Although it is rare, the most dissatisfying thing that might happen after placing an order is that it is not delivered on time. In an ideal world, a package should be delivered to the end customer on schedule and without any complications. Unfortunately, however, goods can arrive damaged, with defects, or with inaccurate characteristics in rare cases. Delayed deliveries and the receipt of damaged products are common occurrences in the shipping industry. These difficulties result in angry customers. It not only leads to infuriated customers, but the sellers have to bear the RTO cost and reimburse the product cost to the customer.
Reasons for Delayed Deliveries
We have created a list of the top prevalent reasons for delays in the eCommerce shipping process. In addition, we discuss how and what types of technology might assist shipping firms in providing great customer experiences to customers.
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Non-visibility is a Problem
It is critical to have clear visibility across the supply chain to ensure that shipments are delivered safely and on schedule from one end to the other. Organizations may become victims of a slew of inefficiencies if they do not have them, resulting in delayed deliveries, damage, or the loss of shipments.
For delivery firms, relying on technology to provide transparency throughout the eCommerce shipping process is a way to acquire and keep a competitive edge. In addition, the delivery software may give transparency throughout the delivery process, benefiting both carriers and their clients.
Following are some of the standout characteristics:
- Waybills in the digital age
- Create an eCommerce shipping label to ship your package
- Scanning at the item level
- Signature capture on the route building
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Inadequate Technology
Old software or outdated hardware creates significant difficulties for delivery firms since it restricts their capacity to incorporate new technologies and access capabilities that might help them reduce cargo delivery delays.
Making the appropriate hardware investments in conjunction with cloud-based software may give a far more comprehensive strategy that allows couriers, 3PLs, logistics, and transportation firms to stay connected while also profiting from real-time information.
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Troubles with Motor Vehicles
Vehicle breakdowns are unavoidable and will occur at some point in time. For example, if an equipment failure happens during a shipment, inevitable delays will occur, and there will be nothing you can do about it, right?
It turns out that technology can give a solution even in the most severe of circumstances. For example, with web-based tracking, courier businesses may identify and deploy the nearest driver to the vehicle having problems, ensuring that all required goods are delivered on time and in priority order to the final destination.
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Lost Packages
Perhaps the most aggravating experience a client can have always begun with the inquiry, “Where has my shipment disappeared to?”
What are the reasons for a lost package? Several factors can contribute to this problem, including a simple misplacement, a broken shipping label, or the simple act of removing the item by accident.
Is technology an aid? Verification of delivery may be extremely beneficial in safeguarding all parties involved, from the organization to the intended recipient. With real-time tracking and tracing capabilities, both the courier and the client will be aware of the item’s whereabouts at all times during the eCommerce shipping process.
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Weather Conditions
Safety must always be the number one priority for all delivery businesses. Weather-related road closures invariably result in traffic delays as a result of slower transit times.
When weather circumstances determine the pace of delivery, it may be extremely annoying for customers. However, there is only so much that delivery firms can do to ensure that deliveries are made on time.
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Traffic
At this moment, finding a city that is completely free of traffic is nearly difficult. As a result, it is becoming increasingly frequent to hear about people facing delays when traveling due to various factors such as construction, accidents, large blockages, and detours.
Courier drivers, to their benefit, may use route optimization software. It can determine the quickest path feasible and update it in real-time to prevent delayed deliveries caused by unexpected events such as traffic jams.
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eCommerce Shipping in Large Quantities
A sudden and unexpected rise in the number of shipments delivered might be overwhelming for a delivery firm that is not equipped with a good software system.
When the shopping spree begins during the holiday season, this is the most typical occurrence. As the number of online orders grows, so does the demand for courier management software to properly allocate the appropriate volume to drivers while routing them through the most efficient routes.
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Unsuccessful Delivery Attempt
When it comes to unsuccessful delivery attempts, consumers may be to blame if no one accepts the product. It takes the focus away from courier firms.
After making an unsuccessful effort to deliver the product, the driver will have to move to other pending orders to minimize delayed deliveries. However, the reality is that they often have a set length of time to wait for a response (hint: it’s extremely short).
Fortunately, with the proper track and trace system, this problem may be readily resolved. In this way, you can ensure that your clients are kept up to date in real-time and know when they should expect to get their item.
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Customs
To take a global view, as a carrier dealing with customs, you must ensure that all necessary paperwork is present and properly completed to prevent any difficulties.
If you do not have the appropriate documents, delays are unavoidable, and if the authorities decide to check your goods, the situation can quickly deteriorate and lead to more difficulties.
Retailers must have a contingency plan in place if their merchandise is detained at customs. Partnerships with dependable courier providers that ensure that papers are delivered accurately are a component of the backup plan.
Conclusion
For delivery businesses, the use of logistics management software may make the problem of misplaced goods a thing of the past. With comprehensive end-to-end package visibility, beginning with the delivery person, the right IT platform can unquestionably improve reliability, allow for expansion and scalability, and give complete accountability.
