Due to the integral role they play in managing supply chains in the modern world, small package shipping & courier vendors were considered essential businesses when governments across North America laid out plans to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s business as usual. Couriers such as FedEx, UPS, Purolator, USPS and Canada Post have had to make several changes and concessions to make sure they’re keeping themselves and their customers safe while still delivering much-needed goods. Here are a few examples of what the new normal looks like within the realm of small package shipping.

Preparedness Planning

Shippers across the continent have established task forces specifically designed with developing business continuity plans to keep their packages moving and the supply chain open. This includes not just plans for dealing with service interruptions, staff shortages and package backlogs, but also specific pandemic-related issues and oversight. Along with these task forces, they have placed an increased emphasis on contactless delivery and online tools to help reduce physical contact, as well as enhanced volume tracking to better help customers plan out their shipping solutions.

More Specific Delivery

Several couriers have created or otherwise enhanced delivery customization services to make sure that customers can get their packages where and when they need them. This includes the ability to leave more specific instructions for the drivers delivering your packages, and the ability to reroute or reschedule packages that have already been shipped in order to meet your needs should a unique situation arise. Gone are the days where a package could only be sent to your home or work. Better delivery options will definitely stick around long after the pandemic has been declared over.

Hands Off

While the World Health Organization has stated that the likelihood of novel Coronavirus actually contaminating cardboard or similar shipping containers is low, people just don’t want to take chances right now. Can you blame them? Small package shipping vendors have expanded their no-touch policies in various ways. In order to minimize physical interaction, most vendors have suspended physical signature requirements for regular deliveries. In some cases, customers are asked to verbally verify the name on the receipt in lieu of a signature or show government-issued ID to confirm they’re the package’s intended recipient. In addition to contactless delivery, vendors are limiting the number of customers in their shipping centers, wearing masks while conducting deliveries, and maintaining proper social distancing.

The Coronavirus pandemic is a scary thing – which is why we commend those front-line workers who deliver the services we desperately need. Whether it’s nurses, waste haulers or small package delivery drivers – you have our thanks.