Over the past 18 months, COVID-19 has been on everyone’s mind non-stop. The global pandemic has seen us change the way we live our lives, in a way not seen since World War 2. Many companies have struggled to stay afloat, but the couriering industry has thrived, with many delivery companies offering temporary jobs to those who have found themselves furloughed or unemployed.
Businesses all over the world have had to change the way they get their products to customers – be they manufacturers, retailers, or consumers. As staying at home became the norm, the effects of the lockdown were visible in the form of closed shops and empty high streets. But this was just the tip of the iceberg.
Bigger companies were able to adapt, using their own established delivery services to continue serving customers. However, small businesses faced a much tougher challenge. With guidelines restricting travel and interaction, many were forced to use the postal service. But as lockdown continued this put an unprecedented strain on Royal Mail.
Delivery times became longer and less predictable, causing businesses to rethink their options.
Enter The Couriers!
From lifesaving PPE to the weekly food shop, couriers have provided an essential link between businesses and their customers during the lockdowns.
Next day delivery options mean that consumers can still receive their items in good time, and without having to deal with queues or travel arrangements. But besides these factors, what are the advantages of using a courier service? And will they continue to be used so much once the world has returned to normal?
Let’s take a look.
Why Use A Courier Instead Of A Postal Service?
1. It’s Easier
Trekking to your local post office takes more effort than is necessary. Most Post Offices are situated in town centres that lack the option to park quickly and pop in and out. Plus, with a courier service you won’t have to research which branches are still open, now will you have to deal with the never-ending queues!
2. It’s Faster
A courier company can offer next day delivery for anyone who needs it, regardless of when the order is placed. In contrast, asking for a first-class postage stamp will only ensure next working day delivery, and even then only if you have posted the item before the last collection.
With a courier service, time-sensitive items such as court files, documents, medication, or important equipment, can be delivered safely, and on time.
3. Couriers Offer Tracking
As a standard delivery option, packages sent by courier will automatically be tracked, without incurring the additional fee charged by the postal service. This means you will be able to follow your parcel’s journey from start to finish, giving yourself peace of mind and a better idea of when it will arrive.
4. It’s Usually Cheaper
Often, a courier service will work out as better value for money. Offering competitive pricing across the range of services means you can tailor your deliveries to suit your needs.
5. Courier Companies Offer Help And Advice
Couriers will have a dedicated support team specifically created to help you with any worries, queries, or problems you may have.
With couriers offering tracking information as standard, a human on the phone, and a range of delivery options, you can have confidence that your packages will arrive when they should, in the state they should.
6. It’s More Convenient
We have all arrived home to that little red card which says, “we’re sorry we missed you”.
A courier will be able to offer you specific delivery times, thereby letting you know when they intend to arrive, keeping you updated with their progress, and offering a contact number in case you have any issues.
7. There Are Fewer Restrictions
The post office has all sorts of guidelines and conditions for posting an item. Packages need to be wrapped in a certain way and fit within a size and weight limit. On the other hand, couriers can deliver larger, or oddly-shaped items in a far more efficient fashion – with many even offering to pack your item for you, if needs be.
8. It’s More Secure
Unlike a postal service, couriers can carry your item from door to door. And because your item is tracked and identifiable during the entire delivery process, it is much harder for the package to go astray.
You will also receive insurance on the declared value of your item, meaning you will be appropriately compensated in the unlikely event that any problems do occur.