Introduction
Are you new to the UAE online retail market? Maybe, you have been in business for a while but as you scale, you want better shipping solutions with lesser transit times for your customers and more cost effective for you. But it’s not that easy, is it?
If you already run an online store in the UAE, you probably already know that shipping is more than just sending out parcels. It’s a whole operation on its own. From first mile to the last, every step matters. Whether it be automating shipping management, or cost optimization for shipments, with a multi-carrier shipping solution, you can win most of your shipping battles.
Now you might question why a single carrier isn’t the ideal solution. You could always go to the cheaper carrier available like Barq Express or Shiplifier, and ship with them directly. But what if they were to pause their operations for some unforeseeable reason?
You are now caught off guard, in the midst of a supply chain surprise (not a pleasant one in particular). You’d need to find a new shipping partner to fulfill your orders.
This is exactly why as an online retailer in the UAE and beyond, a multi-carrier shipping solution is what you should opt for. No one would let you on their trade secrets, but this approach is transforming how many UAE retailers manage their logistics.
Let’s delve deeper into why multi-carrier shipping isn’t just ‘nice to have’ but a necessity for you as an online seller in the UAE, and how you can optimize it for your business.
What is the Real Shipping Challenge in the UAE?
You know the cliché. To most people, UAE is synonymous with Dubai or Abu Dhabi. As an online retailer though, the geography goes far and beyond.
If you didn’t already know, the UAE consists of seven emirates, each with its own delivery challenges. For instance, if you ship from Dubai to Sharjah, it’s often straightforward and quick.
But what about deliveries to Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, or Umm Al Quwain? Well, courier coverage varies, and some providers charge differently depending on the destination. Also, the availability of same-day or next-day delivery options isn’t consistent across all emirates.
Add to that UAE peak seasons including Ramadan, Eid, or Dubai Shopping Festival, when courier services get stretched thin, and you can see why relying on a single courier can be risky.
A recent study also emphasizes this. It mentions how integrating multiple carriers and transport modes improves logistics resilience and overall performance in the UAE, especially during peak seasons.
Chances are you’d get overwhelmed by the order volumes and find yourself making frantic searches like ‘multi-carrier shipping UAE’, or maybe ‘eCommerce shipping solutions UAE’.
The point? Partner with a multi-carrier solution to begin with. As a brand if your focus in on sustainability and growth, a solution like eShipper UAE is what you should consider.
What is Multi-Carrier Shipping?
At its core, multi-carrier shipping means partnering with several courier companies rather than putting all your eggs in one basket.
For instance, you get to have access to courier and postal services from Emirates Post, Aramex, DHL, and others – all in a single platform. But that’s just one aspect. You also get access to a multi-carrier shipping software that integrates these accounts and lets you manage them all in one place. We are talking real-time tracking, the cheaper carrier rates and faster transit times – multiple options to give you the best solution depending on what your customer needs.
Instead of manually checking rates or delivery options on different websites, such a software will compare everything for you. When an order comes in, it will choose the best courier based on several factors including cost, speed, and reliability. Then print the shipping label for your products and track the package automatically until it reaches your customer.
Think of it like having a virtual operations manager seamlessly handle not only your first mile but also your last mile delivery.
What are the benefits of Multi-Carrier Shipping for UAE Online Retailers?
Here’s some of the reasons why a multi-carrier shipping solution might be ideal for you as a UAE online retailer:
- Shipping Cost Optimization
Shipping costs in the UAE can vary widely, depending on the courier, parcel size, and destination. Emirates Post might offer a better rate for small parcels sent locally, but for urgent international deliveries, DHL or FedEx could be faster despite being the more expensive option.
Infact there is a study that supports this exact approach. Especially how using multiple carriers can enable your business to optimize cost, delivery routes, and service quality in a dynamic market like the UAE.
How can a multi-carrier solution help? Say, you choose to go ahead with a solution provider like eShipper UAE. Now you get to select the more cost-effective carriers. Over hundreds or thousands of shipments, this can lead to significant savings.
- Improved Delivery Speeds
With express delivery options available in the market, customers expect their orders to arrive quickly. Whether it’s a last-minute gift or a necessity like phone accessories, fast delivery can make or break your reputation.
Using a multi-carrier platform allows you to deliver faster. If one carrier’s experiencing delays, the system can help you reroute future deliveries to a different, more effective carrier for your orders. This flexibility reduces missed deliveries and keeps your customers happy. Take for example, Fetchr, which is more focussed on last-mile delivery in urban centers, making them of the best options to deliver in Downtown Dubai.
- Offering Multiple Shipping Options at Checkout
Not every customer has the same priorities. Some want the cheapest option and don’t mind waiting a few days. Others want express or same-day delivery, even if it costs a bit more.
By using a multi-carrier system, you can offer several shipping choices. From standard and express to same-day shipping, with prices that reflect the best rates from your carrier partners. Access to such shipping solutions in the UAE market, gives you an edge over your competitors in the market.
- Automated Shipping
Managing multiple courier accounts manually sounds like a headache, and honestly, it is. But an automated shipping management software changes the game. These platforms integrate with your e-commerce site including Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, or others, and pull orders automatically.
You can print labels in bulk, send automatic tracking updates to customers, and even handle returns without jumping between courier websites.
The time saved is a huge plus, especially for growing businesses.
- Support Sustainability Goals
Sustainability is becoming a key concern for many retailers and customers in the UAE. Some multi-carrier platforms now offer green shipping options — such as carbon-neutral delivery or using eco-friendly packaging.
If you want to appeal to environmentally conscious shoppers, this can be your USP.
How to Integrate Multi-Carrier Shipping with Your E-commerce Platform
You might be wondering how to connect all these courier accounts to your online store. Fortunately, many shipping solutions offer shipping software integration that works smoothly with popular e-commerce platforms.
Once set up, orders flow directly from your website into the shipping software. You don’t have to export CSV files or enter data manually. This integration means fewer errors and faster processing times.
If you use Shopify or WooCommerce, there are plenty of plug-and-play options. For larger or custom-built sites, API integrations are available.
What are the Various Carrier Diversification Strategies for UAE Online Retailers?
Using multiple couriers isn’t just about saving money — it’s also a smart risk management tactic.
Imagine you depend solely on one carrier, and they face a sudden strike (which recently happened in the North American market with Canada Post strike) or system outage during peak season. Your orders pile up, and customers get frustrated.
By diversifying your carriers, you are already prepared. That’s not the only advantage – you can also rely on each of the carrier’s strengths — for instance, one might be great at express deliveries in Dubai, another better at handling bulky deliveries and another might have access to some of the remote areas.
Conclusion
Shipping might not be the face of your brand, but behind the scenes, that is what really matters and is key to customer satisfaction. If you want to stay competitive in the UAE’s fast-growing eCommerce market, it’s time to think beyond one carrier for all your shipping needs.
A multi-carrier shipping solution offers you lower costs, faster deliveries and easier management – which means happier customers and more growth for your business!
