As a business owner, you know how important it is to choose your vendors wisely. This is especially true when it comes to selecting a same day courier service. Whether you need overnight shipping once in a while or on a constant basis, here are four traits you should look for in a courier service:

1. Variety of Transport Options

If you need to send several pallets full of boxes to someone, a bicycle-only courier service does not work. Conversely, if you simply want to send a packet of papers to a colleague in another office across town, you do not need or want to pay the surcharges associated with a large truck. Ideally, you should select a service with a range of transportation options from bicycles to lorries with over-sized trailers.

2. Speciality Services

If you work in certain fields, you need a courier who understands the laws and needs of your industry. For example, if you are using a courier service to ship medical records, you need a company who understands the ethical and legal implications of keeping those documents secure and private.

Similarly, if you ship hazardous substances or body fluids to labs, you also need a courier company who pays appropriate attention to the safety of your shipment. In some cases, you may need a courier service who can offer you temperature-controlled trucks or promise that your shipment won't be jostled enroute.  

3. A Strong First Impression

When you contact a courier company for the first time, pay attention to your first impression of that company or its representatives. Your courier service is likely to go into the homes or businesses of your clients, and while there, these couriers represent your company. Ideally, you want them to make a clean, friendly and professional impression.

4. Reliability and Guaranteed Availability

At times, not being able to receive a shipment can seriously impact your business's productivity and its reputation. For example, if a machine your company owns breaks down and you need a part, you need that part as quickly as possible. Without it, your productivity levels suffer, and you may have to pay employees who are just standing around looking for the part.

Additionally, if you are making a product on a deadline, you may miss that deadline without the part and that may hurt your company's reputation. To avoid this, you need a courier company who is always able to provide services and one who can commit to shipments that meet certain criteria.

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