subject: What Differences Are There Between National Delivery Service And Small Couriers? [print this page] When dealing with courier companies, businesses sometimes become confused over what courier service would be better; a small courier service or a large national delivery service. Some factors to take into consideration are what type of shipments you will be making. Are they going to be local shipments in the Chicago area, or are they going to be international deliveries? If you are planning international deliveries then you would be better off going with a national delivery service. For deliveries that are local and stay in the Chicago vicinity using a Chicago courier service will pay off.
In most cases if you use a local courier system for international shipments they will probably pass the shipment on to the nationally recognized delivery service, but for local deliveries they will probably know the routes much better. You will also get to know your Chicago courier service personally. You may get the same driver every time which makes it easier for you to build up a trust with him. When shipping legal documents and documents of a sensitive nature you want to know you can trust your driver. You will get a more personal business relationship with a smaller courier service than you would with a national delivery service also.
National delivery services are great for long distance courier services and international services. They keep a close record on your shipment and you can have it set up so you know when the shipment arrives. Your customers are more familiar with national delivery services and may like getting shipments delivered by a national company.
If you are unsure what to expect from your local courier service or the national service ask them. Local couriers will be forthcoming with their information such as fees, hours of operation, holiday deliveries, and after hour deliveries. A national delivery service should be as willing to give out this information, but since they are such a large well known company they may already expect you to know this.
Fees are going to be different in every circumstance with both services. It is hard to pinpoint which one will be cheaper. There was a time that the national services were the cheapest, but today small courier services are offering prices that are very competitive. It would probably pay for you to use a local courier in Chicago for local deliveries. They would be prompt with their deliveries since they are so familiar with the roads. Use a national service for long distance shipments.
