Modern life is streamlined and easy thanks to technology. As we become more reliant on tech, we expect everything to be faster, reliable, and accurate. That applies to everything, including deliveries.
Modern-day shipping is constantly evolving. The one-day/ two-day shipping practice by Amazon has become the global standard for shipment. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, as consumers shifted to online purchases, the need for businesses to up their shipping practices has become more important than ever.
If you are among those companies looking for ways to improve your shipping department, here are some tips on how you can do that.
1. Opt for Cost-effective Shipping Practice
If you are running a small business, choosing the most cost-effective shipping practices is important. Since the goal of every business, big or small, is to increase the bottom line, cutting down on the shipping expense is ideal. Although, keep in mind that efficiency should not suffer.
Perhaps it is much cheaper for your business to partner with third-party logistics for shipment rather than having an in-house shipping department. If you opt for a third-party shipment provider, look for one that offers the best courier service that suits your needs.
2. Streamline Internal Shipping Process
Create an internal shipping process that is simpler if you want to make your deliveries simpler and manageable. Figure out what areas of your shipping process that work well and what do not. Take a closer look at each segment of your delivery from the warehouse to customers.
For instance, perhaps you need to find more quality packaging supplies to ensure the safety of delivery items.
Going for a detailed, introspective dive will give you a clearer and more objective view of what needs changing in your shipping processes.
3. Boost Warehouse Communication
Another important part of any shipping process is warehouse communication. It is crucial to ensure that you have an efficient supply chain since they have all your goods. Communication lines should always be clear, direct, and cover all aspects of the process.
Maintain a solid communication line with the people on the ground to be up-to-date with the warehouse’s groundwork. Knowing the thoughts and suggestions of the staff enables your company to come up with an improved and efficient warehouse system.
4. Parlay Shipping Costs
When your business partners with big shipping companies like USPS and FedEx, it does not mean that you settle with their standard shipping. Business is a two-way street, so you can always get more out of your agreement with them, especially when it comes to shipping costs.
When you have favorable deals to offer, the other party has something too in exchange for that. If your business consistently has big shipments, you can cut a deal with your courier.
5. Look for Quality Shipping Policies
Every business in every industry has some specific type of more favorable shipping policies. Being a business owner, you know your products better, so you have more idea of what courier service works better.
You are more aware of the possible issues that shipping your product might encounter. So, if you want to improve your delivery system, work with a courier with more favorable policies for your items.
6. Make Shipping Speed a Priority
As mentioned, consumers these days put a higher premium for having their ordered products delivered immediately. With a fast delivery system, you can build a strong relationship with your customer base.
Nonetheless, you should not forget that speed equates with the cost too. So, try to find a balance between the two.
Apart from that, ensure as well that the packages arrive at your customers in good condition. Ensure that whatever courier you choose for your delivery system, they too give value in ensuring quality delivery.
7. Choose the Best Courier Service
In relation to the previous tip, working with the best courier service is one of the keys to improving your business’s delivery processes. Though most businesses are aware of this, some still need a bit of reminding.
When we say best courier service, we refer to a reputable one. It does not necessarily mean someone who is already huge in the industry. It simply means one that could provide the needs of your company.
Though you want to reduce expenses, opting for a fly-by-night company will only hurt your finances in the long run. Work with a courier service instead, although still small, but has a proven record of reliability.
There are plenty of ways to enhance the efficiency of your shipping department. Hopefully, these tips gave you a lot of ideas.
