courier companies- Capital Couriers

From Package to Doorstep: Understanding the Journey of Your Delivery

/in /by

The excitement of receiving a parcel is something that all of us identify with. The way we track the package, and wait for the parcel to arrive, it’s exciting, isn’t it?

But have you ever wondered how your parcels are sorted, processed and delivered? That’s what we’ve discussed in the sections below. 

How Are Your Packages Sorted?

Warehouses sort your packages in the following manner:

1.   Initial Sorting Process

When the packages arrive at the warehouse, workhouse workers or robotic arms unload the parcels from the trucks. Each of the parcels is then scanned by the workers to update the warehouse management system.

This scan captures information such as the parcels:

  • Weight
  • Dimensions
  • Destination

Workers use this data to categorize parcels for further processing.

2.   Using Conveyor Systems

After the packages are scanned, workers or robotic arms place the parcels on conveyor belts. These belts:

  • Transport the packages to various sorting stations
  • Are equipped with barcode scanners or RFIDs
  • Direct the packages to the correct sorting station based on their destination
  • Can be highly sophisticated, with multiple levels and diverters to handle a high volume of parcels

3.   Automated Sorting Machines

Some courier companies have advanced warehouses with automated sorting machines. These automated centers:

  • Can scan multiple parcels in a short fraction of time
  • Are equipped with Barcode scanners, OCR or Optical Character Recognition and AI
  • Can weigh the packages to find out if they meet shipping requirements

Once the automated sorting machines sort the packages, the belts send the parcels to their respective delivery chutes or bins.

4.   Manual Sorting

Though technology has advanced, we cannot rule out the importance of humans. There are some parcels which technology cannot handle. These parcels usually have ‘Fragile: Handle with Care’ or similar stickers on them.

It is for these parcels that warehouses use humans since they can better assess the force required to handle them.

5.   Initial Destination Based Sorting

Warehouse workers carry out destination-based sorting by considering the following:

  • Postal Codes
  • Specific Delivery Hubs
  • Delivery Routes

Warehouse staff consider the following parameters for international packages:

  • International Shipping Regulations
  • Customs requirements

6.   Quality Control

The warehouse staff regularly carry out quality checks at every step of the sorting process. As part of this process, warehouse staff:

  • Re-route the misrouted packages
  • Carry out automated checks
  • Manually inspect the packages

Now let’s discuss how your parcels are processed below.

How Are Your Packages Processed?

Your packages are processed in the following manner:

1.   Storage

After the warehouse workers sort the parcels they store the parcels in designated areas as per the destination, urgency, etc. After storing them, the staff log the updated location of each package in the Warehouse Management System (WMS).

Some of the methods used to store parcels are:

  • Pallet Racks
  • Shelving
  • Bins

2.   Order Pickup

Warehouse workers prepare the packages for pick up, depending upon the time required to dispatch the parcels, etc. They collect the parcels from their designated stations, to clearly bookmark them for delivery.

Workers prepare the parcels for order pick up in the following ways:

  • Batch Picking
  • Zone Picking
  • Wave Picking

The method used will depend on the warehouses:

  • Capacity to handle orders
  • Layout

3.   Order Packaging, Labeling and Documentation

Once the parcels are picked, workers or robotic arms ready the parcels for packaging. Occasionally, this may involve repackaging to secure the parcels.

The workers or robotic arms then stick delivery labels with the necessary information such as:

  • Receiver’s Address And Contact Details
  • Package Code
  • Destination code (for parcels that need to be delivered by air)
  • Address of the warehouse (in case the package isn’t delivered or needs to be returned)
  • RFID Code

Generally, warehouses equip packing stations with the following types of packaging or encasements to enhance the delivery experience:

  • Boxes
  • Bubble Wrap
  • Packing Peanuts

4.   Loading for Dispatch

After sorting, packaging and labelling the parcels, workers or robotic arms load the parcels onto the trucks for delivery. Warehouse staff load these parcels in the manner they’ll be delivered. This helps ensure efficiency and a decrease in loading time.

Workers create loading plans based on the packages:

  • Weight
  • Size
  • Delivery Sequence

5.   Dispatch

Once the workers load the parcels, the delivery vans or trucks begin their journey. These trucks follow pre-determined or planned routes which have some of the following features:

  • Minimal traffic
  • Eco-friendly (fuel-saving)

Delivery personnel often remain in constant touch with the warehouses, to keep them updated about the delivery status.

Now, how do warehouses deliver your parcels?

How Do Warehouses Deliver Your Packages?

Warehouses use the following methods to deliver your parcels:

1.   Electric and Autonomous Vehicles

Due to the advances in technology, some courier companies use electric and autonomous vehicles to deliver parcels.

Doing so has several benefits, such as:

  • Reduction in environmental pollution since electric vehicles do not use fuel
  • Reduced incidence of accidents, since autonomous vehicles have advanced route-mapping capabilities, which allows them to avoid congestion
  • Reduction in fuel and gas costs

2.   Drone Deliveries

The usage of drones for parcel delivery or making deliveries increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Courier companies use drones because they can:

  • Carry out last-mile deliveries (to remote locations)
  • Avoid traffic and make timely or fast deliveries
  • Maintain the ecological balance since they do not use fuel, which implies zero-emission
  • Carry out no-contact deliveries, minimizing the need to hire humans, which also implies reduced labor costs

3.   Manual Delivery

Though technology may have advanced, we cannot rule out the value of human touch. This is why most courier companies still maintain a venerable and respectable fleet of delivery vehicles, personnel, etc.

They keep in touch with their drivers throughout their journey and guide them as and when required, such as during:

  • Storms
  • Major city, state, or nationwide disturbances or unrest, etc.

Key Takeaways

  • The process for sorting parcels involves:
  1. Initial Sorting Process
  2. Using Conveyor Systems
  3. Automated Sorting
  4. Manual Sorting
  5. Initial Destination Based Sorting
  6. Quality Control
  • Parcel processing involves:
  1. Storage
  2. Order Pickup
  3. Order Packaging, Labeling and Documentation
  4. Loading for Dispatch
  5. Dispatch
  • Courier companies deliver your parcel with the help of:
  1. Electric and Autonomous Vehicles
  2. Drone Deliveries
  3. Manual Deliveries