6 ways technology has advanced the courier industry

The world has never been a smaller place. What do I mean by this statement when the physical size of the world has not changed for millions of years. I am referring to the world of technology and how recent advancements have made the world smaller than ever. For example:-

The Internet has revolutionized many industries including that of the courier world. Advancements include:-

1, Instant online quotes

If you need to use an nternational courier service, the cost can be very high. Many only offer discounts based on high levels of dispatches, as a result if you do not send many shipments your costs can be very high. However if you search online you can find details of authorized resellers of the branded courier services. They qualify for large discounts and will share their discounts with their clients. The prices that they charge can be considerably cheaper than going direct.

2, Instant online labels and collections

Shipping air waybills used to have to be completed manually. However now that they are completed online, which enables the carriers to not have to renter the data into their systems. Resulting in less input errors and reducing labor and transit times.

3, Real time online tracking

Most international parcel delivery services offer online tracking. Parcels are scanned each time they move on their delivery journey. These scans are updated to their databases and can be accessed online by both the sender and receiver of a shipment. The result is that parcels can be monitored whilst in transit. This enables the sender to contact the carrier if they have any delays or require additional information.

4, Country specific customs information

Now online booking sites can post current Country specific information for senders. This would include details of restricted items for that destination and products that need import licences. So if you need to send a parcel to Indonesia it would be easy to check if the contents were permitted and the sender had the correct documentation before the shipment was dispatched.

5, Vehicle positioning systems

GPS tracking of vehicles enables couriers to know where their drivers are at any given time. So if a driver reports that no one was in when a delivery was attempted, the carrier can look at the drivers’ location to ensure that he was actually there. This improves the trust the carriers have in the data that they capture.

6, Delivery window notification

Technology is helping to also improve the receivers’ experience, as delivery couriers understand what deliveries they will be making when they leave the depot. New technology is allowing them to route plan their day. With this information they can estimate when they will be making each delivery and alert the receiver via text and email. Resulting in they being far more likely to me in when the delivery is attempted.