As the world embraces the technological era, the demand for quick, efficient delivery has skyrocketed. Customers are increasingly looking for same-day delivery options and are willing to pay more to get them.
In order to meet customer expectations, technology is evolving and aiming to help businesses achieve their potential. Here are some innovations that are set to make same-day delivery more achievable for businesses.
Drone deliveries
Since the use of drones became more mainstream, businesses have been thinking about how to utilize them for deliveries. Using them to courier parcels to customers allows same-day delivery efficiently.
Traditional delivery methods are often hampered by traffic, road closures and physical obstacles. Drones fly above all these challenges, making them faster than road deliveries. Drones also eliminate the need for drivers and traditional fuel, making them more cost-effective. Eliminating fuel also makes them more sustainable, therefore benefitting the environment.
Additionally, vans and cars may struggle to get to more remote areas. There are some areas that companies will not deliver to due to the remoteness. Drones can overcome that, as long as there is a central hub close enough to the destination address and the battery life is good enough.
At present, the laws surrounding drones impose a lot of restrictions on where they can fly and how high they can fly. If drones were to become part of the delivery chain, these laws would have to be re-examined.
Autonomous vehicles
Autonomous vehicles are already in the testing phase for use on British roads. Once these have been approved it is only a matter of time before delivery companies can benefit from them.
By being able to send out a self-driving car, you are again eliminating the need for drivers which means the expense of wages is reduced. Not only are they more cost-efficient but they allow continuous operation. Where drivers need breaks and have shifts, autonomous vehicles can work around the clock.
One of the few downsides of autonomous vehicles is that they will still be affected by traffic patterns and road closures. As autonomous cars are yet to be fully released onto UK roads, there may yet be issues that will need to be ironed out.
Smart routing algorithms
Route planning is the best way to make sure your fleet is going in the most efficient and practical way to deliver their parcels. By optimizing your routes, you can use fuel efficiently, leading to less waste and saving you money. Optimizing also improves customer service as you are able to deliver goods or services promptly.
By utilizing real-time data, algorithms can change and update the routes, helping your drivers avoid traffic jams, accidents or any other form of delay. This helps to fulfil your promise of same-day delivery, keeping your customers happy and helping to retain them for future orders.