In decades past, expediting was a process reserved for occasional priority shipments and high-value freight. While those deliveries still take place, expediting is no longer a niche aspect of the logistics process. Instead, it’s now seen on a much broader scale due to shifts in consumer demand.
Often referred to as the “Amazon Effect,” today’s consumers now expect to receive their goods as quickly as possible. Though your business’s shipping speeds may not be as fast as the largest e-commerce retailer in the world, you can use expediting to your advantage, boosting customer satisfaction, nurturing feelings of brand loyalty, and ultimately optimizing your profits.
Here’s everything you need to know about expediting and the logistics process.
Why Expediting Shipping Is Critical to Modern Logistics
The primary factor influencing the widespread adoption of expediting services is that customers expect it. As you undoubtedly already know, brands that meet customer expectations thrive, whereas those that fail to do so fall flat.
The question, then, is, “How can you effectively leverage expediting to better serve your customers?” Technology holds the key.
Modern technologies facilitate the increased use of expediting at scale. Transportation management systems have been particularly important in the push toward expediting freight.
TMS solutions and their associated systems empower logistics managers to coordinate transportation processes with unparalleled precision. From route planning to inventory management, these technologies improve delivery efficiency and facilitate real-time cargo tracking.
Challenges Associated with Expediting
The biggest hurdle that you will encounter as you strive to expand your expediting services is a lack of oversight. Like many small to mid-sized organizations, your company may not have access to real-time tracking tools that allow for the following:
- Recording expedite requests
- Measuring improvements to delivery times times
- Tracking and monitoring response times
Without access to this information, it is impossible to effectively manage your expediting processes or determine whether your efforts are making a meaningful difference in the customer experience.
The good news is that you can overcome these challenges by partnering with a third-party logistics provider and deploying a modern suite of technologies. Cumulatively, these efforts will empower your organization to offer quality expediting services and compete with larger companies.
Benefits of Expediting Shipments
Offering expediting shipment services provides several benefits to both your customers and your business, such as:
An Improved Customer Experience
Customers that are satisfied with your brand and products are more likely to do business with you in the future.
While product quality is one of the most critical components of customer satisfaction, it is not the only factor at play. The purchasing and delivery experiences also have a profound impact on a customer’s perception of your business.
When customers can access quality products and have them delivered in almost no time, they will be highly satisfied. Conversely, if your company does not offer expediting shipping services, consumers can end up turning to one of your competitors so that they can get the products they need when they need them.
An Enhanced Brand Image
Over time, expediting services will strengthen your brand image. You will build a reputation for being responsive to customer needs, ultimately attracting new customers to your brand and products and facilitating the continued growth of your business.
Keep in mind that expediting shipping services are only part of the equation. You must also exercise expert inventory management practices to prevent stockouts, provide great post-purchase support, and create a customer-centric shipping experience.
Better Profitability
Expediting shipping gets products to your customers fast and reduces the likelihood that products will be damaged in transit. Cumulatively, these benefits decrease the chances of a product being returned or an order being canceled due to prolonged shipping delays. In turn, the advantages will lead to stronger sales revenue and better profitability for your business.
Expediting services are critical to the short and long-term success of your business. By making these services part of your delivery model, you can better meet the needs of consumers, strengthen your brand image, and generate more revenue.
Partnering with a reputable logistics provider can help you meet the aforementioned goals. R2 Logistics is a 3PL that offers expert consulting services and leading-edge technologies.
Want to learn more about R2’s suite of services and technologies? If so, request a quote today.