Anyone who is a part of a courier company understands the challenge severe weather brings to the success of a courier company. A national distribution service such as Naparex faces the challenge of battling all of the elements throughout the year. While a local or regional courier company in the Midwest for example can be prepared for blizzards in the winter and flooding and severe thunderstorms in the summer, Naparex must be prepared for weather conditions across the country at any point in the year.
When customers request direct service during inclement weather it is the expectation that dispatch and the courier will do everything in their power to get the package there quickly and safely. When a threat of a severe storm is in the area dispatchers often have to have their eye on the radar so that they can warn both the drivers and the customer of a delay in service.
While a lot of businesses have the opportunity to shut down during severe inclement weather; like the snow storms that pounded the Midwest and east coast this past winter, a courier company is not one of them. We have to be available for the work that businesses that stay open need done and for the residents who can’t leave their homes.
This sort of work is managed in a few different ways. Naparex relies on websites like the Weather Channel website to alert us hours before we are to expect any serious weather. This way we can try and get our scheduled deliveries finished with early for the day if possible. This also gives dispatch the opportunity to line up drivers that have vehicles available to handle the elements. Most important, dispatch will monitor the road conditions by visiting a number of different state’s websites, this way we can keep the driver’s safe.
Filed under Courier and Messenger, Customer Service, Independent Contractors by Hayley O'Hara
May 14, 2010
Could there be a National Entrepreneur’s Day?
It only makes sense for America, a country whose success has come from its entrepreneurs and their willingness to take action and work hard to reach their goals and dreams. Siamak Taghaddos, co-founder of Grasshopper (a virtual phone system designed for entrepreneurs) strongly believes that National Entrepreneur’s Day should be day recognized on the calendar.
It would be a day in which the country honors entrepreneurs for the hard work they do. It makes sense to me; we honor administrative assistants for the work they do and mothers and fathers for the dedication they have shown. Why not give credit to the entrepreneurs of this country. The courier industry is especially rich in innovative and determined entrepreneurs; surviving in one of the oldest forms of business takes all of the talent an entrepreneur has to offer as the CEO of Naparex, Monte O’Hara, is well aware!
So what are the steps being taken to make March 20th, 2011 the first National Entrepreneur’s Day? An online petition has been started to ask President Obama to agree to create this day. To receive President Obama’s attention to the goal is to gather 1 million signatures for this petition. 1 million signatures sounds like a lot but with the help of social networking website Twitter there is currently “A Twitter Petition to the First Ever President on Twitter”, now the goal doesn’t seem so far out of reach! Business blogs all over the country are picking up this story and including the links in their blog and on their twitter accounts to get this petition through! Many prominent entrepreneurs have already lent their support by signing the petition, including Wordpress’s Matt Mullenwed.
It is a really exciting idea that entrepreneurs all over the country are working together to be recognized by their country for their hard work and dedication!
So if you believe, like we do, that entrepreneurs deserve a day of recognition then visit this website and lend your support!
Filed under Courier and Messenger, Government by Hayley O'Hara
May 1, 2010
Local Courier Service
A local courier service is the same thing as a same day delivery service. A courier service can be a short distance delivery of an enveloppe or a long distance haul of large parts. Typically courier companies are a time sensitive delivery business and offer a higher quality sensitive delivery route.
There are several different types of local courier delivery services. There are motorcycle couriers, bicycle couriers, cars, trucks of all sorts, rail and airplane.
Local courier services range in their service delivery area from a few miles around a city to national couriers services such as Naparex. A same day delivery company will typically use independent contractors or employee drivers to move the packages. The contractors are under certain guidelines to ensure a quality and time sensitive delivery.
It is not uncommon for a local courier service to utilize the services of other same day delivery companies. In many cases, many deliveries require the use of several different existing delivery mechanisms, such as using one courier service in one city, then linked through the Internet to the airlines and communicate a pick up and delivery in another city. This can be done from one side of the country to the other in 8 hours, from the time of the call to the delivery.
There are many local courier services in the United States. They range in size from one driver to several hundred, some in the thousands of drivers. The typical size of the average local courier service in the United States is estimated to be around a $2.5mm business and according the US Census bureau, there are roughly 8,500 local same day delivery services in the United States.
Courier Services such as Naparex use several hundred regional and local couriers around the country to move packages. Using software to ensure quality, Naparex is the only company to employ sophisticated technology to use most optimized delivery route. Naparex also owns and operate 8 of their own physical warehouse hubs in 7 states.
Filed under Courier and Messenger by scott
March 9, 2010
What is a Courier Service?
A courier service is an organized business that provides a unique delivery experience of packages and documents that range in size from an envelope and multiple skids. A courier service is typically much faster delivery time than other methods typically provided by companies such as DHL, FedEx and UPS. The courier service industry is a fairly robust industry in the Western world with over 11,000 courier businesses in United States of America. Courier service industry is one of the oldest industries which has been around since the need to deliver messages over great lengths. In today’s world of international business, a courier service is a pivotal to we used in everyday business. Services such as the fax machine enough of simply complemented the great need of delivery or physical products.
Courier service industry in the United States is a $59 billion industry and the largest player being United Parcel Service delivers more than 1 million packages globally each day. The average courier company in the United States does approximately $2.5 million a year in volume. The courier service industry in the United States is a very fragmented industry that has failed consolidation of several attempts. There are little barriers to entry into this business with very little government intervention compared to other regulated industries.
Most courier companies in the Western world use independent contractors move packages. It is estimated that up to 80% of businesses in the United States use independent contractors were delivered. These independent contractors utilize their own vehicle to make a direct route of delivery and get paid a percentage of the revenue. They are typically responsible for all their own expenses and essentially an independent contractor is running their own business.
Companies that use a courier service range from attorneys two major parts manufacturers. Consumers are beginning to utilize courier services deliveries and white glove delivery is from retailers and e-commerce stores. Courier service industry can move practically any package across the country in the same day and many couriers are beginning to offer national retail distribution. This industry can also deliver and set up furniture, goods, electronics and other products through a service called white glove delivery.
By utilizing multiple couriers and other cities, integration of technology, and existing infrastructures such as the commercial airline industry, a national network has been created compete with the overnight carriers and offer same-day delivery in the United States.
With the increasing demand of consumers, courier service industry is poised to join the retail and e-commerce industries. Online retailers like Amazon, offering their local express delivery service, have begun to provide same day delivery to their customers.
With increasing technology, courier service business and provide electronic tracking via GPS with electronic signature capture from the point of pickup through the point of delivery from any point in the country. This means that customers and track their packages and real-time and receive real-time delivery and pickup notifications. By utilizing existing wireless technology, existing commercial infrastructures such as the commercial Airlines, and existing courier businesses with independent contractors, this industry and deliver the same quality of service is the major players with their own network.
Filed under Courier and Messenger, E-Commerce Shipping, Independent Contractors, Logistics by monte
November 27, 2009
Driving to Save Fuel
Many drivers don’t realize that there are changes they can make in their daily driving habits which will make them save gas. This translates to a direct impact on the environment, especially if these habits were adopted by millions around the globe, as well as direct savings in your wallet as you spend less on fuel. Naparex is a same day courier service company that is committed to the “green” concept, being more fuel efficient and environment friendly, trying to pass on the savings to our customers.
Here are ten tips that can help you be a gas saving driver.
- You have to keep your tires inflated. When your tires are low your fuel consumption actually increases a great deal. Something else that many people don’t realize is that there are low resistance tires you can purchase which also improve mileage. These aren’t really suitable for driving in inclement weather, but can make great summer tires in an urban area.
- Look in your trunk. Next, take out everything you don’t need on this trip. Extra weight in the car means that the car needs more power to travel at the same speed you usually travel at. This means higher fuel consumption.
- Look into alternative fuels. Fuels like ethanol and even bio-diesel can improve the environmental impact that you can have, and bio-diesel can also be incredibly affordable.
- Simply put, slow down. Going just a little bit over the speed limit can increase your overall fuel consumption over the course of a long trip by up to 10%.
- Upgrade your car. Car technology is improving all the time, and even without moving to a hybrid you can get a much more efficient car by upgrading.
- Share your car by using a service, or on your own. Services like Zipcar provide a great alternative for people who don’t need a car every day. Also, some people are organizing their own car shares.
- Carpool. Carpooling has been one technique for saving fuel that has been advocated for a long time for a very simple reason – it works.
- The Four day workweek. Not only does this save on gas, it’s been shown to increase worker efficiency to the point that States are even discussing making laws to help companies find it easier to allow this type of structure.
- Use Transit – The most environmentally friendly and cost effective suggestion on the list.
- Work from home. The number of people telecommuting is increasing exponentially. Imagine how much gas you can save by just not having to leave your own home to go to work every day.
Filed under Courier and Messenger by monte
November 19, 2009
Amazon Same Day Delivery Brings Competition in Line with Bookstores
Although Amazon has emerged as the most powerful bookseller in the world, they do retain a certain amount of healthy competition from their brick and mortar rivals. Physical bookstores typically do even better against the online giant as we get close to the holidays, and people have less time to accommodate long shipping times. They call this service Local Express Delivery.
Amazon has come up with a strategy to make shopping even more convenient for last minute Christmas shoppers by offering a same day delivery option in major centers. This newest service is only currently available in seven cities, but three more will be added shortly. The cities the service is currently available in include Washington D.C., Las Vegas, Baltimore, Seattle, Boston New York, and Philadelphia. The first expansions to the service area will take place in Indianapolis, Phoenix, and Chicago.
For many people, the worst part about last minute holiday shopping is having to contend with the throngs of people that are out picking up last minute gifts. This is something they will be able to easily avoid with this new same day shipping option from Amazon. The offer is going to extend as late as 1:00 PM Christmas Eve, making last minute shopping from your home computer simple.
The prices of the new service will differ depending on the type of account that you have with Amazon. Anyone that is an Amazon Prime Customer will only have to pay $5.99 per item that they want shipped the same day. While others will face higher rates, they will still get the same quick turnaround time on shipping.
The best thing about the newer service is that it is going to open up the usefulness of shopping online in a much more practical way. The problem with the online method of making purchases is that most sites always require you to wait to get your products, something that has driven many people out to a brick and mortar store. That barrier is now being removed.
The only problem that people have so far with the service is the amount that it costs to get this same day service. A Goldman Sachs analyst by the name of James Mitchell does predict that those prices will be dropped in the future though. Once more people become aware of the new service and their shippers are able to keep up with the demand, the price for this same day shipping should become more accessible to the average shopper.
Filed under Courier and Messenger, E-Commerce Shipping by Hayley O'Hara
November 15, 2009
How to Be an Environmentally Friendly Driver
There is a lot of motivation to strive to be more environmentally friendly in most aspects of your life these days. There are tax breaks for buying environmentally friendly products and using energy efficient products, and you can save a lot of money on fuel costs. This certainly applies to driving as well, so here are some tips to try and make sure that you’re having the most efficient ride possible.
- Always maintain the proper inflation in your tires. If you look at your tires you will be able to see printed on the tire itself the proper inflation pressure. The lower your tires, the more fuel you burn, and you can also make yourself less safe on the road.
- Adhere to all posted speed limits. People don’t realize that just by going 10 miles faster than the posted speed limit you can burn as much as 10% more fuel, making your trip much more costly than the few minutes you gain are probably worth.
- Get regular tune ups. Poor spark plugs, air filters, tires that need to be rotated, or transmission fluid problems can all cause you to have a less efficient car.
- Take your time accelerating. You don’t want to just jam the gas pedal when taking off or you will burn excess fuel.
- Stay out of traffic. Starting and stopping uses more gas and puts out more pollution, so if you can drive in lighter traffic conditions you will have a more efficient ride.
- Get regular oil changes. Every car is different, and if you follow your recommendations as laid out by your manufacturer you should not only get better gas mileage, but will also have a vehicle that will last longer.
- Don’t bother with premium fuel. Certain cars require it in their engines, but other than that, you get no benefits from it, and only end up causing more pollution and costing you more money.
- Don’t carry unnecessary goods in the car. The more weight you have in the car with you, the more fuel every journey will consume. Unload anything you don’t need with you on that particular trip.
- Don’t use your air conditioner unless you absolutely have to. Roll down the windows or turn the fan on before you try the AC, as it will increase both the pollutants you put into the air, and the amount of fuel that you burn.
Filed under Agents, Courier and Messenger by monte
November 11, 2009
A Great Courier Can Save You Time and Money
It doesn’t matter whether you’re just a person or in charge of a large company, if you find the right courier service, it can save you both time and money. There is a very large difference between the costs and delivery times from the best in the business and those that are at the bottom of the industry.
Everyone needs something delivered at one time or another. Companies all have their busy seasons and during the holidays, who among us doesn’t suddenly have a need for shipping something across the country as fast as possible? If you have a great courier at your disposal, you won’t have to worry about dealing with these types of situations.
The thing about the best in the business is that they often have a way of getting your package where it needs to go faster than you thought it might get there. A great business tip is to see if you can get faster delivery times even when you’re not in an emergency situation. You might be surprised at how much your clients appreciate getting their orders early.
There are courier companies of all shapes and sizes, and they can all be good, or bad. Choose based on the service you require, and the service you get, not the size of the company. For someone needing to have complicated multi-drop shipments made across the country, the best answer might be an international courier company that has employees in a widespread network in every major center. For someone who just does business within their city, a small operation consisting of a few guys and their own cars might be able to provide you with a better rate.
If you have a great courier, don’t just think about the money that it can save you. You also have to take into account the savings that you can make in time. After all, you didn’t start a business to spend hours having to try and get the best quotes on shipping or calling a hundred different couriers. You started it, because you have something you do well, or enjoy doing. Your hours are better spent on that then trying to find a courier. Go ahead, so a search for courier service.
Once you have a great courier company, you’ve done most of the work. All you have to do is call them, let them know what you’re shipping, and they can quickly let you know how much it will cost, and when they can pick it up.
Filed under Courier and Messenger by scott
November 9, 2009
Courier Service Blog Looking for Authors
Naparex, LLC provides a courier service blog intended on being a resource for courier and same day delivery related news and events. The Courier Service blog is fed to dozens of online news feeds and read by hundred of people daily.
Naparex is looking for guest writers. We are looking for unique content that is related to the courier industry and same day delivery business. There are some benefits to being a guest writer on the Courier Service Blog.
Courier Service Blog Benefits
- Personal Exposure as an Authority – The Courier Service blog is moderated. We won’t allow blatent promotion or low quality material. This blog is viewed as an authority source and writers are well regarded. This enhances your writing image.
- Do Follow Links – Guest authors are allowed to include up to two links with anchor text to the online properties of your choice. The Naparex blog does very well in the search engines and by having a link back to your own site helps you with the search engines. As the Naparex blog does better, so does your site. The more you write, the more links you acquire.
- Great Resource to Exposre Theme Related Material – The courier industry is only so big, and by further exposing yourself on many courier related sites, you ulitimately increase your business by having increased online exposure.
- Offering a Great Service – The problem with so much information on the Internet is finding it. The Naparex Courier Service blog is a great place to come and find one source of information. You’re contributing to a great free service for people.
To Become a Courier Service Blog Writer
- Send an email to blogauthor@naparex.com along with your first, unique article or sample of your article. You will be assigned a username and password. Either we can get the article online for you or you log into our Wordpress Blog and post the article yourself.
- Your article must be at least 400 words in length. Your article must be related to the same day delivery business or courier industry. Your article must not be a promotional piece and must offer value to a reader.
- Naparex reserves the right to edit any article submitted.
- Your article needs to be unique, it doesnt’ not have to be original. This means that you can not copy and paste an article that is already online. You need your own words. You can rewrite an existing article, just make sure you use your own words. There are tools we use to check this.
- You are not limited the number of pieces you require to send. Therefore, you could write 5 articles a month or one article a year.
Filed under Courier and Messenger by scott
The recession may be slowly fading, but unfortunately the international business climate is far from a place where companies can stop worrying about their expenses. When you have to watch where the money is going, it can really help if you can find a few cost cutting techniques. Same Day Delivery companies vary in size and services.
The interesting conflict in the current business age is that you have to do business with a wider customer base in order to keep most businesses running. Of course, the wider your client base, the more you have to spend on shipping in order to serve those clients. That is why one of the most useful money saving tips to apply is ways to save with your shipping. That way you can still ship all over the world without losing the extra profit on your shipping expenses.
Here are five ways to save money with your international courier service company, as opposed to local courier service.
- Combine your shipping with other companies. You’re not the only company shipping overseas, and also not the only company that is trying to save money with their shipping. The larger load you’re shipping the better rate you can get, so always look for ways to combine shipping with other companies.
- Just ask! Many people forget that the simplest way to get a better rate in many cases is to just ask your courier company. They’re not going to give it to you out of the goodness of their heart, but often if you ask you will find that they do have room for negotiation in their rates.
- This rule is similar to number 1. Ship the largest orders you can possibly ship, as volume always brings a discount when shipping. Try not to ever ship just a single package as you will find that the shipping costs are much more prohibitive.
- Don’t limit yourself to just one courier company. The more companies you talk to and the more quotes that you get, the better the chances are of you finding a better shipping rate. Also, don’t be afraid to take your best rate to another company and see if they can match or beat it, this is a great way to get better rates.
- Use a courier consultant. Many people don’t even know these services exist, but these are professionals that specialize in hiring couriers for their clients, so they have a large database of couriers and their rates so that they can find the best one for your purposes.
Filed under Courier and Messenger by Hayley O'Hara
