Couriers Vs Logistics Services: What’s the Difference

Couriers and logistics services, though the two terms are both related to and can collaborate in the transportation of goods, the two terms tend to be used somewhat interchangeably. However, there are some subtle differences. This article intends to give consumers in the Philippines an idea about the differences between couriers and logistics services.

Scale

The most basic difference between a courier and a logistics company is the scale of the goods which they transport. Quite simply, logistics services are responsible for shipping large quantities of often heavy cargo such as ships or full truckloads across vast distances. Whereas couriers are responsible for transporting paper such as documents and small packages.

 

Diversity of Products

 

Aside from handling large quantities, a logistics company in the Philippines is often capable of delivering a more diverse range of products ranging anywhere from industrial equipment to food and other perishable items. Couriers on the other hand tend to handle paper and small parcels- which have most likely gone through some form of logistics provider at some point during transit, especially from a foreign country to the Philippines.

 

Speed

Unfortunately, this is where logistics services take a bit of a hit. Firstly, there is a great deal of paperwork that needs to be sorted out as logistics companies provide services that can encompass all different areas of the economy and supply chain. And secondly, given that the goods that logistics companies typically transport can be massive and in large quantities, they are in it for the long haul especially when considering the slower modes of transport such as cargo ships and large delivery trucks. On the other hand, couriers can afford to be quicker considering the products they move around are usually light weight.

 

Which is Better for Your Business?

The answer to this question is rather complex. Because it depends firstly on the scale of your business, and the amount of orders that you need to ship. In general, the services of a logistics company in the Philippines get cheaper as your shipments get larger, whereas small businesses can simply avail for a courier to do small deliveries.