[Idiom] What do "surface" and "courier" mean?

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nhatruc30

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Dear all.

I am listening to a conversation, but I can not understand these two words. surface and courier.

If someone knows, please could tell me what they mean. I am very grateful with your assistance.

Your sincerely,

Truc.

Here is the original conversation.
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Buying with a credit card
Credit card can be used in millions of locations worldwide. They can be used for buying things by telephone. This is useful if you want to buy things from another country.


Mindy: MacGizmos. This is Mindy speaking. How can I help you?
Caller: Hi. I'd like to order some software, please.
Mindy: Do you have a catalog number?
Caller: Yes, I do. It's GKX 371 243.
Mindy: Please hold... that's the “Death Star Defender” game on CD-ROM for Macintosh?
Caller: That's right.
Mindy: What city?
Caller: I'm calling from London, in Britain.
Mindy: May I have your name and address?
Caller: Yes. It's Simon Alton, that's A-L-T-O-N, 42 Gladstone Terrace, London, W6 8BN, England.
Mindy: Simon Alton, 42 Gladstone Terrace, London, W6 8BN, England? And how do you want that sent, Simon? Surface, air, or courier?
Caller: Courier.
Mindy: That will be a total of $89.30, including delivery.
Caller: Fine.
Mindy: And how are you paying?
Caller: MasterCard®.
Mindy: May I have your number?
Caller: 5055 6631 8901 4247.
Mindy: 5055 6631 8901 4247. And the expiration date on the card?
Caller: September next year.
Mindy: And what is the name actually printed on the card?
Caller: Simon W. Alton.
 

Raymott

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And how do you want that sent, Simon? Surface, air, or courier?

You seem to understand "air" - this is air mail. It gets sent in a plane.
"Surface mail" is sent through the public post office, by truck (surface transportation - not as quick as air mail, or courier).
"Courier" involves paying a private company to pick up your mail and deliver it as soon as possible to the recipient.
 
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