A comparison of 3 cycle delivery models

Below, we have explored the 3 main cycle delivery service methods. These are broad categories, and overlaps do exist with a depending on the business setup. The cargo can also vary from time sensitive documents to fast food delivery.

1 Mail

Express mail delivery is always in demand, but the postage costs can be high even excessive. Can you provide a competing service for the local businesses in your town or city? 

Operation Considerations

This is a model that can be entered into with minimum investment and is perfect for standard cycles with a few inexpensive add-ons to help carry documents safely. As these can be very important take an urgent contract that needs signing and returning.  If business grows, you have an option to add a small trailer.

This model is best suited to high occupancy commercial arrears or possibly residential areas. The later may be suited to working with the local council to deliver time-critical documentation or correspondence.

2 Point to Point

This is operating under a simple on-demand basis, with the courier providing a collection and delivery service. The delivery time being based on the service deliver parameters agreed within the contract. In this model, urgent deliveries would be the most expensive.  

Operation Considerations

  • Request for this service can be at any time of the day, and it is vital to be able to optimise for efficient use of your fixed resources. The cargo size may be larger than standard mail, so consider whether adding trailers or employing cargo bikes.

3 Last Mile

This typically involves delivery on a larger scale from depots located on the outskirts to the town or city centre.

Operation Considerations

Most likely will need a secure storage area and good levels of insurance that includes goods in transit and storage. Trikes are more suited as deliveries will be larger, with many operators offering a local outsourcing service to the bigger national carriers like DHL for example.

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