Courier hub services

The ‘Hub and Spoke’ system is how many next day courier and parcel courier services work. All the items are collected and delivered into a central hub and then the drivers become the ‘spokes’ delivering outbound to the customers.

This system works well when you have a lot of cargo or freight to be delivered in  a local area.

We operate two hub systems, one in Basildon Essex where items come in from various locations around the county and are then sifted and sent out again. The other hub we operate is in Kent, it does exactly the same as the Essex hub but in the Kent area.

Why do courier hubs work?

Courier hubs work for two reasons, one is a mass  sorting and sifting system that a parcel carrier uses. They operate most effectively on volume. Low cost, high volume parcel delivery.

The second reason a hub works is based on a local hub system, this is ideal for companies with a large consignment of freight that is destined to go to certain areas. These are dropped into a local depot and sifted and despatched via the spoke system.  Local courier hubs are fantastic for fragile items where in the parcel system they risk breakage, the local hub virtually eliminates this. The local hubs can often place their hands on the item you are looking for within minutes, a parcel hub it can take longer.

It’s a question of working out which service, is best for the items you are moving. Cargo or freight in the wrong courier hub system, will mean more breakages and damage so it’s essential you talk to your courier company and decide what is best for the type of goods you want delivering.

Regards

Kevin Arrow

Related articles

• Three tips to save you money with your Basildon same day courier (