2

Image courtesy of iStock

The popularity of online shopping is ever on the rise, and we are increasingly able to order more and more types of items that in previous years we may not necessarily have been able to. With ecommerce sites offering more delivery options for faster delivery, the courier industry has to keep up with increasing demand.

Delivery Windows

Courier companies are under pressure to deliver goods at faster rates than ever. A huge number of online shops often advertise ‘next day delivery’ within a certain area radius, but just how can this be sustained?

  • Customers are advised to complete orders before certain times the day before these vary between companies but, should all be able to view through the retailer’s website.
  • The ‘working day’ rule – bank holidays and weekends are often stipulated in terms and conditions to be exceptions to the next day delivery offer.
  • Tracking and notifications – an example of good customer service, real-time updates and parcel status are available to the client via their contact method of choice, usually email or SMS.
  • Some carriers provide real-time ‘in-flight’ amendments or requests to be made to their delivery via their unique account log in.
  • Long distance international shipment fees are higher for quicker delivery, and can be kept lower if the customer opts for a standard delivery time which will depend on the package’s country of origin.

To find out more about this, TNT Direct give a great deal information for all types of shipping and delivery services.

Fuel Surcharges

Some companies make sure fuel charges are accounted for in extra customer fees, especially if a long distance is involved. Congestion charges, are a big cost to the courier industry, and some inner-city deliveries have methods to bypass this by using low emissions vehicles or cycle couriers.

Shipment Delays

This is a factor especially for international deliveries and deliveries to remote areas that require more complicated transportation methods, such as the Hebrides of Scotland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands for examples in the UK. Things like vehicle breakdown, problems at international borders with customs, and the shipment of fragile and costly items can all cause problems for both the courier and the customer. Results of problems such as these can be damaged or late goods, extra delivery charges incurred in customs, and courier liability.

1

Images courtesy of iStock

Competitive Pricing

Some ecommerce sites, in partnership with courier companies, offer a yearly payment package that allows registered customers to get unlimited free next day delivery for a flat free. Offers such as these have revolutionised the industry as it moves away from the traditional model of fee charging.

With considerations for packaging, time windows, local delivery, and ad hoc charges like the congestion charge, there is a lot more to the courier industry then first meets the eye with ecommerce drastically changing the landscape of the courier industry.