Delivery KPIs That Matter in B2B Logistics (Speed, Cost, Failure Rate)

TL;DR: In 2025, B2B logistics success is measured by three primary KPIs: delivery speed, cost per shipment, and failure rate. For Belgian businesses, these metrics directly affect operational efficiency, customer retention, and SLA compliance. Leading courier partners like Record Express provide real-time tracking, SLA-based reporting, and tools to optimise these KPIs across every delivery.

Why Does Delivery Speed Matter in B2B Logistics?

Speed is critical in B2B because delayed deliveries disrupt operations, production, or client service.

Unlike B2C, B2B shipments often involve time-sensitive items such as stock transfers, spare parts, or medical supplies.

• Same-day and next-day delivery now expected as standard in many sectors

• Delays can cause production halts or missed customer deadlines

• Affects SLA compliance, especially in pharma and retail logistics

• Impacts brand reputation and client trust

• Fast delivery improves customer satisfaction and retention

EU B2B Logistics Expectations Report – Speed as a service differentiator Source: european-logistics.com
Belgian Supply Chain Study 2025 – Importance of speed in industrial deliveries Source: statbel.fgov.be

How Should Businesses Measure Delivery Speed?

Use average delivery time, on-time delivery rate, and SLA compliance rate as core metrics.

Raw speed means nothing without consistency. B2B firms should monitor delivery speed trends over time.

• On-time delivery rate: % of shipments delivered within SLA

• Average delivery time: Tracked by route, region, or product type

• SLA breach rate: Percentage of orders that failed to meet defined timing

• Track performance by courier, client, or delivery type

• Use software dashboards or courier reports to monitor trends

🔗 Learn more: Is Fast Delivery the New Normal?

SLA Benchmark Guide (B2B) – Speed metrics for logistics contracts Source: vbo-feb.be
EU Transport Performance Report – Delivery timing KPIs across sectors Source: ec.europa.eu

What Makes Cost Per Delivery a Strategic KPI?

High delivery costs eat into B2B margins, especially for low-unit-value items or regional coverage.

Cost efficiency must be balanced with speed and reliability to avoid overpaying for poor performance.

• Track cost per delivery, including fuel, labour, and surcharges

• Evaluate cost per successful delivery, not just dispatched

• Compare unit cost across regions, products, or time windows

• Monitor cost trends per client or contract

• Use shipment bundling to reduce cost per unit (multi-drop runs)

🔗 Related: How to Bundle Shipments
🔗 See also: Express Delivery Pricing

B2B Logistics Cost Breakdown 2025 – Belgium courier cost drivers Source: logisticsinsights.eu
McKinsey Transport Benchmarking – Best practices for cost efficiency Source: mckinsey.com

Why Is Failure Rate a Crucial Performance Indicator?

Failed deliveries disrupt B2B supply chains, increase costs, and damage client relationships.

A high failure rate means more re-routes, re-deliveries, or lost goods—each with financial and reputational costs.

• Failure rate = deliveries that are late, lost, damaged, or returned

• Affects SLA scoring and contract renewal

• Drives up support tickets and admin work

• Major issue in pharma, legal, and just-in-time delivery models

• Should be monitored weekly with root cause tagging

EU Courier Reliability Report – Failure rate benchmarks by industry Source: ecommerce-europe.eu
Belgian Logistics Failure Index – Causes and frequency of failed deliveries Source: statbel.fgov.be

How Does Record Express Optimise These B2B KPIs?

Record Express provides SLA-based delivery backed by tech, trained staff, and real-time KPI tracking.

We help clients improve delivery speed, reduce costs, and lower failure rates with tools and strategy.

• Real-time SLA dashboards by region, product type, and delivery mode

• EV and bike fleets reduce delays and emissions in city deliveries

• Smart routing and locker options reduce failed drops

• Transparent per-shipment pricing with cost control support

• Quarterly performance reports and dedicated account support

🔗 Learn more: Smart Lockers, EV Fleets & Route Tech

FAQs About Delivery KPIs in B2B Logistics

What is a good on-time delivery rate for B2B?
95%+ is the minimum benchmark. Industry leaders aim for 98–99%.

How can I reduce my cost per delivery?
Use shipment bundling, locker drops, and optimise delivery windows for density.

What’s an acceptable failure rate?
Below 2% is ideal. Anything above 5% requires review and corrective action.

Can I track these KPIs if I use multiple couriers?
Yes—if your partners offer SLA reporting or if you use a central delivery dashboard.

Sources

EU Logistics Performance Report 2025 – Key delivery KPIs and trends
Source: ec.europa.eu

B2B Delivery Metrics Whitepaper – Tracking speed, cost, and reliability
Source: mckinsey.com

Courier Cost and Failure Index (Belgium) – Industry averages by sector
Source: statbel.fgov.be

SLA Enforcement Guide for Transport – How to define and measure delivery KPIs
Source: vbo-feb.be