Averitt has expanded its residential delivery services network as part of its efforts to offer a complete supply chain solution to retail and e-commerce shippers.
“Driven by growth in the e-commerce sector, the retail industry is transforming, and so is the retail supply chain,” said Wayne Spain, Averitt’s president and chief operating officer.
“Averitt’s final-mile delivery and white glove services offer the capacity and technology that many retailers are struggling to secure in the market today.”
While e-commerce shipments have been traditionally tied to parcel delivery, Averitt’s last-mile network accommodates the transportation needs of bulky and heavy products. These types of residential deliveries can vary from pallets of floor tiling to outdoor grills and patio furniture.
The service enhancement will provide shippers with a variety of direct-to-customer delivery options. Aside from standard doorstep delivery, Averitt’s specialized white glove delivery services include room of choice delivery, unpacking and debris removal. The services also feature real-time shipment visibility, which has been a pain point for many retail shippers.
Managed by Averitt’s Specialized Services team, shippers and their customers have access to around-the-clock support and shipment oversight 365 days a year. The service underwent two years of testing and development before launching publicly. This involved piloting the service in select markets such as Atlanta.
In terms of growth, Averitt expects the demand for last-mile delivery services will continue to rise for the foreseeable future. Based on an analysis of the company’s top customers last year, 55% of the accounts had direct or indirect ties to the retail industry. This marked a 5% increase from 2017.
“We’re able to provide a smooth delivery experience that connects the shipper right to their customer’s living room,” Spain said. “As e-commerce growth continues and the need for residential services increases, we are positioned to meet the changing needs of our shippers and their customers.”