Trust the big guys to get your package there on time

Air courier services in the past relied on networks of individuals who wanted to travel cheap; courier services matched them up with companies that needed time critical delivery of a package. Today, the major package carriers all offer domestic and international courier service. You can get door-to-door or counter-to-counter service almost anywhere in the world.

I recommend: UPS and FedEx both offer hand-carry courier services. Due to the personal nature of the service, you'll need to call the companies to make arrangements to ship your package. Both companies provide a courier who stays in possession of your package from pick-up to delivery.

Ship large packages and freight with a dedicated air freight courier

If your package for overseas delivery is too large to transport on a commercial airline with a courier, consider using a company whose sole business is international air freight courier service. These specialized carriers maintain a network of overseas facilities that provide door-to-door service for even the largest shipments.

I recommend: OCS: Overseas Courier Service has the experience and network to get the job done. They walk your shipment through customs and deliver to your recipient. OCS has vast import/export experience; however, they're not your best bet for standard overnight delivery--stick with UPS or FedEx for those packages.

Turn to domestic air courier services to ship coast-to-coast

You can get personal, hand-carry service for packages delivered to another city. Documents, small packages and even large freight can be delivered to your client that same day.

I recommend: A1Express Delivery Service provides same-day local and domestic air courier service. They also offer live animal delivery and medical business courier services. Sign-up for an account with FreightQuote.com and get freight shipping quotes from multiple carriers.