In today’s fast-moving ecommerce world, shipping speed can be the deciding factor in a customer’s decision to purchase a product. As online shopping becomes increasingly popular, consumers demand not only speed but also affordability. While major carriers like UPS and FedEx dominate the shipping landscape, rising logistics costs, occasional delays, and the specific needs of small to medium-sized businesses have led to the search for viable alternatives. Enter Fastrac Ontrac, a program from OnTrac designed to optimize last-mile delivery, offering a practical solution for businesses looking to reduce shipping costs while maintaining efficiency.
Introduction to Fastrac Ontrac
Fastrac Ontrac is not a brand-new company, but rather a strategic initiative under OnTrac, a well-established U.S.-based last-mile delivery network. It was launched to help businesses streamline their shipping processes by providing a more flexible and cost-effective delivery option, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As ecommerce continues to grow, shipping has become a key component of customer satisfaction, and Fastrac Ontrac aims to address several challenges faced by businesses that rely on delivery services to meet customer expectations.
OnTrac, which merged with LaserShip in 2019, is now a coast-to-coast delivery service that covers 31 states and reaches over 250 million people. This merger enabled OnTrac to expand its reach and offer faster, more affordable delivery options for its customers. The Fastrac Ontrac program takes this a step further by allowing third-party logistics (3PLs), shippers, and tech platforms to integrate OnTrac into their existing shipping systems. This not only opens up new opportunities for businesses but also gives them greater flexibility in choosing how and when to deliver their products.
The Need for Fastrac Ontrac in the Ecommerce Landscape
Ecommerce businesses, particularly those in sectors like fashion, electronics, and home decor, understand that shipping is integral to the customer experience. Shipping delays or high shipping costs can significantly impact customer satisfaction, which in turn affects sales and brand loyalty. As a result, businesses are constantly looking for ways to improve their logistics operations and provide customers with better delivery options.
With the rise of ecommerce, logistics costs have also been on the rise. Large carriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS, while reliable, often charge premium rates, especially for faster delivery services. These costs can eat into the profit margins of small businesses, making it difficult for them to compete with larger retailers. Additionally, shipping delays, particularly during peak seasons, can lead to negative customer reviews and returns. This is where Fastrac Ontrac comes in, offering a more affordable and reliable alternative.
Fastrac Ontrac allows businesses to integrate OnTrac into their existing shipping processes, providing access to a flexible and scalable solution. By leveraging OnTrac’s network, businesses can offer faster delivery times without the high costs associated with traditional carriers. The program also gives businesses the option to offer weekend delivery, which can further enhance the customer experience.
How Fastrac Ontrac Works
Fastrac Ontrac operates as a last-mile delivery network, meaning it focuses on the final stage of the delivery process, when packages are transported from a regional hub to the customer’s doorstep. The company operates a robust network of hubs and delivery vehicles that allow packages to be delivered quickly and efficiently across the United States. Fastrac Ontrac is particularly beneficial for businesses that need to reach customers in the western U.S., as OnTrac has a strong presence in states like California, Nevada, and Texas.
The key advantage of Fastrac Ontrac is that it offers businesses an alternative to the traditional carriers that often dominate the market. Instead of relying solely on UPS or FedEx, businesses can now integrate OnTrac into their shipping processes through the Fastrac Partner Program. This provides greater flexibility and cost-saving opportunities.
To get started with Fastrac Ontrac, businesses must first partner with a third-party logistics provider or tech platform that supports OnTrac integration. Once integrated, businesses can easily add OnTrac as a shipping option within their existing systems, allowing them to offer faster and more affordable delivery to their customers.
Why Businesses Should Choose Fastrac Ontrac
There are several reasons why businesses should consider using Fastrac Ontrac for their shipping needs. Here are some of the main advantages:
1. Lower Shipping Costs
One of the most significant advantages of using Fastrac Ontrac is the potential for cost savings. Shipping with major carriers like UPS and FedEx can be expensive, particularly for small businesses that don’t have the same shipping volume as larger companies. By using Fastrac Ontrac, businesses can reduce shipping costs and keep more of their profit margins intact.
2. Faster Delivery Times
OnTrac’s network is designed to provide faster delivery times, particularly in the western U.S. With Fastrac Ontrac, businesses can offer 1-2 day shipping to many regions, which can be a significant competitive advantage in the ecommerce space.
3. Weekend Delivery
Many ecommerce businesses struggle to offer weekend delivery due to the constraints of traditional carriers. Fastrac Ontrac provides weekend delivery options, giving businesses the ability to offer more flexible and convenient shipping to their customers.
4. Scalability
Fastrac Ontrac is scalable, meaning that it can grow with your business. Whether you’re a small startup or a larger operation, the program can be integrated into your existing systems and scaled to meet your shipping needs as your business expands.
5. Simplified Integration
The Fastrac Partner Program is designed to be easy to integrate with existing shipping platforms. Many businesses already use third-party logistics providers or tech platforms that support OnTrac integration, making it a simple process to add Fastrac Ontrac as a shipping option.
Why Not Use Other Shipping Carriers?
While Fastrac Ontrac offers many benefits, there are some reasons why a business might choose to stick with traditional carriers like UPS or FedEx. Here are a few considerations:
1. Limited Coverage
While OnTrac is expanding rapidly, it doesn’t yet offer the same level of nationwide coverage as UPS or FedEx. Businesses that need to ship to regions outside of OnTrac’s coverage area may still need to rely on other carriers for certain deliveries.
2. Reliability Concerns
OnTrac’s delivery network is designed to be fast and efficient, but some businesses may be concerned about the reliability of a newer, smaller carrier. While OnTrac’s merger with LaserShip has expanded its reach, businesses with higher shipping volumes or those in highly competitive markets may feel more comfortable sticking with the well-established carriers they know and trust.
3. Lack of International Shipping
OnTrac primarily serves the U.S. market, so businesses that need to ship internationally may need to rely on other carriers for those shipments. While OnTrac can be a great option for domestic deliveries, it may not be suitable for businesses with a global customer base.
Customer Experiences with Fastrac Ontrac
Many businesses have shared positive experiences with Fastrac Ontrac, particularly in terms of reduced shipping costs and faster delivery times. For example, a Shopify store owner selling sneakers in California might find that integrating Fastrac Ontrac helps them reduce shipping costs by up to 30%, while also providing faster 1-2 day delivery and weekend delivery options. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also reduces the number of returns, as customers are more likely to keep items they receive quickly.
However, some businesses have also noted that OnTrac’s coverage area is limited in certain regions, and they may need to rely on other carriers for national or international shipments. Nevertheless, for businesses that primarily serve customers in the western U.S., Fastrac Ontrac can be a game-changer in terms of cost and speed.
Safe Alternatives to Fastrac Ontrac
While Fastrac Ontrac offers many advantages, it’s not the only option available for businesses looking to streamline their shipping processes. Some safe alternatives to consider include:
- UPS SurePost: A cost-effective shipping service offered by UPS that leverages USPS for the final leg of the delivery.
- FedEx Ground: A reliable and affordable option for ground shipping, particularly for businesses that need to ship nationally.
- USPS Priority Mail: A trusted carrier for smaller, lightweight packages, particularly for businesses that ship domestically.
How to Get Started with Fastrac Ontrac
Getting started with Fastrac Ontrac is simple. First, businesses need to partner with a third-party logistics provider or tech platform that supports OnTrac integration. Once integrated, businesses can easily add OnTrac as a shipping option within their systems. For more information on how to get started, businesses can visit OnTrac’s official website and reach out to their sales team to discuss integration options.
Conclusion
Fastrac Ontrac provides a valuable service to small and medium-sized ecommerce businesses looking for a cost-effective and efficient shipping solution. By offering faster delivery times, lower shipping costs, and the option for weekend delivery, Fastrac Ontrac helps businesses enhance the customer experience while saving money on logistics. While there are some limitations to consider, such as coverage area and international shipping, Fastrac Ontrac remains an attractive option for businesses that primarily serve customers in the western U.S. As ecommerce continues to evolve, services like Fastrac Ontrac will play an increasingly important role in helping businesses meet the demands of fast-paced consumer expectations.
