FAQs

What is a third-party logistics company?

Diakon Logistics provides dedicated last-mile delivery solutions to some of the most respected retailers in the country. We recognize that the in-home customer experience reflects your brand and serves as the single most important step of the sales cycle. With that in mind, we've built a company culture of service that is committed to making each delivery exceptional.

What specific services does Diakon Logistics offer?

Diakon is a nationally recognized leader in home delivery services for big and bulky products like appliances, home furnishings, exercise equipment, medical equipment, and bedding. Diakon has solutions for managed transportation, warehousing/cross-docking, flatbed, Moffet trucking, box truck, appliance installation, furniture assembly, aftermarket support, and reverse logistics. Retailers contract with Diakon due to their cost-saving model.

What are the benefits of outsourcing?

Working with a quality 3PL provider, you stand to benefit in various ways. Most companies outsource because they have challenges maintaining consistently high service levels. Liability and cost are top considerations as well. As specialists, 3PLs can improve efficiencies and operate more cost-effectively by sourcing the best delivery professionals. Ultimately you have to make the decision based on the size of your business and when makes sense for you. Here are a few more things to consider that may help to evaluate the value of outsourcing logistics.

Why would a retailer want to outsource its home delivery operations?

Home delivery is a critical piece in the logistics puzzle because it's one of the only times when your brand "physically" encounters your customers, on their turf. Home delivery brings with it an extraordinary opportunity to "wow" your customers with impeccable service, care, and attention to detail. It's also, unfortunately, an area where many providers fall short. The reasons to outsource this important piece of your logistics are many – as long as you find the right provider:

Leverage your resources: It is a fact that by outsourcing home delivery operations to an outside firm, you will save valuable company time and resources. Instead of dealing with merchandise deliveries, scheduling those deliveries, sending staff out on deliveries, rescheduling no-shows, and handling the many other details around this service, you're simply able to continue with the business of merchandising and sales.

Benefit from expertise: Many companies just don't have the personnel to handle the home delivery process. Sure, they may have the staff to do it, but the staff may not be knowledgeable or experienced in all phases of this work. Rather than spending time training, and living through the mistakes that are bound to happen when you have inexperienced people taking on a delivery job, outsourcing lets you pass the task off to people who are experienced and specifically trained to handle it.

Maintain your brand: Your 3PL provider can become an extension of your brand. That's what we do at Diakon Logistics. Our people become a very natural extension of your team – treating your customers and your merchandise exactly as you would want it to be treated. 

Reduce risk and liability: Operating a fleet of trucks with delivery staff going into homes to install appliances and furniture brings a lot of additional risk that may not align with your business model. With Department of Transportation rules and employment laws constantly changing it's wise to understand how these can put your operation in jeopardy.

Save money: One of the most important reason to outsource your home delivery operations to a 3PL provider is to save money. The right 3PL company has processes, technology, and systems in place to run home deliveries in ways that your organization may have never thought of. That's because it's their jobs to make sure everything runs efficiently and it's in their own best interest to operate at a high level of efficiency – both for their own margins and to remain cost-competitive for their clients.

How do you know if my customers/consumers are satisfied?

Every delivery that Diakon Logistics tenders to a delivery professional includes a follow-up customer survey, performed via, text, email or phone. These results are used to measure and report on the satisfaction of your customers based on criteria that you have established.

Where is Diakon Logistics located?

Diakon Logistics is a national company with operation authority in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Does Diakon Logistics make deliveries 7 days a week?

Yes, we are able to structure five-to-seven days per week of deliveries, depending on the retailer's model. We are here to meet the needs of your operations as best we can.

What types of industries does Diakon Logistics handle?

Our focus is on retailers and manufacturers of "big ticket" items, including appliances, bedding, medical supplies, building supplies, electronics and furniture. We work with these types of companies to improve their logistics operations, resulting in greater efficiency and profitability.

What types of deliveries does Diakon Logistics make?

We offer a range of delivery service options, including white glove and standard in-home delivery for high-end furniture, appliances, consumer electronics, lawn and garden, sporting goods, outdoor patio, home office, and business office furniture. You can also choose affordable drop-shipments for items such as flooring, outdoor seasonal, and construction supplies. Diakon on Demand is a separate line of business to support commercial and short-term projects.