Could Amazon.com Become A Courier?

It sounds strange at first, but it could very well be true.  Amazon is after the momentum that Apple has and are analyzing what they can do to issue more blows to their greatest competitor.  Amazon's next possible move is to become a courier.

Amazon is the world's largest retailer; doing business online with products we have come to love crave for.  The kindle fire sold an estimated $5 million units last year and is doing well the first quarter of 2012.  The company sell e-books by the millions and has control of this  specialty market.  The online business industry grew over 15% and Amazon is one reason why.  The online giant shows dominance in the retail world.

A recent Forbes reported how Amazon already performs Fed-ex like services to its' customers.  They provide third-party logistic services to businesses that utilize Amazon for selling their products.  They also spent over $4 billion last year building 17 fulfillment centers.  This enabled Amazon to offer their retail business clients warehousing and shipping services for product stored.  According to the Mercent Corporation, online sales specialty company, Amazon commissions about 10 percent on any item sold by a third party as 100 percent profit and also charges fees to those same retailers that utilize their warehousing.

Amazon is providing services just like shipping giant Fed Ex, which is a global courier.  Colin Gillis, a BGC Partners LP analyst, stated in an interview, "They're building out fulfillment because they realize that fast and predictable delivery of product is a huge driver of their business".  Essentially, Amazon can meet all their customers' needs.  The only service left is the actual physical transportation and product delivery.  It would make sense to gradually begin to deliver their products to the end user themselves.  The Forbes report mentions Amazon is testing pick up stations where customers can have packages delivered.  

Either way, Amazon's success is only complete when that product arrives at the customer's front door.  Even if Amazon does not involve itself in delivering product themselves, the consumer wants it fast and desires no delays in their shipment.  This type of fulfillment within the supply chain is ideal for using couriers like A-1 Express The company is a nationwide courier and can provide same-day delivery, which is very beneficial when it comes not only the order fulfillment, but shipment returns and replacements.    

References:  3.24.12, San Francisco Chronicle, Danielle Kucera, Associated Press-Amazon.com wrings profit from fulfillment. 3.26.12, Forbes, Michael Canellos-Will Amazon Become The Next FedEx?

Prescription Drug Distributor Set To Buy Courier

The prescription drug industry may not be as headlined as others when it comes to shipping, but this time it has.  AmerisourceBergan has released they will buy World Courier Group for $520 million in cash to increase their market in North America and abroad.

In the recent Business Journal report, AmerisourceBergan's primary strategy for the purchase is to increase their service range to drug manufacturers.  “The acquisition of World Courier adds a new premium specialty service to our existing portfolio of market leading pharmaceutical manufacturer services,” said president and CEO of AmerisourceBergen Steven Collis. “The addition of World Courier’s unique capabilities and expertise to our existing commercialization services further strengthens our offerings to global pharmaceutical manufacturers, and provides an established platform for the introduction of our specialty services outside North America.” 

The prescription drug giant expects the buy to impact their 2012 sales right out the gate.  World Courier Group forecasts to bring $500 million in revenue this year.  World Courier Group is a logistics specialty courier in the biopharmaceutical industry, providing deliveries of prescription drugs, blood samples, medical supplies, and machines.  AmerisourceBergen's deal is set to close around June.

The buyout constitutes the benefits of courier use.  In most cases, companies within the industry, not only distributors, but hospitals and medical technology firms, require deliveries that have to be shipped on-demand and rapidly.  The shipments are very critical can mean life or death for customers and patients.  This includes sending couriers to deliver medicine to jails, prisons, and nursing homes daily.    

Without question, courier services are necessary in the industry and will continue to thrive.  Courier Services such as A-1 Express can be trusted to help prescription drug distributors with same-day deliveries on a regular basis and can provide these on-demand services nationwide.  The move by AmerisourceBergan appears to be a great move and could be the beginning of more drug industry shipping initiatives.  It definitely shows couriers are the perfect fit for servicing prescription drug companies and the medical industry worldwide. 

References:  3.6.12, Philadelphia Business Journal, John George, AmerisourceBergen to buy World Courier for $520M

Accuracy Is Better Than Speed!

Yes, you need your pick up now.  Yes, your client is waiting.  Yes, a lot is on line with submitting your proposal for a national bid.  Yes, your boss is asking you have you delivered it yet.  Yes, there are many reasons to be under pressure.  Yes, there are many reasons to be in a hurry.  With so much at stake, it is still true that accuracy is better than speed when placing your order.

There is no reason for such an important delivery to go wrong because the courier was given the wrong address.  This certainly has happened.  A particular client provided all the information needed, yet gave the wrong address and contact information for the pick up location.  The contact there had no idea a courier was coming and stated they had nothing for our courier to pick up.  Not only that, when we attempted to contact the client, their voice mail was not set up, therefore, we could not leave a message.  This is all a part of being accurate with a courier.

Here are a 5 tips to being accurate with a courier:

1.  Make sure you have all correct pick up and destination information.  You may need to get this order completed, however, if you are not sure about any information, take the time to make sure it is correct (i.e. suite number).

2.  Speak clearly when communicating your order.  This will help the courier take your order without errors.  Also, spell out any names if necessary.  

3.  Provide all and any additional contacts.  This is crucial because it gives the courier someone to contact in case they are having issues locating an address or to simply let the person know they have arrived.

4.  Immediately review your order confirmation.  If you see any errors in the pick up and/or destination information, you can contact the courier to resolve.  

5.  Answer your phone.  If you are responsible for placing the order for a courier, make yourself available that day and stay near your phone.  Also, make sure your voice mail is working.

A-1 Express consistently has a high rate of on-time deliveries and it is because of our accuracy.  We give tips like these to help.  A-1 Express proudly serves our constantly expanding base of literally hundreds of active clients by being a "reliable" one-click-source for the fastest, most affordable, same-day delivery solutions available.   A-1Express delivers anything, anyplace and anytime - FAST! 24/7, all 365 days of the year.  Choose A-1 Express when you need a courier.  We aren't just interested in our business being handled accurately, but yours also.  Call 1-877-219-7737 today!

Gas Prices Still Rising, 20th Consecutive Day!

Gas prices have risen for the the 20th consecutive day in a row now. The national average is now $3.70 a gallon. From the AAA fuel gauge report, the highest gas price we have had on record for regular gas is $4.11 and diesel gas at $4.84 a gallon in 2008.

Gas prices in states such as California and Hawaii have already leaped over into $4 a gallon. Big city New York is at $3.95 a gallon. Connecticut is at $3.94. Other northern states like Maine and Rhode Island are in the high $3 and approaching the $4 mark. With a US economy finally observing modest economic recovery, the steady increase may put consumer spending to a halt.

One core reason the US is experiencing high gas prices are the affairs between Israel and Iran. The Iranian and Israeli possibility of war continues to mount. The Associated Press has reported Israeli officials will not even warn the US if they decide to attack Iranian nuclear sites. As the tension of a potential strike by Israel rises, so does the direct affect on crude oil pricing. Crude oil makes up 70% of gas costs.

Also, the US demand for oil has decreased over the last decade and, in contrast, increased in other nations. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), in 2008, Asia became the world's largest petroleum consumer. This has caused oil supply to be exported elsewhere, ultimately resulting in higher prices for the US as well.

With gas prices where they are, many businesses are looking for what they can do to keep their revenue rising in the face of climbing gas prices. Transportation costs are a huge aspect of business and should be analyzed for other ways to keep them under control. Businesses, from corporations to home businesses, will find a courier service is an alternative to handle high gas prices, especially when it comes to your own fleet. Nationwide Couriers like A-1 Express can help various scheduled deliveries within your service areas quickly, at low costs. As we continue to move through the year, gas prices may change, but your business success doesn't have to.

References: 2.27.12, US News, Meg Handley, Why Americans Are Paying At The Pump; 2.27.12, Associated Press, Kimberly Dozier, Israel won't warn US before Iran strike

With Megaupload.com Shutdown, How Will It Affect Online Business?

Just when it seemed like it could not get any worse, it did.  The internet struggle continues on and a large blow took place this week.  Due to piracy and criminal actions, the government shut down file-sharing site Megaupload.com.  This comes shortly after the online protest of numerous of companies against the proposed Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA).     

The Washington Post reported Megaupload.com was indicted for paying its' users to engage in uploading illegal movies and music, which they in turn would sell to their own customers.  The company was found generating $175 million for user fees and subscriptions, yet at the same time, stealing $500 million from the creators of the movies and music.

There are supporters and opposers alike, who each have legitimate reasons for their positions.  Opposers agree the freedom withing the internet is critical for its' progress and growth.  Piracy is one issue, however, when it involves the government having authority to shut your business website down at even the accusation of infringing on any copyrighted material is another.  If a small business's website is shut down, this can be damaging their reputation and sales.

Supporters of the SIPA and PIPA, such as the Motion Picture Association of America, feel piracy is robbing their industry.  The association's head Christopher Dodd had candid remarks about lawmaker's and their decision on the two acts due to be voted on later this month.  “Those who count on Hollywood for support need to understand this industry is watching very carefully," said the former Senator Dodd in a recent Fox News interview.  "Don’t ask me to write a check for you when you think your job is at risk and then don’t pay attention to me when my job is at risk.”  

After the alarming shutdown on Thursday, many wonder how this is going to affect online business.  Business file-sharing and websites are so key to the way we do business today.  It's as essential as having a solid scheduled delivery service for the very products that are sold through your website.  Courier Services like A-1 Express can help companies that face any online challenges and deliver every time. 


References:  1.20.12, www.washingtonpost.com, Cecilia Kang, Megaupload shutdown raises new Internet-sharing fears