Reducing Shipping Expenses

Couriers are expected to deliver a client's or merchant's goods intact and on time, but as the sender or requester, what is expected of you? Understand and implement these ways in which you can make your day or business operate more proficiently by facilitating a smooth transfer of goods between you and your courier.

Know what you want.

The more detail, the better. If you know of a quicker route to get to the destination or how to bypass a busy office, advise the courier of such to make the job more efficient. If ordering a prepared food item or meal, provide the courier with alternatives in case your desired option isn't available. Doing so eliminates time spent following up with you to clarify the order.

Consider the type of service you need when selecting the courier for the job. All couriers are not equipped equally. A bicycle messenger is likely not able to carry two large boxes of goods to a delivery point, but can get through traffic quickly to fetch a meal or drop off documents. Don't place more on the carrier than what was originally addressed in the initial delivery order.

Be punctual.

Have your documents signed, sealed, and ready to deliver before the courier arrives for pickup. Couriers are typically paid to carry items from one location to another, not wait while you gather and prepare what needs to be sent.

Allow ample time.

As a worker or resident of your community, you are likely aware of commute times and traffic patterns. Don't set an unrealistic timeframe. Be mindful of time constrictions when assigning a required delivery period for your courier. Take into account the transit time during rush hour or the distance from your location to the destination point.  If you're in a time crunch, explore ways in which you can work alongside your courier to get a package to its destination that much quicker.

Protect your package.

Protect important documents in sealed envelopes or folders. For better organization and safeguarding, hand documents off to your courier in an expanding file folder when sending documents to multiple recipients.  

Compensate appropriately.

If you're on the receiving end of a food order previously placed, tip the courier accordingly, especially if you receive a meal that's still warm in the middle of the lunch rush. In instances where more than one stop is required, such as an extra quick stop on the way or you have additional material that needs to be sent, compensate the courier for his extra time. With these tips, you and your courier service will get along much more smoothly.