After four years in development, SA courier company Berco Express is launching its Web-based courier solution to offer door-to-door courier services throughout South Africa.
One of South Africa`s largest courier service companies, Berco Express has invested approximately R5 million in the technology, which uses a South African-designed software solution.
The service, Berco Express Direct (BeDirect), will allow users to log on to the site and arrange a courier collection or delivery online.
"The concept offers affordable and convenient courier services to both the individual and SMEs," says Mark Mahoney, director of BeDirect. "The service also offers online real-time track and trace, free packaging and is available 365 days a year with proof of delivery," he adds.
Track and trace allows the user to enter a reference number to get information about the current location of a package via email, SMS or both.
Initially, Berco Express Direct intended to cater for business-to-consumer distributors, but as the project unfolded, two further opportunities were recognised. "Firstly, 'BeDirect Now!` is an online solution allowing the 'man in the street` to conclude a courier transaction and pay for the service. Secondly, 'BeDirect Business` was developed when we realised that the current value proposition offered by most couriers to the SME market was not meeting their needs," says Mahoney.
Mahoney understands that the Internet customer base is still limited, so BeDirect is in the process of launching a toll-free number within the next few weeks to further expand its customer base.
BeDirect Now! and BeDirect Business offerings require online credit card payment (no cash) accepting Mastercard, Visa card, American Express, Diners Club card, Ican Online card and Standard Bank Autopay, but no registration is necessary.
According to Mahoney, BeDirect Logistix - which is BeDirect`s main offering - has created a low cost model that offers consumer friendly service options, flat rate pricing, ID verification procedures on delivery and warehouse pick-and-pack solutions.
"The BeDirect Logistix market is large and incorporates e-commerce distributors, banks for credit card delivery and mail order companies amongst others," says Mahoney.
"This service is available to anyone, no registration required. Once you have submitted payment, the courier will arrive at your door, at the requested time, with the packaging you selected and with the shipping document fully completed," he adds.
The maximum weight of the parcels is limited to 35kg and there are four packaging size options, ranging from an envelope to a large box.
Share
