Marketing Logistics: Definition, Types & Strategy
Entrepreneurs planning to start a courier company have numerous types of courier services to choose from. The service you select will determine how swiftly and safely your goods are delivered.
If you are preparing to start a courier service business, this article will help you explore various service types to offer. We have categorized them under different courier service types to help you identify the opportunities.
Courier services deliver packages for companies and individuals to specific addresses. They offer packages within a specified time frame and provide tracking services to clients.
Well, most goods are permitted to travel via couriers. However, some items, such as weapons, cash, radioactive materials, or perishable food, cannot be sent via couriers.
Many people handle your parcel at different times before you receive it. Different types of courier services have different ways of operating; let’s look at some common steps:
The primary goal is to get the package to the recipient at the specified time and place. Generally, a company’s functionalities depend upon the type of courier service, location, and package’s sensitivity.
They may use different methods to complete orders depending on the transportation cost. Most courier service providers prefer larger transport vehicles to deliver goods from one city to another. Meanwhile, they rely on bicycles and minivans to transport within a local region.
Some types of courier services have recently improved their performance using GPS monitoring systems. Each package has a tracking ID for the receiver and sender and goes through multiple steps to allow tracking delivery progress. Many firms also keep their customers updated through Email, WhatsApp or SMS.
All types of courier services use barcodes on their parcels. Barcodes give each parcel a unique ID number containing all the necessary information. Barcodes track the parcel’s status and ensure that parcels don’t disappear or are lost during transport.
The barcode scans four times.
Following delivery, the tracking system gets updated with information such as delivery time and the recipient’s name, and the status changed to “delivered.”
Standard service is the most common and economical method of sending parcels anywhere. Depending on the distance, the goods usually get delivered within 2 to 3 days after processing. Most businesses use standard delivery because it’s reasonable, reliable, and fuss-free.
Sometimes, businesses urgently need to deliver their documents or goods. So, despite being costly, same-day delivery is an excellent option for them.
Their speedy delivery makes them perfect for companies who rely on secure and private communications.
Certain types of courier services offer ground and air couriers to deliver goods overnight. Customers can pick the one that best suits their requirements regarding speed and price.
This service has many advantages since it doesn’t get stuck in traffic. For example, it avoids damage caused by heat and ensures quicker and smoother delivery.
The delivery firm responds to the client’s request by appointing a dedicated courier without other duties. While more costly, this option offers rapid delivery and top-of-the-line security.
It’s the most suitable option if you send bulk or multiple packages simultaneously to different addresses. It can be a lifesaver for medical emergencies and other urgent situations that cannot be ignored.
As the name suggests, this courier service delivers products from one country to another. Select the most reliable types of courier services if you must send parcels abroad. Be sure to conduct your research and select an experienced one in global shipping. The charges vary depending on the country you want to ship to.
These courier service types typically cost more than other options. Air freight is the fastest way to transport goods, but cargo shipping allows for transporting goods in larger quantities. Note that a cargo shipping option may take months to deliver your goods.
Quick delivery of goods from one location to another is the main benefit of a courier service. Courier companies can help you save time and serve customers living in different areas. Some types of courier services may even be life-saving if you require an urgent medical package. In modern times, companies use fleet management systems and courier software to plan the best routes.
Couriers are an efficient and cost-effective option to send your goods to the recipients. Since shipping companies deal with many clients at a time, your expenses will be low. Most courier companies provide reasonable rates. Some firms even offer discounts for bulk parcels.
Courier services usually know the area well and understand the specific needs of a business. Many people today depend on couriers to send anything from documents to expensive goods. They weigh different types of courier services, to narrow down to the most reliable options in line with their specific business needs budget.
You can monitor your parcels and check if things are delivered on time and at the correct address. It also shows if any delays happen during the delivery process. Sometimes, it helps the courier service to make changes to correct the issue.
Barcodes are scanned often to ensure that you get notifications at each step of the delivery process.
Courier services can provide various shipping options from which you can choose. Different types of courier services offer different pricing and transport options.
For instance, if you need to deliver something asap, you can choose air freight instead of ground transport. It will cost more but will reach the destination by the next day. On the other hand, you can use cargo shipping for security if you’re exporting bulk orders to faraway countries.
Hiring courier services reduces the risk of losing your parcel. They are also skilled at handling your products well so they’re not damaged until delivered.
After you have given your parcel, you can rest assured that it will be delivered safely to the receiver.
Nowadays, many shipping companies offer 24/7 assistance to their clients. If you encounter a problem regarding a delivery, you can contact the company immediately.
24/7 support is an excellent service, especially when you ship several parcels at various times during the day.
Decision makers are often confused in choosing the suitable types of courier services. Not all courier companies provide the same quality of service, but some can surely meet your needs.
If you’re looking into using courier services, consider these factors.
See if the courier service is available to pick up your parcels or not. This means that they must have a well-organized system of regional fulfillment centers.
Couriers support numerous businesses that have complicated needs. Ensure that the courier you choose knows the daily order quantity you handle.
Customers always evaluate the cost and price factors before choosing a courier partner. Understandably, you should reduce your delivery costs. However, don’t compromise with poor service quality. Consider cost only after ensuring the shipping company provides good quality services.
Suppose you’re shipping expensive items, and your delivery doesn’t reach the desired destination. In that case, knowing the cargo was insured will give you some assurance. Many types of courier services are insured. Thoroughly review your courier’s insurance coverage before making a decision.
Every delivery service will have weight and size restrictions for the goods they can deliver. Courier companies consider volumetric weight to evaluate the items to be delivered. It allows them to assess the dimensions and weight of your package. It affects their capacity to deliver and ship your items.
The order tracking facility allows the company to track the delivery status in real time. Choose the courier company that uses the latest tracking technology. An outdated courier service with no tracking service could lower customer satisfaction.
Research the past performance of your chosen shipping company. Reviews and testimonials can give you an insight into their service quality and customer service.
Now you know the types of courier services available to you. Whether you’re looking for a reasonable solution or the fastest delivery, there’s a courier service suitable for you.
The most reliable courier will offer the speed, safety, and quality you need. To choose a company that best suits you, check what they offer.
When you find the best shipping company for your business, you can expand beyond borders. You can reach customers in faraway states or even nations. You can be assured that your parcel will reach them timely and unharmed.
