Shipping products safely from the manufacturer to the customer is critical to e-commerce operations. It requires proper planning and understanding of transportation and packaging to ensure the goods are not damaged in transit. Shipping companies use sturdy boxes, containers, and water-resistant poly mailers to deliver packages damage-free. This post discusses the importance of hiring the right shipping service for personal and business needs. It also lists a few tips for choosing a shipping company.

Why choose reliable shipping services?
The following are a few reasons why hiring a good shipping service is essential:

Maintain product quality
If the delivery service is unreliable, your customers may receive damaged packages. Consequently, they may be disappointed and never order again. The best companies use quality shipping supplies like wooden casings, steel drums, and rugged containers that prevent fragile products from breaking en route. This ensures customers are happy with their purchases.

Increase profits
If customers receive damaged goods, they may claim a refund or replacement. Issuing refunds and replacements frequently can lead to a loss of revenue. To avoid this, it is essential to choose a delivery partner who offers safe delivery without charging a lot.

Improve customer base
Fast and reliable delivery increases customer satisfaction. Satisfied customers will not only order again but also recommend your business to others, helping increase your customer base. This will, in turn, help you earn more and expand your operations!

How to choose the right shipping service?
You must hire a service that can deliver orders punctually without causing damage or loss. Here are a few tips to help you in your search:

Compare prices
Cost is an essential factor when selecting a service. Many blindly choose a low-cost option, assuming it will lead to savings. But companies that offer cheap delivery services often use poor-quality packaging materials, increasing the risk of product damage. So, it is important to balance cost and efficiency.

Consider delivery speed
How fast can the shipping company transport packages from your warehouse to the customer’s home? Transit time is paramount when selecting a carrier as it directly influences customer satisfaction. Ocean shipping can take days or weeks, but air freight is much faster. Consider which mode of transportation the service uses, especially for international or cross-country orders. While no company guarantees a fixed delivery time, they may provide an estimated transit time (ETT).

Check sustainability
With increased environmental awareness, many customers are willing to pay extra and purchase goods from companies following sustainable practices. So, choose a carrier that focuses on protecting the environment. Many services use eco-friendly packaging materials like biodegradable boxes, recycled plastics, and organic textile wraps.

Verify their use of technology
Many delivery companies use logistics software to reduce manual processes and streamline the supply chain management process. It helps them to:

• Track inventory and automated orders
• Gain insight into procurement flow
• Calculate lead times and delivery times accurately
• Optimize transportation routes to save money and time
• Use data analytics to predict trends in customer demand

Hiring a service that uses logistics software can help you stay ahead of the competition and provide the best possible customer experience.

Besides assessing the above factors, understand where the service gets its shipping supplies from. Many shipping supply companies manufacture boxes and containers, and it is essential to ensure they follow the applicable rules and processes.

Should you pursue a career in supply chain management?
The shipping industry contributes significantly to the country’s economy. It is a growing field with plenty of career opportunities for young individuals. A few supply chain jobs one may come across are logistics coordinators, inventory analysts, warehouse managers, and fleet managers.

Supply chain professionals are highly sought after because they understand the logistics process from beginning to end. They are also well-versed in functional areas like finance, operations, and risk management. Many e-learning platforms offer supply chain strategy and management courses, which can be a good starting point to excel in the industry.