Which UniHop delivery style is right for my business?

UniHop offers several delivery styles designed for different business needs, including smaller local orders, long-distance time-sensitive deliveries, catering and delicate items, oversized moves, and high-volume multi-stop routes. Choosing the right style depends on the size of the order, distance, timing, and any special handling requirements.

Details

Standard delivery

Standard delivery is a good fit for smaller orders, such as a vase of flowers, a box of cookies, or a platter of food.

With this style, a Hopper picks up the order shortly before the requested delivery time and brings it to the customer.

For standard deliveries that are 20+ miles, drivers may have an extended service window based on the total distance. They will still aim for the start of the drop-off window, but the exact delivery time may be a little earlier or later than expected compared with shorter-distance deliveries.

If a stricter delivery time is needed for a 20+ mile order, Hybrid delivery is usually the better option.

Even when a Standard delivery is allowed for a long-distance order, the delivery window may be broader than a shorter-distance delivery.

Hybrid delivery

Hybrid delivery is ideal for longer-distance orders of 20+ miles that are more time-sensitive.

This style helps ensure the order is delivered promptly after pickup, making it a better option for long-distance deliveries that should not be placed on a longer route with other stops.

Hybrid delivery is also required for California deliveries over 50 miles.

Special Handling delivery

Special Handling is best for deliveries that need extra care or attention.

This may include:

• larger catering orders
• high-value items
• delicate items, such as two-tier cakes
• orders that require light setup at the recipient’s location

Hoppers assigned to Special Handling orders are typically preassigned and dedicated exclusively to that order.

Catering Pro delivery

Catering Pro delivery is the same type of service as Special Handling, but it requires specific criteria to be met.

For more details about eligibility, businesses should contact UniHop support or our sales team.

Oversize delivery

Oversize delivery is used for orders that cannot fit in a standard vehicle and require a minimum vehicle size.

This can apply to deliveries ranging from a few large boxes to items from a full apartment.

Routed delivery

Routed delivery is typically used by meal prep companies and other businesses handling a high volume of deliveries on specific days.

With this style, a small number of drivers are assigned to take all orders and complete them over a delivery window of several hours.

This is a strong option for businesses looking to lower delivery costs while managing significant volume.

Batched delivery

Batched delivery is similar to Routed delivery, but it is generally used when there are fewer orders.

It offers a similar setup and pricing model, while being more flexible and easier to arrange.

Custom delivery options

UniHop can also support delivery setups tailored to specific business needs.

For example, a business may need an oversized order delivered to an event, set up onsite, and returned the next morning. Different service styles can be combined to support requests like this.

If a delivery has special requirements, such as a lift gate, dolly, cooler bags, or other equipment, UniHop may be able to help arrange the right solution.

Choosing the best delivery style

The best delivery style depends on the order’s size, distance, timing needs, and handling requirements.

For a quick visual guide to the ideal use of each delivery style, please see the image below.

What’s next?

If you still have questions or want help choosing the best delivery style for your order, UniHop’s team is available to help.

You can schedule an appointment here.

Updated on: 04/13/2026