Courier Service

Dispelling the Most Common Same Day Courier Myths That Exist Today

48 percent of consumers said they were happy to pay more for convenience. That’s right. Nearly half of consumers prefer to pay a higher price for reliable, convenient service. 

But what if convenience did not come at a high price? Convenience and efficiency are not opposite sides of the coin. Both are necessary to run an effective business.

Same day courier services do not have to come at a high cost to you or your business. You should know a lot of important information about the best courier services and what they have to offer.

There are many myths about same day courier services. Let us debunk them for you. Here is what you need to know.

Myth #1: All National Courier Services Are Equal

More and more businesses indeed offer same day delivery. But what is the difference between, say, the US Postal Service, and a same day courier?

Well, for one, courier services specialize in same day shipping and servicing specific markets. But what else do they have to offer? Speed, security, easy access, reliability, and all for an affordable price.

Courier services can offer round-the-clock services. 24/7/365 service gives greater reach for delivery and easy international service. Tracking software allows you to see your shipment’s exact location every step of the way. That is something your national delivery service cannot offer.

Courier Companies also provide warehousing options to ensure they meet your delivery needs. There are even material pick, pack, and ship options available.

The best couriers know that a “one-size-fits-all” approach will not work for your business. Couriers offer flexibility for your business or individual needs. Need it Now Delivers has five categories of delivery options and a multitude of resources at your service.

TheNeed It Now family of businesses has everything you need for reliable, on-time deliveries.

Myth #2: Same Day Courier Services Are Too Expensive

Same day delivery is always expensive, right?. Wrong. This is a common myth, and that is understandable. Same day courier service does not have to cost you a fortune.

Regular parcel delivery services have exorbitant rates to handle sending packages immediately. These delivery services do not have the infrastructure. Avoid these fees permanently by working with a courier service.

National courier services can help cut your delivery costs. Often businesses rely on employees to package and deliver. Employees use valuable time and resources to deliver packages. You may have to hire more employees to get day-to-day tasks completed.

If employees deliver packages, they rely on the company to provide a vehicle. That means the company will also have to pay for car insurance, oil changes, gas, etc.

When companies do not have the infrastructure to deliver packages, they risk losing money to damaged goods. A courier service will allow you to focus all your time on your business or personal goals. Let NINhandle deliveries.

NINoffers a variety of services for any need, suitable for any price point.

Myth #3: Self-Delivery is Faster and More Reliable 

A one-time delivery may not require a courier service. But consistency is essential when running a business. Couriers offer a variety of services that can meet your needs.

Courier companies specialize in delivery services, so who better to deliver your packages? Reliability is key. Easy access to these services gives you the option to free up your resources and focus on what matters most. 

Courier services have the infrastructure for reliable delivery. They also have the know-how to pick, pack, and deliver whatever you need. Trained employees know the best shipping routes to get your package delivered on time.

Courier services have different delivery categories. If you need something delivered immediately, a one-hour pick-up is an excellent option for you.

NINhas an easy-to-use tracking service. Just log in online to track your package from pick up to the final destination point. Our tracking service provides live updates in case of any delay. Contacting a customer service representative has never been easier.

Myth #4: Consumers Do Not Need Things Immediately

This myth is stuck in the past. Day-to-day life is changing. When surveyed, 56 percent of online consumers expect same-day delivery. 

Across markets, same day delivery is expected to expand within the next two to three years. The new norm will be a range of options. Expect one-hour pick-up, AM/PM service, and international same-day delivery.

Same day services are especially crucial for urgent documents and perishables. Working with a specialized courier company will ensure that time-sensitive packages arrive on-time.

What is important to customers is clarity of when a package will arrive. Same day courier service is both quick and effective. Online tracking makes the whole delivery process a breeze.

With NIN, forget worrying about storing and shipping items. Avoid warehousing fees and excess costs associated with storing specific items. Let your courier worry about logistics.

Now You Know

These myths are nothing but hearsay. Same day couriers offer a variety of services to meet the unique needs of you and your business.

NINoffers a reliable way to ship packages both nationally and internationally. With over 30 years of experience, we are the best in the business.

Easy tracking and around-the-clock service make this family of business a great courier for any of your needs. NINis available in over 50 metro areas!

So, what are you waiting for? We offer instant quotes. Access us through our website or our mobile app. For more information on deliveries or logistics, check out our blog!

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5 Ways On Time Couriers Can Make A Huge Difference For You

What if your business got a boost and someone else did all the work?

This may sound like a dream for businesses and individuals alike. However, that dream can come true when you start using a courier service.

In a world where time is money, on time couriers can completely transform your business. However, many people don’t know what couriers really do, much less how couriers can make a difference.

Interested in what couriers can do for you? Keep reading to discover our complete guide!

What Is a Courier Service?

We’ve prepared a thorough guide for how a courier service can benefit you and your business. Before we go any further, it’s important to define what, exactly, a courier is.

Strictly speaking, a courier is an individual who transports things from one place to another. A courier service employs multiple couriers to offer an alternative to things like the United States Postal Service.

Why, then, would someone use a private courier instead of the postal service? There are actually many differences between the two that makes courier service the preferred alternative.

How Is It Different From a Postal Service?

At first glance, the United States Postal Service would meet the definition of a courier. What, then, is the difference between these services?

First of all, many couriers pride themselves on making time-sensitive deliveries. While you can pay additional fees for things like Priority Mail from USPS, a courier service typically has speedy delivery as part of its main service. And same-day delivery from a courier is better than USPS delivery within a day or two.

Second, many couriers specialize in deliveries within your city. While the USPS must handle deliveries all around the world, a local courier can handle local matters with additional speed and efficiency.

Finally, many couriers offer international shipping options that are more reliable and affordable than those offered by USPS. This can help provide peace of mind that your package will be safely delivered no matter how far it is traveling.

Now that you know a bit more about what separates a courier service from the postal service, let’s dive into the unique benefits that couriers offer you and your business.

1. Gotta Go Fast

We touched on this earlier, but let’s be really clear: you can’t really match a local courier for speedy deliveries.

Think about all of the steps involved if you simply try to mail something to someone in your own city. They most likely won’t receive that item until the next day, and certain factors may delay that even further.

Local couriers specialize in things like same-day delivery, and they can quickly navigate clogged roads with creative transportation. This means that it’s easier than ever to send time-sensitive documents to colleagues who may be delivering presentations, meeting clients, or handling something else very important.

2. Insured Delivery

No matter how reliable various services are, a small business must constantly ask those “what if” questions. For example, “what if my courier item is lost or damaged during transit?”

This is unlikely to happen because of the enhanced reliability (more on this below). But in the event that the worst happens, you can rely on insured delivery.

Professional courier services are fully insured, and you can get insurance on items regardless of how light they are. This gives you a chance to ship even very fragile items with the peace of mind that you deserve.

3. Reliable Service

Professional courier services are very reliable. Of course, your inner cynic may think that “reliable” is just a buzzword everyone uses. So, what makes a courier more reliable than their competition?

The primary factor is that your item doesn’t change hands very much. When you mail something with the post office, it may encounter countless postal workers and warehouse workers. This causes wear and tear which may damage very sensitive products.

With a courier, you hand an item to one person and that person delivers your item. This creates the kind of reliability that you cannot find anywhere else when you need to ship your items.

4. Accessibility

Have you ever really checked out the various USPS shipping options? It’s easy to get dizzy because there are so many different methods of shipping, prices, and types of packing you must try to figure out.

Courier services, however, are much more user-friendly. In most cases, you can make all of the arrangements for pickup and delivery without leaving your computer.

This ease and accessibility saves you time whenever you make shipping arrangements. But it also saves time that you would have otherwise spent driving to the Post Office, waiting in line, and driving back.

Given a choice, who wouldn’t want the option that is easier to use and saves a ton of time?

5. Affordability

For a small business, budget is everything. Even little costs add up, especially if you incur those costs each week.

As a rule, courier services are competitively-priced and more affordable than alternative services. This is largely because they don’t have to manage fleets of vehicles and an army of employees like USPS does.

Saving money by using a courier service is great for your business in the short-term. But it’s even better in the longterm because it frees up funds that would be better spent on things like marketing and product development.

Compare and Decide

We have spent a lot of time and space comparing courier services and the United States Postal Service. The truth is that only you can determine which service is best for your business.

However, we think the answer is clear. Compare the price, services, and overall quality of each business and you’ll find that couriers will completely change how you approach your various shipping needs.

A chance to save time and money doesn’t come along every day for a small business. We recommend you take advantage of the opportunity right away!

On Time Couriers: Your Bottom Line

Now you know how on time couriers can transform your business. But how can you tell how much money they will help you save?

We specialize in all courier services for you and your business. To see how much money we can put back in your wallet, come request a free quote today!

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How Fast Is Expedited Shipping And Is It Worth It?

Americans ship millions of packages through the mail every day. 

But there are several different shipping options to choose from, and each one has a different price and speed. So how are you supposed to tell them all apart?

We’ve put together this guide to break down the ins and outs of expedited shipping. Asking yourself, “How fast is expedited shipping?”

Make sure you keep reading below to learn more. 

What is Expedited Shipping?

Expedited shipping is a delivery method that’s faster than the standard shipment process. 

If you choose expedited shipping when you check out online, your package will be placed on a truck that makes little to no stops before it reaches your home. 

While this is a helpful shipping option, there are a few things you should know about expedited shipping before you pay for it. Here’s a quick look at three important questions about expedited shipping. 

How Fast is Expedited Shipping?

Expedited shipping doesn’t have a set speed, like overnight or next day shipping. 

Instead, expedited shipping is simply “faster than standard shipping.”

The exact amount of time expedited shipping will take depends on the company. However, standard shipping often takes between 5 to 10 business days. So expedited shipping might get your package to you in 4 days instead. 

Most expedited shipping takes between 2 to 3 days. This makes it slightly faster than the standard delivery. 

How Much Does It Cost?

It’s important to know expedited shipping is more expensive than standard shipping options. 

And we aren’t just talking about a few bucks. Expedited shipping can be $10 or even $20 higher than the normal cost of shipping. 

But again, it depends on the company. Some companies charge a lot more for expedited shipping than others. 

Can You Track It?

Most companies give you the option to track your package with expedited shipping. This means you can see exactly where it is every step of the delivery process. 

Tracking your package is a helpful feature. 

It keeps you updated on the progress, and it gives you peace of mind that your package is where it’s supposed to be. You should always track your package if you have the option. 

Expedited Shipping isn’t the Same as Express Shipping 

Don’t confuse expedited shipping with express shipping. Though they sound similar, they are two very different things. 

Express shipping is faster than expedited shipping, and because of this, it’s a lot more expensive. For example, Amazon lists its express shipping as next-day delivery. 

Pay careful attention to these two options when you’re shopping online. Each company defines expedited shipping and express shipping in different ways. 

You don’t want to pick the wrong one by mistake and spend more on shipping than you intended. 

Is Expedited Shipping Worth It?

It depends. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. 

If you’re a casual online shopper who’s not in a rush for the items to show up on their doorstep, expedited shipping probably isn’t worth the extra cost. But there are many times paying the extra money is well worth it—even necessary. 

It all comes down to your specific needs and circumstances. 

Times Expedited Shipping Comes in Handy 

There are several times paying extra for expedited comes in handy. If you are shipping one of these items, it’s always a good idea to choose expedited shipping—even if you aren’t in a hurry. 

Perishable Food

Perishable food has to stay below a certain temperature. Otherwise, it will spoil before it reaches its final destination. 

You should always send perishable food through the mail with expedited shipping. It doesn’t matter how many cold packs you use. You don’t want to risk the food gong bad. 

This is even more important if you’re shipping frozen items, such as meat. This food could make someone very sick if it spoils, so always choose the fastest shipping you can. 

Fragile Items

The mail is generally a safe and secure place for your packages. However, it comes with its fair share of bumps and bangs. 

This puts fragile items at risk of breaking. The longer the stay in the mail, the higher their chance of getting damaged. 

If you’re sending something fragile through the mail, you should use expedited shipping. This will protect it from getting any damage. 

Expensive Items

Shipping companies don’t lose packages very often. However, if you’re sending a valuable or expensive item through the mail, you to make its trip as short as possible. 

Expedited shipping can cut your packages time in the mail by half. This will lower the risk of anything happening before it reaches its final destination. 

You Have a Time Limit 

Of course, if you need your package to arrive before a specific time limit, you should choose expedited shipping. This will ensure you get it on time, whereas standard shipping might take too long. 

Understanding the Ins and Outs of Expedited Shipping 

So how fast is expedited shipping?

This type of shipping usually takes between 2 to 3 days, but the only real answer to this question is that it’s faster than standard shipping. 

The question you have to ask yourself is if expedited shipping is worth the extra cost. Many times, spending a bit of extra money is worth the speed and guarantee that your package will arrive on time. 

Looking for a reputable shipping company to handle your important packages?

We can help!

Make sure you click here to get a free quote today!

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What Documents Are Needed for International Air Freight Shipping and Pick-Up?

Did you know that experts predict that airfreight will reach 63 million metric tons this year?

The popularity of air freight shipping is rising as businesses look to take advantage of its speed and efficiency.

However, air freight has its own list of documentation and terminology. This can be confusing for first-time airfreight customers. 

Why not take a minute to familiarize yourself with the documentation and vocabulary needed to air freight items internationally. You can learn everything you need from the article below.

1. Commercial Invoice

A good shipping company will provide daily services to even international destinations. However, this service is only possible if the documentation is correct and accounted for. 

The first document that a company will need is a Commercial Invoice. This will be a specific document that includes a breakdown of every item that they will ship. Alongside a definition of each item is the value of the item and the total value of the consignment. 

This document will also explain who the shipper and seller are and where they are based. The seller will use this documentation to prove ownership of the shipment. 

2. Consular Invoice

Many countries require a consular invoice as a measure to control and check the goods that are being imported. It allows a country to learn about and control goods before they arrive to an air or seaport. 

A company can obtain this document by purchasing it from the consulate of the country they will be shipping to. Often this document is prepared in the language of the country of the consulate. 

3. Certificate of Origin

Each country will have its own, or be part of, a trade relationship with the other country. This means that before the shipment leaves the ground, a document must be prepared that indicates which country it comes from. It may also show which trade agreements it is subject to. 

This document may be prepared by a non-governmental company. This document may still be requested by customs even though some of the information it contains is found on other documents. 

4. Electronic Export Information Document (EEI)

The US government is currently requiring that shipping companies file a copy of an Electronic Export Information document.

This is required by the US Census office and is used by the government to compile official statistics. This means that it is important for all shipping companies to file this document. It is required for all shipments over the value of $2,500 regardless of export license type or end-user. 

5. Bill of Lading

The bill of lading is the basic contract between the owner of the goods and the company hired to ship them. It contains information regarding the parties and the quantity and types of goods in the shipment. 

Upon arrival in the destination airfreight receiving location, the receiving party will usually need to provide the bill of lading in order to accept the goods. 

6. Export Packing List

There are obviously many details regarding the materials that are in the shipment that may not be required by the government. However, it would be in the best interests of all parties to provide these to handlers.

This could include information regarding the storage requirements for the goods, or the perishability of the goods.

This information is usually provided in the export packing list:

  • Cost of Shipping in US dollars
  • Address of the shipper
  • Company ID
  • Contact details for the consignee
  • Specification of the shipment and its needs
  • Quantity and Weight
  • Location and Origin

The shipper will often make important decisions on the basis of this information including how to manage its weight. 

Custom and border officials may well check the contents of this list against the shipment contents itself.

7. Inspection Certification

In some cases, you may need to arrange for a third party company to independently inspect the goods. They will provide an Inspection Certificate. This will confirm that the goods are really the goods stated on their paperwork.

To obtain this paperwork you will need to learn the destination country’s specific requirements. A testing company will then provide this certificate after inspection. 

8. Destination Control Statement

Since international trade is strictly conducted according to existing trade agreements, a goods certification will need to show compliance. An example of this is the Destination Control Statement. 

This statement indicates to all handlers that the item may only be exported to permitted to certain destinations.  

9. Other Documentation

The requirements of countries around the world may differ from one another. While for most major shipping destinations the above information is sufficient, there may be additional requirements for other locations. 

Examples of some documents that you might need include the following,

  • Dock receipt of handling
  • Warehouse receipt of handling
  • Insurance certificate for the entire journey
  • Export license
  • Certificate of Handling
  • Declaration of dangerous materials

A shipping company will inform you of what is required in advance. In fact, many will handle these steps for you providing you can provide the necessary information. 

Air Freight Shipping and Much More

If you are interested in increasing the efficiency of your supply chain, then we are here to help!

We specialize in affordable and fast shipping of commercial and personal goods. This means you will receive a personal service whether your shipment is tonnes of industrial equipment or a simple envelope. 

We leverage our years of experience in the shipping industry, including air freight shipping, to provide freight services. We are based in the Florida area. Why not get in touch or follow our blog to see how our services can benefit your business.

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5 Advantages of Automation in Logistics

In today’s ever-expanding Digital Era, we’re relying on technology more than ever. Businesses in all industries have started to take advantage of automated processes on every level. When it comes to shipping an logistics, there’s no exception. 

If your business relies on shipping merchandise across the country, you’re in luck. You’ve come to the right place by reading this article. Detailed below are the top five advantages of automation in the world of logistics and distribution. 

After all, making the most of these technological developments are in your best interest. You want to do everything you can to stay ahead of competitors in your niche market. 

Consider the following statistic regarding the logistics industry throughout the United States. Already in the year 2019, it’s generated $3 billion in revenue. In other words, this vast industry has a lot of ins and outs to navigate if you want to stay on top. 

1. The Efficiency of Automation Enhances Your Business’s Customer Service

When you invest in automated solutions for your business’s logistics, your customers will be grateful. The truth is, they have busy schedules and expect the delivery of their purchases to be efficient and secure. They want to feel as though your value their time and energy. 

That’s why automated logistics processes can be so beneficial for your company. By using these efficient services, you’ll establish your business as a reliable one when it comes to shipping.

In fact, if your delivery service takes too long in the eyes of customers, the consequences can be severe. These days, it’s too easy for customers to post online reviews about businesses they have experience with. These reviews can paint the business in either a positive or negative light. 

If you want to establish – and maintain – a reputation as a reliable business, you won’t take this lightly. After all, even experts recognize that customer service expectations are rising throughout the country.

Consider your investment in automated logistics as an investment in your company’s consumer loyalty. That loyalty to your brand, in the long run, is an invaluable asset. Then, they’ll be more likely to recommend your services to their friends and family members. 

2. Don’t Underestimate the Financial Advantages of Automation

Another great advantage of automation is an obvious one. You’ll save a ton of time and, therefore, money. 

For one thing, relying on paper communication is too outdated and expensive. Save the environment by digitally operating your business’s shipping and distribution, instead. 

In addition, automation simply makes business operations faster than they were in the past. That means you’ll be saving your business plenty of time on a regular basis. Since time is money, your business will experience an increase in productivity as a result. 

3. It’s Simple: Saving Time Increases Productivity

Speaking of an increase in productivity, don’t underestimate the vast difference you’ll notice with proper automation of your logistics processes. Even your employees will notice the difference with an updated solution to shipping.

After all, your employees deserve to be recognized for all of their hard work. If automated processes make their working lives easier, they’ll be grateful. Happy employees, by the way, are more productive employees. 

Plus, using the top automation means you’ll be free to worry about other responsibilities on your plate. That additional focus will allow you to strategize other areas of your business to increase profits on every level. In other words, automated logistics systems increase overall productivity in a variety of ways. 

4. Use Analytic Data To Optimize Your Operational Strategies

One of the best things about automated solutions, though, is the availability of analytical data. When you use software solutions for any part of your business, this will remain to be true. 

This is of particular usefulness, though, concerning your business’s logistics and shipping. Over time, the analytic component of automated logistics software will gather a ton of data. Then, you can evaluate that data and make more strategic decisions about the future of your business. 

For example, you can determine what products are not as popular amongst your consumer base. Perhaps, even, you can see what times of the year your business is more successful. No matter how you use that analytic data, the logistics software solution will be worth your investment. 

5. You Can Rely on Automated Proof of Delivery

The last thing to consider when it comes to automated logistics is the fact that you’ll always receive proof of delivery. Gone are the days when only priority shipments provide this feature in the form of a paper slip. Instead, your business will profit from knowing your customers are receiving their goods with electronic notifications. 

For more detailed specifics, check out this article on the benefits of electronic proof of delivery. Now, you can feel more confident that every single one of your customers is receiving the item that he or she ordered. 

Continue Investing in Your Business’s Logistics and Distribution

After reading this article, you should feel more comfortable about automating your business’s logistics processes. There are plenty of notable advantages of automation in this industry. It’s up to you, though, to make the most of these technological advancements available. 

After all, as a responsible business owner, your top priority is your company’s bottom line. You deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing your business is optimizing its investments. This is true, in particular, when it comes to its investments in operational resources. 

That’s one reason it’s so crucial to only work with the best logistics services on the market. You don’t want to rely on a courier service that isn’t dependable, do you?

Well, that’s where we can come into play. We prioritize shipping merchandise for our clients in an efficient, reliable manner. 

For that reason, we encourage you to browse through the rest of our website to see how our experienced courier service can benefit your business and its shipping needs.

To start, check out more information about the courier and logistics services we offer on our website today. Then, keep investing in your business and its financial future with reliable shipping strategies. 

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8 Vital Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Same Day Express Courier Service

When you have a parcel that needs to get on its destination on the same business day, find a proper courier that can do its job. You likely rely on them to meet this specific transaction or even your entire business.

An express courier company needs to have the right business model to make it work. If you’re going to work with an express courier service, you need to make sure they can do it. You need to have peace of mind before giving them your business.

In this guide, we’ll give you 8 questions you need to ask from your same-day courier. What can you ask that will help you find the right couriers?

1. Are Your Drivers Reliable?

The first question you ask about is the reliability of their drivers. There’s nothing as important as having your package and documents coming in safe and on time. There are a few things you need to look at to see if they have the right drivers.

Good signs an express courier company cares for drivers are uniforms and vehicles. A uniformed courier is a sign of professional work and care. You want your couriers with drivers who care, with good customer service.

It’s crucial that their drivers have full insurance in case any mishap happens. If a company assures you that they perform full background checks on all drivers, you’re good to go.

2. How Do They Do Same-Day Delivery?

For an express courier service, the most important question to ask is the delivery method. If a company promises same-day delivery, you need to ask them how they do it. This is to make sure that they are doing a reliable job of moving your packages.

How do they do it?

Some companies will have drones on standby to carry their parcel. As there is a growing drone delivery market, some customers would prefer for this to happen.

Some couriers will have smaller hubs or express drivers that will be on standby to do it too. Depending on the size of the package, you want to know the nitty-gritty. This is to make sure everything comes on time.

3. What Tech Do They Use?

Technology for logistics companies is growing as we speak. Many of these allow them to do fast deliveries, which in turn will save you much time. You need to ask them what tech they have that make placing, managing, and tracking orders easy?

When you pick an express courier company, there are some vital things you need to find out.

  • Can you place an order online or by phone? 
  • Do they provide real-time estimated time of arrival? 
  • Do they send confirmation emails or SMS?
  • Do they have proof of delivery?

These questions should help you determine how they do their job.

4. Do You Pick Up Parcel?

A courier’s ability to pick up parcel can be business-defining work for you. The right same day courier should be able to offer immediate pickup service.

Depending on the size of your package and time of the request, you want them to be fast and urgent. They need to have both a set pickup schedule for regular packages and emergency pickup too. 

5. What’s Your Industry Experience? 

A vital piece of info you want with private couriers is their experience. You want to hire someone with industry experience dealing with situations like yours. This is a great thing to ask for small businesses who sell less or handle their own fulfillment.

You want your express courier company to have the experience to manage, handle, and fulfill your orders. You want to understand if they can handle irregular package flows and changes in demand too. This can be great for businesses like eCommerce providers who have fluctuations in their deliveries.

Ask your courier what fulfillment processes that they have in place. The best provider for you will have the ability to deal with operations that have the same needs as you. This will lead to less disruption in their method of operation and fewer adjustments on their side too.

6. What Are Your Package Restrictions?

When it comes to couriers, you would want to ask them about package contents. Check with them what type of rules they have with packages they handle and if there are any restrictions. If you sell products that have delivery restrictions like batteries and perishables, you need to know.

Some couriers will not support a few items for delivery. Some will have stricter rules and needs when handling the same packages. Some will have no issues with these products as long as it offers no legal repercussions.

Ask if they can handle their product. Check as well if they have ways to make sure that the product is snug and secure during its trip.

7. What is Your Maximum Weight Restriction?

An express courier company will specialize in speed of delivery. You will find, however, that some companies have a maximum weight that they allow per package. As you are a growing business, capacity constraints can be problematic.

You want a fulfillment partner that can scale as you grow. Understand how they move packages so you’d know if they can help you with the capacity you need.

8. What Are Your Actual Prices?

At the end of the day, you’re a business. Nobody wants a sticker shock if you’re trying to make a profit. Look for an express courier company that can give you good value for money service.

Your courier should provide upfront pricing so you know if you’ll take their service. This includes any and all possible service options that you will do with them. They should not have any hidden fees or surcharge that can impact your bottom line.

Choose The Right Express Courier Service For You

When choosing an express courier service, you want to ask the right questions for your peace of mind. Experience, reliability and strong service-oriented business model can help give you the edge you need.

If you’re looking for an express courier that can give you superior fulfillment services, you need experts with experience. 

Need It Now Delivers.

We provide a strong advantage when it comes to deliveries. Talk to us now.

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Don’t Check in Your Bags! The Advantages of Shipping Luggage Internationally

Planning to travel abroad, be it for business or pleasure? You will probably need to take some clothes and other personal belongings with you. This means you need to think about the best way to get your luggage to your destination country.

Should you check in your luggage at the airport or have it shipped ahead of you?

There are many benefits to shipping luggage internationally instead of checking it in. Here are a few you should know about.

Avoid the Hassle of Clearing with Customs

Do you like to travel light? Given the chance, who wouldn’t like that?

When you let an international courier service ship your luggage, that’s exactly what you get – the opportunity to travel with a minimum load.

The disadvantage of checking in your bags is that you will have to clear customs when you reach your destination country. This may take time as you wait for your baggage at the baggage belt before proceeding to get customs clearance.

The process can get quite cumbersome if you are connecting flights and have to have your bags checked at every country in your itinerary.

When you opt to have your luggage shipped overseas, you can avoid potential delays when clearing with customs. This way, you will only need to present your passport and ticket as you walk through the checkout lot.

Your long-awaited time abroad will start with a hassle-free experience.

Gain Some Control over the Unexpected Events

No matter how well you plan, you just can’t anticipate everything and international travel is no exception.

If you are traveling abroad by air, for example, and bad weather is expected on your travel date, your flight can be delayed or even canceled. This means you will have to wait until you are booked on the next available flight.

If you have heavy baggage with you when this happens, you may end up being stuck at the airport until the situation has been resolved.

If you arrange to have your luggage shipped ahead, you will have the freedom to move around the airport or even run a few errands before it’s time for your rescheduled flight. No need to worry about leaving your baggage unattended.

This way, you will be in full control of your trip.

Ensure the Safety of Your Luggage

Aside from your own safety, the safety of your luggage is also of utter importance when you are traveling to another country. However, you can’t always be sure that your prestigious briefcase or suitcase will be handled with the utmost care.

Why not let the pros put your mind at ease?

No doubt, most airlines have efficient systems for handling passenger luggage.

However, because they prioritize passenger safety over anything else, thus they may not give your luggage the exacting level of handling and care desired. This explains why cases of lost or missing bags at the airport aren’t uncommon.

Plus, fragile items such as those made of glass may get damaged while in transit.

Although most airlines will compensate you for lost items, the process of filing a complaint can be quite cumbersome and time-consuming.

If you’re traveling abroad for a vacation, this may mean that you may not wear that swimming costume that you bought after all.

With international luggage delivery services, you can rest assured that your luggage will be placed in the safest hands possible.

Plus, you will be sure that your luggage will be waiting for you upon arrival at your destination country. This is essential to ensure everything goes on well during the time you will be spending overseas.

Get Around the Destination Country with Ease

Traveling abroad for the first time?

Even if you are armed with a detailed map of the place you will be staying, you can never rule out the chances of getting lost, especially if nobody will be receiving you at the destination country.

Now imagine arriving at the destination country with lots of luggage to carry. Who will keep an eye on your bags as you queue up at the taxi stand to get a cab? You may easily lose your luggage in an airport buzzing with activity. What’s more, you will surely get exhausted.

The easy way out is to ship your luggage ahead of you.

Although this may come at a small fee, you can’t compare it to the risk of completely losing your luggage. A luggage shipping service will identify the exact physical address that your luggage is supposed to be sent.

So, once you land, you will have an easy time getting to your destination. You won’t have to get worried about losing your luggage through the hefty airport commotion while looking for a ride.

Save Money

Did you know that shipping luggage ahead of you can be a more economical option than checking it in?

Depending on the distance involved, international travel can be quite costly and heavy bags can escalate the costs.

This is because most airlines charge higher prices for the privilege of checking bags that exceed a certain weight.

In this regard, shipping your bags may prove to be a cheaper option than checking in the bags.

Shipping Luggage Internationally Is a Viable Option for You

From the above discussion, it is obvious that shipping luggage internationally offers a number of great advantages over checking the luggage. These advantages include potential cost savings, convenience, luggage safety, better control over unexpected events, and many more. Ultimately, the final decision is yours to make.

If you are ready to have your luggage shipped ahead of you, call tel:2129891919 or get a quick quote today!

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Weighing Your Costs: The Delivery Cost Comparison Guide

Globally, annual online consumer shopping will reach $4.8 trillion by the year 2021. In just a few years, analysts forecast that e-commerce will be the largest retail shopping channel on the planet.

Today, people aren’t only spending more time shopping online – they’re spending more during each session. Resultantly, businesses are competing fiercely to attract their share of the estimated 1.92 billion people who will shop online in 2019.

Studies show that 85% of all shoppers browse online reviews when trying to make a buying decision. Of those, 77% go on to make a purchase.

The delivery cost is one part of the shopping experience that consumers write about frequently. Even if you offer free shipping, excessive costs to deliver goods can eat away your profits.

Because of this, business owners must do a carrier cost comparison to understand shipping rates for different packages. This way, they can save money while carving out their share of the $4.8 trillion online shopping pie.

Why Delivery Cost Matters

Unchecked shipping costs can become expensive. Still, there are times when consumers need goods right away. This can range from last minute gifts to parts needed to repair a vital household appliance.

The three major United States shippers – USPS, UPS and FedEx – offer similar services. These are the main shippers for same-day, overnight and today delivery. Still, packaging guidelines and pricing vary somewhat.

Same-day delivery service bodes well with consumers. It can create a seemingly seamless shopping experience. As more consumers come to expect same-day shipping, retailers will be compelled to deliver.

When it comes to attracting and retaining buyers, it’s all about consumer convenience. Same-day shipping has emerged as a way to make shopping more convenient and closer to an in-store experience.

Now, with the click of a mouse, consumers can have goods arrive at their doorstep anywhere from a few hours to a few days. For retailers, the trick is to keep shipping costs under 7% to 8% of consumers’ total shopping cart total.

Cost of Delivery By USPS

For guaranteed overnight delivery, the United States Postal Service offers Priority Mail Express. The service is available seven days a week.

Priority Mail Express is the cheapest option for shipping flat, lightweight goods. USPS offers the service for $24.70. You can ship anything that fits in the Mail Express envelope to anywhere in the U.S.

The USPS also ships packages overnight. For example, a:

  • 1-pound shipment costs $39.40
  • 5-pound shipment costs $63.20
  • 10-pound shipment costs $93.15
  • 50-pound shipment costs $288.45

The United States Postal Service is the most cost-effective choice for shipping items that weigh less than a pound.

For a long time, reliability was a big issue for the government-run service. Relatively recently, however, they have redeemed themselves as a dependable carrier by delivering parcels more consistently.

One advantage of using USPS is that they provide free boxes. You can even have shipping boxes delivered to your business.

Delivery Pricing for FedEx

FedEx offers First Overnight for next morning delivery. FedEx Priority Overnight, however, is available for next day delivery before 10:30 a.m. or in the same afternoon for rural areas. The carrier also offers FedEx Standard Overnight for delivery to rural areas between 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and private residences before 8:00 p.m. the next day.

Starting at $46.30, you can ship overnight packages using FedEx Standard Overnight. FedEx First Overnight comes with a heftier price tag, starting at $81.69.

FedEx next day package shipping rates are higher than USPS. Comparing similar packages, a:

  • 1-pound shipment costs $81.11 to $123.05
  • 5-pound shipment costs $102.99 to $141.08
  • 10-pound shipment costs $141.83 to $175.05
  • 50-pound shipment costs $390.12 to $429.71

However, there is a relatively new caveat with FedEx shipping.

You want to avoid getting charged with a “Ground Unauthorized Package” fee. Starting September 03, 2018, FedEx rolled out new fees for oversized shipments along with additional handling surcharges. The new penalty is a hefty $675 fine.

FedEx laid out several criteria for Ground Unauthorized Packages. These include packages that are:

  • A combined length, width and depth of 165 inches
  • More than 108 inches long
  • Weigh more than 150 pounds

If FedEx pinpoints one of your shipments as a Ground Unauthorized Package, they may refuse or return it. In other words, adding insult to injury, they will charge you the fee and refuse to accept your shipment.

UPS Delivery Options

When you need to move items in a hurry, UPS offers Next Day Air for $46.58. You can use the service to ship items that weigh less than 8 ounces. The next tier of service, UPS Day Air Early costs $80.98.

UPS overnight package options are similar compared to FedEx for lighter packages but are less for shipping more substantial items. For example, a:

  • 1-pound shipment costs $81.47 to $122.52
  • 5-pound shipment costs $103.47 to $140.63
  • 10-pound shipment costs $142.45 to $174.77
  • 50-pound shipment costs $208.42 to $240.80

If you’re not careful, however, you can also face fines if you don’t choose your shipping options carefully.

Starting June 2018, UPS rolled out a penalty system that’s similar to the FedEx Ground Unauthorized Package fine. The UPS version, however, is less punitive.

UPS will penalize shippers if weekly charge corrections total more than $5. The Audit Fee is $1 per package correction or 6% of the total amount of corrections, whichever is higher. Accordingly, you’ll want to double check every shipment to make sure that your items comply with UPS guidelines.

Putting It All in Perspective

It’s important to note that overnight shipping services guarantee that your goods will arrive when indicated. In reality, however, a 100% success rate is impossible. What the guarantee means that if the carrier cannot fulfill their promise, you’ll receive a refund for the shipping fee.

As more consumers shop online, delivery cost will become more critical for retailers. It’s essential to keep shipping costs down for the benefit of both consumers and your business.

If you have questions about shipping best practices and optimization, contact us today to speak with a friendly representative. Ask about our free app that you can use to arrange same-day and next-day shipping across the United States.

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Sameday Courier vs Standard Mail: Which is Better for Business?

Are you having a hard time deciding between sameday courier services and standard mail services?

Courier services are an important part of modern day life nowadays. Everyone from those in the food industry to small local businesses uses courier services to boost the convenience they provide for their respective customers. People have taken such a liking to it that it’s made couriers a staple in any kind of business.

This led to the normalization of courier services though. In an effort to break the mold, businesses have come up with different kinds of courier services to give their customers different options. This then led to the most favored type of shipping, same day delivery services.

The question now is, should you opt for that kind of service do you stick with standard courier services? Read what’s below to know which service is what you need for your business:

1. Delivery Time

First off, let’s knock out the most important aspect of deliveries, the time it takes for your package to get to you. This is the most important part of delivery because it’s a testament to the credit courier services deserve to have.

The standard mail service can vary in this part. Depending on certain factors like the size of your item and its weight, it can take them around 2-3 days to get a package delivered to you. The time it takes it to get to you can get reduced if the package is lighter and smaller.

Same-day delivery services, as they’re named after, can get your package to you on the same day you order it. Of course, there are some limitations to this, such as the distance from the nearest fulfillment center to your house and such. For the most part though, services won’t offer you this option if they cannot deliver on their word.

They may even offer specific times so the customer knows when to expect their arrivals. A useful feature for customers who like plotting their schedules ahead of time.

2. Quality of Service

Standardized delivery services don’t have much to make their quality of services stand out. For the most part, they do the job they’re paid to do, they take your package and get it to you in whatever way they see fit.

It’s also worth noting they get more than thousands of packages to deliver every day. This means there’s no room for special treatment for your items. You can expect them to be less than gentle with the way they handle your package.

Couriers providing express services have a higher standard of service quality. This is because there’s a lot of information about it before you can opt for this service. For example, some services allow you to view the information on your designated courier.

This makes it so you can hold them accountable for any damage made while your item is en route. It reflects on their record when something goes amiss, so you can expect great care for your package.

3. Security

Express services are not perfect for their security leaves much to desire. Many people choose these services on a regular basis. Focusing that on a small area, that means a lot of packages for one courier.

This can lead to some complications like mismatched packages and such. Also, the pressure of making the marked time may get to an individual, leading to instances where they skip certain addresses to keep up with their timelines.

Though that’s not to say they don’t have some unique ways to cope with what they lack. For example, some ask for the signature of the receiver before surrendering the item. They also need you to leave a letter of authority to the receiver if you’re not there when they deliver your item.

Standard services have it better in this case. Their timetable allows their couriers to be more relaxed. This makes it so they can check everything off before handing over the package.

Problems occur when an item becomes lost in circulation. This happens more often than not because of the sheer number of orders they have to handle. If your item has a lot of value staked on it, it may not be a good idea to opt for the standard option.

4. Variety of Options

Mail services may offer different options when you want them to deliver something, but they often don’t follow through. They won’t come in the specified time, they may contact you out of the blue to tell you they can’t deliver to your location, or they leave your packages to complete strangers,

When it comes to express couriers though, you get what you ask for and more. For instance, they will never fail to keep track of your package. They will even give you the ability to track where your package is at the current moment.

Also, they give you options like last mile delivery services and warehousing services. In short, they have services to fit your needs whatever they may be. They always follow through, too.

This is because most of the time, they’re an independent service provider. This means they only have their reputation at stake when they make deliveries. One bad customer review can affect how others view their reliability.

5. Pricing

The great thing about standard mail services is they have a fixed rate for packages. It all depends on your item’s weight for the most part. Some include the distance of the destination when they’re estimating a price.

Often, their prices are more affordable than you expect. You also don’t need to worry about an unexpected surge. This is because they always post a notice if prices are to change any time soon.

Same day services though have a price associated with their services. This makes sense because of the convenience they provide their customers.

Know Whether to Choose a Sameday Courier or Standard Services Today

Sameday courier services have an edge over standard services in a lot of ways. What you end up choosing should still reflect how important your package is though. Evaluate your item and make a choice now!

Looking for a great courier service? Need It Now Courier is the choice for you! Contact Need It Now Courier and have your package delivered to you in the way you want.

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From the Pony Express to Same Day Delivery Service: A Brief History of Package Delivery Options In the U.S.

Pull your face out of the window and back to the screen. Two-day shipping means two days, not two minutes.

To keep these kids now-a-daze from thinking anything they type anything into an Amazon search bar will show up at their house within 48 hours, we present a brief history of package delivery.

From humble beginnings on horseback, to a $1 trillion industry, mail service has always rooted itself in one main principle: all mail is created actual.

The History of Package Delivery – A Timeline

Egypt, 2400 BC – Pharaohs sent runners or couriers to disperse their decrees throughout their territory, organizing the first courier service in history.

Early Colonial Times – Native Americans, slaves, and merchants carry messages throughout the colonies.

Boston, 1639 – Mail service is established in a tavern by the General Court of Massachusetts. The tavern acts as a repository for international mail.

New York, 1673 – Francis Lovelace, the governor of New York, establishes a monthly postal delivery service between New York and Boston. Couriers ride on horseback along part of current day U.S. Route 1.

Pennsylvania, 1683 – Governor William Penn opens the state’s first Post Office.

1692 – Thomas Neale organizes a postal delivery system that expands to the central colonies with the help of a grant from the British Crown.

1707 – The British government takes control of the postal system and appoints John Hamilton as Postmaster General.

1774 – William Goddard comes up with the idea of a Constitutional Post for mail delivery service within the colonies. 

Philadelphia, United Colonies, July 26, 1775 – The Second Continental Congress officially establishes the role of Postmaster General.

He 1. definitely has to be a guy, 2. got a 1,000 salary, a secretary and Comptroller, and 3. was in charge of designing delivery routes between Falmouth, New England and Savannah, Georgia.

Benjamin Franklin serves as Postmaster General for the first 15 months. Once the constitution officially declares our country the United States of America, Franklin appoints Samuel Osgood to the position. 

The President of the United States remains responsible for appointing Postmaster General as part of their Cabinet for the next 196 years.

Congress, 1781 – Congress assumes control over “establishing and regulating post offices … throughout all the United States,” (Article IX).

1785 – Stagecoaches begin transporting mail. The Continental Congress attempts to grown and support stagecoach lines by favoring this more expensive and less fitting form of mail transportation. 

1792 – Several laws known as the Private Express Statues restrict package delivery by parties other than the Postal Service, establishing a monopoly over the industry. 

1799 – Package delivery options are by number of sheets and distance. For instance, it costs a quarter to send one sheet more than 500 miles.

Washington, D.C., 1800 – As the new house of the government, the Post Office relocates by two horse-drawn wagons from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.

1803 – The Louisiana Purchase expands United States territory and package delivery service routes. 

1811 – Rowboats are replaces with steamboats for faster package delivery than ever. 

1822 – Package delivery from Washington, D.C., to Nashville takes only 11 days.

1823 – Post roads expand by more than 25,000 miles in less than a decade. Waterways are declared official post roads.

Honesdale, Pennsylvania, August, 1829 – The Stourbridge Lion chugs along the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company Road, foreshadowing the used of train for package delivery.

1831 – 76% of civilians in the federal workforce are postal employees.

November 30, 1832 – The Post Office Department allows stagecoach contractors to transport mail via the railroad. 

New Salem, Illinois, May 7, 1833 – Abraham Lincoln is appointed Postmaster General.

1845 – Rates are now based on weight and distance. In an effort to save money, some people cross-wrote letters. This means they filled a page from left to right, then turned the paper from portrait to landscape and continue writing over the first half of the letter.

This is also the year that Congress lowered the rate of advertisements and other circulars in the mail. This was an attempt to recoup some lost revenue that now went to private package delivery companies. 

California, January 24, 1848 – The Gold Rush sends some 300,000 Americans to California, expanding the need for mail service to the west coast. 

1849 – The number of letters sent throughout the United States via U.S. mail increases by 37.5 million over the past six years.

California, 1852 – Wells Fargo opens 12 offices to provide national package delivery service. They claim to specialize in shipping gold dust and bullion, and their package delivery options welcome packages and parcels of all kinds. 

1855 – Rates change again. Package delivery now costs three cents for half an ounce to travel up to 3,000 miles. 

April 3, 1860 – The Pony Express is established.

New York, July 1, 1861 – The Pony Express promises your letters will get to San Francisco in only 10 days. $1 for letters weighing half an ounce or less and a dollar more for every additional half ounce or fraction of an ounce. 

October 26, 1861 – The Pony Express is dismantled due to the completion of the transcontinental telegraph line.

March 3, 1863 – 12 Statute 704 sets delivery service costs to be based on weight alone and establishes mail classes. 

  • First Class Mail – Mostly letters
  • Second Class Mail – Periodicals and other regular publications
  • Third Class Mail – Package delivery and anything else that could be mailed

Promontory Summit, Utah, May 10, 1869 – The central and Union pacific railroads join, transforming the model of package delivery across the country.

Congress, June 8, 1872 – The Post Office Department becomes an executive department.

Long Island, New York, 1911 – The Post Office Department conducts an experimental mail flight.

January 1, 1913 – Parcel Post, a service accommodating package delivery for parcels over four pounds. 

Congress, 1916 – Air mail service budget of $50,000 is approved. 

August 1, 1931 – Weight limit accommodated by Parcel Post grows to 70 pounds. 

1971 – The U.S. Post Office Department becomes U.S.P.S. The President is no longer responsible for appointing Postmaster General.

1987 – Need It Now Courier’s Air Freight package delivery service is established.

2013 – Walmart provides same day delivery on packages from their stores. Jeff Bezos announced the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for a rapid package delivery option. 

2014 – U.S.P.S. ships Amazon orders with same day delivery to 15 cities. 

February 1, 2015 – The first female Postmaster General, Megan J. Brennan, is appointed by the Governors of the USPS.

Present Day Package Delivery

Congrats on being born in the modern era, where services like same day delivery and package tracking features actually exist. 

Need It Now Deliveries operates 24/7, delivering packages to the U.S. and Canada the very same day. Take your business and shipping needs to the next level with superior national and international shipping on all your big ticket orders.

Ship now for world class package delivery your customers will love. 

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