UPS did a good job for me this week I must say, UK>Austria. Booked online Tuesday eve.
Collected a 6kg package from my door at 11.58 yesterday, delivered in Vienna today at 10am!
As stated previously paperwork is of the essence, took me a few hours off and on to drill down and be satisfied on the correct tariff code for the item.
I had to get that right for a previous quote from DHL who I have found excellent during last 12 months for UK, EU and US.
I chose UPS in the end because DHL would have taken 3 days against UPS next day service.
Between these two co’s plus DPD for UK only I’ve had 100% success sending and receiving of about 60 various shipments since March 2020.
I’m not saying there weren’t any moments of concern, from hold ups due to customs questions about type of wood for example, extreme weather in US midwest or recipient not understanding they must pay their countries import duties prior to delivery etc.
In my, limited private capacity hobby/collector, experience regarding payment of tax/import duty, UPS will require payment prior to delivery, DHL send an invoice after delivery. This may vary for others?
The common bond with the aforementioned companies is a decent tracking system with the item scanned on collection, showing on their system within the hour followed by updates and information provided enroute.
Booking and online form complexity varies but is definitely the crux of the matter, important things can be be missed but get that bit right with all the associated print offs required to attach to package, the rest should follow for a successful shipment.