What you need to know about regional deliveries

Regional deliveries are an important part of reaching customers across South Africa. But while shipping a parcel within a major city (or between cities) may seem straightforward, sending one to a smaller town or a more remote location can involve a few extra steps.

Customers may simply see an estimated delivery date at checkout while merchants need to consider the route and service available for that address.

Understanding how regional deliveries work can help you make more informed shipping decisions, manage customer expectations and avoid unnecessary delays.

What is a regional delivery?

A regional delivery is a shipment travelling to an area classified as regional for the selected courier service. This could mean delivering to a smaller town, an outlying or rural area, or a destination that requires additional transport or a different delivery route.

For example, sending a parcel from Johannesburg to Sandton counts as a metro delivery. Sending the same item to a small town in Limpopo may be considered regional.

Regional deliveries are not defined purely by distance, and different couriers have different networks, depots and service areas. An address that is considered regional by one courier may fall within another courier’s standard service area. Remember, it’s not just about how far a parcel travels, but how the courier network connects to its destination.

Why can regional deliveries take longer?

Within major cities, couriers generally have more depots, delivery vehicles, routes and more frequent collections. This allows parcels to move continuously through the network. Beyond major metro areas, the picture can change significantly. 

Regional deliveries often involve additional steps before the package reaches the customer. A parcel may need to travel from the merchant to a collection branch, then to a main hub, a regional hub and finally a local delivery branch.

Think of it like catching a connecting flight. Your destination may not be all that far away in a straight line, but getting there could involve a few stops.

Delivery times can also be affected by:

• Distance and courier network coverage.
• Collection cut-off times and transport schedules.
• Whether the destination is serviced daily or only on specific days.
• Weather and road conditions.
• Public holidays and busy shopping periods (such as Black Friday). 
• Incorrect addresses or failed delivery attempts.

This is why the delivery estimates you give to customers should reflect the courier’s service and coverage; it’s about managing expectations, rather than letting people assume that every parcel will arrive the next day.

The (right) address matters more than you think

A complete and accurate address is essential for a successful delivery, especially when shipping to regional areas. Some destinations, such as farms, plots, lodges and mines, can be difficult to locate. They may have limited signage, multiple entrances or specific access requirements.

A vague address like “Plot 15, near the school” might work well for people who know the area, but probably won’t give a delivery driver enough information to find the customer.

Where possible, provide the full physical address, town, postal code, recipient’s contact number and useful landmarks. Include gate or access instructions where needed. Incomplete information can lead to failed delivery attempts, additional handling and longer waiting times. If the courier cannot locate the customer, the parcel may need to be returned to a branch before another delivery attempt can be arranged.

Why does regional shipping sometimes cost more?

Regional deliveries can sometimes cost more because of longer transport distances, the need for additional transfers between hubs, and low-volume routes and areas being serviced less frequently. For merchants, this may mean that the cheapest shipping option in one area may not be the cheapest everywhere.

Using Bob Go to compare available courier rates can help you manage your shipping costs and find a suitable option based on the destination, price and service availability. This gives you more visibility when deciding which courier service to use for each shipment.

Don't forget about collections

Regional shipping isn't only about getting parcels to customers. Collections can also be affected by courier schedules. Some locations may have scheduled collection routes rather than daily collections. If your parcel misses the collection cut-off, it will have to wait for the next available date before starting its journey.

Understanding collection times and planning dispatches accordingly can help you avoid unnecessary delays. Planning to send multiple parcels on the same day can streamline your operations and reduce your admin burden. 

How to prepare for regional deliveries

Shipping outside your city is easier when you understand your options and plan ahead. Here are five things to keep in mind:

1. Check courier coverage. Know which destinations your courier services and whether collection or delivery schedules vary.
2. Capture accurate addresses. Include all the information needed to help the courier locate the customer.
3. Set realistic expectations. Share estimated delivery times and keep customers updated.
4. Know collection cut-offs. Make sure parcels are ready when the courier is due to collect.
5. Communicate early. Contact customers promptly if you need additional information.

Every courier network and route is different, so avoid promising next-day delivery based on another parcel’s experience.

Bob Go makes regional deliveries easy 

Regional deliveries can involve different routes, schedules and requirements, but the right tools can make them easier to manage. With Bob Go, you can manage your shipping through a central platform, compare available rates, track shipments and generate automated tracking notifications for customers.

Having visibility of your shipments can help you identify parcels that need attention, spot potential delays and respond sooner. By understanding courier coverage, providing accurate addresses, planning collections and setting realistic delivery expectations, you can create a smoother shipping experience for your customers. Don't just ship your parcels. Set each one up for success with Bob Go.

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