Guide:
How To Choose A Courier Service
www.4EagleExpress.com
Free Guide: How to Choose a Courier Service
Choosing a courier service can be an overwhelming process. Hundreds of questions probably come into your mind. Will
my packages arrive safely? What will the drivers be like? Can I set up a daily route? What kind of success rate does the
company have? If you have asked yourself these questions when thinking about choosing a courier company, you’re
certainly not alone. Below is a guide to help you navigate the courier service selection process.
Are their deliveries on time?
If you’re looking at using a courier service, time is of the essence. There is nothing more frustrating than having
something important show up late, so be sure to find out the vitals about a courier service before selecting them. What
is the courier firm’s on time delivery record? Do they even track their on-time delivery rate? If they don’t, a red flag
should go up in your mind. Finally, what do their existing customers say about their on time delivery percentages?
Do they have experience?
Experience, experience, experience. You want a delivery company that knows the ins and outs of the industry so you
don’t have to. Selecting a company that has years of experience delivering a variety of items is your best bet.
Are their rates reasonable?
When you pay for a service, you’re expecting to be treated with honesty and respect. Be sure that the courier company
you select is providing top-notch service at a reasonable rate. When you pay for a delivery, you deserve all of the perks
like tracking, delivery confirmation, insurance protection, uniformed drivers and much, much more!
Can you and your customer have an up-to-date status of the delivery?
It is important in today’s “instant” society to be able to track what is going on with high value deliveries. Can the courier
firm have an up-to-date status of what is happening with your delivery? Is it offered online? Can they notify you with a
delivery confirmation email? Delivery tracking allows the customer to rest assured that their package is in good hands.
Do they offer a wide variety of services or is everything just one speed?
Flexibility is key in selecting a courier service. Do they offer a variety of services or only one? Not all deliveries are made
equal. One day you may need a delivery completed within the hour; the next day you may want a delivery made within a
four hour range. Providing wide-range delivery window helps keep costs down for you. Maybe you have daily, weekly or
monthly routine deliveries or you desire to schedule a delivery days or weeks into the future? If so, can your courier
service accommodate you and does their dispatching system allow for advance planning?
Do they offer 24/7, weekend & holiday dispatch, pickup and delivery?
Many businesses work extended hours, even 24/7. Does the courier service offer their services to match your needs? Do
they answer their telephone 24/7? Whether you’re a one man show or a large corporation, many companies need afterhours deliveries when important deadlines are involved. Odd hour deliveries can be some of your most crucial, so plan
ahead by selecting a company that is ready to serve at any time.
Are their drivers uniformed?
When a driver shows up delivering your package to a client, they are an extension of your company. If the driver is
neatly uniformed with a clearly marked logo and security badge, it shows you care enough to use professionals.
Anything less can jeopardize your reputation.
Can their drivers make midcourse corrections?
Often in the rush of a delivery details can change including location and recipient. Can the courier service make changes
on the fly without having to reschedule or delay the delivery? Do they have a quick communication link to their drivers
or will a simple change cause havoc and a high cost for you in the end?
Can they handle a wide variety of package sizes?
Whether you have a small envelope or a dozen pallets to be delivered, you want a one-stop shop courier service. No one
wants to keep a list of couriers in their back pocket for different jobs. Do the legwork ahead of time and select a courier
service that can handle any size delivery, any time of day.
Do they have cargo insurance and are they bonded to protect you?
Will they protect you from loss or are you responsible for the loss or liability? Make sure that the courier service you
select not only protects your reputation but protects your exposure to losses and lawsuits.
Do they have examples of how they have reduced customer’s delivery expenses?
It is easy to tell someone that your service is cheaper than doing it yourself. It is also easy to say that they are partners
with you and will help you control your courier expenses. But proving that is entirely different. Does the service you are
looking at have examples or case studies of how they have saved money for their clients?
About the Author
Richard Dobrey is founder and CEO of 28 year old Eagle Express, Dallas / Fort Worth based courier service. Richard is a
stickler for quality and on time delivery. As a result, Eagle Express has maintained a 98% on time success rate from the
beginning. To schedule a delivery 24/7/365 call 214-351-5777 or visit www.4EagleExpress.com.