Have you ever wondered what happens to your parcel after you book it for delivery within the city? It might seem like a simple task, but a lot is going on behind the scenes to ensure your parcel reaches its destination safely, quickly, and hassle-free. When you place your order, steps are set to ensure a smooth, efficient delivery process. Multiple systems, technologies, and logistics are in place to ensure your package is handled properly and delivered on time.
India ships an average of 8.8 million parcels daily, or 102 parcels every second, highlighting its strong position in the shipping markets. So, let’s dive into the entire process and break it down step by step so you can better understand what goes on when you send a package within the city.
Routes and Roads: How Parcels Are Transported
When sending a parcel within the city, its journey involves various transportation methods to ensure it reaches its destination efficiently and on time. From road to air to sea, each mode of transport plays a crucial role in the movement of goods. Here’s how parcels are typically transported through different methods.
- Road Transportation
In 2023, road transport handled 66% of India’s total freight. Road transport is the most flexible option for local deliveries, especially over short to medium distances. In the hub and spoke system, parcels are picked up from various locations and sent to a central sorting hub, where smaller vehicles handle the final delivery. Light items go in delivery vans, while larger parcels are carried by trucks. The final mile ensures parcels are delivered directly to customers’ doors.
- Air Transportation
Air cargo transport is the fastest option for time-sensitive parcels, covering long distances quickly. It’s ideal for high-value items like electronics or medical supplies, travelling through international airports to reach various destinations. Air freight from India has more than doubled recently, positioning the country to meet its target of 10 million tonnes (MT) by 2030-31.
- Rail Transportation
Rail transport is great for large or bulk shipments over long distances, especially when roads are less efficient. Trains can carry heavy goods like industrial products and construction materials, connecting cities and industrial zones for long-distance delivery.
- Maritime Transport
For international shipments, maritime transport is essential. Cargo ships carry containers filled with goods across oceans and then transfer them to trucks or trains for final delivery. This is cost-effective for bulk items like clothing, electronics, or raw materials.
- Air-Rail Hybrid Transport
Air-rail hybrid transport combines the speed of air with the reliability of rail, helping to move parcels quickly while keeping costs lower. Parcels are flown to a central hub and then transferred to trains for the next part of the journey, making it an efficient choice for regional deliveries.
- Intermodal Transport
Intermodal transport uses a combination of road, rail, air, and sea to ensure the most efficient route. Parcels can seamlessly switch between transport methods, especially for international shipments, providing timely and cost-effective delivery.
Stay Informed: Understanding Parcel Tracking
Parcel tracking is a system that lets you track a package’s journey from dispatch to delivery. With a unique tracking number, you can easily check the location and status of your package at any point in time. But why does parcel tracking matter:
- It builds trust by keeping both senders and receivers informed.
- It allows businesses to spot delays early and address issues quickly.
- It helps streamline logistics and plan shipments better.
How Tracking Works?
Each parcel is assigned a unique tracking number when it’s shipped. Whether you’re sending a parcel within the city or across longer distances, this number allows you to follow the package’s movement through different delivery stages. Whenever the parcel reaches a new checkpoint, like a warehouse or delivery vehicle, its status is updated, and you can view these changes in real-time. Here are some essential statuses that let you know where your parcel is in its journey:
- Ready to Ship: This status means the parcel is packed and ready to go. It’s waiting to be dispatched from the warehouse.
- Shipped: The parcel has left the warehouse and is on its way to the recipient.
- Delivered: This status will appear once the package reaches its destination and is handed over to the recipient.
- Cancelled: This status will show if the order is cancelled before it’s shipped. This allows customers to cancel their orders before the parcel leaves the warehouse.
- Return in Progress: This status appears when a return process has started, meaning the parcel is being sent back to the sender.
- Return to Origin: RTO status will show if a parcel is returned to the sender after delivery.
- In Transit: This shows the parcel is still in transit between locations, but it has not yet arrived at the final destination.
- Out for Delivery: The parcel is out with the courier, reaching the recipient’s address.
The Final Step: Getting Your Parcel to Your Door
The final stage of the delivery process is when the courier reaches the customer’s address with the package. Here’s what happens during this crucial step:
- Delivery Agent Arrival
The courier arrives with the package and ensures it’s delivered to the right address. - Package Verification
The courier checks the package details against their manifest to ensure everything matches. - Signature Confirmation
Most deliveries require the customer to sign a receipt. This confirms they’ve received the parcel.
As soon as the package is delivered, it’s essential to ensure everything is in order. The courier’s system allows you to track the delivery and confirm it has reached the right person. If the customer has any issues, such as damaged items or missing packages, you must work with the courier to resolve these concerns.
What Happens After Delivery?
Once the parcel is delivered, the process doesn’t stop there. Here’s what comes next:
- Delivery Confirmation: You can check if the package has reached the correct customer by reviewing the tracking system. This confirms the successful delivery.
- Handling Returns: If a customer needs to return the item, they will start a return process. Having a clear and easy-to-follow return policy will make this smoother.
- Lost or Damaged Items: Sometimes, packages can go missing or get damaged. If this happens, you’ll need to work with the courier to sort it out by locating the package or addressing the damage.
- Customer Complaints: If customers have any issues, they must be addressed quickly. Responding to complaints with quick solutions keeps customers happy.
How Value-Added Services Make Your Parcel Journey Better
Warehouse value-added services (VAS) are not just extras. They can play a crucial role in boosting your brand’s success. They can save you money, improve your customer experience, and even make your operations more efficient.
It can help you in the following ways:
- Outsourcing VAS reduces labour and equipment costs, leading to savings.
- Personalised services enhance customer experience and encourage repeat business.
- Warehouse systems ensure accurate tracking, improving inventory management.
- Outsourcing tasks lets you focus on business growth and marketing.
- VAS are flexible, scaling with seasonal demand and reducing infrastructure costs.
- Quality checks at the warehouse reduces returns and protect your brand.
- Consolidating services streamlines the supply chain, saving time and costs.
- VAS like barcoding increase visibility and ensures traceability in your supply chain.
- Offering VAS gives a competitive edge, boosting customer loyalty and sales.
Here are a few key services you can use:
- Custom Packaging: Unique packaging creates a memorable unboxing experience.
- Kitting and Assembly: Combine items for easier shipping.
- Product Personalisation: Personal touches add value.
- Labelling and Tagging: Accurate labelling improves inventory.
- Quality Inspections: Ensures product quality.
- Bundling Services: Package related items for convenience.
- Product Protection: Offer repair or replacement plans for peace of mind.
- Customer Reviews: Positive feedback builds trust and influences buying decisions.
- Loyalty Programs: Reward repeat customers with discounts or perks.
Shiprocket Quick: Sending Package Within City
Handling local deliveries doesn’t have to be a hassle. That’s where Shiprocket Quick comes in, making the entire process seamless. Everything is designed to work smoothly from the moment your parcel is booked. A rider is assigned in seconds, so there’s no waiting around. The parcel is quickly picked up and sent directly to its destination without delays.
Your parcel is safe, thanks to trusted courier partners who ensure fast and careful delivery. Whether day or night, the Shiprocket Quick app is ready and available 24/7, making it easier to meet your customers’ needs anytime. Whether you’re sending a parcel within the city or managing bulk deliveries, with no hidden charges, SR Quick is a dependable way to handle your within-city deliveries, ensuring they’re fast, affordable, and stress-free.
Conclusion
Understanding your parcel’s journey within the city helps you better manage deliveries. From the moment a parcel is packed and ready to be sent, it moves swiftly through various stages: pickup, sorting, and transportation until it reaches its final destination. Whether through road, air, or a combination of transport methods, ensuring a smooth process is key to fast, efficient delivery. With reliable courier partners, transparent pricing, and real-time tracking, you can be sure your parcel reaches its recipient safely and on time every time.
