Express courier. Direct.
Also overnight.
x25pronto Switzerland takes goods direct to the destination. Small loads go by car. Larger loads go by van or Van XL. Direct, express and overnight trips run Monday to Sunday when a slot is free. Free times are shown in the booking calendar. This keeps the plan clear.
Cost calculation: Compare direct courier vs parcel service
Step-by-step example shows when a direct courier is cheaper than a parcel service. Includes production downtime rate, kilometre costs, handling and parcel-price comparison in Switzerland.
Quick answer
Compare direct courier and parcel service by total costs: travel time and costs, production downtime (hourly rate), handling and parcel price. A direct courier often pays off for urgent, direct deliveries or when downtime is expensive. Example calculations below cover typical cases in Zürich, Basel and Bern.
Why compare full costs
Many companies only look at the parcel price. That misses key items. Direct runs save time. Time often costs much in production. Include travel time, waiting, handling, kilometre costs and production downtime. Only then will you know which option is cheaper.
Key cost factors
Consider: 1) parcel price, 2) travel time for direct courier (including empty return), 3) kilometre costs (fuel, wear, tolls), 4) staff costs for handling, 5) production downtime if delivery is late (hourly rate), 6) frequency and urgency of shipments.
Typical assumptions for the examples
We use practical Swiss assumptions: production downtime rate 150 CHF/h; internal handling rate 45 CHF/h; kilometre costs 0.80 CHF/km; parcel service standard delivery 24 h (not suitable for immediate needs); direct courier average speed 60 km/h net, plus 15 min loading/unloading.
Example A — Urgent spare part within Zürich (20 km, 30 min drive)
Scenario: A spare part is needed immediately. Parcel service standard price 20 CHF, 24 h delivery. Direct courier: 40 km (roundtrip), 60 min driving, 30 min loading. Direct courier costs: kilometre costs 32 CHF (40 km × 0.80), time costs 112.50 CHF (1.5 h × 75 CHF effective dispatch/driver rate), handling 22.50 CHF (0.5 h × 45 CHF). Total ~167 CHF. Production downtime: 150 CHF/h × 1 h = 150 CHF. Parcel route total: 20 CHF + 150 CHF = 170 CHF. Result: Direct courier (167 CHF) is slightly cheaper than parcel service (170 CHF) when downtime is included.
Example B — Regional shipment to Basel (80 km, 1.5 h drive)
Scenario: Part must reach Basel within hours. Parcel express price 50 CHF (often 24 h express; not guaranteed within hours). Direct courier: 160 km, 2.5 h driving, 0.5 h loading. Kilometre costs 128 CHF, time costs (3 h × 75 CHF) 225 CHF, handling 22.50 CHF. Total direct courier ~375.50 CHF. If production downtime equals 2 h = 300 CHF, parcel + downtime = 50 + 300 = 350 CHF. Result: Parcel service can be cheaper unless the direct courier prevents larger losses or provides other operational benefits.
How to adapt the calculation for your company
Steps: 1) Define your production downtime hourly rate. 2) Measure average travel time and distance. 3) Set kilometre costs per km (0.60–1.00 CHF typical). 4) Define internal handling hourly rate. 5) Compare totals: Direct courier = km × km‑cost + (drive time + handling)×dispatch rate. Parcel = parcel price + possible downtime costs.
Frequently asked questions
When is a direct courier the better choice?
When the delivery must happen immediately and production downtime is costly. Also for sensitive or one‑off shipments that need hands‑on delivery.
How do I calculate my production downtime hourly rate?
Use lost revenue per hour or contribution margin per hour as a base. Include the fixed and variable costs you still incur while production is stopped.
What kilometre rate should I use?
In Switzerland 0.60–1.00 CHF/km is reasonable. Start with 0.80 CHF/km and adjust for fuel and vehicle type.
Do I need to account for return trips?
Yes. Add return kilometres and extra time. Empty return legs are a major cost factor for direct couriers and must be included.