There have been two major studies conducted in the last ten years on the efficiency of using a statewide courier system to facilitate the transfer of materials between libraries. The first of these studies was conducted in 2004 and the second in 2006-2007. The purpose of these studies was to conclusively show that the use of a statewide courier service was saving libraries money over using any of the available services to ship their goods. The study was also used to determine the extent of those savings. In both studies, the emphasis was placed on studying the goods that were shipped, as this is where the majority of cost was incurred when shipping with the exception of a small amount of COD orders.

The studies compared the cost of the statewide New York courier services to those of the most commonly used large shipping services: FedEx, The USPS, and UPS. Neither study was analyzing a complete picture of all of the libraries in the State. Instead, they were trying to extrapolate approximate results based on a sampling of both public and academic institutions.  The results in both studies were similar in many ways.

Although it was shown that it was difficult to come up with accurate figures based on either, the population served by the areas or the number of stops on the courier routes, the average amount determined to be saved was significant. In 2004, the study suggested that up to 1.4 million dollars was saved by libraries as opposed to the cost they would have faced by using the next least expensive option – the US postal service. In the later study, the suggested savings created by using the State courier service dropped somewhat, to $600,000 – $1 million. These savings were being compared to the USPS, and it should be clear that the cost would increase greatly if the libraries were using a service like FedEx; the most expensive option. In 2006-2007, the estimated maximum difference between the cost of the courier and the cost of FedEx could have been as much as $2.1 million dollars.

The use of a statewide courier or a national courier service that offers statewide courier service saves money on both ends of the transaction between libraries. The proof of this is shown in the interlibrary traffic increase. There is a group of libraries between Colorado and Wyoming that uses statewide couriers and, between 2003 and 2006, the number of requests made by that system of libraries tripled; showing that public and academic institutions are taking advantage of these savings. This, in turn, is making the library system as a whole more viable so that the public and students can have all of the materials they require quickly and easily.

Courierboard.com is offering a new resource to support the Independent Contractor Model. Courierboard.com has over 7,500 drivers with resumes to choose from. A company that uses Independent Contractor drivers can benefit from this resource because they will be able to maintain a diversified group of contractors and companies will reinforce their independent contractor status.

Independent contractor drivers can register for free on their own site, Courierboarddriver.com to create online profiles that include their resume; making it simple for them to apply for driving contracts  and to market themselves with driver available ads. Courierboard keeps an online summary of each driver’s advertising activity so that couriers can monitor that as well.

Courier companies are encouraged to reinforce their independent contractor drivers’ efforts to market and advertsie themselves; by maintaining a diverse contract base the a driver is more able to support their independent status. If you are the owner or operator of a Baltimore Courier Service, a Miami Courier Service, or any courier service in the U.S. you can benefit from this website.

A new website has been launched that will reach many people involved in the same day couriers business. http://couriersoftheworld.com is a website that was created with the intent to bring together individuals who are a part of many different aspects of the same day courier business. Members would include company owners, drivers, couriers, messengers and anyone else involved in the day to day operations of the same day courier industry. The best part is that the membership is free!

The website seeks to tailor its content for those in the same day courier business and they will find news, challenges, ideas and concerns that are relevant to those in the industry. Members will have access to discussion groups with topics that will be of interest to them and they will be aware of events happening near them. They will also benefit from social tools such as live chat and the capability to post and view videos.

Many will find that despite the distance and difference in cities and operations between the two companies they will share many of the same fears and challenges. An employee or independent contractor of a Chicago Courier Service now has the chance to offer someone who is a part of a Boston Courier Service some advice or helpful tips. This is an exciting opportunity for everyone involved in the same day courier industry or a national courier service to meet and network with others who work in the industry.

The Small Business Administration is assisting entrepreneurs and small business owners in this period of economic turmoil and recovery by offering a number of online classes that outline ways in which businesses can remain profitable and sustainable. The free course covers topics such as revising business plans, marketing and diversifying in the struggling economy. One of the recent courses offered was titled “Downshifting in a Slowing Economy: A Business Planning Guide”, this course helps business owners reorganize their business strategies. The courses are all self-paced, so even those who are incredibly busy can find time to educate themselves and the courses offer business tools such as business plan templates and an assessment and strategies guide for surviving the slow economy. Those who own a New York Courier Service or a courier service anywhere in the nation will find an abundance of solid advice throughout the courses to stay on top of current economic conditions.