KEP
There is a phrase KEP in the logistics industry which is an acronym for "Courier, Express, Parcel", and describes the less-than-truckload courier market that delivers parcels weighing no more than 31 kg on a door-to-door basis. Typically, it is parcels of this weight that make up the largest share of any courier service, which includes both corporate and private shipments, but excluding palletized and other higher-than-standard weight shipments. The special feature of KEP transport is the low price of parcels shipped, as well as much faster service due to the standardized maximum weight of parcels transported. Each KEP courier can adjust their means of transport directly to the maximum weight of delivered parcels, which also has a beneficial influence on price reduction.
How does KEP Logistics work?
KEP transport is conducted by courier and forwarding companies that have means of transport adjusted to handle packages of low weight and external dimensions. The handling of larger parcels, e.g. pallets, requires the use of additional logistics solutions that enable their loading, storage, and unloading, therefore not all forwarding companies decide to use it. Thanks to that, KEP is the transport perfectly organized in terms of size and weight of parcels and encourages lower prices of provided services, as well as a much faster operation - often such companies offer SDD (Same Day Delivery) option. It consists in delivering the parcel to the recipient on the same working day, however in a limited area.
KEP logistics services are used mainly by corporate customers, i.e. the e-commerce industry, which is becoming more and more profitable and popular every year. Typically, most of the sales are based on small products, which can be successfully sent in a package with a total weight not exceeding 31 kg. Electronic equipment and small household appliances are just some of the products, sent by the Internet sales industry by KEP transport.
What is the most important aspect of the KEP courier?
KEP transport is an industry based on the transport of small parcels, so the advantages of this type of service include much shorter delivery times to the addressee than for bulky shipments. As a rule, companies delivering in this format have a specific logistics chain, often consisting of small transport means with low fuel consumption and low maintenance requirements. Another advantage is very short delivery times and the possibility to choose interesting additional options, as well as priority handling of individual packages.
KEP Logistics services are very popular nowadays and the companies that provide them are more and more profitable every year. Many providers of KEP transport services make large price differences between them disappear, and the customer gets not only lower costs of sending the shipment but also shorter delivery time and many additional services that can be used.
KEP logistics currently has a very large share of the freight forwarding market, so it is worth learning about its principles and advantages.