US-based last-mile specialists OnTrac has launched its weekend delivery service. This is to assist retailers to reach customers every day of the week. The service will be available to 75% of the company’s network, stretching over 31 states.
Josh Dinneen, Chief Commercial Officer of OnTrac says: “Consumers shop online every day and expect to get their orders as quickly as possible, regardless of the day of the week. Restricting the delivery window to business days fails to meet their needs for faster delivery and puts retailers at risk of losing business.”
Dinneen adds that at a time when other carriers are scaling back their service offerings, OnTrac has taken on this initiative. “We look forward to continuing to invest in solutions and network enhancements that help our retail partners to reach their customers with industry-leading, faster delivery,” he says.
Faster delivery
In a statement about its weekend service, the company says: “Consumers shop online every day and expect fast delivery – no matter what day it is.”
Here is how retailers will benefit:
- Average transit time is two days faster than other carriers.
- There are no additional fees for Saturday and Sunday.
- Retailers will acquire more customers, build brand loyalty, and generate positive feedback by meeting consumer expectations of faster delivery.
- Retailers can differentiate themselves from competitors who do not deliver to customers on weekends.
- With 7-day deliveries, customers do not have to wait a few days for a parcel to be delivered.
OnTrac’s last-mile solution
The company was founded in 1991 as California Overnight. Fast forward a few years, OnTrac has reached over 65 million customers. Today, the company’s logistics network connects companies to local delivery professionals through leading technology, advanced material handling, and excellent customer service.
In July 2023, the company launched in Texas in the fast-growing, urban megaregion of Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio to reach 19 million new consumers. OnTrac also expanded its transcontinental delivery service to all its sort centers to move packages from coast to coast in four days.
Industry players catching on
Last month, logistics giant UPS announced the launch of a weekend residential delivery service, bringing Saturday deliveries to customers in major cities in Canada. At the time of the announcement, UPS Canada President Stephanie Dexter said: “UPS is helping businesses meet customer expectations for timely, convenient deliveries. We are excited to help them grow and compete in today’s market.”
Australia Post (AusPost) also recently expanded its Saturday service, now offering Saturday delivery for customers in Melbourne.
On the flip side to weekends, companies are also changing their delivery times to suit customer’s needs. In November, Panther Logistics, the UK’s leading 2-person logistics company, launched a new offering allowing customers to choose during standard office hours. Customers can receive deliveries between either 8 am and 4 pm or 9 am and 5 pm on weekdays and weekends.
Also Read: Don’t cut off your customer: Boost sales with route optimization
About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
