If you’re a business owner, you know how quickly things have to get done. Sensitive documents have to be sent and signed, and packages have to be received, all typically within a short time frame. No matter what kind of business you own – online or brick and mortar – you may be in the market for a courier to assist you in these tasks.

But how do you know you’re choosing the most reputable one? Here are some tips on how to choose the best courier for your business.

Ask for Referrals

First off, ask for reliable referrals from business colleagues, vendors and customers to see which courier services they work with and why. Make sure you’re asking trusted sources so you know the company has been vetted by people whose professional judgement you find trustworthy.

Check Online Customer Reviews

Part of your homework should be to read reviews online of area courier services. Reviews will give you a strong sense of the online reputation of a particular courier service. Look for mostly positive reviews, but it’s OK if you spot a couple of negative ones. For those, pay attention to how the owner of the business responded. You want a company that responds with patience, not anger, with a willingness to make the situation right.

Assess Customer Service

Once you have narrowed down your list to a few couriers, call each one to find out more information, such as rates and policies. This will clue you into their level of professionalism, as well as how they treat their customers and leads. You want a representative who is eager to answer your questions and not rush you off the phone.

How long does it take to be connected to a human being? You want to see a quick response time because every minute counts in an emergency courier situation.

Ask About Experience

Find out how many years the courier has been in business and what experience they have servicing your particular industry. If you transport items of a timely, sensitive and unusual nature, such as organs or vaccines, make sure you ask if they handle those requests up front.

Ask Them About Tracking and Customer Portals

Many courier services have online customer portals where customers can track deliveries, enter shipments and pay for services, all in one place. This is a great convenience, as you don’t have to wait on hold for an agent every time you have a shipment request or want to pay a bill. Putting control in the customers’ hands gives peace of mind and convenience through all interactions.

Learn the Service Area

All courier services have service areas they stick to, so make sure your location, as well as the delivery destinations you require, are covered. This wouldn’t be a problem with an international courier service, but it could pose a restriction with a local courier that has a tight service area.

Ship a Trial Package

The best way to know if a courier service is right for you is to ship a trial package with them. This will give you a good idea of the total experience from start to finish, allowing you to make a more educated decision so you know what to expect.

Ask For Rates

Courier services will vary in their rates, so ask a few companies what their prices are and then compare. While cheap prices may appeal to your bottom line, consider other factors as well, such as reputation and experience. Paying more for an experienced courier service may be worth paying a bit more. You can’t put a price on peace of mind!

Cover All Your Bases

Here are a few more things to keep in mind when choosing a courier service.

  • Availability: You want a courier service with immediate availability that can pick up and deliver packages right away.
  • Size and Weight Limitations: Ask about the courier’s size and weight limitations, which may not be an issue for a law firm that delivers documents, but it definitely would be for a furniture retailer.
  • Insurance: Ask if the courier service provides insurance. This is important for any package or document, but especially those of a sensitive or highly valuable nature.

Following the above tips will ensure you hire a courier service with confidence – one that can address your needs quickly, affordably and professionally.

Call Modern Express Today

Looking for someone you can trust with your packages and documents? Modern Express is a 24/7 delivery service in the greater San Francisco Bay Area that offers same-day delivery, route service, overnight delivery, U.S. mail, distribution and warehousing. Contact us today at (800) 400-7874 to speak with our friendly, accessible team.