It's All in the Delivery They all bring the package to your door--so what's the difference?
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When you're shopping for a courier service, chances are oneof your primary concerns will be the rates. But even thoughthat's certainly important, you have to consider more thanprice. Otherwise, you could end up throwing money away on a servicethat doesn't fit your needs.
If it's your first time selecting a courier, a good startingpoint is to pinpoint the type of service you need, says BobDeCaprio, executive director of the Messenger Courier Association of the Americas.For example, you may want scheduled service, where something ispicked up and delivered every day. Or perhaps you require routedservice, where, for instance, a courier picks up payroll checks anddelivers them to various locations. Or you may need on-demandservice, which means calling for a pickup on an as-neededbasis.
Next step: Define your terms. "There's really nostandardization in the industry as to what terms like'priority' or 'rush' mean," he says. So makesure the courier understands exactly what you mean when you say"rush."
Also, do you want to use services with uniformed drivers andmarked vehicles? DeCaprio says many couriers use independentcontractors, who are prevented by law from driving marked vehiclesor wearing the courier company's uniform, but who still provideexcellent service. If uniformed drivers and marked vehicles areimportant to you, ask about this.
As with anything, do some research: How long has the courierservice been in business, what areas does it serve, how manyvehicles and drivers does it have, and what services does it offer?Take the time to check references. And if the items you'reshipping require insurance, find out if the courier can provide it.DeCaprio suggests asking companies if they let customers order overthe Internet and track shipments online. These are relatively newservices for the industry, but are becoming increasingly available,even at smaller companies.
DeCaprio says many courier companies were started by people whoworked for someone else as drivers, and they're still smallenough that the owners have regular contact with customers. Talkingto the owner will help you determine his or her experience andlevel of commitment not only to his or her own business, but toyours.
