In an era like this, where small businesses purchase goods online and also service hundreds of customers outside their physical location, the need for a good and reliable logistics / delivery partner can hardly be overstated. You would not want to end up with a logistics partner that gets your delivery all mixed up, damaged or even lost.
Not every logistics company engages in door to door delivery, but if you want to turn your stress level down a notch, it is better to get one that offers a hybrid solutions. Your logistics partner should be able to get in your goods from any country where you purchase from, take care of the customs end of things and deliver it safely to you, in one piece. The logistics company you use should also be able to handle within the country deliveries for your customers in different states across.
After much considerations, here are some logistics partners with unique offerings that can work well with small business owners. Flexibility in product offering is worth considering, and so is insurance and reliability and all of the options on this list check the boxes. Though the list is not exhaustive, these logistics companies listed have features and packages that can suit even the smallest business owner. They have been listed in alphabetical order. Check them out, do your research and pick the one that best suits your business needs.
AB Logistics
AB Logistics offer domestic shipping to all states in Nigeria, and global shipping to other countries at affordable prices. The company offers door-to-door delivery and next day delivery services in Lagos and Nigeria for as low as ₦1,800, and users can also track their package from where it is picked up until it is delivered. Other features include freight services, haulage, packaging, and warehousing. It is definitely something that small and medium scale businesses would find helpful.
There is also insurance cover on shipped items, and you can use the rate calculator to find out the price before shipping. That way, you already know what to charge your customers for delivery.
Courier Plus
CourierPlus is a logistics and delivery services company founded in 2009. It has about 400 employees globally and offers express courier and logistic support solutions. In addition to the domestic services (delivery across different states), Courier Plus offers international services, custom business solutions, mailroom management and warehousing, local and international ecommerce delivery. They are also a good option for you to consider.
In 2012, CourierPlus Services Limited was acquired by Superflux International Limited in 2012.
DHL
Most small business owners in Nigeria know DHL, and may likely have used their service or know someone who has, seeing as the company is said to deliver about 1.2 billion parcels annually and in more than 220 countries. It is a repuatable company that handles courier, parcel and mail delivery services. It is a division of the German logistics company Deutsche Post DHL – a leading brand in the global logistics industry.
Though DHL is a reliable logistics company, they are not known to have special packages or features for business owners. If you consider using this company, you can reach a branch close to you, and negotiate benefits as suits both parties.
FedEx
FedEx is an American delivery services company founded in 1971. With over 400,000 staff worldwide, FedEx is providing delivery services, express mail, freight, forwarding, third-party logistics, etc. Even in Nigeria, this company is one of the leaders in the logistics space.
GIG Logistics
God Is Good (GIG) Logistics is a reputable delivery service provider that help small business owners deliver their packages to over 200 locations both local and international. They offer residential courier services, office courier services, e-Commerce delivery, including ‘Pick-up and delivery’ service, so you don’t have to move an inch if you don’t want to. The GIGGO app enables you to request pickup and also track your items.
You can also use them for your bulk purchases from out of the country, as they offer shipping from China, UK, US and over 230 nations. GIG Logistics prides itself on cheap, safe and fast delivery. Small business owners that use this service frequently can get on their Merchant platform plans, and enjoy discounts on all shipping (both local and international), Free Bulk Pick up for Interstate deliveries, Free insurance cover on all shipments, Priority Shipping and zero charges on COD (Cash on Delivery) option.
Valuehandlers International Limited
Valuehandlers Specializes in air and sea freight shipping, customs clearing & cargo Servicing from and to 80 countries. They ship packages, items, equipment, machines, raw materials, dangerous goods, personal effects, Trucks, and Cars, and other items that you may not easily get other companies to ship for you.
From deliveries to and from Germany, UK, India, USA, Spain, France, Poland, China, Singapore, Italy, Dubai, UAE, Valuehandlers deliver impressive service. They are also deliver freights to all states in Nigeria. Check out their services and see how best they can fit into what you do already.
Zenith Carex
Zenith Carex is international registered and licensed to handle clearing and forwarding of goods and deliveries. They also handle domestic logistics services and have about 40 offices across Nigeria. So if you import the raw materials used for your productions, or import finished products directly from manufacturers in other countries, you could give this company a shot. Check out their website for details.
Keep in mind
You want to be very sure of the reputation of the company you choose as your logistics partner, but it is also important to have a legal agreement or document with the said company. You are not just some random individual using their service once in a year. You are a business person that may require the service several times in a week or even in a day, depending on the volume of orders and supplies.
Make sure to have a clear agreement that details benefits you can enjoy (like discounts), insurance cover in case of lost or damaged good, terms of payments and deliveries etc. You can get a lawyer to work something out for you.
