In 1976, Yamato Transport launched TA-Q-BIN, Japan’s first door-to-door delivery service.

It may sound obvious now. But, I’m talking about the ’70s where logistics was mostly business to business or business to consumer. TA-Q-BIN was launched as a consumer-to-consumer service.

So, it was revolutionary at the time.

Today, it serves both consumers and businesses and delivers more than 5 million parcels a day in Japan. Needless to say, it’s a very popular service among the locals.

But, why? Why am I writing about this delivery service?

That’s because this delivery service isn’t an ordinary delivery service. The first point of differentiation is their modules. They’ve got separate modules for each of their delivery categories.

Want luggage to be picked up from the airport and delivered to your hotel? Airport TA-Q-BIN has got you covered. Similarly, Golf TA-Q-BIN is for shipping golf clubs to resorts. You’ll be surprised, but there’s something called Cool TA-Q-BIN to deliver products that require refrigeration.

Amazing, right?

Their second point of differentiation is their hyper-local access points. You can book a parcel from TA-Q-BIN access points. These are everyday convenience stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, etc. Also, hotels, airports, lockers, etc.

Example: Let’s say you want to move luggage from your present hotel (a TA-Q-BIN access point) to another hotel. What do you do? Simple. Go to the front desk, ask for a TA-Q-BIN pickup, they’ll hand you a shipping form that you need to fill in, and then simply hand over the luggage.

Makes sense?

This is how these access points work. This access point model has helped TA-Q-BIN increase its footprint everywhere from urban to rural areas.

Now, you know why they’re so popular.

In this age of complicated apps, these access points are a breath of fresh air. Isn’t it?

The third point of differentiation is how TA-Q-BIN parcel delivery service is billed. Most delivery companies bill the parcels based on their weight, whereas TA-Q-BIN bills on the basis of a parcel’s size. How’s the size calculated? By adding length, breadth, and height.

Prices and maximum weight are fixed for each size.

Cool business, isn’t it?

I wonder why other delivery companies can’t do what TA-Q-BIN is doing in Japan. It would be so good for consumers worldwide.