In any industry, the fastest companies receive the best reviews and the most customers. You cannot provide fast, efficient deliveries if you’re not streamlining every step of the process. Here are a few, proven ways to improve the efficiency of your business deliveries.
Safeguard Fragile Items
It’s never easy to deliver items that are broken, melted or fallen apart. Protect certain fragile items like glass, tile, porcelain, flammables and foods that easily melt or disintegrate. Have special protective measures in place, such as wrapping the item with multiple layers of sheets or driving a refrigerated truck.
Invest in a Warehouse
There are days when the car breaks down and you need to delay a delivery. Consider warehousing to store items that cannot be delivered on time. In addition, you want your own warehouse if your business ships a lot of products. There are some warehouses that charge affordable fees to store your items overnight or for extended lengths of time.
Automate the Process
Most customers want to know the exact dates and times when they’re receiving their orders. Use tools for delivery software and phone apps to complete your deliveries as much as possible. Turn on automated features that immediately alert you of every step of the process. In real time, know when an order is made, when a pick up has been scheduled and when a delivery has been completed. During your deliveries, you’re constantly on the move and need the convenience of automated apps.
Create Middle Men
Consider adding a few more delivery workers on your long-distance route. Create pickup and drop-off points throughout the area. This helps you avoid making drives that are longer than necessary.
Set Realistic Deadlines
It’s never convenient to mismatch the deadline and the route. If you’re traveling for 100 miles or more, double check the deadline for accuracy. Consider inclement weather conditions, heavy traffic and other factors that could slow down your journey. If you expect problems along the route, only choose the best drivers to handle the most difficult jobs. Set deadlines that are realistic to you, your employer and the client.
Turn any business into a professional courier service by using the right tools and techniques. Whether you pick up items, hire middle men or drop off packages, prepare your drivers and packers at every step of the way. Over time, your business will improve its delivery speeds and rival the best shipping companies.
