multi carrier shipping software, multi carrier shipping

Retailers working across different geographies and locations have complex shipping operations. In this QAD Precision Report we look at how retailers can standardize shipping and contain costs with multi carrier shipping software.

The last 15 months or so has been extraordinary for consumers as well as e-commerce and retail businesses. The pandemic sent parcel volumes skyrocketing in unprecedented ways. However, when it comes to e-commerce, the genie is out of the bottle — online shopping will continue to become an ever greater part of our consumer habits.

In order to survive and thrive, retailers need a way to manage growing volumes, standardize parcel shipping and leverage flexible, multi carrier shipping software.

For omnichannel and e-commerce retailers standardizing customer delivery operations is no easy task. When you add in different distribution centers, bricks-and-mortar stores and geographic locations, this can seem impossible.

Keeping the Customer Happy While Controlling Costs

Most retailers want to offer the same high levels of customer service through all channels.  However, when relying on a third party to execute critical services, this is a challenge.

High volume and high value retailers often use one or two trusted carriers. This trust is important. Your customers will blame you, not your carrier, if a delivery is late or damaged.

Having said that, retailers who rely on just one or two carrier partners are vulnerable to higher delivery costs. Plus there is the risk of orders going unfulfilled or longer transit times. Your preferred carrier could be experiencing capacity issues, particularly during peak. Plus there is always the possibility of an unforeseen disaster, such as a fire in a hub, or a global pandemic.

How Multi Carrier Shipping Software Benefits Retailers

Every single one of us is somebody’s customer. We reward retailers and brands with loyalty and repeat business if they make shopping pleasurable and convenient for us. That is true whether we shop at a retail location and online.

For online shoppers, fast, and generally free, parcel shipping — along with speed and accuracy — is critical. The delivery experience enhances customer loyalty and protects brand reputation. Fast delivery, by itself, is not a differentiator.

As shoppers, we all want flexible delivery options that best suit our needs.

Retailers can standardize customer deliveries across all locations with multi carrier shipping software. Multi carrier software makes it possible for retailers to apply the same processes and business rules to all global locations. Here are five most important benefits of multi carrier shipping solutions:

  • Flexible delivery choices
  • Automated routing and shipping
  • Store fulfillment
  • Customer satisfaction
  • Simplified cross-border shipping

FLEXIBLE DELIVERY OPTIONS

Your customers are not all the same. In addition, their delivery needs can change from one week to the next. Daytime residential delivery may be perfect when people are working from home. At other times, a store pick-up option or collection point might be more convenient.

Over the counter medication and other emergency supplies might require same-day delivery. Subscription boxes, however, work best at a regular cadence. Multi carrier shipping solutions support a flexible omni-channel strategy that customers can personalize according to their needs.

AUTOMATED SHIPPING 

Multi carrier shipping systems enable retailers to automate package routing from warehouses and other DCs. The solution routes every package to the lowest cost carrier that will meet the delivery deadline. Parcels are automatically assigned using an automated routing guide along with configurable business rules.

All documentation and shipping labels are automatically created. This saves time and money. Multi carrier shipping speeds up processing time while controlling shipping costs.

FULFILL FROM YOUR STORES

To meet the demand for one-day and same-day small parcel shipping, retailers need to get closer to customers. This gives omni-channel retailers an advantage. Unlike pure-play e-commerce retailers, as they can use their store locations to fulfill online orders.

Retail staff are not professional shippers. However, retailers can standardize shipping in store locations using multi carrier desktop shipping. Staff can easily compare carriers to find the best service and cost. The solution also prepares all the documentation required to complete the shipment.

ENSURE ONGOING CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

Delays happen. Even the most efficient operations experience them from time to time. However, these too should be proactively managed. The one thing you do not want is a customer contacting you asking “Where’s my parcel?”

Your customers are more forgiving of delays if you let them know what is being done to rectify the problem.

With multi carrier shipping software, shipping data is not siloed. Having a central repository for all shipping data maximizes visibility.

Logistics managers have real-time insights into what is happening across all shipments anywhere in the world. They are no longer in the dark about shipment delays or issues. Instead they will receive notifications at every step of the delivery journey. This results in a more proactive strategy if and when delays happen.

SIMPLIFY CROSS-BORDER SHIPPING

Cross-border and international e-commerce are growing. However, international shipments involve lots of customs documentation and export reporting. With multi carrier shipping software, retailers can automate these documentation workflows. As a result, multi carrier shipping streamlines the international shipping process.

Furthermore, if a retailer is engaged in international e-commerce a multi carrier solution will give you more options. This includes a wider variety of delivery services and routes to fulfill all customer orders, no matter where they are.

UPS, DHL Express and FedEx may be the biggest players. However, there are important regional carriers across much of the world, particularly in Asia and Europe. Unsurprisingly, these carriers each have their own set of regulations and protocols. Your multi carrier shipping solution provider takes responsibility for ensuring you remain up to date with carrier standards.

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