Understanding Different Types of Shipping

When it comes to shipping, there is a multitude of choices for any business. But how does anyone know where to start?

Shipping involves various rules and regulations depending on the materials being shipped and it’s not free. Businesses need to weigh their options to decide which type of shipping they need and vary in the associated costs. Different shipping solutions may work better for one company over the next.

There are different types of shipping available depending on what a company requires to ship their packages, locally, throughout the United States, and abroad. Some companies have other special requirements and instructions for their packages that require special handling and care. Others may just need basic shipping services.

In this article, we’re discussing different types of shipping and how courier services might be the best option for busy companies. Keep reading to learn more.

Different Types of Shipping

Most people know about the various shipping solutions available through nationwide providers like UPS, FedEx, and the United States Postal Service. Courier services are generally available at a localized level.

Here, we’re discussing the different types of shipping available to compare to courier services.

UPS

The United Parcel Service, otherwise known as UPS was founded on August 28, 1907, and delivers an estimated 15.8 million packages daily. They have various shipping solutions available to the average consumer and businesses alike. Here are just a few.

UPS Internet Shipping

Internet Shipping allows customers to create shipments from a desktop with an internet connection. Create shipping or return labels and cancel shipments anytime.

Freight Services

Shipping heavy or large packages over 150 pounds can be done via land, air or sea using the same familiar tools that UPS offers to process all of their shipments. Track pallets and containers with ease.

Main Innovations

UPS has partnered with the USPS and other worldwide organizations to ensure faster and accurate delivery options. This service is typically used for lightweight parcels and flat mail.

International Services

UPS promises three to five day delivery with morning or end of day delivery options for international shipments. They also offer economical shipping options and fast service for urgent deliveries.

FedEx

Federal Express, or FedEx delivers or handles an estimated 3.4 million packages daily. The company officially began operations on April 17, 1973, and quickly became a premier carrier of high-priority materials. They have just a few shipping options available both to average consumers and businesses.

United States Package Shipments

FedEx offers same-day, next business day or other time, and definite day options for United States package shipments. Shipping costs vary depending on the size and weight of the package.

International Package Shipments

FedEx ships to more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. Services range from fastest possible delivery, delivery within 5 business days and customs brokerage.

United States Freight Shipments

This delivery company can provide urgent delivery, time-definite delivery, day-definite delivery, and additional freight services. In some cases, they’ll promise delivery the next morning.

International Freight Shipments

FedEx offers an entire menu of international freight shipping options. They have different categories of shipment solutions per each type of delivery.

USPS

The United States Parcel Service has been going strong since July 26, 1775, delivering mail and parcels across the country. They can also ship internationally and sometimes for less than other services.

There are five different types of shipping available through USPS.

First Class Mail

First class mail is an inexpensive way to send any item that weighs 13 ounces or less. This includes mail such as greeting cards and regular stamped mail.

Express Mail

Express mail is not frequently used because it is more expensive but may be used for urgent deliveries. This option offers overnight and flat rate envelopes.

Parcel Post

Parcel post is less expensive but it takes a little while to get anywhere. Anything can be shipped with parcel post.

Media Mail

Media mail is strictly for sending books, videos, CDs, and records. This shipping option has many restrictions that include no padding in the shipping material.

Priority Mail

The starting rate for Priority mail is no less than five dollars. Any item can be shipped this way to ensure fast delivery, generally within 2-3 days.

Courier Services

Courier services are sometimes less well known than the other types of shipping services available on the market today. But a courier service can mean the difference between a satisfactory transaction and one that isn’t so comfortable. They can provide sufficient resources and quality customer service with easy to use shipping platforms that fit the needs of each individual company.

Here are some services one can find with a local courier delivery service.

Rush Courier & On Demand

A courier service can offer the following:

  • Super Rush – pickup within one hour, directly delivered
  • Rush Service – pickup within one hour, delivered within 3 hours
  • Same Day – order by 10:30 am, delivery by 5 pm
  • Next Day – guaranteed delivery next day by 5 pm
  • Pre-Scheduled Delivery – delivery at a specified time.

Pre Scheduled Routed Delivery

Delivering everything from envelopes to pallets, a courier service can outperform the competition:

  • Express STAT Delivery – picked up in one hour, taken directly to delivery location
  • Express – picked up in one hour, delivered in three hours
  • Standard – place an order by noon, guaranteed delivery by 5:30 pm

Air Freight

Air Freight services can include same day delivery to anywhere in the United States. A courier will pick up a package immediately and ensure it goes out on the next flight. The deliveries can also be time specific.

Baggage Delivery

A courier service makes traveling less stressful.

  • Pickup Service – couriers pick up luggage from location, ship to destination, send back
  • Wrapping Services – wrapping items in protective covering
  • Domestic and International Service
  • Electronic Notifications – alerts and proof of delivery

Final Thoughts

No matter what one is trying to get delivered, there’s a delivery service that will accommodate those needs. And, a courier service is second to none. They offer top-notch service and delivery on time.

With a courier service, nobody has to worry about whether a package is being properly cared for. It’s being handled by professionals that care about individuals and their business and getting packages delivered on time. Couriers make the difference.

If you’re looking for different types of shipping options, contact us. We provide professional courier service each step of the way.

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7 Reasons to Hire a National Courier Service

National courier service

National courier service

Did you know a whopping 96 percent of Americans shop online? Some of the primary reasons they turn to the internet instead of walking into physical stores is to avoid crowds and save time. You heard that right. Online shoppers want to save time. If you sell products online, you don’t want to keep your online shoppers waiting. And you also don’t want to turn down a customer because they are in a different state. As your business grows and expands its delivery boundaries, you need to embrace the growth by outsourcing deliveries to a national courier. In this article, we’re discussing 7 top reasons why you must hire a national courier service. Keep reading.

1. Fuel Business Growth

You do everything to give your business the best chance of growth. You stock the best quality products, provide excellent customer services, reinvest most of your profits back into the business, and hire the most talented employees. Another way to fuel business growth? Hiring a national courier service to handle your shipping.

You see, e-commerce enables businesses to expand their customer base. From the moment you set up your e-store, customers from all over the country will be able to buy your products.

What do you do when orders from far away states start rolling in? You’ll either cancel the orders (much to the disappointment of the customers) or use the postal service to ship the products. As you know, using the postal service isn’t the best way to impress your customers.

Outsourcing the work to a national courier is the best way to make your customers happy and keep them ordering from you.

2. Build Your Reputation

The modern customer wants to shop at reputable brands. Branding encompasses everything from your site design to your delivery experience. If you choose to use a local courier with no national delivery experience, your reputation will take a hit. Customers will certainly think you’re not ready to invest in a good courier in a bid to increase your bottom line, and they won’t invest in you either.

Hiring a national courier service with a solid reputation also improves your business’ reputation. Experienced couriers know what it takes to make your customers happy. Customers won’t care that the delivery service is a completely different company. All that matters is your business is working with a reputable delivery service.

3. Your Competitors Are Probably Already Using National Couriers

As much as e-commerce opens up your business to a global customer base, competition for customers is still fierce. Large e-retailers like Amazon and eBay already control much of the market. To stay steps ahead of your direct competition, you must do all you can to gain a competitive advantage. Chances are, if you haven’t already hired a national carrier, some of your competitors have beat you to it!

But worry not. You can still catch them, especially if you’re smart about your courier choice. How so? Even though there are many national couriers to choose from, they are not created equal. Some have a reputation for making late deliveries, and others mishandle packages.

Hiring a national courier like Need It Now Delivers will give you the best chance of catching and beating competitors who’re already working with national couriers.

4. Going International? A National Courier Service Got Your Back

You didn’t see it coming, but somehow, international customers (probably from Canada or Mexico) have been enquiring about your products. After debating whether to go global or not, you’re finally ready to accept international orders. Do you start looking for an international courier?

Probably! But if you already have a competent national courier service on your side, you may be saved the hassle of hunting for an international courier.

An established national courier also offers international shipping, so when you are ready to accept international orders, the courier will readily offer you the service. And since you already have an existing business relationship, you could get a decent discount!

5. White Glove Delivery

Businesses are going to great lengths to please their customers. Some of the newest services include in-home delivery and light assembly of some products (together known as white glove delivery).

Think about this: what happens when a customer is not at home to receive a delivery? In the past, the delivery man would have to re-deliver the package. But with in-home delivery, the courier can deliver the package even in the customer’s absence!

When you hire a national courier, you’ll also get a white glove delivery service. This will lead to an even greater satisfaction among your customers.

6. Warehousing

It’s very expensive to ship out products from a single location. As a national business, it makes more economic sense to have warehouses in several locations across the country. Such that when a customer in Michigan places an order, you don’t have to ship the products from your business headquarters in Texas. But with a warehouse in Michigan, it will be way cheaper and quicker to fulfill the order.

The challenge, though, is it can be expensive to lease warehouses across the country. This is where a national courier comes in. At Need It Now Delivers, we have warehouses where you can store products ready to ship to nearby locations. This way, you’ll ensure your products are on hand in multiple locations across the country without incurring a lot of money in warehousing costs.

7. Same Day Delivery

Many online shoppers are willing to dig deeper into their pockets if it means receiving their orders on the same day of purchase. However, same day deliveries aren’t always feasible when you’re shipping nationwide. Hiring a national courier enhances your chances of making same day deliveries, even to customers in far-flung areas. A good courier has the resources to make this happen.

Your Search for a Reliable National Courier Service Ends Here!

Now that you know the benefits of hiring a national courier, you’re probably hunting for one already. Stop! At Need It Now Delivers, we are national delivery experts with over 70 years of experience. We offer a variety of shipping services, and our couriers are fitted with tracking technology.

Read to try us? Get a quick quote. Or contact us with any questions.

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10 Benefits of Using Air Freight Services

Air freight

Air freight

With the price of shipping being so affordable domestically, we automatically look for that savings internationally. This is partly why air freight services can appear stark in contrast. That would be a missed opportunity for many shipping scenarios dealing with lower volumes. The advantages for shipping air freight are many, not just with the speed of delivery. Air freight is the preferred choice for many industries, like automotive, interior design, electronics, construction, and more. As much as six trillion dollars worth of goods are transported around the world via air freight. This makes up over 35% of all trade, in fact.

To help you understand just how valuable air freight services can be for both personal and business needs, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten benefits.

1. Unmatched Speed

When speed is paramount, you can’t afford to settle for less than air freight services. Sea and land freight will always be significantly slower and unreliable in that respect.

Sure, some freight services may advertise comparable delivery rates, but there is no guarantee.

2. Arrival and Departure Consistency

With air freight services, tracking your package and following its promised delivery times is easy. You see what flight it’s on, when it takes off, and when it lands. With land or sea freight, your package could be anywhere until it arrives at a major hub.

A missed flight doesn’t mean waiting an additional day for air freight services. Planes run every hour, on average.

In addition to the fewer hops involved with air transport, the customs fees can be minimized.

With shipping smaller volumes of packages, customs, harbor fees, and other taxes can add up. You could be paying air freight rates while getting your packages weeks later.

3. Global Shipping Flexibility

When shipping via air freight, you’re open to more locations for delivery. Relying on sea and land freight means going through major transportation networks. This often leaves out smaller countries of the world.

Opening more doors to more parts of the world means a wider reach and more customers served.

4. Low Insurance Premiums

Because of quicker transit times, air freight premiums are lower, on average, when compared to other forms of shipping. The less time your package is in-route, the lower the risk of it being lost/stolen.

Having your package pass through fewer hands is also a bit more reassuring for both parties.

5. Higher Standards of Security

Not only is your package making fewer stops on average, air freight services take security and tracking seriously. Airport safety and security is a top priority, so by proxy, your package will be handled with care.

It’s much less likely that your packages will be stolen out of an airport, rather than a port or postal hub.

6. Reduced Dependence on Warehousing

Faster delivery of packages means small businesses will be relying less on storing local inventory. The ebb and flow of business forces businesses to stock up in anticipation.

When cargo is able to arrive and depart without delay, inventory management becomes more natural. This is a huge advantage when it comes to adapting to buyer trends, seasons, and etc.

7. Reduced Packing Materials

Shipping via land or sea means packaging must be bulky and thorough to absorb bumps and drops. Air freight allows lighter packing, further expediting the process of shipping by manufacturers.

As a result, your shipments will be lighter and you’ll save even more on freight costs.

8. Outsourcing Experience

When dealing with air freight services, you’ll find their expertise with outsourcing options invaluable. Sea freight is often impersonal and unnerving. Having a strong relationship with your carrier is important for long-term success.

A lot of shipping logistics get lost in the sea of customs arrangements, contractual fine print, and more. Air freight is a comparatively simple and transparent process, thanks to experienced managers.

9. End-to-end Services

The international network of air transport provides a wide scope of services to cover a variety of client needs. This includes a great relationship with freight forwarders, carriers, operators, customs agents, and GPS logistics. This ensures your package arrives safely and securely.

Fragile and sensitive packages are simply safer in the hands of air freight services.

10. Legal Compliance

One major benefit of air freight that is overlooked is the boring, administrative side. Having all documentation squared away and taken care of on your behalf is huge. Mistakes carry financial penalties on top of inconveniences, so it’s important to employ a company with experience.

When dealing with sea freight, this is especially true. It’s very difficult to follow all the legal and regulatory fulfillments needed to pass over international borders.

Trusted Air Freight Services

Don’t forget to remember the intangibles when deciding on how your goods will be shipped. You should always choose well-qualified, personable, and experienced transporters over the cheapest available.

Know that your cargo is being handled by professionals who already have the connections and knowledge to ship anywhere. Leave nothing to chance and get your shipment correct the first time.

Port fees, penalties, and lost inventory can end up costing you more over time. Businesses might call this “calculated risk”, but that leaves out the emotional stress caused by uncertainty.

Choose ASAP Courier and see how we can change the way you think about shipping logistics. We’ll help you decide on what method of shipping is best for your business.

Get a quick quote and start saving time and money right now.

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Last Mile Delivery: Facts and Trends

last mile delivery

last mile delivery

As the e-commerce market continues to expand, it’s becoming more important than ever for businesses to provide superior shopping (and logistics) experiences in order to win customers over. Many businesses are doing this by offering shipping options like 2-day delivery and same day delivery, as well as last mile delivery.

Last mile delivery is a huge opportunity for both e-commerce companies and logistics businesses. In fact, last mile delivery is believed to be a $3 billion market for transportation companies, as customers continue to demand this service as part of their overall e-commerce experience.

Investing in last mile delivery is a no-brainer for your business. But before you do, it’s important to know how it works and what the current and future business landscape for it looks like. Keep reading to learn facts and trends about last mile delivery so you can seamlessly incorporate it into your business.

What is Last Mile Delivery Exactly?

Last mile delivery is the process of moving goods from a transportation hub to the final delivery location, which is usually the customer’s home. The purpose of this delivery option is to deliver items to a customer in the fastest and most effective way possible.

A lot of companies are investing in it because it serves as a key differentiator for retailers, many of whom are selling products that are similar or identical to that of their competitors. It’s a logistic method many companies are using, from shopping marketplaces like Amazon to food and clothing companies.

Setting up a last mile delivery system can be tricky and time-consuming, but it’s incredibly important to do. Why would a customer buy your product when they can buy the same one from a different business and get it delivered the same day?

Last Mile Delivery: Facts and Trends

Now that you know what last mile delivery is, here are some facts and trends to keep in mind before building out your own system.

1. Customers Expect Immediate Delivery for Certain Products

Today, there’s an increased demand for 2-day and same day delivery. While customers may be willing to wait a few days for large parcel items like furniture, they’re unwilling to wait that amount of time for smaller goods.

This poses a challenge when it comes to planning logistics, as items need to know be fulfilled in only a matter of minutes. By the time the order you receive the order, you have to immediately process it and have it ready for delivery. This trend is greatly affecting pharmaceuticals and food delivery services where customers have an immediate need and want their product right away.

2. Customers Want to Know Where There Package Is

Now more than ever, customers want to know where their packages are, and when they’ll get to their address. This is an important technology for last mile delivery because it helps keep track of when a package is late or get lost. Many businesses and logistics companies are creating websites for tracking packages or letting customers keep track of the delivery with their GPS and smartphone apps.

Local last-mile delivery organizations may not have the technology to create this technology, but they should try to invest it in nonetheless. Customers want this kind of technology and will shop with businesses who can help them keep track of their packages.

3. Companies are Creating City Warehouses

As more customers expect and demand same-day instant delivery, companies are investing in delivery hubs. This trend involves companies building and using urban warehouses so they can easily access and deliver products to their customers.

Investing in these warehouses is essential for reducing transit time for deliveries, and makes it possible for companies like Amazon to offer 2-day delivery. Most retailers do not yet offer this delivery option, so those that can have a big advantage in the marketplace.

4. Companies are Using Delivery to Upsell Customers

Thanks to data, companies can now predict what other products a customer might want, even if they haven’t ordered it. Companies are now loading non-committed inventory into their truck, which allows couriers the chance to convince customers to buy it during last-mile delivery.

This technology lets companies like Amazon keep items on the truck that customers may want, like items they’ve previously ordered and may need again, such as toilet paper or household essentials. This lets companies make even more money in the long run.

5. Customers are Willing to Pay More for Better Delivery Options

Most shoppers have a habit of abandoning their shopping cart due to unexpected shipping costs. But 25% of shoppers say they were to pay significant shipping costs for same-day delivery or features like in-home delivery or being able to schedule their delivery date and time at checkout.

This number will grow even higher as millennials become the largest share of the market. Thanks to companies like Amazon, customers are used to 2-day or same day shipping, and they’re willing to pay more for that delivery benefit.

6. Delivery Technology is Only Becoming More Advanced

While this trend isn’t in full-force yet, companies have already started investing in advanced delivery technology. The most expensive part of delivery is labor like drivers, so it makes sense that companies are investing in technology like self-driving cars, drones, and robots.

Companies like Yelp are already testing out robotic delivery, which is a service that could be offered 24 hours a day. The only downside is that it requires a human agent to accompany them in case something goes wrong. But it’s believed that as technology continues to rapidly evolve that there will be less of a need for human delivery agents.

Final Thoughts

As e-commerce and shopping behaviors evolve, companies and their logistics need to grow to keep up with consumer demands. By investing in last-mile delivery, you can provide a superior shipping and delivery experience for your customers and convince them to shop with you over your competitors. As a business, you should be actively working to perfect your last mile to keep costumers satisfied and coming back for more.

Have you started building out your last mile network? Or are you looking to partner with a last mile courier to assist you? Let us know in the comments!

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shipping restrictions

Shipping Restrictions: What You Can and Can’t Ship

shipping restrictions

shipping restrictions

Since the inception of the United States Postal Service, we have been ‘shipping’ things back and forth to each other across valleys and mountains alike. It’s a great way to keep in touch with friends and family – sending care packages and gifts. Or leftovers from childhood. Or trinkets from your travels. We like sending things to others because we want to share our environments with them. Especially those that live particularly far away.

Whatever you’re sending, you need to be sure there are no shipping restrictions associated with the items in your outgoing packages. Every service, from the USPS to FedEx and USPS, and other carriers have shipping restrictions. These restrictions range from limitations on items and how they’re packaged to that of which may be considered illegal activity.

We’re here breaking down a list of shipping restrictions across the globe so you can rest easy when you’re sending something in question. Keep reading to learn more.

Alcoholic Beverages Come With Strict Shipping Restrictions

It is absolutely illegal to ship alcohol through the United States Postal Service. There are no acceptions to this rule.

If you must ship alcohol, you’ll need to learn about the specific guidelines and regulations in your state.

Generally, you can ship alcohol via FedEx if you’re licensed to do so. UPS doesn’t accept shipments of beer or alcohol for delivery to consumers. But UPS does ship between selected states depending on the nature of the transaction.

When shipping alcohol, it is imperative to wrap it with several layers of soft packaging to prevent leaks if it breaks or becomes compromised. You’ll also need to include the Adult Signature Required option on your shipping package. The Adult Signature Required option will require the recipient to present their ID at time of delivery.

You should try to stick with sending only a few bottles of alcohol at any given time to avoid penalties associated with these regulations that recommend you don’t ship in volume.

Breakables

You can ship things that are breakable but it is strongly recommended that you package the materials accordingly.

Depending on the value of what you’re shipping, it could require insurance. Even while shipping services take the best care possible with your packages, accidents happen and breakables do break.

Follow the packaging guidelines set forth by your carrier. Most carriers recommend selecting a box that is at least two inches larger than the item you are packaging in all directions. Then, put three inches of padding on the bottom and cover the item(s) with three more inches of padding.

Padding material should be something like bubble wrap or peanuts. Something that will withstand impact, such as dropping.

Computers and Electronics

The post office notoriously asks if you are shipping items with lithium or ion batteries because they have shipping restrictions associated with these items.

Computers and electronics often have lithium or ion batteries and they can ship with any carrier. You’ll need to find out the shipping restrictions for each carrier based on how and what you’re shipping. It will also depend on where it’s going that could cost additional fees.

Generally speaking, batteries should remain in the device that is shipping and they should be small batteries. Make sure if you’re shipping something with a particularly large battery that you’ve checked the shipping restrictions with your carrier.

You should probably insure electronics and technology items because they can damage easily, even if you pack them well.

Perishables and Baked Goods

It’s okay to send food and crafts made with perishables but again, pack it well and pack it accordingly. You’ll also need to select faster shipping so the items don’t go bad in transit.

Check with your carrier about how you should specifically package food items, especially if they need to be kept cold.

Firearms and Hazardous Materials

Guns and ammunition are prohibited through the United States Postal Service.

FedEx will ship firearms as defined by the United States Gun Control Act of 1968, but only between licensed importers. Individuals may ship to licensed importers or manufacturers and dealers. Likewise, these importers etc. may ship to individuals.

UPS accepts handgun shipments by next day air. You can ship rifles and shotguns using UPS’ ground service.

Hazardous materials include items like gasoline and explosives. You may not ship these items with any carrier. There are no exceptions to this rule.

The shipping restrictions for hazardous materials are maintained in the commercial sector and should not be violated.

Tobacco

FedEx prohibits the shipment of tobacco but UPS does accept shipments from shippers with the proper licensing. Shipping restrictions surround local and federal laws.

You can ship cigarettes and smokeless tobacco through the United States Postal Service. A Post Office or Postal employee must approve the package prior to shipment.

Live Animals

You can ship live animals with UPS from any UPS shipping facility for next day delivery only. You may not ship on Fridays or before a holiday in the origin or destination country.

FedEx ships zoo animals and horses but does not accept household pets such as domestic cats and dogs. Live fish are not accepted.

There are some animals that you may ship with the USPS but you should check their shipping restrictions. Mostly these conditions apply to special shipping options for animals such as live, day-old poultry, or adult birds.

When You’re Shipping

Whether you’re shipping across the street or around the world, there are regulations for your packages across all carriers.

Make sure to pack your boxes efficiently so that items won’t rattle and break or become exposed in transit. It’s always a good idea to get insurance on your packages. Your carrier should always provide you with a tracking number for your package so you know where it is and when it’s delivered.

As an added security measure, you should always notify recipients of packages that are getting delivered if you don’t ask for a signature on delivery. This will ensure that your recipients know when to expect the package.

When you’re ready to ship your next package, contact us for superior service and rates.

 

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Can Couriers Make The Quality of Life Better ? Where Technology Meets Humanity

Technology in our society advances quickly and constantly. Generally, it’s to improve our daily lives and we’ve seen incredible advancements. Just remember, that the cell phone hasn’t been around as long as we think — and yet, how could we live without it?

As technology has catapulted other areas of our lives, how has technology improved the way logistics and deliveries work? There are companies that are aiming to improve the way deliveries arrive into the hands of their recipients: faster, safer, and more accurately. Which companies are doing this? And how are courier companies able to take advantage of the rising technology?

Couriers and Humanity

In the warehouse, mobile technology is being harnessed to eliminate errors and mistakes in the large-scale process of logistics. Logistics encompasses door-to-door deliveries and global shipping, which includes a myriad of different steps. Courier and Logistics companies are coping with this by using tablets  to create a business that goes beyond simple deliveries. There is mobile tablet type technology that can be utilized as a constant companion while traveling through the warehouse inventory. The tablet is used to describe needed details as to particular items that can be instantly transmitted to those who need urgent information about the items to keep a plant running or keep a customer happy. There are programs that companies can download to list the work schedule for the day, scan the barcodes of all the packages to be delivered, and create the optimum delivery route to maximize speed and efficiency. Additionally, at each route stop, the courier can access information to help with the delivery, such as noting the code to the building or if there’s a dog that gets a little too protective of the residence. The tablet even gives instructions for each package, so if a package contains alcohol, the courier is instructed to check the ID of the recipient.

This puts more control into the logistics process and assists in fast reliable service to you and your customers.

The other day, a new app was introduced  to the market that connects to a house or apartment lock, and the courier, using the app, will be able to unlock it and leave a package right near your front door. However, the app includes a camera that turns on the minute the app unlocks the front door. Once the delivery is finished, you’ll get a video, through e-mail or phone, where you can watch the delivery. What’s incredible, is that the app can be used by different services from couriers to dog walkers.

Technology is connecting us and making our lives easier. Couriers are able to use to this technology to improve logistics and create more confidence for our customers and in turn their consumers or end users. At Need It Now Courier, we’re always on the cusp of new technology to help our clients. Find out how we can help your business deliver to its customers.

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Essential Holiday Shipping Tips for Small Businesses

Essential Holiday Shipping Tips for Small Businesses

Essential Holiday Shipping Tips for Small Businesses

Essential Holiday Shipping Tips for Small Businesses

In 2016, retail e-commerce sales during November and December reached a massive $63.1 billion. That’s a lot of sales, and e-commerce is becoming more and more competitive each year. If you want your small business to perform well this holiday season, you need to have a solid shipping plan in place. Customers won’t be keen to buy from a company with unclear shipping times, expensive delivery costs or poor packaging, so every detail counts. You’ll need to make cut-off times clear, offer competitive prices, package items carefully, and be ready to process returns. Want to know how to succeed at holiday shipping this year?Keep reading for our top tips.

1. Make Your Delivery Cut-Off Clear

What’s the point in ordering Christmas gifts if they don’t arrive in time for the big day?

Providing a clear cut-off date for guaranteed delivery before Christmas is absolutely essential and will save you dealing with complaints and returns down the line.

Display your cut-off dates prominently on your website, make them clear during the checkout process, send them to your mailing list, and share on social media.

This serves a dual purpose, as it keeps customers informed and creates a sense of urgency that encourages them to take action right away.

Compare quotes from different couriers to find the most competitive options with the best delivery times.

2. Advertise Special Offers for the Holidays

Two companies have the item you want, and only one offers free shipping…

Which do you choose? The free option, of course.

9 out of 10 consumers say free shipping is the number one incentive to shop online more, so it’s a great way to lure people away from brick-and-mortar stores.

Creating attractive shipping offers is also an excellent way to stand out from your competitors and attract new customers.

If you use selling platforms like eBay, offering free shipping can boost your position in listings, so it’s a great way to get more views.

On top of that, offering deals like, ‘Free holiday shipping on orders over $50’ is a smart way to encourage customers to add a few extra items to their baskets.

In many cases, offering discounted holiday shipping can be more enticing than actually reducing the price of what you’re selling.

Before you decide to offer a price discount, look at adding shipping offers instead.

3. Know the International Shipping Rules

Are you shipping to foreign countries?

It’s really important that you’re clear on the rules and regulations for each location you ship to, or you could be hit with delays and other issues.

For example, if you’re shipping to countries in the EU, you should be aware that customers are allowed 14 days to return unwanted goods.

You should also be wary of shipping items like lithium batteries, nail polish, aerosol cans, lighters, and other goods that could be considered dangerous.

Take care to thoroughly research before sending packages, and always clearly declare their contents. This cuts down on customs delays and ensures packages reach their destinations on time.

4. Wrap Items Carefully

Does Santa deliver broken presents?

No – and you shouldn’t either.

Being busy during the holiday season shouldn’t be a reason to slack on packaging, and getting a good system together before the holiday rush is a smart move.

Here’s a simple guide to good packaging:

1. Wrap items individually in bubble wrap or tissue paper.

2. Choose an appropriately-sized box with as little empty space as possible.

3. Fill the empty space with packing peanuts, scrunched up brown paper, or airbags, leaving the item no room to slide around.

4. Place a shipping note with address, order details, and returns information inside the package.

5. Add any flyers, promotional materials, or vouchers to the package.

6. Close package securely using staples, packing tape, or glue.

7. Affix ‘fragile’ or ‘this way up’ stickers to the outside of the package if needed.

9. Securely affix shipping address to the front of the package.

If you’ll have multiple different employees dealing with shipping, putting together a simple guide makes sense. It ensures consistency and prevents staff from missing a single step in the packing process.

Poor shipping can cost you a fortune in returns, so make sure you get it right.

5. Provide Tracking Information

Is there anything worse than waiting for a parcel with no idea when it’s going to arrive?

Probably not.

While tracking is important all year round, it’s particularly crucial during the holiday season, when customers will be waiting anxiously for gifts, decorations, and other time-sensitive items.

It’s good practice to offer tracking on all orders and provide the customer with all the details they need to check on the progress of their delivery.

If your budget won’t stretch to offering tracking on every order, be sure to offer it as a paid option when customers check out.

Tracking parcels means you won’t have to deal with as many calls to your customer service department, you’ll have fewer complaints, and you’ll create a better experience for the customer.

6. Be Prepared for Returns

It’s been found that shoppers return nearly $70 billion worth of purchases during the holiday season, with clothing, games, and jewelry all being high risk.

No matter how wonderful your products are, you can be certain that you’ll be dealing with some returns post-December.

Having a solid returns procedure in place allows you process claims quickly and efficiently, keeping customers happy and reducing problems for your staff.

If you’re worried about being bombarded with loads of returns all at once, try offering a longer returns period. This gives you more time to process everything and means customers don’t have to rush.

Now You Know How to Succeed at Holiday Shipping

Messing up your shipping during the holidays will waste your time and money and won’t impress your customers.

Get it right by offering competitive shipping offers, knowing the laws around international shipping, packaging items carefully, providing tracking details, and being ready to process returns.

Prepare properly, and you’ll give Santa’s elves a run for their money!

Finding a good courier service takes a lot of the stress out of holiday shipping, so contact us today and let’s discuss your needs.

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Macy's offering same day delivery and so should you!

The Future of NYC Courier Service

If you’re a New Yorker, you’ve walked past the famed Macy’s department store on 34th street and 7th avenue. Spanning a city block, it’s the second largest department store in the world — it follows closely a department store currently located in South Korea. Macy’s is a point of pride for many New Yorkers and even hosts a renowned Thanksgiving parade that is broadcast throughout the world.  

Recently, Macy’s has instituted another major development that is bound to please many New Yorkers. They announced their expansion of their same-delivery products purchased online at macys.com, bloomingdales.com and both brands’ mobile apps. They have added it to 15 different stores, which includes the New York location. These locations are: Austin, TX; Charlotte, NC; Cincinnati; Columbus, OH; Denver; Grand Rapids, MI; Kansas City, MO; Minneapolis-St. Paul; Orlando, FL; Phoenix; Pittsburgh; Sacramento, CA; San Antonio, TX; San Diego, CA; and Tampa, FL.

What does this mean for local businesses in the New York area who are trying to compete with Macy’s, and other major retailers like Amazon.

Couriers and New York City

A major advantage of using a courier company in New York, is the ability to travel distances rather quickly. In an era where consumers are demanding immediate service and deliveries, this truly is a great advantage. Courier companies can traverse the boroughs and get products into the hands of customers with a short trip.

All major businesses have the tools to enter the competition right at their fingertips. Currently, Amazon, and now Macy’s, have this advantage where they could deliver the “day of”. Stores, such as Walmart and Target, who aren’t offering one day deliveries are seeing their customer base move toward the “immediate” market.

This is where a company can use a courier service to their advantage.

Home Town Advantage

As a local company in New York, you can effectively change the way you approach your customers. Now, you can impact their lives with your product in the same day rather than waiting for a delivery to occur. For instance,if you are large retailer selling evening wear and you want to capture the last minute market (suddenly an outfit is too small or not trending and needs to be replaced) you would like to offer same day shipping and be ahead of your competition. Even if you don’t have a physical store in NYC or another major city, Need It Now provides warehousing and can get your items delivered in most cases same day from their facilities.

A printing company usually sends out a sample pack to show their production quality. If these were sent through regular postage, it could take up to two weeks for them to arrive. With one day delivery, you get the samples in the client’s hands and can start the selling process that same day.

The trend of needing everything delivered asap and immediately can be intimidating. However, in the fast paced lifestyle that New Yorkers are used to, it’s just another aspect of daily life.

Need It Now obliges this fast paced environment is keeping up with it by running right next to it. Find out how our courier services can get your business ahead.

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How Quickly Can I Get It Delivered?

Courier Service NYC and International

One aspect that characterizes today’s supply and demand is: can I have it now?

Amazon changed the game when they began offering two-day shipping for Amazon Prime subscribers. Suddenly, the concept of “now” was no longer a dream, but a very real concept.

The race to achieve the ultimate now is still going. Amazon is planning on adding 50,000 jobs to a dozen warehouses across the States and Foxconn has decided to build a plant and hire 13,000 workers in Wisconsin. And these are just a few of the major companies pouring funds into the expansion of production.

This can be viewed as a positive way businesses for creating jobs, and at the same time it s a way for these major companies to get closer to their customer base.

A question many business owners ask, is how they can compete in the “now” race when they may not have the same resources as an the online giants such as Amazon or while still possessing the wherewithal needed may still not have the in house expertise to expedite deliveries. The answer is simply to depend more heavily on third party logistics.

Small and mid sized businesses have an advantage that large companies don’t have — the ability to retain a personal connection with their customer base. It’s a quality that small businesses can build upon. However, the need to compete with larger companies still exists, especially when getting one’s product to their customers.

While the giant corporations have the ability to create an in-house shipping service, smaller companies may feel left out. Yet, there is a simpler and, many times, cheaper solution than in-house shipping and logistics.

Couriers and Your Company

Courier companies give businesses the advantage of creating unique and personalized shipping methods depending on one’s product. While FedEx and UPS boast the ability to deliver personalized specifications, the big company feel doesn’t offer the variety of options you truly need. On the other hand, USPS doesn’t do anything beyond basic packaging.

Here are where independent courier companies step in. They will meet with you, curate a plan to meet your business’s needs, and handle all your shipping and logistics requirement.

As a small or mid-range business, you will get the best of both worlds: keeping in contact with your customer base while delivering products with care and speed.

The notion that a small or midsized company can’t join the “now” race, is shortsighted. Need It Now Courier, with locations throughout the United States, and offering rush local delivery in NYC and the tri-state area. Need It Now is your answer to your customer’s question: “How quickly can I get it delivered?” For the large corporations Need it Now has the capacity to store, kit and ship all of your retail items, with over 400,000 square feet of warehouse space. Being in the courier and logistics industry for over 30 years and consisting of a family of 15 courier and logistics companies throughout the United States gives us the expertise and resources to provide the simplest or most complex logistical solutions based on your situation. Factors of cost, speed and safety are always considered when offering the best route for your deliveries.When you need third party logistics – You NEED IT NOW!

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Courier Service NYC

How can I save money on mailroom deliveries in NYC?

When the economy is makes it rough to run your business, you try to save money in way possible. Whether you opt for taking on more hours or buying less pens for the office, where there’s a will to save, there’s a drive to do it! However, the one area where you don’t want to take any shortcuts is the delivery of your products — you want to make sure your clients get what they ordered! So how can you save money without selling out your shipping methods? Well here’s some quick tips! You can find some more of them here.

1. Size Matters

The smallest change can save you money. If you were to send a document that was standard paper size (8.5×11 inches) would cost you 49¢. However, if you were to jump up even by a quarter inch, prices to ship start at 90¢!

Cutting down the envelope size will can actually save you money over time!

Letter Size Mail Dimensional Standards Template

 

2. Packaging

Prices go up the minute a package goes into play. What’s the main factor after size and weight? How quickly in can be processed. The post office will separate mail into two categories: machinable and non-machinable . If it’s machinable, the package will go through quickly without much human interference. If it’s non-machinable, means it’s too bulky and hard for a machine to manage and will therefore have to be handled by post office employees.

Here are some other rules to follow when preparing a package: https://www.usps.com/ship/preparing-domestic-shipments.htm

 

Courier

Finally, the easiest way to save money is to use a courier service. The general myth is that USPS is the cheapest way to go. However, for the sake of a cheap price it can also take much longer for your package to arrive. With a courier service you can work with the company and make sure all your prices and needs get met. This is especially true for a local mailing. If you’re trying to send a document within the city limits, using a courier service will actually speed the process up and ensure the delivery. If you’re trying to work out logistics, then a personalized process will ensure the safety of your cargo.!

A courier service will allow you to your packages where they need to go, with your needs in mind.

If you would like to find out how a courier service in New York can help you and your business, you can read more about our methods here:https://needitnowcourier.com/services-2/

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