Top 10 Myths and Truths about same day couriers
Same-day courier services in the UK trace their origins back to the early 20th century, when they first emerged in London as a solution for urgent deliveries. Initially driven by the city’s rapidly growing economy and the need for fast, reliable transportation, these services have evolved over time. Despite their long history, many still view same-day delivery as a relatively modern concept. In this blog post, we will explore some of the common truths and misconceptions surrounding same-day courier services.
1. Same day delivery is more expensive for businesses – MYTH
It is a common assumption that urgent, same day delivery is significantly more expensive than overnight or standard freight services. However, in practice, same day delivery can be more cost-effective for time-critical shipments.
By eliminating the need for additional storage and warehouse handling fees, businesses can reduce costs associated with inventory replenishment. In some cases, same day delivery can even replace costly overnight shipping, helping to lower overall logistics expenses.
For instance, a delivery required by 9 a.m. can be dispatched early that same morning, avoiding the need for overnight warehousing and transit.
2. Same day courier services are inherently unreliable – MYTH
Many businesses express concern that last-minute shipments may lead to increased risks of errors or delays.
However, courier services like eCourier provide dedicated, point-to-point delivery—also referred to as premium delivery—ensuring that each vehicle carries only a single consignment at a time. This significantly reduces the risk of loss, misrouting, or mix-ups.
To further enhance reliability and transparency, eCourier offers real-time tracking and 24/7 monitoring, providing clients with peace of mind throughout the delivery process.
3. Same day couriers only operate within business hours – MYTH
A common misconception in the logistics industry is that same day courier services operate only during standard office hours.
In reality, eCourier operates 24/7, 365 days a year to support businesses whenever and wherever they need us.
Whether it’s a bank holiday, public holiday, or any season of the year, our clients can rely on the eCourier team to deliver without interruption.
Additionally, our dedicated customer service team is available around the clock to ensure all inquiries are addressed promptly and professionally.
4. Same day delivery is available everywhere, at every distance – MYTH
While eCourier continues to expand its network of depots across the UK, there are still certain remote or hard-to-reach areas where service may be limited.
In such rare instances, our couriers may be unable to deliver to specific postcodes due to challenges in locating properties—particularly in newly developed areas where postcodes may not yet appear in Satnavs or courier booking systems.
In these cases, we recommend that senders choose an alternative delivery address that is recognised in our systems. This approach ensures secure delivery and gives customers peace of mind, knowing their item won’t be lost or damaged in transit.
Our real-time tracking system further enhances confidence by providing full visibility throughout the delivery journey.
5. All same day courier services offer the same fleet and pricing – MYTH
While same day courier services may appear similar in terms of fleet vehicles, each provider prioritises different values and business objectives.
At eCourier, our commitment lies in achieving Net Zero by expanding our zero-emissions fleet and actively contributing to environmental sustainability.
Operating primarily in major UK cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham, we are aware of the impact urban pollution has on local communities and ecosystems.
That’s why we retire end-of-life vehicles in favour of cleaner, greener alternatives. For smaller, short-distance deliveries, we actively promote the use of our zero-emission cargo bikes, offering customers a practical way to make a positive environmental impact.
This dedication to sustainability distinguishes eCourier—we are driven not only by service excellence, but by a responsibility to the planet.
6. Offering Same Day delivery can boost customer satisfaction – TRUTH
As customer expectations continue to shift toward on-demand, same day delivery, it’s essential for businesses to adapt accordingly. Companies that implement same-day fulfilment often experience notable improvements in client satisfaction and loyalty.
In business-to-business environments, the ability to provide rapid turnaround—such as dispatching an urgent courier within hours rather than waiting 3–5 working days—offers a competitive advantage.
This responsiveness can be critical for businesses that require last-minute solutions to maintain continuity.
By addressing urgent needs promptly, companies not only solve immediate challenges but also build stronger, more dependable relationships with their partners.
7. Same day courier services can scale for large enterprises via integrated networks – TRUTH
Developing an in-house, global same-day delivery network is undeniably costly and complex.
Few businesses have the resources to build and manage such infrastructure independently, as it demands extensive coordination—from managing a fleet of vehicles to implementing an effective courier management system.
A growing solution for large enterprises is to scale their same-day logistics capabilities by partnering with established courier networks, such as eCourier.
For instance, eCourier partnered with the corporate food delivery platform Feedr to provide tailored logistics support.
Through this partnership, eCourier ensured precise, on-time deliveries using a dedicated fleet of branded vehicles, helping Feedr consistently meet tight delivery windows.
By leveraging existing courier networks, businesses can reduce operational strain while offering consumers a broader range of reliable, same-day delivery options.
8. Same day couriers must comply with all standard regulatory requirements – TRUTH
Despite the advancements in same-day courier services, these operations remain fully subject to shipping and safety regulations.
Same-day couriers must comply with the same transportation, labour, and environmental laws as any other carrier.
For instance, drivers are required to possess the appropriate licenses, undergo background checks, and receive comprehensive training to perform their duties safely and efficiently.
For international shipments, courier services are obligated to adhere to stringent import and export regulations.
Specifically, for medical deliveries, eCourier ensures that our drivers are trained in the safe handling and transportation of sensitive items, including nuclear and hazardous materials.
In summary, eCourier is committed to delivering exceptional service while strictly following all relevant regulatory standards, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance in every operation.
9. Most professional same day couriers carry full insurance for goods in transit – TRUTH
At eCourier, we recognise that many of our clients rely on our services to transport high-value goods, and some may require insurance coverage for added peace of mind.
To address this, we automatically provide insurance for items up to £250, provided the goods are properly packaged and the customer’s booking type aligns with our policy.
While damage in transit is rare, this coverage ensures that our customers feel confident in the safety of their shipments.
For higher-value items, eCourier offers insurance coverage up to £10,000, subject to the goods meeting our insurance criteria.
10. AI and Automations are taking over same day delivery systems. – TRUTH
eCourier’s courier system leverages AI technology to optimise route planning and efficiently assign jobs to drivers.
A significant portion of our courier operations is automated, allowing our team to focus on the key elements of the delivery process, rather than getting bogged down by routine tasks.
When a customer places a booking, our intelligent AI-powered algorithm immediately assigns the job to the appropriate control office, ensuring rapid and accurate assignment of couriers.
The system also provides customers with estimated time of arrival (ETA) for their collection, offering a reliable timeframe for when the courier will arrive. While this is an estimated time, our team is committed to ensuring that collections occur within the specified window.
Automation is transforming same-day deliveries, allowing us to prioritise the most critical aspects of service and maintain efficiency across all operations.
