We may all as UK citizens feel that the COVID-19 pandemic is now behind us, but on its wake, it has changed the way the entire world works. It has become a disruption on both micro and macro scales. It has disrupted the global logistics chains reminding us how connected our world has become. All these changes also has opened up new opportunities and sped up innovations, especially in courier services industry in United Kingdom.
With lockdowns, health concerns, and strict protocols, the shift towards mobile banking and fast-paced electronic commerce increased exponentially. When essentials required couriering, it was the couriers who came to the rescue. This change in consumer behavior pushed businesses of all types to rethink about securing their supplies through reliable freight and logistics. In a sense, UK’s growing delivery industry as a whole had to adapt according to these changes.
The Trends
Mobile and online shopping increased significantly throughout all demographics and locations. And it caused a wave of change in consumer behavior worldwide. It is expected that in 2023, the number of online retail sales will double (that’s a major shift). Now let’s look at some emerging trends in England, and, if they are here to stay.
Grocery Subscription & Deliveries to Homes
Subscription to products and services such as magazines or even the daily milk for our beloved cup of tea is nothing new. And yet, the increase in grocery subscriptions grows at an unprecedented rate. The increase is associated with how lockdowns and quarantine measures were implemented.
But even when the lockdowns are now lifted, the number of people subscribing to a regular grocery service remains. It is undeniable that the convenience of groceries delivered to your home is a key factor.
Today, not just in UK but in most western countries, consumers save time and effort by opting for a weekly subscription (or shop online and get your groceries delivered the same or next day) rather than going and lining up in local stores. As a result, it is likely that grocery shopping delivered to homes is here to stay and evolve in the future.
Operating a courier business in UK? Reliase the potential of these trends, can you add new clients who need to ship essentials to UK homes? Food for thought perhaps.
Ghost-Retailers
Another trend that gained popularity nowadays is ghost retailers. A ghost retailer (or store) is a business that is only accessible online. It has no physical store and only allows online shopping.
The prevalence of ghost retailers allows small businesses (online influencers working only on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram etc.) to gain presence at a minimal cost, too. Startups and small scale mum and day online sellers were able to sell their products from the comfort of their homes just using online platforms.
The concept of a ghost store facilitates a click-and-collect service where shoppers click and order products online or through a mobile application. They either have their own website, social media channels, or consign in E-commerce platforms to reach their consumers.
Ghost stores are also likely to employ third-party couriers to get their products shipped. Same day couriers allow such stores to have leverage because when an online item is bought, consumers love to get them shipped fast. Usually, the express dispatch or same day deliveries works best for such stores, especially for working from home business owners. Overall, we are likely to see more of these types of businesses in the future.
And as if we’re living in an era of science fiction, our smartphones have now become part of us. With an estimated 54 million users, smartphones sales are on the rise in United Kingdom (UK). Apple iPhone leading way followed by Samsung. Delivery Master Software for same day, overnight and international courier services puts UK’s courier companies in front of their valued with online customer web portal and improves productivity for delivery drivers allowing you to work efficiently using Delivery Master Mobile App.
AI and Machine Learning
The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning is no longer just a scene in a sci-fi movie. It is real and we’re all benefitting from it in our daily lives often times without even realising.
Machine learning makes use of algorithms which analyses data set. For example: when you search Google, complex machine learning algorithms work behind the scenes to show you search results. Used Google Maps lately? Such software programs and applications using algorithms evaluate traffic conditions in real time (as well as consider and update routes according to construction, traffic conditions, and accidents).
Artificial intelligence (AI) on the other hand, is used in automation for increased overall efficiency.
The use of AI and machine learning algorithms for logistics and courier industry is also revolutionary. It aids in route optimisation, predicting ETAs, postcode look up, and automated scheduling and dispatch of orders. It allows for more sophisticated delivery management that is beneficial for both the courier company owner and the consumer.
We should expect more development in the use of AI and machine learning in courier and logistic industry in UK. When you use your new courier management software, apart from other features, you can enjoy integrated postcode look-up which saves time and avoids errors when taking bookings from customers. Couple that with Delivery Master fleet tracking, you’ll have an easy to use, mobile friendly intuitive user interface. Talk to our friendly team to learn more about the benefits of Delivery Master Courier Software.