Since it’s the most crucial part of the transportation process, choosing a company to partner with for your final mile delivery services is a big decision. There are thousands of business-to-business (B2B) delivery companies that can provide you with the services you need – so how do you choose the right one?
This article includes a comprehensive list of selecting the best B2B last mile delivery company to help during your research and decision-making process.
10 Tips on Choosing the Best B2B Last Mile Delivery Company
A quick online search for final mile delivery companies results in an overwhelming number of options that are impossible to review. To help save you time on research and ultimately selecting one, here are ten tips on how to choose the best B2B last mile delivery company.
#1 Real-Time Freight Tracking
This is an integral part of last mile delivery. Make sure the company offers live, real-time tracking for the delivery progress and accurate estimated time of arrivals (ETA). This technology will make it easier for you to provide updates to your customers on the freight and significantly reduce delivery errors.
#2 Delivery Driver Tracking and ETA
While live tracking allows you to monitor your freight closely, a B2B final mile delivery driver tracking will improve that data. Make sure you work with a company that uses GPS tracking to monitor the drivers driving patterns, speed, schedule, and routes.
#3 Tracking Alerts
How will you be alerted on ETA changes, delays, or deliveries? How long will it take for you to receive those notifications? Make sure you’re informed in real-time on these updates, whether it’s through email, text message, or a phone call. Ask your prospective provider how they notify customers in these situations.
#4 Route Optimization
Ask about their team’s experience with route optimization because it involves more than selecting the fastest route. You’ll want to work with a staff of experts who consider real-time events.
- Traffic conditions
- Equipment availability
- Personnel availability
- Weather conditions
- Potential shortages
#5 Flexible Delivery Options
Last-minute requests happen; it’s unavoidable. Working with a team of experts who can quickly adapt to order changes is necessary. A company that can’t accommodate urgent requests or correctly manage last-minute changes can lead to potential problems for you.
#6 EDI Booking and Invoicing
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the trucking standard program for accounting and billing. This system will electronically send invoices, receipts, and contracts, making the process straightforward for you.
#7 Freight Safety and Security
Find a transportation provider who will accurately ship your freight and keep it safe. Ask prospective companies what safety and security measures they have in place to protect your shipment. Look for answers that contain:
- Secure locks
- Controlled access yard parking
- Fenced terminals
- Camera surveillance
- Constant driver communication
#8 Communication
Learn how often you’ll communicate with your final mile delivery team. Keep in mind that outsourcing your B2B deliveries will free up your time so you can focus on other responsibilities. However, it’s still important to form a relationship with the people who are regularly handling your freight.
#9 Industry Experience
Success in the transportation industry heavily relies on experience. This includes a team with real industry-related experience, management who stay educated on technological advancements, and a company with a reputation for providing quality and reliable work.
#10 Growth Potential
You might only need last mile delivery services now, but what about the future? As online ordering continues to grow, your business can grow along with it. Make sure you’re working with a provider who can adapt to your growing needs. This will make your job easier for you long-term, so you’re not looking for a new provider every few years.
Are You Ready to Become Part of the Service Express Community?
When you choose Service Express, you’re working with a full-service logistics and transportation provider. Our services include B2B last mile delivery, LTL, van couriers, and more. The company’s foundation is based on providing honest, fast, and reliable services to our customers. It’s our belief that when you succeed, we do too.
Contact us to learn more about the Service Express B2B last mile delivery services.
