In recent years, courier services have become increasingly popular as a way to send letters and parcels, without having to use the Royal Mail. Often a cheaper alternative with better speed, they’re a handy alternative if you can’t get the item to its destination on time using standard post. But you may be wondering ‘what is a courier delivery service?’ Here’s a little history behind the rise of these services.
Internet shopping
One of the main reasons why businesses began looking for a courier service instead of the Royal Mail was the rise in internet shopping. With large volumes of orders, businesses didn’t want to have to go to the Post Office multiple times a day, and they needed something that was fast and secure. In the early days of internet shopping, people expected a short delay before they got their products, but soon they started to expect speed, security tracking and other things that the Royal Mail just couldn’t provide.
Courier services offer benefits from same and next day delivery to cheap shipping, all things that before they came on the scene, were difficult to find.
What is a courier delivery service?
Courier delivery services usually include a range of services that fill a gap in the market. They may include:
- Secure delivery with signature required
- Delivery across the UK and around the world
- Fast track and next day delivery
- Delivery of outsized or unusually shaped packages
Couriers are often used as a delivery service by those who need to make a large number of shipments, as businesses, online retailers and eBay sellers. Setting up an account makes it easier to pay, as they can be settled up at the end of each month.
Are courier services cheaper?
When people ask: ‘what is a courier delivery service?’ their next question is often, ‘is it cheaper?’ After all, many businesses now operate on narrow profit margins, so any saving they can make is a bonus. Also, in many industries, customers now expect free, fast delivery, ideally next day delivery, without having to pay extra. Therefore, that cost comes out of the profit of the item you’ve sold.
Using a courier company can be a good alternative if you need to save money. You can set up an account with the courier and pay per parcel, or if you have a certain amount of scheduled deliveries, you can come to an agreed price. This gives you greater control over your finances.
How a courier company makes life easier
There are a number of advantages offered by courier companies over traditional mailing services.
- Collection from your place of business
- Save time by booking in advance
- Reliable – delivery times are faster and there are fewer lost packages in transit from A to B, as most courier companies handle a lower volume than the Royal Mail
- Easy pricing – couriers charge you for the size and weight of your parcel and you’ll often find them better value for money in this respect
- Faster delivery – it’s easier to send a parcel that’ll get there next day, or even same day if the customer is willing to pay the premium
- Better customer service – if an item goes missing, it’s often easier to claim on a courier company’s insurance when compared to the Royal Mail
When people ask HBC Logistics ‘what is a courier delivery service?’ we tell them the above, about all the extra services we offer when compared to traditional mail.
Delivery in the UK or abroad
If you’ve ever tried to send a parcel overseas, you’ll know that it’s tricky. You have to get quotes, take the item to be weighed and keep your fingers crossed that it’ll arrive. People who often ship things overseas will often use courier companies because they’re so much easier and straightforward. All you have to do is provide a few details and the courier will come to collect, making your life easier.
Why choose HBC Logistics?
If you’ve read the above and think a courier service might be right for you, then you can simply book a delivery using our online form. However, you may well wish to speak to our team first to discuss your specific needs and decide whether it’s right for you. Our team are always here to help if you have any questions or need advice on the best delivery methods.
It’s not just businesses with high delivery volumes that can benefit from using a courier. They’re good for one-off or occasional jobs too, and HBC Logistics can help whether you want to send one package or hundreds. All you have to do is pick up the phone to sort it out.
HBC Logistics have bases in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and London, but we deliver across the UK. Our fleet includes many small vans, which are great for same and next day delivery, plus HGV vehicles capable of dealing with larger volumes. We can help you save on your delivery costs and take the headache out of the entire process, with easy parcel tracking and much more.
When you require a courier for parcel delivery services, simply call HBC Logistics on 01462 410004, you can e-mail us at serviceteam@hbclogistics.co.uk, or fill in our online enquiry form to receive a quick quote.
