Five Things to Look for in a Courier Service
Posted on: 29 January 2021
If you are shopping around for a courier service to meet your business needs, it's important to know what you need to look for. Here are just a few considerations.
1. Availability
Availability is one of the more important things to ask for. If you often require same day service, for example, make sure the courier you choose can provide an expedited option. For businesses that often need to send items further afield, even overseas, verify that not only does the courier provide this service, that their shipment schedule will fit your time tables.
2. Reliable Service
Reliability is very important. Often, the most reliable services are those that use staff couriers rather than contractors, especially if you are sending sensitive documents or items. Avoid services that have lots of reviews or complaints about late or damaged deliveries. Further, the service should have protocols in place in the event a delivery is late or damaged, and they should be willing to share these with you upfront.
3. Security and Safety
Security is very important, particularly if you are sending documents with sensitive information, such as legal briefs. Couriers should be bonded to help guard against problems. Further, safety may be an issue for businesses that need to send valuable items. There are armed and secured courier services available that may be best suited in these cases. The courier company should be willing to share the security and safety guidelines they have in place and enforce with their couriers.
4. Service Range
Verify that the courier service you contract with can actually deliver everywhere you conduct business. A bike only service, for example, isn't suitable if you often need to have items transported to neighboring cities or out of state. Sometimes it may make sense to contract with two services, such as one for local deliveries and another courier for those deliveries that must go further afield. Shop all of your options so you can find what will work best for your business needs.
5. Ease of Use
It should be easy to book a service as soon as you need it. Services with only booking portals are some of the most convenient, as they allow you to schedule a pickup and pay for it at the same time. Just make sure that the service guarantees online bookings -- it can be frustrating to book online only to find out that called in bookings are given priority.
Contact a courier service to learn more about the services offered.
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