Achieving last-mile efficiency isn't easy, but the positive side is that hybrid deliveries are here to stay. As delivery or transportation companies, we always strive to stand out due to the sheer number of competitors in today's market. This need only becomes more intense with peak seasons for orders and shipments.
It's no secret that deliveries can become a complete nightmare due to delays, losses, or customer complaints. All of this, on top of that, results in customer churn, wasted time, and, of course, money. However, diversifying your operators or drivers, as well as expanding your fleet, is the help you need.
Expand the fleet and its diversification
Although the word diversification may sound complex, adapting fleets is a very simple process. It depends on the volume of orders received daily, weekly, and monthly. Fleets must diversify in line with the company's growth. This was reflected in previous years, when the number of shipments increased, but not all companies were able to keep up.
Types of carriers
Transportation teams must work to collect packages and deliver them on time, in good condition, to their final destination. The last mile can include various modes of transport, including even a shipping vessel. For this reason, we'll explain the two main types of carriers, from a macro perspective.
National drivers
This type of driver and delivery service is the most common. They typically make deliveries across almost the entire country, requiring more investment and a large fleet. Most companies, regardless of size, rely on them for their deliveries.
Regional drivers
As their name suggests, these only cover certain specific areas. This is where "delivery" services come in, as they don't travel huge distances. Although their limits are already established, they have an advantage over national services. They reach much more specific areas, mostly making doorstep deliveries.
How to know when to diversify?
Although peak seasons require hybrid deliveries to survive them, the change must be made sooner. This requires several factors, including expanding the fleet and adding new drivers to the system, among others.
This entire process takes time and must be constantly evolving. Experts in the field suggest starting this change early to achieve the best results. They also recommend that April-May be the perfect time to begin this process, as this gives you more time to adjust things outside of peak season.
Integration of technological tools
When you've been running a business for a considerable amount of time, it's often difficult to get started with digitalization and technology in general. But, like any major change, the strategy is to be patient and gradually improve. In the case of hybrid deliveries, it's essential to incorporate appropriate software to gradually introduce new drivers.
There are all kinds of software on the market today, tailored to the needs, size, and revenue of a business. At ToolRides, we can cover every aspect, as all our clients receive their own personalized app. You'll be able to keep all your drivers organized, track them, and pay them for each delivery. All thanks to easy-to-use software that can also be scaled.
Fear of diversification
Most transportation companies that have been operating for at least a couple of years started with conventional vehicles. If they work directly with deliveries, it's more common to hire cars or, in some cases, motorcycles. Since this workforce is permanent, drivers are often offered benefits, so diversifying the fleet can create a fear of losing them.
In fact, it's quite the opposite: by adding more people to the fleet and different vehicles, certain factors are improved. With more drivers, many more hybrid deliveries can be covered , thus multiplying the revenue. Furthermore, it would be possible to cover more regions, potentially gaining a competitive edge.
Which driver should you hire?
It's always important to keep in mind that drivers are part of a company's image. They see the customer directly when making deliveries and are responsible for ensuring they arrive in perfect condition. Therefore, choosing who you accept or reject as part of your company should be a priority. Here are some tips to make your job easier.
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If you have partners from large or small businesses that you provide delivery services to, include them in the decision. They don't have to be present at the interview; simply ask them what features they think could improve the service.
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Ask down to the smallest details. The resume provides a glimpse into the driver's life, but it's always important to verify everything. This will clarify strengths and weaknesses for making decisions.
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Make sure the driver understands everything involved in working for your company: what duties they'll be performing, their schedule, their pay, and other details.
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Even if your employee hasn't been working for long, if they don't perform as expected, you have the power to replace them or fire them. It's better to replace one piece with another than to have the whole machine fail.
Modify your fleet to improve your future
Last-mile logistics is what keeps delivery companies running. Because over the years, customers demand immediate delivery of their orders. It's a matter of adapting to the need for a variety of vehicles and a large fleet to position yourself. Hybrid deliveries are part of the present, but above all, they will be vital to reaching the future.
