Door to door service
Nowadays, the need of customers for the door to door service is on the increase. The door to door service is the best way to exports because it provides a one shop solution for transferring goods to almost everywhere in the world. The door to door service ordinarily has a higher profit margin than a unimodal carriage, so many couriers have extended their business to supplied door to door service. The wide use of containers is also bolstered by the door to door service. The standardization of containers makes multimodal transport of goods (named also intermodal or combined transport) much easier. Notwithstanding the numbers of changes in modes of transport or transhipments, all a sender needs to make is to form one contract with one courier. Under the contract, the courier collects the load in the sender's warehouse and transfer it to the final destination. Even though the door to door service is frequently provided by couriers, other practitioners of the logistics industry might also do it. In practice[1]:
other intermediaries frequently act as multimodal transport operators. The carriage, depending on the intention of the parties might be multimodal or unimodal under a door to door service contract. The choice of mode of transport for unimodal transport is simply. Goods are generally carried by rail or truck if it is practicable. If not, there are chosen air transport if prompt delivery is needed and the goods have a high value. Containerized goods are not normally transported by air, because they are heavy[2].
There is a difference between cities which are the air passenger market segments using door to door services. Although Boston is the city of the least likely segment using this service is the non-resident business traveler. About 65% to 70% of the travelers, in all markets except Boston, are using this service during non-business trips. In San Franciso, who mostly uses this access mode is the non-business traveler non-resident: in the different cities, it is the resident non-business traveler. An exception is Boston's U.S Shuttle and the second highest use is by the non-resident business travel segment[3].
Examples of Door to door service
- Air Freight: Air freight is one of the most common forms of door-to-door service. Door-to-door air freight transportation involves the pickup of goods from the point of origin, the shipment of the goods by air, and the delivery of the goods to the point of destination.
- Ocean Freight: Ocean freight is another common form of door-to-door service. Door-to-door ocean freight involves the pickup of goods from the point of origin, the shipment of the goods by sea, and the delivery of the goods to the point of destination.
- Ground Freight: Ground freight is another popular form of door-to-door service. Door-to-door ground freight involves the pickup of goods from the point of origin, the shipment of the goods by land, and the delivery of the goods to the point of destination.
- Courier Services: Courier services are another door-to-door service that is becoming increasingly popular. Courier services involve the pickup of goods from the point of origin, the efficient and secure delivery of the goods to the point of destination, and the delivery of the goods to the point of destination.
Advantages of Door to door service
The door to door service offers a number of advantages for customers, including:
- Increased efficiency - Door to door service eliminates the need for multiple operators, allowing for a single contract between the sender and the courier. This eliminates the need for multiple transfers, allowing for a more direct and efficient route for goods to reach their destination.
- Reduced costs - Door to door service also reduces costs associated with multiple transfers and/or multiple operators. Rather than having to pay for multiple transfers or multiple operators, customers can pay one fee for the entire shipment.
- Greater convenience - Door to door service is also more convenient than other services, as customers can simply hire a single courier to handle the entire shipment. This eliminates the need to coordinate multiple shipments and operators, which can be a time-consuming and difficult process.
- Improved security - With door to door service, customers can be assured that their goods will be securely transferred from their warehouse to their destination. The single contract between the sender and the courier allows for greater tracking and accountability, ensuring that goods will not be lost or mishandled during shipment.
Limitations of Door to door service
- The door to door service is typically more expensive than other freight services, and customers may need to pay additional fees for packing, handling, customs clearance, and other services.
- The door to door service may be time-consuming, with long journey times, since the goods need to pass through multiple stages of transportation and handling.
- Door to door services are often limited in terms of the weight, size and type of goods that can be shipped. Some goods may also be prohibited.
- Door to door services require a high level of trust between the customer and the courier, since the goods are handled by multiple parties during the journey.
- There is also the possibility of delays due to bad weather, traffic, and other unforeseen events. In addition, the customer may not be able to track their goods while in transit.
One other approach related to Door to door services is:
- Packing services - This includes packing, wrapping and crating of goods to ensure they are properly protected and arrive safely at their destination.
- Insurance services - This includes providing insurance coverage for the goods during transit, providing a certain amount of protection in the event of loss or damage during transit.
- Logistics services - This involves coordinating the movement of goods from one point to another, including packing, storage and handling.
- Tracking services - This includes providing tracking information on the whereabouts of the goods during transit and updates on the progress of the shipment.
In conclusion, door to door services provide a comprehensive solution for the transfer of goods worldwide, covering packing, insurance, logistics and tracking services. This makes it easier for companies to move their goods from one point to another, with the assurance that their goods will arrive in the same condition as when they left.
Footnotes
| Door to door service — recommended articles |
| Transloading — Container lease — Freight carrier — Container depot — Break bulk cargo — Freight out — Accessorial charges — Bonded warehouse — Liner terms |
References
- Burkhardt J.E. (2011)., Sharing the Costs of Human Services Transportation: Research report, Transportation Research Board
- Chan F.W.H, Jimmy J.M, Wong B.K.Y. (2002)., Shipping and Logistics Law: Principles and Practice in Hong Kong, Hong Kong University Press
- Coogan M.A. (2002)., Strategies for Improving Public Transportation Access to Large Airports, Transportation Research Board
- Rees A. (2013)., Out and About, Door to Door: a history of HcL/Handicabs - the first 30 years, MA MBE
Author: Alicja Ryszka
