The race for ultrafast fulfillment  

In 2025, megaretailers and ecommerce giants have set their own ambitious goals, with Amazon leading the charge in continuing to redefine delivery expectations. Amazon reported same- or next-day deliveries of 9 billion items globally in 2024. Consider these points: 

Same-day delivery is no longer the major differentiator among retailers

In our 2024 Roadie research report, we surveyed 150 industry leaders already offering same day. We found that 96% of them had offered same-day delivery for more than a year, and 63% of respondents said they’d offered it for three or more years. 

Amazon continues to push the boundaries of delivery speed

Same-day delivery for Amazon isn’t new. But in 2024, the company expanded that offering, reaching some 140 U.S. metro areas. As a result, many customers can now receive their Amazon orders in as little as a few hours. Prime members can browse same-day items — from diapers to beauty products — by category, price point and retail store. And if the order doesn’t meet the $25 minimum, customers can pay a nominal $2.99 fee for convenience. 

Same-day delivery pays big, especially with younger consumers

A February 2025 report on same-day fulfillment in the global market found that same-day delivery was valued at $14.4 billion in 2024 — a number projected to reach $36.2 billion in 2030. The report also found that consumers — particularly Gen Z and millennials — are willing to pay more for the near-instant gratification they prefer with their deliveries. Further, subscription-based business models continue to raise the bar when it comes to delivery speed. 

Higher customer satisfaction and retention

Industry leaders surveyed by Roadie reported 80% higher customer satisfaction levels, 70% higher sales and a 66% higher customer retention rate when implementing same-day delivery. More than 28% of respondents also reported a 6 to 10% increase in compound annual growth rate. 

Competing in the same-day delivery sphere 

For businesses looking to compete in this landscape, the challenge can feel formidable. But it’s not insurmountable. Here are a few key strategies that will differentiate you in the same-day sphere: 

Add extra efficiency with distribution centers

​​Same-day has previously relied on fulfilling from store inventory — inventory that’s closest to customers and can be handed off to last-mile partners operating locally. But stores are fulfillment centers and delivering from stores comes with added operational costs. Retailers are starting to leverage solutions like cross-docking for same-day delivery instead. With a cross-dock solution, they send less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) pickups from distribution centers to a partner’s facility for last-mile dispatch within a few hours, easily getting items to customers by the end of the day. This approach can be particularly effective for businesses dealing with a high volume of large or complex items that don’t fit traditional same-day delivery models.

Implement tech advancements 

Your same-day delivery ecosystem should be built on advanced logistics technology, including real-time tracking systems with photographic chain of custody, automated warehouses to streamline order process and inventory management and sophisticated route optimization algorithms to determine the most efficient delivery routes that minimize travel time and increase delivery volume. If you’re not leveraging these things, it’s time to play catch-up — fast. 

Use a crowdsourcing network 

Partnering with a trusted last-mile delivery solution can help you quickly scale your offerings to meet both daily fulfillment needs as well as peak season surges. Even Amazon is working with smaller, local businesses to help close its last-mile delivery gap. 

Streamline oversized deliveries 

“There are some products for which consumers will enthusiastically pay for delivery because it solves

a major headache for them,” noted Dennis Moon, COO and head of operations at Roadie, in the 2024 report. Roadie not only allows retailers to skip the headache of dimensional weight fees, packaging and early cut-off times, but it also enables any retailer to provide same-day delivery for any size item, whether a treadmill, a sofa or auto parts. 

Evaluate your current delivery methods 

Roadie found that 80% of surveyed industry leaders reported using a major parcel carrier, while 51% used their own fleet for same-day fulfillment. Major parcel carriers run specific routes each day, lacking the flexibility of a crowdsourced solution. And retailers that use a company fleet incur maintenance, added vehicle and insurance costs, not to mention added labor. 

Determine where — and how — to streamline spend 

The key is finding cost-effective approaches to manage the affordability of the same-day delivery process. You’ll want to take a hard look at your ROI and inefficiencies in your processes, whether it’s streamlining your company’s picking and packing operations, switching to a crowdsourced delivery system versus a traditional carrier or setting higher product prices and adding order minimums to cover delivery costs. While same-day delivery does add cost to a business, all leaders who used same-day reported higher revenues as a result. 

As we look to the future, it’s clear that the companies that can offer the fastest, most reliable delivery will have a significant advantage. The question for businesses is not whether to enter this race but how to compete effectively within it. At Roadie, a network of more than 310,000 independent drivers are at the ready, going where and when traditional carriers can’t or won’t. Our flexibility and scalability are based on your demand, with no minimum capital investment or volume commitment required. 

By learning from the strategic approaches of industry leaders and investing in the right technologies and partnerships for same-day fulfillment, your business can cement its status in the world of ecommerce and customer satisfaction.

The post How same-day delivery is changing the way we shop in 2025 appeared first on Roadie.

Retailers need flexible delivery options in order to keep up with customers’ fast shipping expectations and the wide range of products they’re requesting for home delivery. But not all deliveries are created equal. While some are small and time-sensitive, others are big, bulky and require a bit more physical and logistical muscle. 

That’s where Roadie comes in with ultrafast, flexible delivery solutions for every need. Consider it a “choose your own adventure” for retail logistics. Whether you need to send a last-minute floral delivery across town or get a new refrigerator to a customer 50 miles away, choosing the right Roadie solution is key — like Roadie Same Day® and Roadie XD™. Here’s a look at how each model operates so you can choose the best option for your business. 

A Smarter Last Mile Starts with Roadie

Going beyond what traditional carriers can offer, Roadie leverages a widespread community of more than 310,000 independent drivers with vehicles of all sizes, so you can deliver almost anything of any size. The Roadie network reaches up to 97% of U.S. households, ensuring that businesses can meet customers where they are — and helps you grow your business and your delivery footprint.

To top it all off, Roadie boasts industry-leading on-time delivery rates, which means you can spend less time worrying about how delivery issues could affect your customer experience. Because technology is at the heart of Roadie’s success, you’ll benefit from real-time tracking, smart order consolidation and optimized suggested routing to keep deliveries running smoothly. 

UPS customers have even more to love. Roadie deliveries billed to a UPS account number count toward your UPS revenue commitments, getting you more value out of your shipping strategy.

No matter your industry, product mix or business size, you’re already making a smart choice by trusting Roadie with your last-mile delivery needs. Solutions like Roadie Same-Day® and RoadieXD™ help you fast-track your success. Here’s how:

Roadie Same Day®: Reliable Point-to-Point Deliveries

Same-day delivery and short delivery windows are being requested more and more by online shoppers, and Roadie Same Day® makes fulfilling that need easier. With a network of more than 310,000+ drivers reaching 97% of households, it’s ideal for businesses that want to offer delivery within a few hours from local stores directly to customers’ doorsteps. 

Key Features:

• Flexible Delivery Windows: Options for two, four and eight-hour delivery windows, allowing businesses to choose the speed that best fits their operations and customer expectations.​
• Extended Cut-Off Times: Adjust your available delivery windows to include nights, weekends and holidays for even more convenience.
• Consolidate Up to 30 Orders: Roadie Same Day® includes batching technology to group up to 30 orders with one driver while optimizing for on-time delivery.
• Real-Time Tracking: Both businesses and customers can monitor deliveries in real-time, enhancing transparency and satisfaction.​ 
• Scalability: No matter when your peak season is, crowdsourced delivery ensures you can scale up and down as needed, so demand fluctuations never affect your delivery capabilities.​

 Ideal Use Cases:

• Retailers: From last-minute birthday gifts to a replacement TV in time for the big game, Roadie Same Day® lets you add delivery within just a few hours to your checkout options and solve your customers’ most pressing needs.
• Grocery Stores & Meal Kit Companies: Ensure fresh ingredients arrive in time to make dinner or holiday meals.
• Florists & Bakeries: Special occasions wait for no one! Make more smiles happen every day with fast treat delivery.   
• Pharmacies: Turn “get well soon” into “feel better now” with prompt delivery of prescriptions and health-related products.
• Auto Parts & Tires: Send hot-shot or last-minute orders the same day and keep vehicles out of the shop and on the road.

RoadieXD™: More Efficient Delivery for Same-Day Delivery at Scale

Designed for large businesses with multiple fulfillment and distribution centers across the country, RoadieXD™ allows high-volume senders to streamline same-day delivery while maintaining reliable, fast fulfillment. How? Instead of picking, packing and staging same-day orders for pick up from stores, businesses can fill FTL or LTL trailers at their fulfillment centers with same-day orders. Those trailers then head to a RoadieXD™ cross-dock where orders are sorted and dispatched for delivery and delivered up to 100 miles by end of day. Instead of managing multiple pickups across each store location, you can streamline operations with a pick up from each fulfillment or distribution center.   

Key Features:

• Cross-Docking Efficiency: Items arriving at a RoadieXD™ facility are sorted and picked up by crowdsourced drivers for same-day delivery, reducing storage needs and accelerating the delivery process.​ 
• Same-Day AM and PM Options: Early morning trailer arrivals are back on the road by 10 a.m., while orders arriving by noon are picked up by 2 p.m. for afternoon delivery.
• Extended Reach: Expand your delivery reach — and customer base — up to 100 miles from each RoadieXD™ location inside state lines. 
• Specialized Handling: Equipped to manage items up to 200 pounds and up to 12 feet in length, RoadieXD™ caters to products that traditional carriers might find challenging. ​

Ideal Use Cases:

1. Home Improvement: Help complete someone’s to-do list with deliveries of large items like ladders, mini-fridges, air filters or patio furniture.​
2. Furniture Stores: From accent chairs to bedside tables, offer timely furniture delivery without the complexities of traditional freight services.

• Electronics: RoadieXD™ enables the delivery of items of all sizes, from small packages to oversized goods. This flexibility allows for efficient, on-demand delivery, like getting a large TV and its accompanying HDMI cable delivered together in a single, fast delivery.
• Tires: Consolidate pickups and streamline operations while still delivering within hours.

Best of Both Worlds: Using Roadie Same Day®  and RoadieXD™ for a Comprehensive Delivery Solution

If your e-commerce business ships a mix of products, integrating both Roadie Same Day® and RoadieXD™ is the key to getting everything where it needs to be as efficiently as possible. Instead of juggling one LTL service for oversized deliveries, another for standard-sized orders and yet another for ultra-fast deliveries, Roadie solutions give you everything you need from a single, reliable source. 

In addition to sharing a 310,000-strong network of drivers, both RoadieXD™ and Roadie Same Day® are built with an easy-to-use API that lets your business put smoother order processing in place and gives your customers the same predictable, on-time, in-full delivery experience they demand. And on top of all of this, you get the Roadie benefits of real-time order tracking, easy delivery routing and up-front pricing. 

Stop piecing together disparate delivery options and start putting industry-leading ultrafast solutions in place today. With flexibility, scalability and the delivery speeds you and your customers demand, in Roadie you’ll have one seamless system that helps you move products faster, smarter and more efficiently.

The post Roadie Same Day® vs RoadieXD™: Which is right for your business? appeared first on Roadie.

With Shoptalk just around the corner, there’s no better time to explore the key trends shaping retail logistics in 2025. From predicting exactly what your customers want to shop for to embracing the logistics trends that will help you keep up with the demand, here are five trends retailers need to know — along with some of the tools and strategies you can use to make sure your business is keeping up.

1. AI-Driven Demand Forecasting & Fulfillment

Put away the spreadsheets and crystal balls. AI is taking away the messy math and revolutionizing the way retailers predict customer demand. Advanced algorithms can analyze your historical sales data, market trends and external factors like weather and holidays to provide hyper-accurate forecasts for demand and retail traffic. 

Beyond validating your gut instincts and shedding light on trends you may have overlooked, this high-powered modeling can help boost your bottom line. A report by McKinsey found that companies leveraging AI for demand forecasting can reduce inventory errors by up to 50% and lower warehousing costs by as much as 10%, all by better understanding what your customers want and when and where they want it. This precision helps retailers maintain optimal inventory levels, reduce waste and prevent stockouts. For example, during peak shopping seasons like Black Friday, AI tools can help you anticipate demand spikes and allocate resources efficiently.

The AI benefits continue after you’ve identified your customers’ needs. Intelligent tools are transforming delivery efficiency by analyzing everything from traffic patterns to weather conditions when determining delivery routes. By batching a collection of orders with a single delivery driver armed with an AI-optimized route, retailers can reduce fuel and labor costs, tighten up delivery windows and satisfy customers with a quickly-filled order.

2. Real-Time Supply Chain Visibility

We all know consumers want their orders to arrive as quickly as possible, but now they want to know the whereabouts of that order throughout the delivery process. Recent research suggests that 60% of consumers will consider looking for other places to shop if a retailer doesn’t offer real-time delivery tracking. 

Thankfully, meeting this need is becoming easier by leveraging smart devices that power real-time supply chain visibility. But the biggest benefits aren’t even customer-facing. In addition to shipment tracking and proof of delivery, supply chain transparency gives retailers more opportunities for customer touchpoints during the delivery process. Proactively communicating about delays, for instance, can help build brand trust even in challenging situations. On the flip side, enhanced visibility also minimizes risks around issues like package theft or damage by providing end-to-end tracking for goods in transit. Retailers investing in this technology not only improve operational efficiency but also build trust with their customers.

3. Personalized Delivery Options

As an extension of real-time delivery tracking, online shoppers are also becoming accustomed to (and therefore expecting) more delivery-focused personalization at checkout. Many retailers are already offering multiple delivery speeds and price points in response to this consumer demand, but savvy businesses are taking that customization a step further. Scheduled delivery windows and “choose your delivery date” methods are among the options shoppers appreciate. 

PwC research spotted this trend as recently as the summer of 2023. When asked how they expected their shopping behavior to change in the next six months, respondents to PwC’s Consumer Insights Survey saw a 9-point increase in the number of shoppers who said they’d be buying from retailers that provide efficient delivery or collection services.

4. Advanced Last-Mile Delivery Solutions

With so many unique delivery needs and speeds to account for, last-mile delivery remains one of the most challenging and costly segments of retail logistics. As of 2023, last-mile delivery accounted for 53% of total shipping costs — up from 41% in 2018. But retailers taking advantage of innovations in this space are seeing success, particularly with on-demand delivery. 

By leveraging local drivers with a wide range of vehicles at their disposal, crowdsourcing lets businesses easily connect shoppers with their orders, even with same-day or specific delivery windows requested. On-demand delivery partners like Roadie are innovating even further to make retailers’ lives easier — and customers happier. Special accommodations for big and bulky orders, plus smart cross-docking operations for high-volume businesses, mean even your oversized inventory can be easily transported from the showroom floor to your customer’s door quickly directly from your fulfillment or distribution centers.

5. Omnichannel Fulfillment Strategies

Smart technology and flexible logistics are helping retailers master the last mile for e-commerce, but recent research is showing that consumers are increasingly returning to in-store and hybrid retail experiences (dubbed “phygital” for its combination of physical and digital shopping methods).

When it comes to purchasing inspiration and product research, online and in-store shopping methods are used with almost equal regularity, according to PwC research. The use of brand websites dips a bit when shoppers look for ideas of what to buy (45% online compared to 55% for in-store shopping) but rebounds substantially for product research (58% website vs. 50% in-store). But it’s completing a purchase where online begins to lose its share. While 49% of surveyed shoppers said they anticipate completing a purchase in-store, only 29% said the same for brand websites. 

What’s an e-tailer to do? Remember that meeting customers where they are is key to maintaining brand awareness and customer satisfaction. Adopting flexible fulfillment strategies like ship-to-store, ship-from-store, and buy online, as well as pick-up in-store can all help retailers round out their omnichannel fulfillment offerings — and can truly benefit the bottom line. Deloitte says omnichannel shoppers spend 1.5 times more each month than single-channel shoppers do.

Trending Toward Success in 2025

In retail logistics, standing still isn’t an option. AI-powered forecasting, real-time tracking, personalized delivery options, crowdsourced last-mile solutions and omnichannel fulfillment aren’t just trends — they’re the new standards. And for retailers looking to win over today’s demanding consumers, adopting these strategies can mean the difference between a loyal customer and a lost sale.

The good news? These innovations aren’t just about meeting expectations — they’re about exceeding them. With the right mix of technology and strategy, retailers can streamline operations, improve efficiency and deliver the fast, flexible, and frictionless shopping experience customers crave. Because in the race to the doorstep, the real winners are the ones who get there first — and do it best.

The post 5 Innovations changing the retail logistics game appeared first on Roadie.

As pet parents continue to seek out the best for their furry, feathery or scaly friends, one thing is clear: They want their treats, toys and food delivered quickly. For pet-focused retail chains, adding same-day delivery is no longer a luxury but a necessity. It’s all about balancing product quality and customer service with last-mile solutions that don’t cost the retailer in terms of delays, claims, damages and hidden fees. 

By leveraging delivery solutions like Roadie, businesses can meet this growing demand for same-day, boost sales, create a more seamless customer experience and keep customers coming back for more. 

Instant gratification in the pet care sphere

Whether it’s a bag of premium dog food, a new scratching post for a mischievous kitten or an emergency litter refill, pet owners expect quick and convenient service. And many of them don’t particularly want to lug that 50-pound bag of food out of the car and into their home. 

In a world where groceries, gadgets or even furniture can arrive at a doorstep within hours, pet products are no exception. Retailers who adapt to this shift can capture a larger share of the market while fostering greater customer loyalty.

Winning loyalty from pet owners & their furry friends 

Same-day delivery isn’t just about speed; it’s about creating an easy and enjoyable shopping experience. By offering a same-day solution that can deliver goods in as little as two hours, pet retailers can:

• Reduce stress for pet parents: Whether it’s a last-minute need, a forgotten item or a life-saving medication, same-day delivery provides peace of mind and convenience.
• Foster loyalty: Customers are more likely to stick with a retailer that consistently meets their needs.
• Differentiate from competitors: Stand out in a crowded market by offering a service that prioritizes convenience and customer satisfaction.

Implementing same-day delivery 

Pet-focused retailers looking to deliver treats, tick medication or toys to customers’ homes can leverage on-demand options to provide personalized service. Tapping into the Roadie network of 200,000 independent drivers to fulfill orders enables retailers to easily handle fluctuating demand from pet owners across 29,000+ ZIP codes without the hassle of maintaining a large, in-house delivery fleet. This is all while keeping a handle on overhead costs and being able to provide on-demand delivery of everyday items like food and medications or specialty products, from birdcages to animal bedding. 

Pet care stores that leverage the Roadie platform can not only get those orders out the door quickly and efficiently, but the easy-to-integrate solution enables a seamless white-labeled omnichannel experience for both the customer and the retailer. With the ability to fulfill orders in just a few clicks, pet care retailers can easily customize recipient notifications, and both parties can access the highest level of visibility thanks to real-time notifications and live tracking.

Successfully launching same-day

Better last-mile experiences can get pet care businesses closer to their business objectives. When rolling out a same-day delivery offering, it’s important to measure success in the following areas: 

• Higher on-time delivery: The only thing worse than not being able to choose the delivery speed you need is choosing same-day and missing the window. When you choose solutions with a record of high OTD, customer satisfaction scores soar.
• Reach more customers: Fast delivery is no longer reserved for dense urban cores. Customers across urban, suburban, exurban and even rural towns expect fast deliveries from megaretailers like Amazon. Choose solutions that extend same-day to as many customers as possible.
• Balance cost and quality: Does the delivery price look too good to be true? It probably is. The last mile is the last touch with your customer, so ensure delivery prices are balanced with high on-time rates and low claims or damages. Otherwise, you’ll end up paying more for re-shipments. 

Have customers who need same-day foods or medications, late-night orders or weekend deliveries? Once a customer places that order — no matter its shape, requirements or timing — Roadie allows you to make delivery easy all the way to the doorstep, including driver coordination and real-time tracking. This, in turn, allows the retailer to delight pet parents and enable owners to spoil their best friends.

As the pet industry continues to grow, so do customer expectations. By prioritizing same-day delivery through on-demand solutions, pet retailers will stay ahead of the curve and ensure their customers — human and pet — remain happy. Learn more about why furry friends give Roadie two paws up when it comes to keeping pet care retailers competitive in the marketplace and delivering delicious treats right to Rover’s doorstep.

The post Unleash customer loyalty with same-day delivery perks for pet owners appeared first on Roadie.

Being awarded year after year is a testament to Roadie’s reliability and strong partnership with The Home Depot. Our on-demand platform enables The Home Depot to get its customers the products they need with fast, efficient same-day delivery — no matter the size of the order.

“When we first teamed up with The Home Depot in 2018, the goal was simple: make last-mile delivery as seamless as possible,” said Marc Gorlin, Roadie’s founder and CEO. “Five years later, we’re still pushing the boundaries of what last-mile delivery can be — expanding capacity, unlocking new delivery efficiencies, and doubling down on fast delivery.”

From big and bulky orders to just-in-time job site deliveries, the Roadie nationwide network of independent drivers supports nearly 2,000 The Home Depot stores — helping customers get what they need when they need it.

The post For the fifth consecutive year, Roadie has been recognized by The Home Depot’s Executive Carrier Council — this time as the Store Carrier of the Year for Final Mile. appeared first on Roadie.

That’s excellent news for repair centers, tire shops, and aftermarket parts companies. But grabbing a more significant share of those repair dollars requires winning the loyalty of car owners through fast, high-quality service. 

For many shops, meeting customer demand for speedy service comes down to procuring parts. With 1,232 different car models sold in the United States and the average car boasting 30,000 parts, no shop can stock anywhere near what even one day’s worth of repairs would require. Larger parts like tires, manifolds, crankshafts and camshafts can be particularly costly and difficult to keep around.

That’s why parts runners and parcel services have long been part of the aftermarket repair business. But with today’s more time-pressed consumers, higher labor costs and the difficulty of managing oversized parts, old logistics models aren’t often up to the task. A growing number of shops and parts sellers are replacing or supplementing their current parts delivery programs with on-demand delivery, especially for oversized parts.

The Oversized Parts Challenge

Quickly obtaining the parts needed for a specific repair job is already challenging. When those parts are unwieldy, they are even harder to get from source to shop. Oversized parts sent via parcel services often incur surcharges, delays and early cut-off times because they don’t fit in standard conveyor systems. Waiting for a part to arrive at the end of a distributor’s long delivery schedule can be frustrating. And employing parts runners gets costly.

Delayed delivery for tires and other oversized auto parts not only incurs the direct costs of higher delivery fees but also costs shops in several other ways. 

• Frustrated customers may seek out other providers instead of agreeing to an overnight wait for service — and not come back for their next repair. 
• Inventory costs mount as the order-to-cash cycle extends or shops place orders with multiple providers with a plan to return the later deliveries. 
• Delays can also mean overcrowded lots full of cars awaiting service and inefficient use of labor as planned repairs cannot be completed on schedule. 

What hurts tire and auto shops also harms the parts distributors that serve them. Slow service disappoints customers, but throwing more labor at the issue can quickly become costly. Oversized parts are more expensive to manage all the way along the chain, from tying up more dollars in inventory to manual picking processes to higher delivery costs. 

Stitching together multiple delivery channels to address these issues creates unnecessary friction and headaches. Repair shops will gravitate to those providers that can get them the big, unwieldy parts they need quickly and efficiently. 

It’s clear that auto repair brands and parts distributors need a faster and more efficient way of getting the parts they need, particularly when they are oversized. 

Auto Parts Delivery On Demand

On-demand delivery empowers parts companies to avoid all the delays and costs associated with parts delivery, especially for big & bulky parts, boosting loyalty and revenue.

By tapping into the network facilitated by crowdsourced delivery platforms, auto parts distributors can deliver oversized and other parts in just a few hours, keeping business humming and customers satisfied. 

The Roadie platform enables tire and car part sellers and buyers to avoid the extra packaging, dim weight fees and long lead times of oversized goods shipping via less-than-truckload (LTL) freight or standard shipping carriers. Instead, sellers can use the Roadie platform to match with drivers equipped with a large vehicle and a hand truck needed for those tires or large parts. Businesses can send smaller items, too, so repair and tire technicians can get everything they need to get a job done quickly. 

The more than 200,000 independent drivers active on the Roadie platform can take parts as heavy as 150 pounds (300 pounds if on wheels) and deliver up to 100 miles from the pickup point. Roadie’s logistics management solution features real-time tracking and last-mile delivery updates, as well as flat-rate, transparent pricing and delivery windows as fast as two hours. UPS customers can access even more benefits, including billing from their UPS accounts with Roadie deliveries counting toward small package revenue tiers.

Speed + Efficiency for Oversized Parts

Today’s consumers are conditioned to get almost anything they want whenever they want it, whether it’s a bag of groceries, a length of timber or a milkshake. They also bring this expectation for speed to other transactions, including car repairs. With lots of competition for repair dollars, tire and auto shops must offer fast service to win and keep customers — and so do the vendors who support them.

Until recently, getting the needed parts to make that possible was a costly hassle, particularly for larger parts like a camshaft or set of tires. Inevitable delays cost businesses in efficiency and loyalty.

On-demand delivery is an ideal way to supplement or even replace traditional parts delivery channels. Auto parts sellers can initiate delivery in just minutes on the Roadie platform and quickly be matched to a nearby independent driver with the availability and equipment needed to whisk that oversized part and other items right to the shop where they are needed quickly and affordably. 

And when these sellers use Roadie, they get transparent pricing, real-time tracking and last-mile delivery updates that make the entire delivery experience work well for everyone involved. 

That’s just the level of service every business needs to keep customers happy and business in the fast lane.

The post Why your oversized tire and auto parts business needs better deliveries appeared first on Roadie.

From fishing poles and tents to skis and pilates reformers, ultrafast, same-day delivery is the differentiator in the sporting goods sphere. But these oddly shaped, often unwieldy items also come with their own set of challenges. That’s where Roadie can help you bridge the gap. 

Formulating a game plan with sporting goods fulfillment 

The sporting goods market continues to grow at a modest clip. Fall 2024 projections from Persistence Market Research forecast a global market growth rate in the sporting goods industry of 8.9% from 2024 to 2031. But how can retailers keep up with delivery solutions for big and bulky packages? After all, a pickleball paddle can fit in a carrier-approved box, but a set of golf clubs or a weight bench aren’t nearly as simple to package for delivery. Unlike standard packages, oversized sporting goods come with the following considerations: 

• Special handling of items like a kayak or baseball pitching machine. 
• Logistical coordination, which can prove tricky with odd shapes and sizes that won’t fit in certain delivery vehicles. 
• Additional shipping fees tacked on by traditional carriers, potentially deterring customers from ordering in the first place.

Conventional delivery methods often fall short of customer expectations — taking days or even weeks for really large items when customers have come to expect one- to two-day delivery. This gap presents an opportunity for retailers to adopt innovative solutions like Roadie.

Teeing up to reach more customers 

Whether you’re a midsize sporting goods retailer or a large conglomerate, the benefits can outweigh the costs when offering customers same-day, oversized delivery options. With ultrafast delivery, retailers can deliver a fishing pole and tackle box to a customer’s grandson for his birthday. Or, they could deliver a set of paddle boards the same day to a customer going on a last-minute vacation. These time-sensitive sales can help win you customer brand loyalty for life. 

Every customer order is an opportunity to create happiness and satisfaction, and the bottom line is that offering same-day, oversized delivery can help boost your sales, giving customers personalized delivery options and convenient final-mile fulfillment. 

It’s a marathon … and a sprint

No matter where your customers are or where their adventures take them, Roadie can allow you to get your sporting goods delivered in a timely manner. By connecting you to a robust network of more than 200,000 independent drivers, Roadie’s logistics management platform helps you master the final mile with effortless delivery of everything from treadmills and tennis rackets to snowboards and ski poles. 

Sporting goods retailers can leverage Roadie capabilities for same-day oversized delivery. Awkwardly shaped trekking gear, heavy weights and two-person kayaks that require a bigger delivery vehicle can all be delivered hassle-free thanks to the capabilities and reach of Roadie’s solutions. 

The Roadie platform allows you to select the vehicle size required for the job, specify any special handling requirements and track that delivery from dock to doorstep, with a photographic chain of custody every step of the way. Other features of Roadie for sporting goods deliveries include: 

• Transparent, flat-rate pricing with no surprise fees or dimensional requirements for you or your customers.
• Deliveries weighing up to 150 pounds. 
• No packaging requirements for items that don’t need it. 
• Real-time tracking and last-mile delivery updates. 
• Flexible delivery windows in as little as two hours, with no order cutoff times. 

By embracing on-demand delivery, sporting goods retailers can overcome logistical challenges, enhance the customer experience and secure long-term loyalty.

The post From Kayaks to Kettlebells: How to win with ultrafast sporting goods deliveries appeared first on Roadie.

Businesses must implement ultrafast delivery at scale to compete with megaretailers like Target, Walmart and Amazon. But can this be done in a way that’s cost-efficient for both the retailer and customers? 

The solution for midsize retailers goes beyond traditional logistics providers. On-demand delivery platforms like Roadie can enable same-day delivery in 97% of the U.S., allowing retailers to minimize supply chain complexity and enhance competitiveness in virtually any U.S. market. 

Instant gratification & same-day delivery 

Consumers are primed to get what they want when they want it. They turn on the TV and binge an entire season of a show; they order a meal kit and need it on their doorstep by dinnertime; they need a new sofa delivered at a time that works for their busy schedules. 

A recent industry analysis found that the global same-day delivery market has experienced explosive growth. It was valued at $9.90 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.6% from 2025 to 2030. This surge is driven not only by the proliferation of online shopping platforms but also by increasing consumer expectations for lightning-fast and convenient delivery options.

The major players setting the pace

In 2024, a few retail giants made significant strides in expanding their same-day delivery services. Walmart introduced early-morning delivery options, allowing customers to place orders as early as 6 a.m. for delivery within the hour. Amazon, meanwhile, announced plans to expand its same-day medication delivery to nearly half of the U.S. population by the end of 2025, adding pharmacy services sites in 20 cities. Additionally, Target introduced Target 360, an unlimited, free same-day delivery service for orders above $35, delivered in as little as an hour. 

There’s no reason to believe that such efforts won’t continue into 2025, and these moves by industry leaders have set new standards for delivery speed and convenience.

The financial urgency for midsized retailers

The rapid expansion of same-day delivery services by the Amazons of the world creates a pressing need for midsized retail chains to implement their own solutions ASAP — or risk getting left behind by their outsized competitors. Consider these statistics from midsized enterprises in the 2024 Roadie ROI report: 

• 80% of respondents said same-day delivery increased their revenue, and 30% saw an increase of more than 10%.
• 77% of industry leaders reported higher net new sales.
• 80% said they saw higher revenues per order, whether owing to charging same-day delivery fees, setting higher product prices to offset costs or establishing order minimums for same-day.
• Eight in 10 companies saw more repeat purchases as a result of offering same-day delivery.
• 66% of respondents said their conversion rate improved after adding same-day to their offerings.
• 80% reported higher customer satisfaction levels as a result of faster fulfillment.

Calculating the ROI of same-day delivery 

It’s one thing to look at the conversion rates or net new sales of similar businesses. It’s another to track your own return on investment when implementing same-day fulfillment. “If you’re not looking at all the critical metrics, then you’re missing out on quality data that helps drive revenue margin and company longevity,” Roadie Cheif of Operations Dennis Moon noted in the report. 

As a business, you must conduct your internal metrics review before and after same-day implementation. Key questions when determining how you’ll measure ROI include: 

• What are the upfront and ongoing costs of implementing same-day delivery, whether infrastructure, labor or technology?
• Can we leverage existing resources or partnerships to reduce costs?
• What percentage of our customer base is likely to use same-day delivery?
• Will same-day delivery attract new customers or increase market share?
• Are there specific products or categories that would see a higher ROI from same-day delivery?
• How do our cart abandonment rates compare after implementing same-day delivery? 
• What challenges could arise from scaling same-day delivery, and how would they impact profitability?
• Will offering same-day delivery enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty?
• How does offering this service fit into our long-term strategy and financial goals?

Giving  your business a competitive edge 

Very few businesses have the resources of a Target or a Walmart. But just because you’re not a megaretailer doesn’t mean your enterprise can’t dip into the same-day fulfillment pool. 

Retail chains looking to master same-day delivery quickly and efficiently can turn to alternative delivery methods, including the Roadie network of more than 200,000 independent drivers.

Here’s how Roadie can help you differentiate your business with same-day delivery: 

• Scalability. You can scale your delivery capabilities quickly and manifest deliveries online, via API and via select UPS systems.
• Flexibility. The same-day fulfillment model adapts easily to fluctuating demand, meaning you can meet customer needs during peak periods.
• No fleet maintenance. By using an existing independent driver network, delivery becomes more cost-effective than building an in-house delivery fleet or adding additional staff. 
• Competitive pricing. Built-in features are designed to increase efficiency, like consolidation, routing and cross-docking for high volume businesses. All that means you can offer more competitive pricing for same-day delivery services.
• Real-time tracking. Both you and your customers can track deliveries in real-time, adding transparency and reducing anxiety about arrival times.
• Multiple delivery options. Unlike some traditional carriers, the Roadie network of independent drivers can handle just about any order, whether it’s oversized items, perishables or fragile goods. 
• Seamless integration. Roadie integrates with e-commerce platforms and point-of-sale systems, streamlining your operations and reducing manual coordination.
• Big and bulky goods handling. Roadie enables you to easily deliver heavy, awkward or oversized items like furniture, appliances or home improvement products that don’t fit standard delivery services. Drivers show up with the right tools and vehicles for the delivery. 

The time to act is now 

Implementing same-day delivery is no longer a luxury for retail chains—it’s a necessity. Retailers who delay implementing same-day delivery risk falling behind in an increasingly fast-paced and customer-centric retail environment. By embracing this change and investing in robust same-day delivery solutions, you can position your operation for success in the evolving retail landscape of 2025 and beyond. The Roadie network of independent drivers spanning 29,000+ ZIP codes can help.

The post Why your same-day delivery implementation can’t wait appeared first on Roadie.

Here are four key challenges supply chain leaders must address to stay competitive in 2025.

1. Rising Consumer Demand for Delivery Options at Checkout

This trend is nothing new, but it’s also not something to ignore. When it’s time to check out, online shoppers will be looking for more options than ever, not just in terms of delivery speed but also specific information about their delivery dates. 

As recently as 2021, the share of consumers expecting same-day online order delivery ranged from 9% to 30%, depending on the product category. Just two short years later, that number skyrocketed. By 2023, two-thirds of global shoppers expected their items to arrive within 24 hours, and 40% anticipated delivery in two hours or less. 

For those shoppers willing to wait more than a day for their items to arrive, savvy senders are turning from “shipping speed” language at checkout to referencing “estimated delivery date” (EDD) instead. Apparently, 75% of shoppers report that seeing an EDD validated their purchasing decision. With only 4 in 10 e-commerce sites using EDDs, there’s a gap to fill that could drive more conversions in 2025.

2. Growing Expectations for Free Same-Day Delivery

Consumers don’t just want their items fast — they want them fast for free. The “Amazon effect” continues to shape consumer expectations and is likely a major driver behind the two-thirds of shoppers expecting same-day delivery. For 2025, retailers’ goals will be to meet this demand without eroding profit margins.

Offering fast delivery for free or at an affordable rate is a careful balancing act between cost and speed — something that the RoadieXD™ network of cross-docks can help you achieve. It enables fast, reliable same-day delivery at predictable cost-per-delivery rates that are easy to combine with free shipping thresholds, pricing modifications, and other tactics to keep your business competitive.

3. Shifting Expectations in Big & Bulky Delivery

According to a report from Roadie, one thing that online shoppers are willing to pay for is big and bulky deliveries. From furniture to appliances, having oversized items brought straight to your doorstep is far more preferable than trying to lug large items from store to home. Unfortunately, traditional carriers don’t always feel the same way. Roadie found that more than a third of businesses (36.7%) restrict delivery on oversized items.

Fortunately, 2025 will be the year retailers find their way around this logistics obstacle. Cross-docking is gaining attention as a supply chain strategy that maintains speedy delivery timelines without adding to handling or warehousing costs. Roadie leverages all the benefits of a nationwide last-mile delivery network, so even oversized orders arrive ultrafast.

4. A Recovering Freight Market & Rising Freight Rates

The freight market faced a number of challenges in 2024, including a dockworker strike, port congestion, rerouted vessels and dangerous international waters. Some of these challenges could continue into 2025, and some that are alleviating might not be good news for senders. 

The dockworker strike in October 2024 lasted three days before the International Longshoremen’s Association and U.S. Maritime Alliance called a truce, but discussions over wages and other issues are set to resume in mid-January. Depending on the results, another possible strike could hold inventory hostage and threaten the delivery timelines e-commerce businesses hold so dear. 

In the meantime, industry experts have said the “Great Freight Recession” is over, which also puts pressure on retailers. With a better flow of goods, freight operators will ease off of low rates many customers have gotten used to. As freight rates begin to rise again, businesses must either absorb the higher costs or pass them onto customers by increasing the cost of goods. 

Get Ready to Tackle 2025

Last-mile delivery in 2025 is shaping up to be a challenge, but it’s also full of opportunities for businesses ready to adapt and innovate. Whether you do that by giving shoppers the delivery options they want, managing costs with smart logistics plans, or cracking the code on big and bulky delivery, staying flexible and creative will be key.

The good news? You don’t have to go it alone. With the right logistics strategies like cross-docking and on-demand oversized delivery, you can set up your business to have an ultra-successful 2025 with ultrafast delivery. Reach out today to get started.

The post 4 Delivery challenges you need to know about in 2025 appeared first on Roadie.

A delivery option once considered exclusive and to be reserved only for emergency deliveries, same-day delivery has become commonplace in this “instant gratification” environment. Customers are used to seeing a same-day checkbox on their shipping option pages, and companies have responded by adding the service for their B2B and B2C buyers.

Providing ultrafast service pays off: According to a 2024 Roadie survey, 80% of companies report higher revenues per order after implementing same-day delivery. Other wins include higher conversion rates, more repeat buyers and higher net-new sales.

Yes, same-day delivery is worth the hype 

Any company that hasn’t dipped a toe in the same-delivery waters may be wondering if the extra effort is worth it. This hesitancy is understandable. After all, companies are continually told that they need to “upgrade to this” or “adopt that” in order to keep up with customer demands and stay ahead of their competitors. 

Same-day delivery is different. In fact, organizations that ignore the signals telling them to deliver goods same day are missing out on a golden opportunity that provides fast ROI. Consider these findings from the Roadie survey: 

• Same-day service boosts revenues. Nearly two-thirds of survey respondents say their revenues rose by 6% or more when they added the service, while 30% saw an increase of more than 10%.
• Fast delivery drives higher revenue per order. Most (80%) survey respondents saw higher revenue per order after implementing same-day delivery, with 34% experiencing a surge of between 6% and 10%
• That ROI remains consistent over time. The 68% of firms that track same-day delivery ROI realize consistent improvement across those metrics every year. That growth helps keep the costs of same-day delivery in check over time. 

The ROI in same-day delivery doesn’t end there. Same-day delivery is also an excellent lead conversion tool and new-customer magnet. According to the survey, more than three-quarters (77%) of companies confirmed an increase in net-new sales after deploying same-day delivery. 

And those customers will keep coming back for more if they know they can get their stuff on the same day they place their orders. About 80% of survey respondents say repeat purchases improved when they introduced same-day delivery, with 36% seeing an increase of between 6% and 10%.

Drive revenue margins and company longevity

Same-day delivery is becoming a must-offer service; most of the 150 leaders that Roadie surveyed (91%) continue to track its ROI in order to evaluate profitability, measure success and make more informed decisions.   

Now, it’s important to understand that ROI involves more than just calculating the amount of revenue being driven by same-day delivery. It’s also about calculating the amount of revenue you’re driving compared to cart abandonment and other similar metrics. Ignore these critical metrics and you may overlook quality data that helps drive revenue margin and company longevity.

Calculating same-day ROI also isn’t a “one and done” exercise. For optimal results, measure the ROI over the long term (not just a few months), compare it to your other distribution channels, and view it through the lens of, “How does growth look among customers using same-day service versus those who don’t take advantage of the service?” 

Here are 10 more questions that the continuously measured ROI data will help you answer:

1. Should inventory be increased for products that sell especially well when offered with same-day delivery? 
2. Are there products rarely purchased with same-day delivery? 
3. Based on previous success, will it pay to expand services into new markets or regions?
4. Is same-day delivery growing to the point that more space may be needed in the future to support it?
5. Is same-day growth accelerating in a specific area? 
6. Would this be an opportunity to establish more facilities close by?
7. Is our current technology working effectively? 
8. Where can future investments make the most impact?
9. Is our team as productive as it can be? 
10. How can we build a more efficient workforce?

Keeping same-day delivery expenses at bay 

Implementing same-day delivery is daunting for some, but as the Roadie report shows, the ROI is substantial, impactful and long-lasting. Still, there are some initial setup and ongoing costs to consider when putting a same-day delivery service program in place. 

• About half of the survey respondents report six-figure startup costs (the median cost is $400,000) that include IT, training and hiring expenses.
• For 79% of respondents, operating costs increased after putting same-day delivery into service. 
• For more than half of these leaders, costs rose between 1% and 40%, but 17% reported no major changes in operating costs after rollout.
• Many businesses (65%) saw cost-per-order rise for same-day delivery, with nearly half reporting increases of between 1% and 20%. 

The good news is that companies have found innovative ways to offset these costs and in doing so have turned the final mile of their supply chains into a money-maker. For example, over half of survey participants raised product prices to compensate for same-day delivery costs. About one-third made simple price adjustments, while 24% raised prices after offering a free same-day delivery service trial.

Offering a trial gives customers a commitment-free “taste” of what it would be like to get their orders same day. It also gives them time to determine their own ROI metrics. For example, an electrical contractor will be able to get work done faster by having last-minute orders from an electrical distributor dropped off at the job site that same day. The payoff will be evident pretty quickly when that contractor can take on more work and boost its own revenues. 

Charging delivery fees is another way to cover same-day delivery costs. According to the Roadie survey, companies are charging an annual fee (17%), a one-time fee (14%), a monthly fee (13%) or a per-order fee (13%) for the services. Customers generally don’t mind paying out a little extra for the speed, convenience and experience of same-day delivery, and particularly for big and bulky items they don’t want to transport themselves.

Calculating the opportunity

While there are costs associated with same-day delivery, the potential ROI for companies is substantial and virtually guaranteed, according to the Roadie survey. Higher conversion rates, double-digit revenue boosts and happier customers that come back to place more orders are just some of the benefits you can count on. 

Use the ROI calculator from Roadie to learn exactly how same-delivery can boost your organization’s revenues, conversion rates and customer retention rates.

The post What kind of ROI can you expect from same-day delivery? appeared first on Roadie.