Top 5 Challenges in Parts Delivery (And How OnWay Solves Every One)

In a world where speed and precision define competitive edge, the parts delivery process remains one of the most overlooked areas in the automotive, commercial, and equipment repair industries. For service managers, shop owners, and dealership operators, inefficient parts delivery is more than just a nuisance—it’s a direct threat to productivity, profit margins, and customer satisfaction.

Whether you run a dealership, body shop, independent repair center, or commercial fleet operation, getting parts on time can mean the difference between a loyal customer and a lost opportunity. OnWay is designed to tackle these challenges head-on. Below, we break down the top five issues that plague traditional parts delivery systems—and how OnWay eliminates each one with precision, technology, and reliability.

1. Delays That Disrupt Workflows

The most common and frustrating issue in parts delivery is timing. Shops waiting on a critical part cannot complete repairs, leading to idle technicians, missed deadlines, and frustrated customers. Traditional delivery services often follow static schedules or unreliable routes, creating unpredictable delays.

How OnWay Solves It:

OnWay offers true on-demand parts delivery, allowing users to schedule a pickup and drop-off instantly through its digital platform. By connecting with a network of pre-vetted drivers, OnWay delivers parts in real-time—often within hours or less—helping shops maintain seamless workflows and reduce vehicle downtime. This level of speed supports more jobs per day, greater technician utilization, and happier customers.

2. Miscommunication Between Suppliers and Shops

When parts orders are placed over the phone or managed manually, errors become inevitable. Wrong parts are delivered. Deliveries go to the wrong address. Updates get lost in transit. These breakdowns in communication add unnecessary friction and lead to returns, re-orders, and lost time.

How OnWay Solves It:

OnWay’s platform provides complete order visibility for both suppliers and customers. Shops and dealers can track every part from the moment it’s picked up to the moment it’s dropped off. Automated confirmations, GPS tracking, and real-time updates reduce the need for back-and-forth phone calls and eliminate guesswork. This transparency fosters stronger vendor relationships and fewer mistakes.

3. High Labor Costs from Sending Employees to Pick Up Parts

Many shops still rely on in-house employees to drive across town for parts. These trips consume hours of productive labor time every week—time that could be spent generating revenue. It also increases liability, gas expenses, and insurance exposure.

How OnWay Solves It:

By outsourcing parts delivery to OnWay, shops eliminate the need to use their own employees for parts runs. This unlocks immediate labor savings and reduces overhead costs. In-house staff stay on-site, focused on revenue-generating tasks, while OnWay drivers handle the delivery logistics. It's a simple switch that often saves businesses thousands of dollars per month.

4. Inconsistent Service from Local Couriers or Dealership Drivers

Many shops and vendors rely on local delivery drivers or dealership-provided delivery services. These systems often lack professionalism, scalability, or accountability. Late arrivals, damaged parts, and no-show deliveries are too common—and costly to operations.

How OnWay Solves It:

OnWay’s driver network is built for consistency, safety, and professionalism. Every driver is vetted, trained, and reviewed to maintain a high-quality experience. The platform’s rating system and performance analytics ensure accountability with every delivery. Shops and dealers get the reliability of a dedicated logistics service without the cost of building one themselves.

5. Lack of Data and Analytics to Improve Operations

Traditional delivery systems offer little to no reporting. Without real metrics, shops and dealerships can’t optimize their operations, forecast needs, or identify where inefficiencies exist. This creates blind spots that hold back growth and performance.

How OnWay Solves It:

OnWay delivers more than just parts—it delivers insight. Every delivery is tracked, measured, and stored in a centralized dashboard. Users can review delivery times, costs, turnaround metrics, and vendor performance data to identify patterns and make data-driven decisions. This allows shop owners and service managers to forecast demand, reduce errors, and improve overall productivity.

The Future of Parts Delivery is On-Demand, Transparent, and Scalable

The old way of handling parts delivery simply doesn't cut it anymore. As customer expectations rise and operational efficiency becomes critical, the need for a modern, technology-driven delivery platform is no longer optional—it’s essential.

OnWay was built to meet this need. Whether you're a small repair shop tired of losing hours to pickup runs, or a large dealership looking to streamline every part of your service operation, OnWay provides the speed, control, and scalability that modern businesses demand.

With real-time delivery, full transparency, vetted drivers, and built-in analytics, OnWay eliminates the five biggest challenges in parts delivery—and positions your business to operate faster, smarter, and more profitably.

Ready to Stop Losing Time and Money on Parts Delivery?

Discover how OnWay can transform your operations today. Schedule a demo or set up your first delivery in minutes.