Short of having your own vans and delivery personnel – which can mean a large investment for any business – your options to get your goods to your customers lie between a delivery service and a courier service. Read on to understand the primary differences between the two services and to learn how a reliable courier service can make a world of a difference in customer satisfaction.
What is a Standard Delivery Service?
Think of Canada Post. Standard delivery services can be an economical option for non-urgent, standard-sized parcels that do not require special care during shipping. Basically, they work well for businesses with basic needs.
However, if you deliver locally, clients often do not want to wait the 3-5 days needed for standard shipping services and will go to a company that offers faster shipping. That is where your local courier service comes into play.
What is a Courier Service?
Courier services vary in capabilities and shipping regions. They are typically privately-owned companies that can deliver everything from an envelope to larger items – locally, nationally, or internationally – depending on the services they offer.
Key Differences Between Standard Delivery and Courier Services
The main differences between the two types of services lie in:
- Speed of delivery
- Size restrictions
- Delivery options
- Security
- Costs
Speed
Courier companies often own different types of vehicles. So, unlike a standard delivery van which has a fixed route, a courier company can deploy a vehicle that is best suited for your package. Think about it – a bike courier with important documents can get to the desired location within the same city faster than a large van that needs to make many stops along the way.
Courier services often offer same-day or next-day local delivery services which makes them ideal for a business with mainly local clientele. Many often have tie-ups with freight and shipping companies that can make quick nationwide and international deliveries too.
Size Restrictions
Standard delivery services usually have a one-size-fits-all approach to parcels and often don’t accept packages with an unusual shape. So, if you’re thinking of shipping your latest take on Michelangelo’s Pieta, then your local courier service should be your go-to option!
Delivery Options
Courier companies understand that deliveries can be time-sensitive, and you may need to get your products to your customers ASAP. Imagine a client waiting a couple of days for their medicines or important documents that don’t arrive on time! That is why Numode Delivery Solutions offers a 60–90-minute ‘super-hot’ delivery service or a 2-hour delivery service to get your parcels to their intended destination as fast as possible.
Security
It’s important to know where your packages are and when they will arrive. Standard delivery services usually just offer basic tracking services. Courier companies have the infrastructure in place to know exactly where your goods are every minute they are in their hands – even when it comes to international shipments. With local courier companies having point persons in charge for you to speak to, they will always let you know where your package is, when it will arrive and if there are any problems on the way to the destination.
Costs
The one-size-fits-all approach that standard delivery services have affects the cost of deliveries too – especially when it comes to the express delivery options they offer. Courier companies can make bespoke deals for your business that work out cheaper in the long term for multiple deliveries.
Summary
Using a local courier service gives you and your company a competitive advantage over anyone that uses a standard delivery service. With faster, on-demand and customized deliveries, better customer service, less costs, and more security, Numode Delivery Solutions offers you everything you need to get satisfied and returning customers.
Numode Delivery Solutions has been the leading voice for same-day courier and trucking in Metro Vancouver since 2016. Explore the individual delivery options we have to offer or get in touch with us to see how our solutions can benefit your business.