As more people are shopping online, with 1 in 4 Europeans now preferring to buy online once a week instead of going to the shops, the need for reliable parcel delivery is on the rise. To ensure that your customers remain satisfied with your delivery, implement these measures to improve your shipping process.
Use Documentation to Streamline Processes
While it’s no longer uncommon for companies to use more advanced logistics systems and apps for internal shipping-related processes, these may unnecessarily complicate what should be a simple process. Create an informed list of which parts of the shipping process works, what aspects burden or needlessly lengthen the process, and determine the next steps to address the issues.
Find Items Faster with the Right Tech
You must be able to identify the exact location of each item in your warehouse quickly and accurately. A good way of locating items and maximising efficiency is to use scanning devices. Wireless scanners and barcode scanners are excellent time savers and minimise the risk of error, which can also save money. You can also use these scanners to track items that are sent from the warehouse and returned.
Choose the Right Courier Services
There are a slew of courier services or freight forwarders to choose from. Compile a list of these providers that are relevant to your company. For instance, include only the express transport companies that cover all the locations you deliver to in Europe. Don’t pad the list with shipping companies you may not hire. Include all the important details such as the rates for delivering parcels with your specific requirements for weight and location. You should also list the types of courier services that can provide you with the desired delivery speed, security, cost and professional appearance. The appearance of the delivery vehicles and their personnel are important, as their image can also impact your brand image. Choose several courier services based on these aspects, and consider the ease of doing business with them and if they can offer special deliveries.
Use EDI with Suppliers
If you have a supplier or business partner that you deal with frequently, you can make transactions with them more efficient with an Electronic Data Interchange or EDI. Think of EDI is a system of direct electronic communications between yours and a supplier’s or business partner’s computer. This is an excellent way to handle large amounts of paperwork, reduce costs, minimise errors, and greatly increase processing speed. EDI can speed up your ordering and delivery by handling processes that used to be handled by postal mail, email or fax. With EDI, documents can go straight to the Order Management System and immediately process orders and shipping.
Get Customs Clearance in Advance
When you ship across borders, it helps to obtain customs clearance well in advance of shipping. Unless you aren’t already aware, this aspect of shipping can be a long, frustrating part of the delivery process that cannot be avoided. You should note that if the value of the item exceeds the minimum value for gifts and commercial items for the destination country, that country’s customs authority must inspect the shipment, prolonging the process more. To make sure you meet your shipping and delivery targets, declare your goods online.
Implementing these practical measures to smoothen the shipping process has a snowball effect. For as long as your shipments are delivered on time, orders will continue to flow and your customers remain happy. Working to improve your shipping process is vital to your operations and business sustainability.