NetDespatch moves Courier Logistics online
09 June 2005

Courier Logistics has launched a new web-based service allowing companies to book, track and manage their own parcel consignments online. The innovative development is underpinned by NetDespatch web services, with a product called Velocity that links 130 APC depots nationwide via the Internet. Velocity gives Courier Logistics an important customer service advantage in simplifying bookings. It allows shippers to log-in their own consignments and print barcoded tracking labels prior to collection.

Already the first businesses to use the service are singing its praises as it makes arranging collections and deliveries much easier and quicker. Courier Logistics, who are based in Rotherham, regularly handle more overnight consignments than any other depot in the APC network.

“NetDespatch is a really important innovation and the service has gone down really well with our customers. We thought there would be concerns about using the Internet, but everyone has found it so easy and convenient that the uptake has been much better than expected” says Paul Johnson, Marketing Director of Courier Logistics. “Anyone can simply log on and book in a delivery - it is a lot quicker than hand-writing forms. And when we come to collect the shipment, labels are already produced and work is all pre-booked”.

Formed in 1995, Courier Logistics has been a local success story, with annual turnover increasing from £2.8 million to £4 million in the last year. Providing sameday courier, overnight parcel, international express, and pallet services, the company attributes much of this success to the popularity of the APC next day delivery services.

The NetDespatch system, which is called Velocity, also provides quotes and allows each consignment to be tracked, with confirmation of delivery sent automatically by e-mail. Being an easy to access web service, companies can check on shipments from anywhere and the all previous shipment details are available instantly for checking back and producing useful management reports.