Shipping plays a critical role in how customers experience your business. Expectations, of course, will continue to rise, meaning that companies cannot rely on inefficient or outdated processes. In 2026, improving the shipping process is about working smarter. It is also wise to reduce errors and keep customers in-the-know.
By focusing on automation, delivery optimization, and clear communication, you will create a smoother, much more reliable shipping operation. This will support your business through long-term growth.
Eliminate Manual Data Entry and Errors
A lot of the time, completing tasks manually will result in increased costs and wasted time. Throughout the shipping process, this will likely cause customers to be left unsatisfied – and this is not something you want to experience as a business. Instead, you should eliminate manual data entry as the new year approaches. This will reduce the likelihood of human errors, too.
After all, there are a variety of common manual errors that occur during shipping. From typos that can cause missed deliveries to incorrect reference numbers that result in fines, a lot can go wrong. Automation is an effective way to avoid these outcomes.
Not only will automation free up your staff for higher-value tasks, but it will also provide real-time visibility. There are different automation tools to use, including barcode scanners, optical character recognition (OCR), and integrated software. The latter means that your Order Management System (OMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and/or accounting software will be connected, avoiding re-entry.
Optimize Last-Mile Delivery
The last mile is typically the most expensive and complex part of shipping. It is also the stage that customers notice the most. If deliveries arrive damaged or late, the rest of the process doesn’t matter – the customer will have a negative impression just from that. That is why optimizing last-mile delivery should be a priority in 2026.
Begin by reviewing your delivery routes. Route optimization software reduces fuel use, shortens delivery times, and even helps drivers avoid traffic. Even minor changes will add up over time. Fewer miles driven will also mean emissions are lower, and this is becoming a much more important factor to customers and regulators alike.
Next, delivery partners must be looked at. Working with reliable couriers will significantly improve consistency and trust. These partners are more likely to meet delivery windows and handle parcels with care. In some cases, it will usually make sense to use a mix of national and local couriers. This balances cost and speed.
It helps to offer flexible delivery options, too. Customers increasingly expect choices, such as pickup points, same-day delivery, and scheduled time slots. While not every option will suit your business, a few well-managed choices will reduce failed deliveries and returns. In the long run, this saves money and improves customer satisfaction.
Improve Customer Communication
Clear communication is a must. In fact, this is one of the simplest ways to improve your overall shipping process. Shoppers want to know what is happening with their orders at every step, particularly if there is a delay. Frustration will build quickly if they are left guessing.
A good place to start is automated notifications. Order confirmations, shipping updates, and delivery alerts reassure customers. This happens without your team dealing with additional work. These messages must be clear, short, and sent at the right time. Too many messages, though, will become annoying – just like too few.
Real-time tracking is another key tool. Giving customers access to accurate tracking information will reduce inbound support requests. This also builds trust. Shoppers will be able to see the progress for themselves. If any issues occur, then remember that proactive communication matters even more. A simple message that explains the issue and the next steps could stop complaints.
To conclude, there is no need for a complete overhaul when improving your shipping processes next year. By following the tips outlined in this post, you could cut costs and improve service simultaneously.
