Transporting products is a critical aspect of the eCommerce industry. As an eCommerce seller, you need to choose the right mode of transportation to move your goods efficiently and cost-effectively. Selecting the right transportation mode with the help of the right logistics company in India involves considering several factors such as the nature of goods, distance, destination, and time sensitivity. Here are seven factors to help you choose the right mode of transport to move your goods.
Nature of Goods
Different kinds of products require different transportation modes. For instance, perishable goods like vegetables, fruits, and dairy products need refrigerated transportation to maintain their freshness. On the other hand, fragile items like glassware, electronics, and pottery require extra care during transportation to prevent damage. Similarly, hazardous goods like chemicals, explosives, and flammable liquids require specialized transportation modes to comply with safety regulations.
Distance
The distance between the origin and destination of the goods affects the choice of transportation mode. For short distances, road transport is the most convenient and cost-effective mode of transport. For medium distances, rail transport is a viable option, whereas, for long distances, air or sea transport is the best choice.
Delivery Time
Delivery time is crucial when you need to ship your products across the country or even borders. If your goods are time-sensitive and require fast delivery, air transportation is the best option. However, if time is not an issue, sea transportation would be the most cost-effective option.
Cost
Transportation cost is a significant factor to consider when choosing a transportation mode. Road transport is the most affordable option for short distances, while rail transport is relatively cheaper for medium distances. However, for long distances, sea transportation is the most cost-effective option.
Reliability
You must have a reliable mode of transport for your eCommerce shipping needs. You need reliable transportation to ensure that your goods reach their destination safely and on time. For instance, air transportation is the most reliable mode of transport for time-sensitive goods, while sea transportation is relatively less reliable but more cost-effective.
Infrastructure
You need to ensure that the transportation mode you choose has the necessary infrastructure to move your goods. For instance, rail transport requires rail tracks, while sea transport requires ports and harbours.
Customs Regulations
Customs regulations differ from one country to another. You need to choose a shipping mode that complies with customs regulations at the destination country. For example, if you are exporting goods to a country with strict customs regulations, you need to choose a transportation mode that meets the regulations.
Factors to consider while choosing a shipping partner
Post choosing the right shipping method, it’s vital to consider several points while choosing a logistics partner as well. So, let’s understand without any delay.
Reliability
You must trust a partner when you want to hire one for your eCommerce shipping needs. Make sure that your shipping partner has a good track record of delivering packages on time and without damage. You may want to check reviews online or ask for references to ensure their reliability.
Cost
Shipping costs can quickly eat into your profits, so it’s important to find a seller-centric shipping company in India that offers competitive pricing and helps you in making a good margin on sales. Make sure to compare shipping rates and fees from different providers to find the best deal for your business. Further, if you get COD orders, make sure your shipping partner offers quick remittance duration. Reputed shipping companies like NimbusPost and Shiprocket offer same-day COD reconciliation to facilitate easy deliveries with good cash flow.
Speed
Fast shipping is crucial for customer satisfaction. Choose a shipping partner that offers a range of shipping options. Consider factors like transit times, delivery guarantees, and expedited shipping options along with other important factors.
Customer service
Your shipping partner should provide excellent customer service to both you and your customers. Make sure that their customer service team is responsive, helpful, and easy to contact in case of any issues. Shipping aggregators like NimbusPost offer 24×7 support to ensure you can ship uninterruptedly in all seasons.
International shipping
If you’re planning to sell products internationally, find a shipping partner that offers global shipping services. Make sure to check their shipping rates and transit times for international shipments along with additional platform benefits.
Integration
In case you have an online store built on eCommerce channels like Shopify, Unicommerce, or WooCommerce, look for a shipping partner that offers API integration with your platform for automated operations. This can save you time and streamline your shipping process in the future.
Conclusion
Choosing the right mode of shipping for your orders is crucial for the success of your eCommerce business. You need to consider several important factors when choosing the right mode of transport. Understanding these factors will help you make an informed decision and ensure that your goods reach their destination safely and on time.
