Choosing the right logistics provider for time critical deliveries can be a rather daunting task with many factors to take into account. It’s a decision made even more challenging if your business hasn’t previously had any need to engage the services of a courier or haulage provider.
Ask around and you’ll probably hear mixed opinions. Many courier companies claim to be the best, but can they offer a service which matches your individual need? And of course you’ll also hear plenty of negative stories – delivery companies who fail to take reasonable care of consignments or are unreliable.
You need a logistics provider you can trust. Your business, your brand and your reputation may suffer if your chosen logistics provider fails to live up to expectations. This article looks at some of the key features to consider when deciding to select a time critical logistics provider and gives some important tips.
Customer service
First impressions count. Do you get a sense that your chosen provider is eager to please and willing to go the extra mile to ensure excellence? Many companies may lay claim to provide excellent customer service, but do they really? Do they have contingency measures to deal with emergencies en route? Can they provide vehicles which are appropriate to your individual consignment? Are you happy with their safety policies?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A reputable logistics company will welcome the opportunity to put your mind at ease because they value you and your business. Take time to research. See if you can find positive online reviews for a courier company before making your final decision. Equally, stay clear of those with negative reviews.
Remember, good reputations are earned and established over time. The best providers take time to understand your needs and will explain the differences between shipping methods, delivery options and the cost implications involved.
Experience
Should you select an established courier company with many years’ of experience or a new logistics company entering the market which may appear to offer excellent customer service?
Lots to bear in mind here, and cost will probably be a factor. New entrants to the logistics market will tend to use price as their lever to gaining an advantage over their more established competitors. Hiring the cheapest may appeal to your finances, but a company with experience knows the ropes – knows how to handle issues if they arise and is less likely to miss a collection or delivery deadline.
Safety and security
The safety and security of your consignment is vital. When you hand over your consignment, you should be reassured that it will arrive in perfect condition as well as on time.
The ability to track a consignment from collection through to delivery gives peace of mind, so it’s important to select a logistics provider who can provide you with updated transit information.
Flexibility
For time critical deliveries the solution should be based around your needs, rather than you having to accept the general conditions of standard delivery service. In situations such as these, one size will never fit all. Your logistics provider must acknowledge the time constraints involved and be able to provide a dedicated delivery solution which will fully meet your needs.
Additionally, a time critical logistics provider should have contingency measures in place to cope with any eventuality it may face whilst on the road. If weather conditions suddenly change, can your provider guarantee that your consignment will still be delivered on time? It’s important to discuss contingency plan options with your provider and any reputable, experienced logistics provider will be only too happy to provide peace of mind in this regard.
Value for money
Value for money extends to far more than just the price you pay for collection and delivery of a time critical consignment.
Value for money should include all aspects of service which your selected time critical delivery company provides.
Did they respond to your initial enquiry promptly and in a professional manner?
Have they taken the time to fully explain their terms and conditions, pricing, contingency measures and safety and security aspects?
In short, do you feel happy with their overall level of care and attention to detail?
Finding a dedicated logistics provider for all your needs
As can be seen, there are many factors to bear in mind and questions to ask when selecting a time critical delivery provider. It’s an important decision and one which your business relies on. Your reputation is on the line, your clients need to be able to trust you, and equally you need to be able to trust your supplier not only for ad hoc time critical delivery solutions but ideally for a long term business relationship.
Same Day Couriers Direct believe this sets us apart from our competitors. We’re a friendly logistics provider with tried, tested and proven strategies in place to meet even the most complex needs.
As can be seen, there are many factors to bear in mind and questions to ask when selecting a time critical delivery provider. It’s an important decision and one which your business relies on. Your reputation is on the line, your clients need to be able to trust you, and equally you need to be able to trust your supplier not only for ad hoc time critical delivery solutions but ideally for a long term business relationship.
Same Day Couriers Direct believe this sets us apart from our competitors. We’re a friendly logistics provider with tried, tested and proven strategies in place to meet even the most complex needs.
We’ve built our business around four key attributes – clarity, openness, integrity and honesty. Each is a vital ingredient to success, but in combination they’ve enabled us to establish ourselves as time critical logistics providers of choice. We see ourselves as an extension of your business, we collaborate and respond to all needs promptly, professionally and respectfully.
Same Day Couriers Direct provide time critical deliveries to many sectors of industry, both throughout the UK and across the major capitals of Europe. We understand their needs, the importance of urgency and the penalties incurred if conditions are not met.
With all these factors in mind, we offer tailor made delivery solutions which are geared around you, your schedules and commitments. Furthermore, the vehicles we use are equipped with modern safety and security equipment which fully conform to transportation regulations and include route guidance and satellite tracking capabilities.
Same Day Couriers Direct always take the time to listen, advise and provide accurate, cost-effective time critical solutions to meet your delivery requirements. Your business and your peace of mind are central to all we do.
We’d be delighted to discuss any transportation needs your business may require, responding with clear, open and honest information and advice. Do feel free to give us a call on 0333 772 1010 or leave us a message through our ‘Contact Us’ page. You’ll always be guaranteed a friendly, prompt, reliable and professional service.