Archive for January, 2019

Holidays and the ensuing winter months are tough times for courier and delivery services. Increased parcel volumes on account of the holiday season shopping binges or heightened purchases from businesses before the advent of the tax season provide significant challenges for these companies, who often have to bear extreme weather conditions, such as snow and hail, on their routes.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cites winter as one of the most difficult seasons for driving in the country, during which vehicular accidents are rampant, owing to slippery road conditions, poor visibility and increased unpredictability of other drivers during the holiday season.

Here are some tips that smart drivers use to stay safe in such conditions.

DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS

Better late than never is a proverb especially applicable to the winter season. We know that you have to meet delivery deadlines, but icy roads can sometimes overwhelm even the most robust anti-skid controls. Stay within the recommended speed limits, so that you have adequate “stop-time” in case of sudden halts. This is especially important for heavy-load vehicles.

KNOW YOUR VEHICLE INSIDE OUT

Before venturing onto snow-bound roads and extreme weather conditions, check features like forward sensors, headlights, vehicle batteries, back-up camera and tail lights to see if they are functioning optimally. Check other features like electronic stability control and antilock brakes and familiarize yourself with their applications beforehand, according to instructions given by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for winter driving.

KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE FROM VEHICLES IN FRONT

When visibility is low or it is snowing heavily, following the tail lights of vehicles ahead of you is not advisable. Aim to keep a safe driving distance from the vehicles ahead. Since fleet vehicles tend to be larger and carry heavy cargo, their drivers need more space and time to bring their vehicle to a complete stop, according to an article on Wex.

STOCK YOUR VEHICLES WITH ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES

Accidents and breakdowns do occur, and it is a good idea to stay prepared. The battery could run out or drivers could get stranded due to heavy snowfall. Keep contact numbers of towing services and other emergency respondents handy. Carry things like a snow-shovel, broom and ice-scrapers to handle common tasks. Jumper cables, flashlights, hot water bottles, extra blankets, first-aid kits, phone chargers, flares and emergency markers are some other useful tools to keep in the truck.

Drivers should plan their routes using GPS systems to get an idea of the weather and traffic conditions, while courier and delivery companies can use dispatch software to monitor vehicles and send help as quickly as possible during emergencies.

If you run an e-commerce shop and want to stay relevant throughout 2019, it’s vital you learn what your customers want and give it to them. Failing to meet their expectations can cause them to leave you and go straight to your competition. When you don’t fulfill the hopes of your clients, your business will suffer more than you might think. The good news is that you can defeat that problem by learning exactly what your customers want in 2019. The information below will let you stay relevant and move in the right direction.

FAST DELIVERY TIMES

Over the past few years, many delivery companies have implemented software for the fastest possible delivery times. Some companies try offering two-day shipping at a low rate, so more and more customers expect prompt service. People want instant gratification when they place an order online, and you have to keep up to avoid falling behind and losing customers. Even if you have trouble offering next- or two-day shipping, you can take steps to improve your delivery times, and every bit helps. Your customers will notice the effort and be much more likely to shop with you again in the future.

STATUS UPDATES

Almost every delivery company now offers status updates on the orders it ships, allowing customers to get real-time updates on package locations. This lets them know the day on which they will receive their order, and many of them plan their schedules around this information.

Find a way to let your customers know where their packages are at all times, or at least provide location updates each day. Customers are quick to abandon companies that don’t offer updates in favor of ones that do, and you can’t afford to fall into that trap. Delivery software lets you track that information and pass it on to those who need it most.

CARING SUPPORT

In addition to fast delivery times and status updates, customers are going to expect support in 2019 and the years that follow. If packages are delayed or other issues come up, customers want to know you will give them helpful support. They won’t want to shop with you anymore if your team does not answer their questions or offer the solutions they need. Since your customers are the life of your business, go out of your way to keep them happy and treat them well. You will be pleased with the result when you see how much of a difference a courier management system with a helpful support team can make in your customer service effort.

HOW COURIER TRACKING SOFTWARE HELPS

The competitiveness in the delivery industry has caused customers to raise their expectations. Staying ahead of the pack and maintaining the loyalty of your customers requires you to understand and meet their expectations at each turn. Dispatch software can let you reach that goal without much effort. With the right software, you can track each shipment and find the best possible routes.

Key Software Systems offers a complete courier management system on which you can depend. When you use our courier tracking software, you can keep track of your vehicles and spot problems you would have otherwise missed. These and other features let you optimize the speed at which you get your deliveries to your customers, and you can enjoy the rewards for years to come.