Delivery Service Business Plan

Thinking about starting a delivery service, but not sure how to plan? Don’t worry! Here’s a real-life delivery service business plan sample to guide you through every step. Plus, grab a free downloadable template to make planning even easier.

Create a Business Plan
Delivery service business plan
Table of Contents

Ever dreamed of launching services that deliver packages quickly, reliably, and sustainably all year round? Well, starting a delivery service business could be a great way to bring that vision to life.

But before that, you’ll need a solid business plan to define your unique goals and achieve long-term success in the competitive marketplace.

Wondering how to draft a plan?

Don’t worry! This real-life delivery service business plan sample is here just for your help and inspiration right away!

Delivery Service Business Plan Sample

Let’s explore a sample business plan of SwiftNest Logistics and get useful information to create each section of your plan.

1. Executive Summary

SwiftNest Logistics is a next-generation delivery service based in Raleigh, North Carolina. SwiftNest brings great speed, flexibility, and sustainability to the logistics space for small parcel deliveries, food products, medical supplies, and retail products.

SwiftNest is organized as an LLC. We combine a mission-driven, "local first" business model with sustainable operations using a fleet of electric vehicles and cargo bikes.

SwiftNest logistics is available to small businesses, healthcare entities, restaurants, and individuals, offering the added benefits of real-time tracking and same-day or next-day delivery via our proprietary tech platform.

Mission

We aim to deliver goods quickly, sustainably, and with a personal touch—using technology and providing exceptional service to local businesses and individuals.

Vision

To be the most trusted and sustainable local delivery partner in the Southeast with speed, transparency, and environmentally responsible logistics.

Market Opportunity

There are vast opportunities in local logistics due to the growth of e-commerce and the increasing demand for same-day delivery, along with the growing environmental concern from the general population. Raleigh's emerging economy and eco-conscious society are the best context for SwiftNest's sustainable delivery model.

Key Services

SwiftNest Logistics offers:

  • Same-day and next-day delivery for parcels and local products
  • Food and beverage delivery for restaurants, cafes, and bakeries
  • Medical courier services for prescriptions, samples, and equipment
  • Eco-friendly logistics using electric vans and cargo bikes

Financial Projections

SwiftNest Logistics projects strong and scalable growth during its first three years of operation, driven by fleet expansion, app development, and local market penetration.

Delivery service business plan financial projections

Financial Metric Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Total Revenue $420,000 $780,000 $1,200,000
Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) $90,000 $165,000 $240,000
Gross Profit $330,000 $615,000 $960,000
Operating Expenses $250,000 $415,000 $610,000
Net Profit $80,000 $200,000 $350,000

Liking the plan you're reading? It's AI generated.

Generate Your Own Using Bizplanr AI

Generate My Plan

CTA Image

2. Company Overview

SwiftNest Logistics is an innovative delivery service based in Raleigh, North Carolina, committed to fast and flexible, and ecologically friendly logistics for individuals and local businesses.

Our operations are aligned with the modern demands of last-mile delivery while ensuring flexibility, speed, sustainability, and community engagement.

As a Limited Liability Company (LLC), SwiftNest Logistics is a same-day and next-day delivery service, using a fleet consisting of electric vehicles and cargo bikes.

Our tech-enabled platform gives real-time tracking and scheduling for hassle-free delivery services stretching from parcel delivery to food and beverage deliveries, medical couriers, and more.

With a focus on sustainability, technology, and personalized service, SwiftNest offers a reliable local logistics option for businesses and individuals.

Core Values

Here are the values that shape how we work and what we stand for:

  • Sustainability—we deliver, using sustainable practices—electric vans, cargo bikes, and short-distance deliveries sustain our carbon emissions.
  • Dependability—we deliver on time every time, and everything is handled with care.
  • Community—we deliver by supporting local businesses and employing local deliveries.
  • Innovation—real-time tracking on our delivery app.
  • Transparency—we deliver through well-communicated dialogues at each step of the process.

Location and Facility

SwiftNest Logistics operates out of a central hub at 1408 Horizon Park Drive, Suite 210, Raleigh, NC 27613.

The facility includes:

  • A cross-docking warehouse for sorting, dispatch, and managing local deliveries
  • Dedicated zones for electric van and cargo bike loading
  • Office space for admin operations and customer support
  • Break areas and locker space for drivers and staff

Business Goals

We’re focused on clear goals that guide our growth and direction. Here they are:

  • Position SwiftNest as Raleigh’s most trusted sustainable delivery partner
  • Launch and grow our tech platform for seamless delivery scheduling
  • Expand our fleet by 8+ vehicles within the first year
  • Establish recurring delivery partnerships with at least 50 local businesses
  • Reach profitability by the end of year two

3. Industry and Market Analysis

Industry Overview

The food delivery industry is growing rapidly as e-commerce increases, consumer preference becomes common for a single day's service, and advanced, technically capable logistics develops.

As consumers get addicted to early delivery and real-time package status updates, the demand for skilled logistics remains strong.

Apart from this, the demand for environmentally conscious distribution systems is also increasing.

The global online food delivery market was valued at $380.43 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $618.36 billion by 2030.

Raleigh, North Carolina, is an ideal market for Swiftnest Logistics for several reasons.

The city has a strong base of local businesses, residents are more than average technology-lovers, and there is an increasing emphasis on stability, making it a great fit for delivery that is considered green and local.

Target Market

SwiftNest Logistics serves a wide array of customer segments, from businesses to individual consumers. Our target customers value fast, reliable delivery services that are also environmentally responsible.

Below is a breakdown of our primary customer segments:

Customer Segment Who They Are What They Need
Local Small Businesses Independent shops and eCommerce stores Affordable, same-day shipping and scheduled deliveries with real-time tracking
Restaurants & Cafés Food service providers with delivery needs Fast, temperature-controlled delivery with excellent customer service
Medical Offices & Pharmacies Clinics and healthcare providers Secure, compliant, and timely transport of prescriptions and medical samples
Individuals & Residents Everyday customers sending packages or urgent items Reliable last-mile delivery with on-demand or scheduled options
Event Planners & Florists Businesses handling time-sensitive or fragile items White-glove delivery for flowers, décor, and specialty products

Regulatory Compliance

We follow all local and state rules related to food distribution, vehicle use, and business operations. Our delivery team has basic food security training, and our vehicle is in accordance with the city's environmental and traffic rules.

We also keep our licenses, permits, and insurance updated and in full compliance. There is no spill, just facts.

4. Competitive Analysis

Raleigh’s delivery market is competitive, with both local and national companies offering last-mile services. While most focus on wide coverage or gig-based models, SwiftNest Logistics stands out with its community-focused, eco-friendly approach and reliable, professional service.

Key Competitors

1) Dropoff

Dropoff has developed a delivery platform that’s easy to access for any business to facilitate important items and help them be delivered quickly and safely.

Strengths: Dropoff advertises professional courier services in a manner that supports a clear focus on healthcare, legal, and retail deliveries. They have become more known for secure change deliveries.

Weakness: It’s higher priced, providing courier services; there is very little flexibility, and local small businesses or individuals cannot use their platform reliably. Too much begins with focus at the community level to continue doing so.

2) Shipt

Shipt has filled the niche of grocery and store deliveries from large market retailers. It has promoted fast delivery service and relies on a mobile app, so it’s simple to use.

Strengths: The brand is strong, and their grocery and retail delivery time from the biggest retail chains is fast. Their mobile app provides great access to use their tech to adopt a book and make deliveries.

Weaknesses: Shipt is typically linked to only the big retail national retailers; it provides no significant support to local business services. Designed for larger deliveries, not custom or specialty deliveries.

3) GoPuff

GoPuff is a delivery service that delivers snacks and smaller items at any time of the day, using their own stock and drivers.

Strengths: They are a 24/7 convenience delivery service, using in-house inventory, with speedy fulfillment. They have had great success with college students.

Weaknesses: They have focused on snacks and snack essentials, not B2B or professional delivery needs. Offers little customer personalization.

4) Local Delivery Solutions, LLC (Raleigh, NC)

This is another small delivery company that is primarily focused on helping local businesses get their deliveries done in Raleigh.

Strengths: Familiarity with the Raleigh area, offers customized delivery services for small businesses.

Weaknesses: Smaller fleet, and not much in terms of technology, don’t have real-time tracking or green transport.

Competitive Advantage

SwiftNest Logistics is uniquely positioned in Raleigh’s delivery market. Here’s why we stand out:

  • A green fleet using electric vans and cargo bikes to reduce our carbon footprint.
  • A tech-powered platform that gives you tracking and easy scheduling means.
  • We offer same-day and white-glove deliveries to both businesses and individuals.
  • We’re committed to local businesses through volunteer resources, partnerships, and customized solutions.
  • We’re community-first by providing live support and locally hired drivers.

5. Sales and Marketing Strategy

Our marketing and sales strategy is designed to attract local businesses, restaurants, healthcare providers, and individual customers, while building long-term partnerships and growing brand loyalty in the Raleigh community.

Marketing Plan

Here’s how we plan to reach our customers and build strong brand awareness:

  • Launch a clean, mobile-friendly website with instant booking and tracking capabilities
  • Use targeted Google and Facebook ads to highlight same-day service and eco-friendly delivery
  • Partner with local businesses, restaurants, and pharmacies for co-branded promotions
  • Build community trust through event sponsorships and sustainability initiatives
  • Encourage customer loyalty with referral programs, first-order discounts, and local rewards

Sales Strategy

The following is our approach to sales:

  • Offer custom delivery plans for recurring business clients
  • Provide volume-based pricing incentives for regular business partners
  • Train sales staff to identify and close local business partnerships through outbound efforts
  • Use a loyalty program for individual users with perks like discounted deliveries and free upgrades
  • Promote premium services (white-glove, after-hours delivery) through upselling and direct outreach

6. Operations Plan

Our operations plan at SwiftNest Logistics focuses on delivering reliable, on-time service while ensuring our deliveries are efficient, sustainable, and customer-friendly. From dispatching orders to maintaining our green fleet, we’re committed to making every delivery smooth and successful.

Daily Operations

At SwiftNest Logistics, we manage each part of the delivery process to ensure accuracy and customer satisfaction:

  • Orders are received through our mobile app or website and automatically routed to dispatch.
  • Dispatchers assign deliveries based on location, urgency, and vehicle availability.
  • Drivers pick up packages from businesses or our warehouse hub and follow optimized delivery routes.
  • Electric vans and cargo bikes are loaded at our centralized facility, ensuring efficient scheduling.
  • Customer service handles live support, monitors routes, and resolves delivery issues in real-time.
  • Packages are scanned and tracked through each step, with delivery confirmation sent to recipients.

Technology and Tools

We use modern technology to streamline operations and improve service quality:

  • A proprietary delivery management system to schedule, track, and dispatch all orders
  • Real-time GPS tracking for customers and staff to monitor deliveries
  • Mobile driver app for route optimization, delivery updates, and proof of delivery
  • Automated notifications and customer alerts via SMS and email
  • Warehouse inventory software for cross-docking and scheduled deliveries
  • Fleet management tools to monitor vehicle health and schedule routine maintenance

7. Management Team

SwiftNest Logistics thrives because of a dedicated and experienced team. Each member brings specialized knowledge to ensure smooth delivery operations, strong customer relationships, and continued growth as Raleigh’s leading sustainable delivery provider.

Key Managers

Camden Hayes – CEO (Owner)
Camden Hayes is the founder and CEO of SwiftNest Logistics. He leads the company’s strategic direction, builds partnerships, and ensures the business stays true to its mission of fast, eco-friendly delivery.

Maya Torres – COO (Operations Manager)
Maya Torres manages daily delivery operations, fleet coordination, and driver performance. She ensures orders are dispatched efficiently and that every customer gets reliable service.

Jordan Phillips – CFO (Accountant)
Jordan Phillips handles the financial health of SwiftNest Logistics. He manages budgeting, forecasts, expenses, and funding. With a strong eye for detail, Jordan helps guide investment decisions and keeps the business on track for sustainable growth.

Emma Reed – Admin & Customer Service
Emma Reed oversees administrative tasks and customer support. She manages delivery inquiries, schedules, and client communication. Emma’s friendly approach and organizational skills ensure our customers feel heard and supported at every stage.

Organization Chart

Delivery service business plan organization chart

Business Advisor

Dr. Evelyn Parker provides strategic business guidance and supports SwiftNest’s growth planning. Her experience in sustainability and operational scaling makes her a vital part of shaping the company’s long-term vision.

8. Financial Plan

The financial plan for SwiftNest Logistics outlines how the business will generate revenue, manage operational costs, and achieve profitability through scalable logistics operations and sustainable delivery services.

Profit and Loss Statement

The profit and loss statement shows projected revenue, costs, and profitability that SwiftNest expects during its first three years of operation.

Category Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Revenue $420,000 $780,000 $1,200,000
- Per-Delivery Charges $260,000 $400,000 $740,000
- Business Contracts $120,000 $210,000 $320,000
- Premium Services $40,000 $90,000 $140,000
Cost of Goods Sold $90,000 $165,000 $240,000
Gross Profit $330,000 $615,000 $960,000
Operating Expenses $250,000 $415,000 $610,000
- Staff Salaries $100,000 $160,000 $220,000
- Marketing $40,000 $45,000 $50,000
- Tech Maintenance $25,000 $35,000 $45,000
- Admin & Overheads $85,000 $175,000 $295,000
Net Profit $80,000 $200,000 $350,000
Net Profit Margin 19% 26% 29%

Cash Flow Statement

The cash flow statement outlines how SwiftNest plans to manage incoming and outgoing cash flows over the first three years.

Category Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Cash Inflows $420,000 $780,000 $1,200,000
- Per-Delivery Revenue $260,000 $480,000 $740,000
- Business Contracts $120,000 $210,000 $320,000
- Premium Services $40,000 $90,000 $140,000
Cash Outflows $390,000 $560,000 $880,000
- Operating Expenses $250,000 $415,000 $610,000
- Loan Repayments $60,000 $60,000 $60,000
- Fleet Maintenance & Tools $80,000 $85,000 $110,000
Net Cash Flow $30,000 $220,000 $320,000
Ending Cash Balance $30,000 $250,000 $570,000

Balance Sheet

The balance sheet provides an overview of SwiftNest’s financial position, including assets, liabilities, and equity over a three-year period.

Category Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Assets $330,000 $610,000 $950,000
- Cash $30,000 $250,000 $570,000
- Fleet & Delivery Tools $220,000 $200,000 $180,000
- Technology Assets $40,000 $60,000 $80,000
- Prepaid Expenses $40,000 $100,000 $120,000
Liabilities $250,000 $190,000 $110,000
- Loan Payable $200,000 $140,000 $80,000
- Accounts Payable $50,000 $50,000 $30,000
Equity $80,000 $420,000 $840,000

9. Funding Request

To successfully launch and scale SwiftNest Logistics, we’re seeking $350,000 in startup funding to invest in essential infrastructure, technology, and team development that will support sustainable growth and deliver exceptional service to our customers.

Delivery service business plan use of funds

Funding Use Amount
Fleet (3 EVs, 5 Bikes) $150,000
Delivery App Development $75,000
Hiring & Training $50,000
Marketing Campaigns $40,000
Warehouse Lease & Setup $35,000
Total Funding Required $350,000

Download a Free Delivery Service Business Plan Template

Are you ready to start drafting your delivery service business plan but need a little extra help? No worries! Download our free delivery service business plan template PDF to get started.

This template includes clear instructions and examples to guide you in creating a strong, detailed, and effective business plan. It’s fully customizable to suit your specific business goals and requirements.

Conclusion

With this business plan example, you now have a clear understanding of how to write a detailed and effective business plan for your delivery service business.

However, if you’re still feeling unsure or need help creating a professional, investor-ready business plan, Bizplanr can be your go-to solution. It simplifies the process and helps you craft a winning plan for your delivery service business.

Simply fill in a few blanks, and your business plan will be ready in minutes!

Get Your Business Plan Ready In Minutes

Answer a few questions, and AI will generate a detailed business plan.

Generate your Plan

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Vinay Kevadiya
Vinay Kevadiya

As the founder and CEO of Upmetrics, Vinay Kevadiya has over 12 years of experience in business planning. He provides valuable insights to help entrepreneurs build and manage successful business plans.