 12-character tracking ID as soon as they ship. Enter it on our homepage to see your parcel's current status. You can also subscribe to email notifications by entering your email on the tracking page . you'll be automatically alerted at every key milestone.

No tracking ID? Ask the sender to check their booking confirmation email . it's always included. If the parcel was sent via a third-party platform, the tracking ID may be in your order confirmation from that platform.

What to Do When Your Parcel Arrives

Inspect Before Signing

If your delivery requires a signature, inspect the outer packaging before signing. If the box appears crushed, punctured, or tampered with, note the damage on the delivery receipt before signing. This protects your right to make a damage claim later. Never sign "received in good condition" if you haven't checked the parcel.

Check Contents Promptly

Open and check your parcel as soon as possible after delivery. Damage claims must be reported within 7 days of delivery . the sooner you check, the better protected you are. Photograph any damage to both the item and its packaging before moving or discarding anything.

Keep Your Packaging

Don't discard the original packaging for at least 7 days after delivery. If you need to make a damage claim, we'll need to inspect or photograph the packaging to understand how the damage occurred and whether it was a packaging fault or a handling fault.

Receiving International Parcels

When receiving a parcel from abroad, there are additional considerations you should be aware of:

Customs Duties and Import Taxes

When a parcel enters your country from abroad, it may be subject to import duties and taxes imposed by your country's customs authority. These charges are determined by the declared value and type of goods . they are not charged by Swift Express Courier and we have no control over them. You (as the recipient) are typically responsible for paying these charges before the parcel can be released for delivery.

If customs duties apply, you'll receive a notification with the amount due and instructions for payment. The parcel will be held at the customs facility until payment is confirmed.

Customs Holds

Sometimes customs authorities hold parcels for inspection or to request additional documentation from the sender. This is normal and doesn't mean anything is wrong with your parcel. Check your tracking page for updates . we'll notify you if any action is required from your side.

Prohibited and Restricted Goods

Each country has its own list of items that are prohibited or restricted from import. If a parcel contains such items, it may be seized by customs without compensation. If you're expecting goods that might fall into restricted categories, check your country's customs website or contact us before the parcel is sent.

Damaged or Missing Parcels

Parcel Arrived Damaged

Report damage within 7 days of delivery via our support chat or email. Include your tracking ID, photos of the damaged item, and photos of the packaging. Do not discard any packing materials. We'll investigate and respond within 5 business days with the outcome of your claim.

Parcel Marked Delivered But Not Received

First check with neighbours, building reception, and around your property (including side entrances, bins, and porches). If you still can't locate it, contact us within 24 hours of the marked delivery time . after 24 hours, investigations become significantly harder.

Still in transit after your expected date? Check your tracking page for the latest status. If there has been no tracking update for more than 48 hours or your parcel is significantly overdue, contact our support team with your tracking ID for an investigation.