Whenever we think of shipping in the United States, one of three couriers usually comes to mind: USPS, UPS, and FedEx. This is not without reason. These three companies are well known, well liked, and reasonably reliable. However, in a world of urgent deliveries, same day deliveries, and oversized parcels, the courier brands we have come to know and love fall a little short.
Off Days
These large courier companies have union based regulations that prohibit them from operating on certain days of the year. Sundays and federal holidays, such as Christmas, are among those listed as nonoperational days for these big names in the courier business. Upon reading that last statement, you should be able to see the inherent problem. Christmas is the biggest gift-giving holiday of the year, which means that last minute shoppers using these couriers will have their packages delivered a day late, as Christmas delivery is not an option.
Pick Up Times
These big name couriers, in addition to being closed on certain very busy days, also have very strict and limited pickup and delivery windows. This makes for a great deal of inconvenience when you have a last minute order that needs to be shipped, or you have an emergency supply order you need to place. This makes these couriers less than ideal for handling urgent deliveries and pickups.
Delivery Schedules
Because of the limited delivery and pickup schedules mentioned above, these big name couriers are losing business to businesses looking to provide same day delivery services to their customers. As same day delivery becomes increasingly common, UPS, USPS, and FedEx are becoming more and more obsolete because of their lack of same day services.
Solutions
Smaller, local courier services often offer all the services that are neglected by these big name brands. These small businesses are gaining popularity because of their flexible natures. While it is true that they may have slightly higher prices than the big names in courier service, these differences are usually negated by switching more of your delivery business, including the services that are offered by UPS, USPS, and FedEx, to these smaller couriers. This switch usually results in a more cost-effective method for delivering your goods.
These smaller couriers generally do not have the restrictive schedule of the larger couriers, meaning that they are open for business every day of the year, minimizing hassle for last minute and holiday deliveries. In addition, their pickup and delivery times are generally much more fluid than those of the big name brands, and, as such, emergency or urgent deliveries and orders are more readily able to be shipped. Finally, if you are considering same day delivery for your business, as you should, local couriers are better able to make that happen. This is as a direct result of their increased flexibility over the major couriers listed above.
In short, big name couriers like UPS, USPS, and FedEx may be right for your shipping model and budget. However, if your business is in need of greater flexibility or same day delivery, these major players tend to leave much to be desired. Consider instead a smaller, local courier to fulfill your shipping and delivery needs. You won’t regret the switch.