We live in the age of e-commerce, where online shopping has become the norm. With this boom comes an ever-growing demand for efficient delivery services that can handle an increasing number of packages.
Companies working in the courier and delivery sector can benefit immensely from a reliable fleet management system that helps deliver thousands of packages daily while keeping costs low.
But what exactly does delivery fleet management entail, and why should e-commerce providers – those who sell and those who deliver – care? Underneath all the delivery times missed and wrong routes taken, there is lost profit and spoiled reputation – something companies that want to stay competitive cannot afford.
Abandoned Cart? Blame Poor Delivery
In 2024, Forbes asked why consumers abandon their carts. Slow delivery ranked third, with 24% of customers likely to turn to a competitor if they think delivery times are too slow.
But what does “slow” mean in the context of e-commerce and delivery? While it’s evident that some items take longer to produce and deliver than others, it’s safe to say that customers expect orders at their doorstep as soon as possible – meaning that any e-commerce business should have streamlined delivery, and any delivery company should have a reliable fleet management system for flawless shipping.
Perfect Shipping Unlocked
For the customer, perfect shipping just means getting their orders on time and in perfect condition.
For the e-commerce shop owner, it means finding the right delivery provider.
But for delivery companies, faultless shipping experience entails much more than just loading the trucks and giving drivers route instructions. It includes:
- Timely Deliveries: Everyone expects their orders to arrive on time. Delivery companies must prioritise efficiency and precision to meet delivery windows.
- Accurate Tracking: Providing real-time tracking information is essential for transparency. Most customers these days want to see where their packages are at any given moment, and delivery companies have to adapt to this wish.
- Damage-Free Handling: No one wants to get their order on time but damaged. Delivery companies train their staff to handle items with care, minimising the risk of damage during transit.
- Efficient Communication: Keeping everyone informed is key to a smooth shipping process. This includes not only sending notification emails to the customer but also quickly contacting the driver throughout the whole route.
- Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Challenges are unavoidable in logistics. Traffic jams, road accidents, and reroutes are daily occurences for anyone working in transportation. That’s why it’s essential to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and find solutions to ensure deliveries remain on track.
Delivery Fleet Management Makes All the Difference
So, how can delivery fleet management help companies ensure smooth shipments? These days, fleet management goes beyond control calls and hindsight analysis. Now, it’s all about live data – information transmitted to special software via a telematics device installed in every vehicle of the delivery company’s fleet.
Delivery companies that implement a proper fleet management system can obtain and analyse a wide range of essential information, including:
- Live vehicle locations, speeds, and routes. Real-time visibility into where each vehicle is located lets fleet managers make quick decisions on the fly. They can monitor progress and make necessary adjustments, like rerouting drivers to avoid traffic jams or other obstacles. Live tracking ensures that deliveries are made on time, leading to happier customers and improved service ratings.
- Driver behaviour. This means analysing metrics such as speed, braking and acceleration patterns, cruise control usage, and more. Such monitoring can identify risky driving habits that might lead to accidents and increased vehicle wear and tear. Providing targeted training based on this data not only enhances safety but also boosts fuel efficiency, which can significantly reduce operational costs for delivery companies that are always on the go.
- Safety situation across the vehicle. Not all delivery times, routes, and addresses are equally safe. Dash cams and multi-camera systems let fleet managers monitor not only the vehicle itself but also its surroundings, be it on the road, in the parking lot, or at the delivery address. Safety monitoring helps address problems before they escalate into costly breakdowns.
- Fuel consumption. Fuel costs can eat into profits, so monitoring consumption closely is a good idea. Fleet management systems track fuel usage and identify patterns that could indicate inefficiencies, such as excessive idling or inefficient routing. By optimising driving habits and implementing fuel-saving strategies, delivery companies can significantly cut costs while also reducing their environmental impact.
And that’s not all – modern fleet management for delivery companies also includes communication tools, digital forms for vehicle inspection and deliveries, work time tracking, and many other customised solutions. For example, delivery drivers can effortlessly track their working hours, providing managers and accountants with a clear breakdown of time spent on the road versus time spent outside the vehicle delivering parcels.
Key Takeaways
These days, e-commerce customers won’t forgive any delivery mishaps. That’s why everyone involved in the shipping process must have a clear vision of how orders are delivered and how those processes are managed and optimised.
If you’re in e-commerce, here are some key points to remember:
For e-commerce stores
- Make sure to choose a delivery provider with a transparent tracking system
- Go for companies that provide shareable live tracking links so that your customers can prepare for delivery
- Ensure your delivery provider offers timely updates and notifications to keep customers informed
- Go with delivery companies that can clearly explain how they plan routes and deal with delivery times and potential delays
For delivery services
- Implement a reliable fleet management system that collects and analyses information, turning raw data into comprehensive reports
- Get as much data from your daily operations as possible – track everything you can, from fuel consumption to time spent doing each delivery
- Opt for courier and delivery fleet management with a wide range of tailored solutions, including live tracking, route optimisation, communication tools, digital delivery forms, etc.
- Train your drivers to use the fleet management system. Don’t disregard drivers’ feedback as ultimately it’s they who make each delivery a success.
And while there is no such thing as one best delivery method for e-commerce – this largely depends on your product, location, and customers – there is undoubtedly a best way to manage your delivery fleet.
A top-notch fleet management system ensures quick and safe shipments, so it’s crucial to choose the right provider for your business. Research and invest in excellent delivery to gain more customers and increase profits in the long term.
