A courier broker can simplify the organisation of shipments for a company that fulfils orders from several sales channels every day. For manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers, it is not only the delivery price that matters, but also the availability of carriers, the method of settling shipments and the ability to dispatch parcels automatically. Integrating courier services with an OMS system reduces the need for manual document preparation and streamlines warehouse operations. Find out when it’s worth using a broker, how to compare the available solutions, and how Centoro helps manage multi-channel sales logistics.
Courier broker – when is it worth using a broker to handle your shipments?
A courier broker is an intermediary that enables customers to book services from various carriers via a single platform. This allows a business to compare the available delivery methods and select the most suitable option depending on the type of consignment. This solution is particularly useful when order volumes fluctuate, as it means the company is not restricted to the services of a single logistics provider.
A broker can be a good option for businesses expanding their online sales, testing new sales channels or sending parcels of varying sizes. However, it is worth checking whether they work with all the necessary carriers and what the terms and conditions are for non-standard consignments.
If a company uses several courier services, courier integrations with the order management system also become important. They help to reduce manual data entry and enable shipments to be prepared without having to switch between different dashboards. In this model, a business courier can be selected as part of a single procedure, and comparisons between couriers also take the quality of the integration into account. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that a contract concluded directly with a courier may still be a viable alternative.
A courier broker or a contract with a courier – which is better for a business?
The choice between using a broker and working directly with a carrier depends primarily on the number of consignments, their specifications and delivery destinations. A contract with a courier can provide bespoke commercial terms, particularly where volumes are regular and predictable. A courier broker, on the other hand, allows you to take advantage of offers from several operators without having to negotiate all the terms separately.
The specific nature of orders is also important for manufacturers and wholesalers. Some customers order individual items, whilst others order whole bulk packs or pallets. A single transport method will not always be the best option for all shipments, so it is worth comparing courier services, taking into account the actual structure of orders.
Before making a decision, you should also check whether the chosen business courier service covers the required locations and types of goods. Well-designed courier integrations allow you to utilise different services within a single operational process. A company can therefore use a broker for some orders and dispatch the rest under a direct contract, provided that its OMS system supports this arrangement.
Comparing courier services – what factors should you look out for?
When comparing courier services, one should not limit oneself to the basic rate per parcel. For businesses handling a large number of orders, additional charges, collection times, the handling of non-standard parcels and complaints procedures are also important. A courier broker can facilitate access to several quotes, but it is worth checking the applicable terms and conditions carefully before entering into a partnership.
When choosing a carrier or broker, bear in mind the following:
- range of services – domestic and international parcels, cash-on-delivery parcels and palletised consignments,
- additional costs – surcharges for size, weight, delivery address or special services,
- collection dates – courier access to driveways and cut-off times for dispatch,
- complaints handling – how to report issues and the documents required,
- integration capabilities – automatic generation of labels and tracking numbers,
- Terms and conditions of settlement – invoicing, payments and the rules for calculating charges.
When carrying out an analysis, it is also worth taking into account the quality of parcel delivery services in specific regions. The cheapest option does not always mean the lowest overall logistics cost, particularly if the company incurs additional expenses due to delays or complaints.
Courier integrations in OMS – how do they streamline parcel preparation?
Courier integrations enable you to link order processing with the preparation of shipments. In practice, this means you can generate waybills and provide tracking numbers without having to re-enter data into separate applications. Automating these tasks is particularly important when dealing with large volumes of parcels, as every additional step adds to the workload in the warehouse.
The Centoro OMS system enables the processing of orders from various channels and the bulk generation of labels. The system integrates with, amongst others, InPost, DPD, DHL, FedEx, GLS, Orlen Paczka and Poczta Polska. Integrations with Furgonetka and Wysyłam z Allegro are also available.
How can I combine B2B shipments and marketplace orders?
Wholesale and retail businesses often handle different types of deliveries. Orders from marketplaces usually consist of individual parcels, whilst B2Bs customers may order larger batches of goods requiring palletised transport. Separating the methods of order picking and dispatch helps to organise warehouse operations, even if all orders are processed within a single environment.
At Centoro, the B2B sales platform enables business partners to place orders online, whilst the OMS supports their subsequent fulfilment. The system can also be integrated with marketplaces and online shops to coordinate various sales channels.
How much does it cost to use a broker and courier integration services?
The cost of handling shipments depends on a number of factors, including the number of parcels, their specifications, delivery destinations and the scope of services used. A courier broker may offer different terms depending on the carrier, whilst a contract concluded directly with a courier may include individual rates and billing terms. Before making a decision, it is worth comparing the total costs of handling parcels, taking additional charges into account as well.
The cost of the software used to fulfil orders is also a factor. At Centoro, courier integrations form part of the OMS system, the scope of which can be tailored to the company’s needs. The final price depends on the modules, integrations and configurations selected.
A well-chosen courier service for businesses should not only offer favourable transport terms, but also ensure smooth coordination with the warehouse. It is therefore worth combining a comparison of courier services with an assessment of the time required to prepare shipments. Centoro helps to reduce manual tasks involved in dispatching parcels, enabling logistics management within a single platform.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about courier brokers
What is a courier broker?
A courier broker is an intermediary that enables customers to book services from various courier companies via a single platform. Its role is to provide access to carriers’ quotes, manage the dispatch process and settle shipments in accordance with the agreed cooperation model. This allows a company to use the services of several operators without having to sign a separate contract with each one.
When is using a courier broker cheaper than a direct contract with a courier?
A broker may offer more favourable terms for small or irregular numbers of consignments, as they benefit from their own commercial agreements with carriers. However, for large and consistent volumes, a direct contract with a courier may be more cost-effective. The final decision should be based on a comparison of the full delivery costs, taking into account surcharges, dimensions, additional services and payment terms.
Who is liable for a lost parcel sent via a broker?
Liability depends on the applicable legislation and the contracts concluded between the consignor, the freight forwarder and the carrier. It is worth checking who to address a complaint to and what documents are required. If a trader sells goods to a consumer and arranges for delivery, they are, as a general rule, liable to the buyer for the consignment until it is delivered, even if they use a freight forwarder. In B2B transactions, the rules on liability may be set out in separate agreements.
Is it possible to use a broker and your own courier contract at the same time?
Yes, a company can use both models of cooperation. A courier broker can handle specific types of consignments, whilst a direct contract with a courier can cover regular deliveries to selected recipients. This combination allows the mode of transport to be tailored to a specific order, provided that the sales management system in use supports the relevant integrations.
How do you integrate a courier provider with an order management system?
The most common methods are API integration or using a ready-made module available within the OMS system. This integration enables the transfer of order data, the generation of labels and the retrieval of tracking numbers. Before going live, you should check the scope of available services and ensure the data being sent is correct. It is also worth testing the process of preparing a larger number of parcels to ensure that the integration is compatible with the way the warehouse operates.
Which OMS system integrates with courier brokers and carriers?
Centoro OMS is a system designed for manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers operating in a multi-channel sales environment. The solution centralises orders and enables the preparation of shipments through integration with carriers such as InPost, DPD, DHL, FedEx, GLS, Orlen Paczka and Poczta Polska, as well as the Furgonetka and Wysyłam z Allegro services. Bulk label generation and the linking of shipments to orders streamline day-to-day warehouse operations. Contact Centoro to tailor the scope of integration to your company’s needs.