Why outsource freight transport?
On-time delivery is not only a factor of brand awareness, but also of competitiveness. In a business-to-business relationship, it's a way of showing that you're a reliable partner. In e-commerce, fast delivery and good returns management are an important part of the customer experience. That's why companies no longer hesitate to call on express carriers on a regular basis. By outsourcing urgent shipments, they can draw on the skills of specialists to optimize their logistics.
Why outsource express parcel delivery?
Express carriers are professionals in rapid delivery. They have an infrastructure and a fleet of vehicles adapted to this mission. These professionals rely on a proven distribution network. They are able to meet strict deadlines. Express courier companies often offer extensive geographical coverage, in France, Europe and abroad.
Transport outsourcing is a real lever for cost optimization. It saves on the payroll dedicated to this specific mission. Carrier customers benefit from cutting-edge technology , for which they don't need to invest. Express carriers are generally equipped with a TMS or Transport Management System. This comprehensive software optimizes parcel distribution and guarantees real-time shipment traceability.
Outsourcing your express transport needs gives you greater flexibility and responsiveness. Customers can manage their peaks in activity, because the express carrier provides a personalized response. This fast delivery professional offers a range of solutions adapted to the urgency of the situation and the goods to be transported.
How do you choose the right express carrier for your business?
Above all, look for reputable, reliable and experienced professionals. It's essential to ask for detailed quotes, especially if your transportation needs are very specific. Don't forget the various surcharges that are applied and can significantly increase the total cost paid, including the following criteria: whether you need to make an appointment, whether the goods are not palletized, whether they are heavy or just very bulky, the diesel surcharge applied, etc. Express transport is defined not only by the type of goods to be transported, but also by time, distance and price.
Delivery times for urgent freight by express courier or dedicated express run
With express parcel delivery, companies can count on pallets and parcels weighing less than 200 kg being transported in less than 24 hours over short distances. Depending on the type of shipment, the goods are transported to consolidation platforms before being shipped back to the end customer.
With dedicated urgent deliveries, you can use different modes of transport depending on the time required and the volume of freight. Using a light vehicle or a commercial vehicle, the dedicated urgent service, or what some still call taxi-colis, ensures urgent deliveries of goods, documents or samples in just a few hours. The order is taken instantly, and the vehicle (from a taxi-type light vehicle to a heavy goods vehicle capable of loading 33 pallets) can take charge of the shipment within the hour. These services are available to industry specialists 24/7.
Express carrier services
Both express couriers and specialized couriers offer their customers a full range of solutions, depending on the goods to be delivered. For perishable and heat-sensitive products, the carrier must provide Cemafroid-certified vehicles. Textile logistics, particularly in the haute couture sector, require suspended transport. Transporting works of art or luxury cars also requires very specific skills and resources.
Express parcel delivery in France, Europe and abroad
Extensive geographical coverage is also a decisive criterion. This means that your goods can be delivered by road anywhere in Europe. In the case of more distant countries, the express operator can even use combined transport. He is therefore fully conversant with the regulations specific to each mode of transport, particularly those concerning air transport.
Evaluate the price of express freight transport
Road haulage is a particularly competitive sector. As a result, there is a wide range of quality products and services on offer, but prices vary widely. Prices are set according to weight, volume, distance and the requirements of the goods. Carrier rates also reflect variations in fuel prices. They also reflect the investments made in decarbonizing and digitizing road transport.
How can I optimize my goods shipment with a courier service?
Successful outsourcing relies on more than just the express courier service. First-mile logistics are also crucial. This process begins with the receipt of the customer's order. It ends with the loading of pallets and parcels by the express carrier. There are a number of steps involved in setting up parcel delivery:
- Delivery planning: orders are processed according to urgency.
- Packing goods in cartons or boxes adapted to the type of products to be transported.
- Preparation of documents and labelling: shipping operators prepare purchase orders, invoices, customs documents, safety data sheets, etc...
- Docking pallets and parcels for transport. Well-organized staging saves time when loading delivery vehicles.
How do you manage express parcel delivery delays?
Outsourcing express transport means transferring responsibility for managing shipments to a service provider. For some companies with their own vehicles, the alternative is to use their own fleet for transport. However, in the event of late delivery, it is the company that suffers the negative consequences for its image. The most frequent causes of delays are both internal and external to the express carrier (incorrect address, absent recipient, roadworks accident or slowdown, bad weather, refusal of parcel, etc.).
These problems require a proactive approach with the service provider. Make sure your express carrier understands your expectations and requirements. Anticipate any problems linked to road hazards, such as weather or traffic conditions.
In-house, organize a responsive customer service with several channels of communication (e-mail, telephone, chat), for the organization of dedicated express transport and in particular when pick-up or delivery times are outside the usual time slots, the carrier must imperatively have the appropriate telephone numbers which he will have to check with the time H, especially for night or weekend deliveries.
HK Courses, your express carrier with dedicated vehicles operating 7/7 and 24/24, puts its expertise at your service for the transportation of all types of goods, including pharmaceutical industry transport, luxury vehicle transport and chemical product transport, in France and abroad. To find out about our rates and the scope of our transport solutions, please contact us. We'll draw up a personalized quote as soon as possible.
