5 Logistics and Shipping Mistakes Your Business Need to Avoid

February 24, 2015

services-we-deliver-by-industry Shipping something from one place to another might seem extremely easy. However, because of the logistics involved, it’s not as simple as you think. Keep in mind these five shipping mistakes that your small business definitely needs to avoid.

Shipping Internationally Without Proper Research

Before you start shipping internationally, it’s extremely important to become familiar with the tax codes associated with each country you’ll be shipping to. Depending on the destination, taxes can be quite high.

If you ship small items, you don’t want to end up paying more taxes than your profit amount. Doing so, will put the business at risk in no time at all. Consequently, you may find that shipping internationally is not for you.

Guessing the Shipping Costs

There may be times when you are trying to send something out at the last minute. If you find yourself in a rush, don’t just guess the shipping costs. Mistakes can really add up.

For example, say you have an order of 50 widgets. You underestimated the shipping cost  by $1.50 per item. That results in a bill of $75, just for that one order. So, even if he has to wait an extra day to ship, it’s always necessary to go by actual shipping charges.

Choosing Not to Automate

Nowadays, almost every industry is automated. This includes the shipping industry. Many carriers charge extra when they have to process paper bills. That being said, it’s important for small businesses to automate and take advantage of this new technology.

Using Old Data to Estimate Costs

Always be prepared for shipping costs to increase. Using old data to earmark funds for shipping is not a good thing. Fuel costs rise. Drivers demand more pay. Fuel-efficient vehicles become necessary. All of these issues mean paying a higher cost for shipping. There’s no way to avoid it. It’s just part of doing business.

Opting for the Wrong Level of Service

Yes, customer satisfaction is very important. However, don’t opt for the wrong level of shipping service , just to please the customer.

In other words, don’t spend extra money on priority shipping if the customer hasn’t asked for it. Although they will no doubt appreciate it, you probably can’t afford an extra cost.

As a small business, the last thing you want to do is lose money. Paying attention to your logistics and shipping costs and doing all you can to keep them as low as possible will ensure that your business remains profitable.

 

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By Clara Bailey May 14, 2025
The Role of GPS Tec hnology in Courier Services GPS technology has shifted from being a navigation tool for personal vehicles to becoming a critical component in logistics and delivery services. Here’s how GPS technology is reshaping the way courier companies operate today. 1. Real-Time Tracking and Visibility One significant benefit of GPS technology is the ability to track deliveries in real time. For courier businesses like Power Link Courier in Ontario, which ship packages across Canada and the USA, having live tracking not only ensures accuracy but also provides peace of mind for customers. Businesses can monitor their fleets, ensuring drivers are taking the most efficient routes and maintaining a steady schedule. With real-time tracking: Customers can monitor their shipments from dispatch to delivery. Companies can provide accurate estimated delivery times. Delivery drivers benefit from re-routes and navigation tips during unexpected delays, such as heavy traffic or road construction. This level of transparency fosters trust and adds a professional edge to the service. 2. Optimized Route Planning For courier companies, finding the fastest and most cost-effective routes is essential to stay competitive. GPS technology uses advanced algorithms to calculate the best delivery routes based on factors such as: Traffic patterns Distance Delivery priority Road closures For a company like Power Link Courier, which covers vast regions across Canada and the USA, route optimization significantly cuts delivery time, lowers fuel consumption, and reduces wear and tear on vehicles. 3. Improved Driver Efficiency It’s no secret that time is money in the delivery business. GPS systems enable drivers to operate more efficiently by providing up-to-date navigation assistance. 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Reduced Operational Costs Managing costs is a significant priority for courier companies. GPS technology is a game-changer when it comes to saving operational expenses. Lower fuel consumption through optimized routing. Reduced overtime costs by ensuring deliveries are completed on schedule. Minimized mistakes such as failed deliveries by providing accurate directions. Efficient resource allocation allows companies like Power Link Courier to service broader territories without increasing costs or compromising service standards. 6. Faster Problem Resolution Unexpected issues, such as roadblocks, vehicle breakdowns, or incorrect addresses, can slow down delivery processes. GPS technology enables courier companies to detect problems in real time and act quickly. Dispatch teams can: Send alternative routes to drivers. Assign backup drivers or vehicles when needed. Communicate with the customer proactively to manage expectations. For courier companies like Power Link Courier, this is especially beneficial when coordinating shipments across large countries like Canada and the USA, where delays can compound over long distances. Why Choose Power Link Courier? At Power Link Courier , we understand the importance of leveraging technology, such as GPS tracking, to deliver top-tier service. Whether you're shipping locally or across borders, our solutions ensure your packages arrive exactly when and where they’re supposed to—with full transparency every step of the way. Key benefits of shipping with us: Coverage across all of Canada and the USA. Real-time GPS tracking for complete shipment visibility. Efficient route planning to save time and costs. A dedicated team of logistics professionals ready to assist with your needs. When you choose Power Link Courier, you’re choosing efficiency, reliability, and peace of mind backed by cutting-edge technology. GPS technology is transforming the courier landscape, providing solutions to challenges that once plagued delivery operations. From improved efficiency to enhanced customer satisfaction, the benefits are clear. Whether you're a logistics professional or a courier driver looking to optimize your operations, integrating GPS technology into your business strategy isn’t just an option anymore; it’s a necessity to stay competitive. For businesses shipping across Canada and the USA, Power Link at 905-693-1143 exemplifies how technology-driven logistics can take your deliveries to the next level. Interested in learning more about how we deliver excellence? Contact us today at to see how we can help your business thrive!
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