3 Business-changing Tips for Expanding Your Courier Network

Ask any professional driver and they will no doubt tell you that expanding their courier network is right up there among their top priorities. But ask them how or what they are doing to achieve such a goal, and it’s a fair bet they might not have a solid idea. We have the following three tips that can help.

Consider Electric Vehicles

With the rising cost of fuel, and with major electric car manufacturer Tesla making the patents of their proprietary technologies used in manufacturing their electric vehicles public (and therefore free), it may soon be an option to switch to electric vehicles as part of an overall effort in expanding your courier network. You don’t even have to take the full plunge into electric vehicles - for starters, you can use hybrids like Toyota’s Prius. What’s more, switching to electric vehicles as a major part of your strategy could also become a major selling point: potential customers may be compelled to use your services in order to play a part in conserving the environment. Being seen as a ‘green’ courier could certainly gain you some kudos.

Understand the Nature of Time

We’re not trying to be metaphysical here, but rather, we’re treating time as a finite resource. It's important to understand the impact of effective time management in improving your business and therefore expanding your courier network. For couriers who mean serious business (or those that want to stay operational for years to come), it is very important to plan optimum usage of time and understand how to exploit time-related advantages as much as possible.

For starters, as part of an effective time management strategy, you must establish efficient ways to handle work interruptions – you need contingencies and options should they occur. You should also be able to identify time wasters (in processes as well as personnel) and have the courage to eliminate them. And, most importantly, especially important in this service-oriented industry, you need to be able to say ‘no’ to unreasonable demands.

Lead, Not Manage

There is a vital difference between leading and managing, and the former is, of course, what’s important as far as expanding your courier network is concerned. Many proprietors or managers are unaware of the importance of delegation and teaching staff the art of self-management. Teaching leadership - its theory and practice, specifically in the context of running a courier business - is a central element in effective management. But this is not haphazardly achievable; it can be done only by use of the right reinforcement techniques and inspiring individual commitment to the company’s performance goals. Needless to say, leadership values must be inculcated in the company’s culture to an extent that it becomes intrinsic.

Take note of these tips and you will be well on the way to creating a business success.

Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading courier network providing and matching jobs in the express freight exchange industry. Over 2,500 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading courier jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.