Routed vs. Scheduled Deliveries: What is the Difference?

As a business owner, partnering with a professional courier service is essential for ensuring timely and efficient deliveries. Depending on the items you are sending, where you are sending them to, when you need them to get there, and how much you are looking to spend, one type of delivery service may be better for you than the others. Routed and scheduled delivery services are two of the most popular options for businesses. While routed deliveries allow for more flexibility and on-demand delivery, scheduled deliveries are better suited for recurring or pre-planned shipments. In addition to these key differences, there are other factors that set these two services apart. In this blog, we will discuss what routed and scheduled deliveries are and the main differences between them.

What is a Routed Delivery?

A routed delivery is a type of service where a courier company assigns drivers to specific routes based on the destination and timing of deliveries. These routes are carefully planned out to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective delivery process. Routed deliveries are usually used for same-day or on-demand shipments, making them ideal for urgent deliveries.

What is a Scheduled Delivery Service?

As its name suggests, a scheduled delivery service involves shipments that are pre-planned and scheduled for specific dates and times. This type of service is often used for recurring or regular deliveries, such as weekly supply orders or monthly sales shipments. For businesses with a consistent delivery schedule, scheduled deliveries can offer convenience and reliability. Also, since these deliveries are pre-planned, they can be worked into your overall budget planning.

Routed Deliveries are More Flexible than Scheduled Deliveries

As mentioned earlier, routed deliveries are ideal for urgent or on-demand shipments. With these types of deliveries, you have the flexibility to request a pickup and delivery at any time during business hours. This can be especially beneficial for businesses that may experience unexpected supply needs changes or last-minute customer orders.

Scheduled Deliveries Offer More Consistency

For businesses that have recurring or regular shipments, scheduled deliveries can provide more consistency and reliability. With a pre-planned schedule, you can ensure your delivery arrives at the same time each day, week, or month. This reliability can be essential for businesses that rely on inventory or supplies being delivered on time for their operations to run smoothly.

Routed Deliveries May Be More Cost-Effective

Since routed deliveries are based on specific routes and timings, they may be more cost-effective than scheduled deliveries. This is due to the fact that the courier company can optimize their routes to minimize travel time and expenses, resulting in lower costs for businesses. However, this can depend on the distance and number of stops required for a routed delivery.

Scheduled Deliveries May Have More Restrictions than Routed

While scheduled deliveries offer consistency and reliability, they may also have more restrictions. For example, if a holiday or unexpected storm occurs on your scheduled delivery day, it may be delayed or rescheduled. This can cause delays in your business operations and affect your relationships with the recipients. Routed deliveries, on the other hand, are not as restricted and can adapt better to random changes.

Request an Estimate on B2C Routed & Scheduled Delivery Services in Massachusetts, New York, Florida, & Across the East Coast

At Xpressman Trucking & Courier, we offer both routed and scheduled delivery options to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Based in Randolph, Massachusetts, we provide high-quality, efficient courier services throughout Massachusetts, New York, Florida, and across the East Coast. Through our online client portal, you can easily request a pick-up and track your deliveries in real time. For your last-minute or recurring shipment needs, our drivers will get your packages to their destination where you need it when you need it there. To learn more and request a free estimate, call us at 781-836-4614 or request an instant online quote!