6 TIPS TO STREAMLINE THE OPERATIONS OF YOUR COURIER COMPANY

Courier companies are under constant pressure to improve the order fulfillment experience of their customers. While the value of same-day delivery sales has grown exponentially from practically zero in 2013 to over $4 billion in 2018, nearly 65% of companies have been pushed to offer same-day delivery to their customers. This has encouraged them to turn to innovative solutions for reducing delivery times while optimizing delivery operations.

Here are six tips that you can bring into practice to streamline your delivery process:

1. OPTIMIZE DELIVERY ROUTES

There have been continuous efforts to optimize the delivery routes to prevent any unnecessary delays since the delivery costs are directly related to the distance between the pick-up and drop points. So, you need to invest in the latest technologies to be aware of real-time scenarios such as traffic, weather, construction, etc. For instance, with the help of GPS tracking software, you can ensure route optimization and bring down the shipping costs.

2. FOCUS MORE ON AUTOMATION

Being in this industry, you can never underestimate the importance of automation in the delivery process. With the help of advanced innovations like autonomous vehicles or delivery drones, you can improve your delivery time and accuracy. Although these radical solutions are slowly being adapted into the delivery process, you can always use other efficient technologies like augmented reality solutions to offer your drivers more information about their environment and the packages still on board.

3. IMPROVE COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR WAREHOUSE

Warehouse communication is often neglected by logistics companies. Quick communication is a crucial part of maintaining prompt deliveries. It will help you not only manage stock but also ensure the influx of orders doesn’t come at you unexpectedly. You can even arrange for additional members of staff to be on hand to ensure all your parcels are sent accordingly.

4. USE SCANNING DEVICES TO LOCATE YOUR ITEMS

For smoother deliveries, you should be able to identify the exact location of each item in your warehouse. Otherwise, it will be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. This is why it’s ideal to deploy scanning devices wherever possible. They will help you locate items quickly and let you know how much stock you have. These devices are great time savers and reduce the risk of human error. Plus, you can save hours of labor and money.

5. USE ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is ideal for businesses that have a lot of paperwork to process. This technique will replace paperwork with more efficient electronic data. It will help you make the entire shipping process quicker as well as convenient since your delivery agents will not have to carry around countless pieces of loose paper. Another advantage of using EDI is that it boosts productivity while minimizing errors.

6. ENSURE REVERSE LOGISTICS

You should have a proper reverse logistics plan in place to minimize the costs of product returns. This way you can reduce the capital tied into inventory and enhance the overall transparency of the supply chain.

Maintaining your dominance in this market can be challenging. That is why you should constantly upgrade your delivery process with the advancement in technologies. These smart tips will help you bring down the costs and improve the overall delivery process.