Case Study: Rapid and Responsive Retail Logistics Solutions for a National Retailer

12th February 2025 | by Sam Nardi

Rapid and Responsive Retail Logistics Solutions for a National Retailer Speedy Freight

In recent years, the retail sector has undergone a fundamental shift, driven by increasing customer expectations and the rise of instant fulfilment. Customers no longer anticipate long waits for products—they expect availability and rapid delivery as standard. To meet these evolving demands, a major UK retailer transformed its fulfilment strategy by establishing Regional Fulfilment Centres. These hubs enable the fast, efficient transportation of goods to stores, ensuring customers can collect their items on the same day. That’s where Speedy Freight comes in to support their fulfilment and last mile delivery strategy.

The Client

Our client is a national retailer operating across Great Britain, with a strong presence both in-store and online. They offer a wide range of products, including clothing, toys, electronics, homewares, and beauty items.

The Consignment

To keep up with customer demand, this retailer requires up to 12 regional delivery runs per day, 7 days a week, transporting stock from Regional Fulfilment Centres to stores. Due to the variety of goods offered by the retailer, packages regularly differ in size, quantity, and type.

Customers who order from the retailer before noon can collect their items in-store from 4pm the same day through their same day click and collect service. Speedy Freight’s expert drivers make this possible, ensuring a consistent and reliable same day delivery service.

The Challenges

Executing a same day delivery operation on this scale comes with its challenges. Maintaining an uninterrupted supply chain requires precise coordination, robust driver coverage, and a flexible fleet capable of adapting to changing demands. With such high-frequency deliveries, it is crucial to have experienced lead drivers managing the operation and ensuring every consignment arrives on time.

The Solution

Speedy Freight currently deploys 26 drivers daily across three key locations in the UK, providing consistent, dedicated personnel for each delivery run. Lead drivers at each site ensure smooth operations, with real-time KPI tracking and constant monitoring to uphold an impressive 99% on-time delivery rate. This level of oversight guarantees that the retailer’s customers receive their goods as promised.

Speedy Freight’s ability to scale operations rapidly has been a defining factor in our partnership. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we scaled up our support from 26 drivers to an astonishing 925 vehicles per day—achieving this within just two weeks. This agility ensured the retailer could continue delivering to customers despite unprecedented challenges.

Beyond scheduled deliveries, Speedy Freight also handles ad-hoc logistics requests, responding instantly to urgent and unforeseen transportation needs. With a vast driver network across the UK, we are always ready to act, ensuring our client maintains their service commitments without disruption.

Regular audits and strategy meetings between Speedy Freight and the retailer foster a culture of continuous improvement. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in refining operations, strengthening efficiencies, and enhancing service quality for customers.

Get in Touch for Retail Logistics Solutions

Speedy Freight’s adaptability and capacity to scale have been pivotal in maintaining the retailer’s supply chain resilience. Whether responding to last-minute logistical demands or supporting large-scale operations during global events, we provide a flexible, reliable solution tailored to the needs of our clients.

If your business requires a logistics partner that can adapt, scale, and deliver—no matter the challenge—Speedy Freight is here to help. We specialise in retail and eCommerce logistics solutions, including same day delivery, parcel delivery, and complete fulfilment solutions.

We’ve Got You Covered

Dedicated, swift and bespoke – three key cornerstones of our end-to-end logistics service. With everything from same day delivery to specialist white glove and temperature-controlled transport solutions, Speedy Freight have the answers to your logistical problems. Our same day courier service operates 24/7, 365 days a year and covers the length and breadth of the nation. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re there.

Get in Touch