Supply chain consolidation and the innovative courier
It takes three rubber bands and one paper clip to fix a butterfly valve. Many couriers don’t know this. Neither do ninety nine percent of the population. That little sprig of knowledge is for someone who has a ’78 Honda Civic Wagon. However, it might work on other butterfly valves. Another tidbit is a one foot section of logging chain. It is able to exactly replace the clutch rod in a ’79 Ford F150 Super Cab. In fact, it worked better.
With this in mind, a little innovative thinking can go a long way. Especially in today’s delivery scene. With the markets changing to compensate for tariffs, volume slow down and competition, the courier needs more hustle now than ever. In fact, couriers play a role in the supply chain. Convenience is only a part of the appeal in at home delivery. Furthermore, the at home customer isn’t the only one with an interest in delivery. It’s a courier priority as well.
With this in mind, a role in the supply chain is no small thing. Especially when taking into account how many couriers are running delivery on any given night. Even if considering it on a state by state basis, it adds up to a lot of couriers. At least enough to play a role in the supply chain. With numbers like that the innovative courier stays busy.
Supply Chain Consolidation
The idea that couriers and at home delivery, help with supply chain consolidation, isn’t a new one. Not only is it a proven concept in shutdowns, but also emergency situations. For example, a pandemic. Additionally there are holidays that have delivery options. Especially when there are merchants with holiday business hours. If they’re open, chances are good that a courier is standing by.
Couriers are standing by and waiting for the delivery offers. Weather events are another example of the need for the courier to be innovative. Most drivers try to get off the road during storms or weather issues. However, the courier is racing against the clock to that next pickup. Even statewide weather events will have couriers working delivery. After all reliability is part of a successful supply chain.
For the courier, reliability demands innovation. Particularly for at home delivery. Especially when using a delivery app. The delivery app offers stacked deliveries. Couriers with stacked deliveries must be innovative. In most delivery apps the courier has no control over the order of pickup. The app handles that. However, at least one of the apps gives the courier options. Being able to change the order of the pickups, prevents wasteful backtracking. The same goes for the order of the drop-offs.
The Innovative Courier
It’s possible to fit 68 large pizzas and ten, 2 liter drinks, into a 2008 Nissan Sentra. However, it’s almost impossible to keep the windows from steaming up. Additionally, tire plugs and cans of fix-a-flat, pay for themselves. The same can be said for most preventative maintenance. Experienced couriers use innovation in planning ahead. Likewise, planning ahead, allows for real innovation. The kind that improves a delivery.
With regard to playing a role in the supply chain, it’s the innovation that keeps the courier on the road. Things like scouting for the best fuel prices count as innovative. Knowing where to find the best deal takes experience. And experience is an important part of innovation. For couriers, it also means improved customer service and supporting the local merchants.
The more experience a courier gets the more innovative they become. Furthermore, it doesn’t take long. Experience is a no nonsense teacher. Additionally, the courier must make the delivery to get paid. When this is happening on a nationwide scale, it’s easy to see how the courier plays a role in the consolidation of the supply chain. Something to consider during the next dinner rush. Stay safe out there.
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