With the popularity of initiatives such as Uber, it does not seem to be long until delivery services emerge in the Netherlands where private individuals can sign up to deliver a parcel. An excellent move, it seems. But there is one objection: consumers do not like to see a delivery driver without a uniform.
Edicia, an american supplier in parcel delivery software, asked 1145 consumers about delivery via crowdsourcing. This allows delivery people to sign up online to deliver a parcel. The delivery workers are not employed by a company and work when they want, using their own car or bicycle.
Reliability
A majority of respondents have reacted positively to such an initiative. They would be willing to use it in the future. 34 per cent of respondents prefer to use companies such as UPS and FedEx, largely because of the reliability of these delivery services.
Own transport and own clothing
Furthermore, the clothing worn by private delivery drivers is seen as a major drawback. Private individuals who make deliveries via crowdsourcing use their own transport and wear their own clothes. According to the respondents, this means they lack a professional appearance. Moreover, they find it problematic that they cannot recognise the delivery driver. The general consensus is that you’re more likely to open the door for someone in uniform. Consumers are also worried that the contents of their parcel might be stolen or damaged. Only 12 per cent of those surveyed said they had no objection to delivery drivers without a uniform.
Social transport in the Netherlands
Certain measures can partially eliminate distrust among consumers, according to an initiative close to home, as Greendropz has been established in the Netherlands. This project is currently only active in the Breda area. Anyone with a car can register with Greendropz to deliver a parcel to the recipient within two hours. The big difference with other initiatives is that Greendropz lets the recipient choose the driver himself. This driver is rated by reviews. This way, consumers know exactly who to expect at the front door and whether their parcel is in safe hands.
Earlier, logistics and supply chain journalist Marcel te Lindert wrote a blog on partial logistics. Does social transport have a future in the Netherlands? Read it here.
Editorial LogistiekProfs
