# Virtual > Virtual is an ecosystem of best-in-class software products that optimize retail interactions, transportation, and delivery. Based in Burlington, Ontario, Virtual provides logistics technology solutions for parcel carriers, postal services, retailers, and financial services companies across Canada and the United States. ## About Virtual Virtual builds decision-free automation technology for the logistics industry. The platform connects carriers, retailers, and customers through a unified network of over 1,100 retail locations (called Smarthubs), proprietary route optimization software, delivery exception management, and AI-powered returns verification. Virtual technologies reliably reduce costs, broaden revenue streams, improve performance, and lower carbon emissions. The Virtual ecosystem is designed to provide huge labor and fuel savings that mean a significant reduction in vehicle emissions. --- ## Products ### Virtual Smarthub Network **Canada's largest and most advanced retail dropoff network.** With over 1,100 locations across Canada and the United States, the Virtual network provides unparalleled market access for parcel, postal, and recommerce carriers. Customers and carriers can pick up, drop off, and print labels for shipments at Smarthub partner locations across the country. The network provides real-time visibility to all shipment activity and offers customers a faster, easier dropoff/pickup solution. **Key capabilities:** - Customer parcel pickups and dropoffs at retail locations - Carrier pickup and consolidation - Label printing services - Package-free returns via ReturnVerify integration - Automated exception management via Knockr integration - Real-time shipment visibility and tracking **Key metrics:** - Over 1,000,000 packages dropped to Smarthubs year to date - 70% carrier dropoff / 30% customer dropoff split - 98.9% positive consumer feedback rating (lifetime) - 1,100+ partner locations with approximately 50 new locations added per month **Value proposition:** - Eliminates no-first and no-final-mile delivery costs - Eliminates repeat home delivery attempts - Creates value for retail partners through increased foot traffic - Reduces vehicle emissions through consolidated delivery - Provides national reach with market-first features **URL:** https://virtual.com/solutions/virtual-network --- ### Routes (Delivery & Fleet TMS) **Unlock massive growth potential with cutting-edge routing and transport management.** Going beyond routing and optimization, Routes provides full-visibility dispatching with real-time control and analytics, charting the path of least resistance for your business. The platform empowers parcel and freight carriers to optimize routes, enhance visibility, and reduce costs from distribution center to doorstep. **Key capabilities:** - Leading-edge route optimization - Full-visibility dispatching with real-time control - Intuitive driver and dispatcher tools - On-Demand Optimization for parcel carriers - No-Final-Mile consolidation (delivers to Smarthub network for customer pickup) - Real-time analytics and reporting - Available on Apple App Store and Google Play **Key features:** - On-Demand Optimization: Dynamic route adjustments in real-time - No-Final-Mile: Consolidates deliveries to Smarthub network, achieving up to 90% drive-time cost savings - Delivery window management - Integration with Knockr and the Smarthub network - Supports fleets of 2 to 20,000+ vehicles **Value proposition:** - Radical cost efficiency beyond operational cost cutting - Increases predictability and drives down unexpected costs - Enhanced customer experience through delivery window management - Significantly lower carbon emissions for fleets of any size - Seamless operations from distribution center to doorstep **URL:** https://virtual.com/solutions/delivery-and-fleet-tms **Pricing:** https://routes.io/#pricing --- ### Knockr (Delivery Exceptions Management) **There's no such thing as a failed delivery.** Knockr is a potent solution that unlocks a world of possibilities at the customer's front door. With Knockr, delivery exceptions become an opportunity for savings, customer loyalty, and revenue. The solution provides decision-free automation that streamlines delivery attempts, slashing costs and eliminating the need for extra labor. **How it works:** 1. Driver encounters a delivery exception (nobody home, etc.) 2. Driver applies a Knockr pad with a unique QR code to the door (replaces handwritten doorknockers) 3. Customer scans the QR code with their phone 4. Customer instantly accesses shipment tracking and can redirect to a nearby Smarthub for pickup **Key capabilities:** - QR-code-based delivery exception pads for drivers - API integration with carrier systems - Automated customer notification and tracking - Smarthub redirect for customer pickup - Elimination of second delivery attempts - Reduction of driver idling time **Key metrics:** - Reduces delivery exception costs by up to 97% - Eliminates redelivery attempts entirely - Dramatically reduces fleet idling time and emissions **Value proposition:** - Effortless last-mile efficiency for drivers and carriers - Customer experience that drives loyalty (uniquely uncomplicated) - Eliminates second delivery attempts and associated costs - Cuts fleet emissions through reduced idling and Smarthub consolidation - Pioneering missed-delivery automation **URL:** https://virtual.com/solutions/delivery-exceptions --- ### ReturnVerify (Returns Management) **Turn returns into reliable revenue.** ReturnVerify enables return dropoffs in just seconds, with instant item verification and proof-of-custody. The vision for returns at scale - seamless customer experience, eliminated fraud concerns, and instant actionable custody - has been made reality. **How it works:** 1. Customer brings item to a Smarthub location (package-free) 2. AI-powered instant item verification with photo capture 3. Secure proof-of-custody provided before items are packaged 4. Live tracking from the moment of dropoff **Key capabilities:** - AI-powered instant item verification - Photo capture and automation for authenticity verification - Package-free return dropoffs - Secure proof-of-custody before packaging - Optional agent surveys - Live tracking from dropoff - Native integration with the Smarthub network **Value proposition:** - Combats return fraud with instant item verification - Returns completed in approximately 30 seconds in 3 quick steps - Secure proof of custody ensures transparency and trust - Customer retention through convenient, easy returns process - Market leader in retail returns dropoff technology **URL:** https://virtual.com/solutions/returns-management --- ## Industries Served ### Parcel & Postal Carriers **Navigating cost and capability crunch.** From DC to doorstep, Virtual solutions empower carriers. The shipping network, fleet optimization, and returns management tackle cost and capability challenges head-on. Virtual brands provide parcel carriers with pioneering solutions, huge savings, and a crucial edge over their competition. **Key benefits:** - Scan-and-go, decision-free logistics that drive profitability and operational predictability - Virtualized operations replacing pen-and-paper processes, freeing employees for revenue-generating activity - Intelligent automation that boosts delivery velocity, predictability, and customer satisfaction - Predictability, efficiency, and customer retention unite to boost profitability of existing operations - Frees up capacity to generate increased revenue in entirely new markets **Relevant products:** Virtual Smarthub Network, Knockr, ReturnVerify, Routes **URL:** https://virtual.com/industries/parcel-and-postal --- ### Retailers **Increase foot traffic and revenue to become essential in your community.** Each member of the Smarthub network is a vital and successful part of their community, providing access to the biggest retail dropoff network in the country. Smarthub partners generate trust and foot traffic for their retail business. **Key benefits:** - Increased foot traffic: partner pharmacies see an average of 15 additional customers per day compared to competing pharmacies - Revenue on every shipment: partners earn for every parcel plus secondary services like label prints and return verification - Seamless setup and operation with Virtual support team - Smarthub services increase sales and make locations essential to new customers **Relevant products:** Virtual Smarthub Network, Knockr, ReturnVerify **URL:** https://virtual.com/industries/retailers **Smarthub signup:** https://swiftpost.com/smarthub/signup --- ### Financial Services **Automate retail interactions with decision-free technology.** Increase revenue, reduce costs, and enhance customer experience. Each of the processes that occur at retail locations generate opportunities to create predictable, reliable outcomes which improve customer retention. **Key benefits:** - Larger virtual retail footprint with 1,000+ towns and cities covered and approximately 50 new locations added per month - Decision-free framework creates high-quality repeatable customer experiences and positive brand association - 98.9% positive consumer feedback result lifetime in the network - Cost reduction with every automated decision-free interaction, eliminating manual decision-making costs - Enables businesses of all sizes to measure operational cost savings **Relevant products:** Virtual Smarthub Network, Knockr, ReturnVerify, Virtual KYC **URL:** https://virtual.com/industries/financial-services **Smarthub signup:** https://swiftpost.com/smarthub/signup --- ## Company Information **Company name:** Virtual Inc. **Headquarters:** 5035 N Service Road Unit A5, Burlington ON, L7L5V2, Canada **Website:** https://virtual.com ### Contact - **Media inquiries:** media@virtual.com - **Privacy inquiries:** privacy@virtual.com ### Partnership Industries Virtual works with companies in: Financial Services, Freight, Parcel, Pharmacy, Postal, Returns, Recommerce, and Retail. --- ## All Pages - [Home](https://virtual.com/) - [Virtual Network](https://virtual.com/solutions/virtual-network) - [Delivery Exceptions](https://virtual.com/solutions/delivery-exceptions) - [Returns Management](https://virtual.com/solutions/returns-management) - [Delivery & Fleet TMS](https://virtual.com/solutions/delivery-and-fleet-tms) - [Parcel & Postal](https://virtual.com/industries/parcel-and-postal) - [Retailers](https://virtual.com/industries/retailers) - [Financial Services](https://virtual.com/industries/financial-services) - [Media](https://virtual.com/media) - [Privacy Policy](https://virtual.com/privacy)