Each delivery that arrives on a customer’s doorstep is the result of a partnership between a reputable logistics provider (or several) and a business to support their eCommerce delivery solutions.
From receiving and storing inventory to delivering orders, fast-growing eCommerce organizations engage with premier logistics companies to manage eCommerce delivery solutions movement and ensure that orders are delivered quickly, safely, and at the lowest possible cost. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the top players in e-commerce delivery solutions, what sets them apart from their competition, and the essential characteristics you should look for in your new logistics partner among other e-commerce tips.
What is an E-commerce Delivery Model?
To better support the expansion of eCommerce delivery solutions, logistics companies have developed from last-mile delivery providers to comprehensive supply chain management partners, particularly third-party logistics (3PL) providers.
Order fulfillment services such as warehousing, inventory, order administration, shipping services, and even global fulfillment expertise can be automated through the use of third-party logistics providers (third-party logistics providers).
Similarly, the needs and expectations of customers have evolved in tandem with logistics companies. In order to compete with established brands like Amazon and Walmart Marketplace, direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands rely on technology-enabled third-party logistics (3PL) (or indeed a 4PL that oversees the entire distribution network) to provide fast, reliable, and accurate eCommerce fulfillment and shipping solutions.
A great logistics company’s ability to service eCommerce firms of all sizes sets it apart from the competition. Entrepreneurs require logistics partners who will go above and beyond to meet and surpass their company’s needs. They need the best in the business.
A decent logistics firm will help you manage your retail supply chain. But the finest logistics businesses will assist you in finding methods to optimize and improve your supply chain operations.
What Defines an Excellent Logistics Firm?
There are a number of commonalities among the greatest logistics businesses that you should keep an eye out for. To get the best logistics partner, you need these four eCommerce tips.
Offer Reliable Tracking
There are a lot of moving pieces in the supply chain, and the top logistics businesses keep tabs on everything. You should be able to see stock levels and order tracking from numerous channels in real time. If you work with a tech-enabled logistics company. Thus, you’ll be able to see exactly how much inventory you have on hand, and where it’s housed. When it’s being processed, and whether or not it’s been dispatched.
Speed up Transportation for Greater Efficiencies
Top logistics businesses are constantly striving to improve efficiencies and are committed to moving goods most dependably and cost-effectively as is possible. The proper logistics service provider should have technology and equipment that determines the most efficient shipping route for orders based on the destination and the location of inventory stocking warehouses. This helps to cut shipping costs and delivery times, which in turn serves to increase consumer loyalty in the long run.
Use Leading Technologies
Modern logistics firms employ cutting-edge technology to automate time-consuming and laborious processes throughout the supply chain, hence reducing the amount of time spent on manual labor, just like certain background remover solutions that utilize AI instead of manual labor. It is preferable if the technology used by a logistics company is simple to integrate with your existing technology stack, allowing you to have complete visibility as well as the ability to monitor everything in a single location.
Offer World-Class Customer Support
Customer service that a company owner can rely on is one of the most important requirements for just any top logistics service provider. To ensure that their clients are kept informed at every stage of the logistics process, the best logistics businesses go to extraordinary lengths.
The Best Logistics Companies for 2022
While no two logistics firms are alike (and no single logistics company provides every service), these eight best logistics companies are at the forefront of the market by providing the most effective solutions for eCommerce delivery solutions. Here is our list of the best logistics businesses you should think about when you outsource logistics. Many of these businesses work well together because they offer similar services and have similar strengths.
UPS
UPS is the largest global shipping carrier and package delivery corporation in the world, with operations in more than 100 countries. In addition to providing package delivery services to individuals, UPS also provides a comprehensive range of eCommerce delivery solutions, including basic storage, freight forwarding, and freight shipping among other services.
In addition to product customization and custom packaging, UPS provides retail quality checks on a big scale to customers. UPS also collaborates with online businesses to bring difficult operations such as shipping insurance and customs management in-house, allowing them to provide a convenient one-stop shopping experience.
Flexport
Flexport is a digitized freight forwarder that takes pride in offering partners unparalleled visibility and control over their supply chains at a continuously lower cost. They provide ocean freight, air freight, and trucking services and connect all parties involved in global trade (exports and imports, carriers, and customs agencies, for example) using a cloud-based software program that centralizes infrastructure, interaction, and data analytics.
Flexport aims to provide human insight to its partners wherever feasible through its “squad” customer service strategy, which assigns you to your team of operations, customs, and data professionals.
FedEx
FedEx is a global shipping and package delivery service that is based in the United States. Logistics services offered by FedEx and UPS are nearly equivalent. FedEx can handle a company’s warehousing and distribution needs, reverse logistics, and freight forwarding thanks to a supply chain technology that integrates a warehouse management system (WMS) with real-time tracking software, in addition to normal postal deliveries.
When compared with other delivery logistics firms, FedEx stands out because it provides value-added services in addition to the basics. When it comes to domestic ground delivery services such as UPS, FedEx is more commonly known for its expedited services.
Echo Global Logistics
As a third-party logistics service provider, Echo Global Logistics connects businesses with carriers that move goods safely and effectively while also keeping costs low. All of Echo’s freight brokerage and transportation management services are available for truckload, intermodal, LTL, and priority freight.
As a result of its extensive network of more than 50,000 transportation providers, Echo can service 35,000 clients from a diverse variety of industries. While also streamlining the many time-consuming activities associated with transportation management.
DHL
Although DHL is less well-known in North America. It is nevertheless a leading worldwide logistics provider with operations in over 220 countries and territories. Cross-docking and temperature-controlled storage are just some of the specialist services offered by DHL. Which include warehousing, shipping, supply chain management, and integration.
Cross-border shipping from DHL is an excellent option if your firm is based outside the United States or if your customers are located outside the United States. ECommerce business owners can benefit from their customs services and consultancy by utilizing these services.
ShipStation
ShipStation was founded in Austin, Texas, in 2011 and is a web-based application. You may use it to sync, manage, and ship orders for customers quickly and easily. Importing orders, making labels, customizing shipping, and keeping track of inventory are all made easier with this program. Numerous shopping carts and eCommerce platforms work with ShipStation. As a result, you will be able to streamline the shipment and fulfillment of eCommerce orders. Big Commerce, Amazon, Magento, USPS, eBay, UPS, Shopify, etc. are some of their partners.
OpenBoxes
An open-source online application, OpenBoxes is free to use. Improve inventory, expiration, and cargo tracking as well as stock movement, buy order, and fulfillment with this application. Additionally, the app aids in the creation of customized reports. Etsy, Shopify, and other popular websites can be accessed through OpenBoxes’ integrations. OpenBoxes has many notable advantages, including:
- It is possible to regulate the flow of stock from a supplier to a depot. And then to a customer’s location.
- You can keep track of your inventory and make adjustments to it based on expiration and damage condition.
- You can arrange and manage goods across several sites, hundreds of bin locations, and receiving. And staging areas, supply closets, etc. with this flexible location hierarchy.
How to Select Your E-commerce Delivery Solutions?
Inquiring minds may be thinking, “What are the best delivery options?” Customers can select from a variety of eCommerce delivery solutions choices while shopping online.
Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular eCommerce delivery choices you should give your clients:
Same-Day Delivery
Orders placed through this extremely aspirational eCommerce delivery solution will deliver to clients on the same day they place. You’ll likely need to connect with a renowned fulfillment eCommerce shipping provider. If you want to provide same-day delivery.
Longer Shipping Times
Unsurprisingly, individuals desire to receive their purchases as promptly as possible. But many individuals are willing to wait a few days: 21 percent of people are willing to wait 3-4 days. And 10% of people are willing to wait 5-7 days, according to the survey results. Only 2% of people, on the other hand, are willing to wait a few weeks. As a result, it is preferable if possible to maintain eCommerce delivery timeframes of under one week.
2-Day Shipping
Two-day shipping is still considered fast, even though many businesses now provide same- and next-day delivery. According to the survey, 44 percent of respondents said they were willing to wait up to two days for their items to arrive. For those looking for the best mix between speed and affordability, 2-day delivery may be the way to go in some situations.
Overnight Shipping
Overnight delivery has become increasingly popular in recent years — and according to Statista, 18 percent of respondents prefer that their items arrive the next day after placing them. The majority of eCommerce delivery solutions and services include overnight delivery alternatives at a variety of price ranges.
International Shipping
Many various eCommerce delivery solutions prices are available from different brands. Typically, these rates are more expensive in order to cover the costs of delivering things over such long distances. So prepare to pay more.
Conclusion
There’s no better moment for businesses to employ an effective shipping solution than now when eCommerce is booming. Understanding your company’s needs and conducting thorough research on the many eCommerce tools available is critical before making a final decision. The areas that should consider are pricing, customer service, and features. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. If you need any help deciding between the two options. Please do not hesitate to leave a comment in the space provided below. And we will respond as soon as possible.