Courier News | Power Link Expedite

5 Simple Tips to Prepare Your Delicate Shipments Like a Pro

August 4, 2015

Tips to Prepare Your Delicate Shipments You’ve got the goods. Now you want them shipped. If you have ever stood in line at the post office during the holiday season and seen someone thrust what looks like a football wrapped in twine at the postal worker, you already know how not to pack your goods for shipment. Yet, if what you are sending is fragile or delicate in any way? What is the best way to have it arrive in one piece? Your first step is to use a courier service as opposed to regular mail. That way, instead of being handled by multiple workers and tossed around different warehouses, your parcel will be carefully taken care of by just one professional in direct transport. But you still have to package it correctly. Follow these simple steps below, and your package will be properly prepared and delivered.

Tip #1: Use a corrugated cardboard box.

Your box should be:

New, or in excellent condition
Unmarked. Remove any old shipping labels and strike out other markings
Strong enough to hold what you are shipping

Tip #2: Protect the contents.

It is important to cushion the contents of your package properly.

Wrap each item within the box separately
Pad the corners, sides, top and bottom of the box with at least 5 cm of cushioning to prevent shock and vibration
Use enough cushioning to trap the items so they don’t move around when the box is shaken
Use the right protective materials.

Packing Materials

Now is not the time or the place to recycle newspaper or old clothes; protect your delicate shipment by using:

Layers of bubble wrap
Inflatable air bag packaging (as long as the contents have no sharp edges)
Polystyrene peanuts layered at least 5 cm deep on the bottom of the box, separated from your items with a layer of corrugated cardboard, then fill the remainder of the box with peanuts. Not for use with electronic items due to the static electricity they can generate.
Foam enclosures that are pre-engineered to conform to the shape of the goods being shipped
Spray foam in the appropriate density, which will harden to form a protective mould
Tightly crumpled Kraft paper
Double box (good for extra fragile items such as glass, ceramics, and electronics)

Step 3. Secure your container properly.

Don’t reach for the duct tape.

Use proper packing tape, 2”-3” in width
Secure the box flaps with a minimum of three strips of tape

Step 4. Label your package correctly.

After all the care put into packing, don’t wreck things with improper labelling!

Include the postal code
When shipping internationally or to a PO Box, include a contact phone number
Don’t forget the suite number
Put the packing slip on the top of the box. Avoid placing it over seams and tape
Include your full return address and phone number
Place a duplicate shipping label inside the box

Ready to Ship Your Package?

Once your package is wrapped up and ready to go, you need to trust that it’s going to be handled with care and delivered accurately and promptly. At Power Link Expedite, we know that the items we deliver hold great importance and/or value, and we strive to reach our customers’ expectations. Whether you’re shipping within the Greater Toronto Area, or to elsewhere in Canada or the US, Power Link Expedite will get the job done through state-of-the-art technology, experienced drivers, and high quality customer service. Contact us today to learn more about our services, or to request a quote, and deliver your package right the first time!

Courier Services

How to Choose a Medical Imaging Courier

July 20, 2015

medical courier service Every night is a new emergency, usually with some romance thrown in to spice things up – but what they don’t show you on TV hospital dramas are the everyday, essential realities of the medical sector. Specifically, how important it is to get your supplies into the clinic, and your samples out, with the greatest possible speed and reliability. If you’re in medicine, you know how important logistics are; fast, reliable deliveries – though perhaps not as exciting as George Clooney’s hair - can literally save lives. Here’s how to choose the best possible medical courier service.

Review Your Shipping and Mailing Needs

While an e-commerce site can go bust if they don’t get the lowest possible shipping prices, the medical establishment has very different needs, and it’s important to keep this in mind when comparing couriers. After all, many courier companies offer low prices, but price typically isn’t the primary concern when it comes to delivering biological samples; speed and reliability are far more important. Review your hospital’s shipping patterns so you can compare apples with apples when looking at courier reviews. A great way to choose a courier, suggests a recent slideshare article, is to get recommendations from other medical clinics in your area and find out what (type of) shipping service they are using.

Investigate Local Couriers

When looking into courier services, there are several areas that must be studied. Ask these questions first to save time, money and hassle later.

Resources: does the courier company have adequate warehouse space if needed…a fleet of well-outfitted vehicles…experienced personnel who are trained in the proper biohazard handling procedures?
Tracking: does the courier company offer online tracking so you can always see the status of your outbound shipments?
Insurance: will your parcels be covered against theft, loss or damage? Is the maximum liability amount sufficient for your cargo? What about service guarantees?
References: this part of the selection process is often overlooked in this era of slick online marketing, but the best testimonials come from a delivery service’s satisfied customers, not from the company itself. Ask past and current clientele what the courier’s customer service is really like.

Enter into a Short Term Agreement

The last thing you want is to be locked down into a long term agreement – at least not until you’re sure you have retained the very best delivery service for your clinic. It’s okay to let your courier know that you’re going to give them business on a trial basis and then add more volume once you’ve experienced their services firsthand. One caveat: many courier companies offer discounts for frequency and volume, so if you choose to hold a portion of your business back, you risk higher prices initially. According to a UK infographic, the courier industry is growing all the time, so there is no shortage of choice of medical couriers out there. A little due diligence up front will pay huge dividends for your clinic.

Looking for a Reliable Medical Courier Service?

At Power Link Expedite, we assist countless businesses achieve their needs through our state-of-the-art technology, experienced drivers, and high quality customer service. For over 15 years, we have shipped items large and small across the GTA, Canada and to the US. Contact us today for more information about our medical courier services.

Courier Services, Medical Courier Service

Do Your Clients Want Same-day Shipping?

July 14, 2015

With the giant retailers like Amazon and eBay tripping over each other to offer same-day shipping options, it’s obvious that shoppers not only want one-click buying, they also want their products to arrive NOW. But if you’re a manufacturer or wholesaler shipping to business, do your business clients really want and expect their goods to ship by expedited courier the same day they make the purchase? The answer may lie in the type of industry or sector you ship to.

Business Clients and Same-Day Shipping

If you’re in the business of supplying raw materials for manufacture, such as chemicals or metals, agricultural inputs, or lumber, sheer logistics is on your side. Refining companies also tend to maintain large inventories, so same-day shipping is unlikely to matter as much as cost and reliability. When shipping to the technology, service and financial sectors – whether you’re sending office supplies, furniture or software – timely turnaround is expected, but again, companies in this sector tend not to require immediate delivery in order to facilitate sales. On the other hand, if you’re shipping food items to a restaurant or grocery store, drugs to a hospital, or toys to a retail store at Christmas, your clients absolutely will desire and appreciate same-day delivery.

Are you Ready for Same-Day Shipping?

The injunction to under-promise and over-deliver is never truer than when it comes to shipping. If you promise same-day shipping and then can’t provide it, you’re setting yourself up for angry customers, a damaged reputation, and added expenses. So how can you tell if you’re ready to implement same-day shipping? Consider the following list of questions, courtesy of APS Fulfillment:

Do you have the space and tools? You need enough space for your stock, plus software to track inventory, and sufficient packing materials.
Do you have a network of reliable suppliers to help prevent stock shortages?
Do you have the (permanent, temporary and/or contract) staff in place to cover seasonal surges in business?
Do you have the time? The demands of same-day fulfillment and shipping may over-tax you and your staff.

Build Credibility with Same-Day Shipping

Offering same-day shipping to your business clients can be a great way to gain market share and out-perform the competition. But even if you don’t have the tools in place to do the job yourself, you can partner with a fulfillment and shipping company that can guarantee your orders will ship same-day. Just be sure to find out what exactly the cut-off time is for orders to be placed – in any time zone, says a recent post on fulfillmentcompanies.net. You also need to make sure they can handle heavy seasonal business and keep your clients informed about things like weekend deliveries, partial shipments, international shipping times, and the like. If you’re looking for a credible solution to your same-day shipping problem, Power Link Expedite has services to make your company more successful. When you need it there today, contact us toll-free at 1-888-847-5515.

Same Day Shipping

Why Small Manufacturing Businesses Love A Courier Service

April 5, 2015

Small Manufacturing Businesses Couriers How can you maintain an edge that keeps your clients coming to you and not the firm down the street – or across the ocean? If you’re a small Canadian manufacturer making products or parts, you already have enough to worry about: the economy, ever-changing technology, shrinking margins, which SEO agency to hire… and of course, the other guys. Competition is fierce, and it comes from all sides. The answer, in a word, is service. If you can’t beat the giants on price, you’d better have something else up your sleeve. In fact, you already do: your clients can call you up and get you on the phone, for one thing. You are responsive to their changing needs, you accommodate special orders, and you offer flexible payment options. Now it’s time to add lightning-fast order fulfillment to your arsenal, with high quality courier services.

Courier Services Keep Your Promises

You make promises every day. Whether you have promised to ship finished units to a client, or parts to one of your own plants for assembly, a trusted daily delivery service can do more than help you keep your word: it can radically improve turnaround times and boost your customer satisfaction to new heights. But doesn’t a courier service cost a fortune? Not necessarily. When you choose courier services, you’re taking advantage of the same kind of impressive network that the big guys have, because good couriers have developed the sophisticated logistics capability needed to serve many small businesses. Using a courier service is often less expensive than taking care of your shipping in-house because you don’t have to dedicate the staff, time, and capital to establishing your own shipping network. And even if your business has the extra money kicking around to devote to a fleet of vehicles, drivers and experienced freight handlers…don’t you have better things to do?

What Small Manufacturers Should Look for in a Courier Service

Not all courier services are created equal. Some small companies are focused on document delivery, for example, as opposed to freight. As a manufacturer, you want a courier service to meet your own unique needs. Look for:

Lack of prohibitive size/weight restrictions
Vehicle sizes that match the goods you are shipping (cars, vans, trucks that can hold pallets)
Reliable, experienced professional couriers
Special handling (inside delivery, careful handling of fragile goods)
Weekend, holiday and after-hours delivery
Various price packages depending on delivery speed and shipping volume, to save you money
Online tracking system

Beat the Big Guys

There is a saying in the business world that your clients do business with you because of what you do, but they refer you to others because of who you are. If your clients wanted to deal with the big, impersonal giants, they would; obviously, they like who you are. Keep them happy with great products, great service, and promises you can keep with the help of professional courier services that can support your business.

Looking for a Reliable Courier Service for Your Business?

If you run a small manufacturing service, then you probably know the importance of having your goods delivered on time. At Power Link Expedite, we assist countless businesses achieve their needs through our state-of-the-art technology, experienced drivers, and high quality customer service. For over 15 years, we have shipped items large and small across the GTA, Canada and to the US. For more information about how we can help you, visit our website to learn more about our services, or contact us to request a quote, and step up your game to offer quality courier services like the biggest players.

Courier Services

Does Your Business Need a Same Day Courier?

April 1, 2015

Does Your Business Need a Same Day Courier- There’s nothing quite like being able to say, “I’ll have it on your desk by the end of the business day.” However, same day courier fees can quickly add up. Does your business really need to use a same day courier or will a slower method – post office, say, or carrier pigeon – do the job just as well?

Benefits of a Same Day Courier

Same day courier service is not for everyone, but it does provide many key advantages over slower courier service, regular post, and other delivery methods:

One driver + one van = smooth, timely delivery. Your package isn’t stopping along the way, getting jumbled in with other mail and potentially getting delayed, lost or damaged.
Speed. No other delivery service can achieve this kind of lightning speed when the package absolutely, positively, has to be there.
GPS-based tracking. Today’s shipping technologies allow clients to track the status of their parcels online in a closed loop between the sender, the recipient, and the courier company.

Who Should Use a Same Day Courier?

Take a look at this list of industries below that typically choose same-day courier service for their business-to-business shipping needs. Does your business appear anywhere on the list? Or do you have other urgent shipping needs that make same day courier services a good fit for your company?

Government or other security-based agencies that need fast delivery of their sensitive materials with guaranteed privacy and security
Law offices that require important documents (depositions, statements, agreements to purchase, etc.) to be signed with extremely fast turnaround in order to present them in court or finalize contracts
Medical clinics, hospitals and healthcare organizations that require fast, secure transport of such specialty items as blood samples and organs for transplant
Businesses with satellite offices or important clients scattered across the country, who need to communicate quickly and securely via air freight
Businesses transporting delicate and perishable goods

Whether your company falls on the list or not, before you choose a same day courier, it’s important to consider whether or not your shipment is suitable for the service; large freight, for example, probably isn’t. Investigate courier companies to find out about things such as insurance and tracking for your package. And make sure if a signature is required, that your recipient will be available during the same-day window to sign for it.

Are You Looking for a Same Day Courier for Your Southern Ontario Business?

If you need something delivered within Southern Ontario before the end of the day, Power Link Expedite ensures your shipment gets there safely and on time. For over 15 years, we have helped businesses ship within the GTA, Niagara Region and the Guelph/Kitchener area, and you can feel confident with our experienced drivers, state-of-the-art technologies and dedicated customer service. Learn more about our same day courier services, or contact us today for more information or to request a quote, and be able to follow through with your “end of the day” shipping promise!

Courier Services, Same Day Courier

4 Reasons Why You Need to Listen to Your Suppliers’ Advice

March 2, 2015

Of course you already know that your supplier relationships are key. They can make or break you as a small business owner, because they provide the products and services that allow you to shine. But how do relationships with your suppliers really tick? Do you manage your suppliers, or do your suppliers manage you? Regardless of industry or company size, to nurture a great supplier relationship, it’s important to get to the heart of what your suppliers want. One of the key factors in any business relationship is communication. This nebulous concept is actually closely tied to your ROI. If you can share openly with your suppliers, ask questions, and listen to their advice, you are creating an atmosphere of mutual respect that can pay huge dividends down the road. Here’s why you should listen to what your suppliers have to say. 1. They are Expert in the Services or Products Being Provided It’s surprising how many entrepreneurs (without researching the industry) will insult a supplier by low-balling an offer, or sour a relationship with unreasonable demands. For example, say you are at a meeting in Tennessee, trying to arrange for a same day courier to Mississauga and blowing up on the dispatcher because it’s going to take 24 hours. Short of hiring the Concorde, the industry simply cannot accommodate the request. Trust your supplier to give you accurate information – after all, they want your business. 2. They Have Experience with Other Customers in the Industry (often your competitors) True partnership with your suppliers can give you a competitive edge, because they have inside knowledge of industry trends as well as the competition’s pricing, quality and technology. You might even wind up with an exclusive agreement with your supplier, which, although risky, might result in the kind of growth seen when exclusive rights to bottle Coke were granted in 1899. 3. They are Valuable Observers of Your Business Approach and Internal Processes They can point out mistakes you won't be able to see. A truly successful relationship with your suppliers thrives on mutual satisfaction. That means your suppliers have got to know as much about the inner workings of your business as possible. Being on the same page, your supplier will be able to suggest where to trim costs, improve productivity, and even develop new products or services. Fail to listen to their advice, and you could actually fall behind your competitors.

4. It Helps You Build Rapport

Here are some ways to build rapport with your suppliers:

Pay your bills on time
Ask for open access to their process so you can better understand their challenges and suggest improvement
Ask your suppliers what they really want
Provide reasonable lead time
If a supplier is otherwise wonderful yet stumbles occasionally, address the shortcomings, then invest the time and resources to develop them

Need same-day shipping in Mississauga or anywhere else in the GTA? Click the following link to get a free quote.

10 Tips for Negotiating with Your Suppliers

February 27, 2015

As the owner of a small business, you naturally look for ways to keep the bottom line healthy – after all, you can’t just raise your prices whenever you want more cash flow! One of the best ways to control costs is with your vendors. Whether you’re buying the best porgy for the restaurant or need 500 units of Fimo for your art supply store, you want the best possible prices and terms. The question is, how do you haggle without alienating your suppliers? Read on. 1. Know the Numbers If you know what it costs your supplier to make the product, or at least the average industry costs, you’ll know how much room you truly have to negotiate. 2. Know Your Own Business There’s more to getting a great deal with a vendor than price; some industries, like the restaurant business, place a huge priority on a courier services in Toronto's on-time delivery while others can buy in bulk and get big volume discounts in exchange for the willingness to warehouse. 3. Dare to Compare Don’t talk to only one supplier! Talk to their customers, too, and don’t be afraid to share the terms and conditions you have learned of. 4. Take Your Time Don’t agree to anything before you’ve had time to carefully go over the contract. 5. Build a Rapport Entrepreneurs are often so focused on their clients that they neglect to build a rapport with their suppliers, but if there’s anyone you should have great communication, trust and credibility with, it’s the people who supply you. 6. Learn the Jargon If you’re knowledgeable about the industry and know the basics of the supplier’s business model, you can advocate for yourself and gain their respect. 7. It’s Give and Take Be willing to compromise and think creatively. Remember, the goal is to reach a mutually beneficial agreement, so if you’re willing to bend a bit and put down a higher deposit initially, for example, you might get a better price. 8. Ask You don’t know if you don’t ask. Can you make a deal if you order more, or at a different time of the month? There are no stupid questions. 9. Nothing Lasts Forever When your contract is up, renegotiate; many suppliers are willing to lock in terms or throw in perks if it means keeping your business. You can also take this opportunity to see if there are any dramatic changes to the industry – maybe vendors are now offering radically improved services. Conversely, if things aren’t going well for you, your current supplier might be willing to defer repayment or change the agreement if it means continuing to do business with you. 10. Know When to Fold ‘Em Be confident enough to walk away if your vendor is unwilling to negotiate at all. After all, if you’ve done your homework, you should have a Plan B and a Plan C all lined up. If you’re looking to build a relationship with a courier, lets talk. Click the following link for a free quote.

How Power Link Expedite Can Help Your Business’ Supply Chain

February 26, 2015

As a small to medium sized business owner, your shipping needs can range from complicated to straightforward, but they are always unique to your company. No matter what your business, you can trust Power Link Expedite to provide you with reliable delivery solutions that meet your needs, because we understand how you work. This understanding is reflected in the custom service levels we designed to ensure that your documents, packages and freight arrive safely and on time. Imagine being able to ship inventory out to your retailers within just hours, or send a contract via courier services in Toronto from your major urban centre to a U.S. destination with speed and reliability, without having to stand in line at the post office. With time always at a premium for entrepreneurs, Power Link gives you your schedule back by handling all the details: open an account, and you can manage and track your deliveries online effortlessly. Power Link Expedite services Toronto offers seven levels of shipping to suit your needs:

Super Direct service, which literally drives your mail to anywhere in Canada or the United States as soon as you place the order
Direct, which gets your package there in only 1-2 hours
Rush, which takes 2-3 hours
Basic, which provides incredible value – you order the courier in the morning and your envelope is delivered the same afternoon
Same Day, which gets it there before end of business
After Hours, which comes in handy on weekends and, yes, holidays
Express Yourself, which is the most economical choice, guaranteeing shipping within 2-3 days anywhere on the continent.

Power Link also offers special handling for sensitive materials. What does all this mean for you during the holiday season? It’s essential to have transparency in your supply chain at this time of year; that means knowing exactly where your products are at all times, and monitoring their progress from the factory to the warehouse. Power Link’s advanced tracking software allows you to follow your shipments while they’re in transit, so you can keep the promises you make even when shortened workdays and personnel shortages are the holiday norm. Moreover, we guarantee your shipments to arrive in original condition, so you don’t have to worry about things getting lost or destroyed, or languishing in multiple warehouses before they arrive. Power Link Expedite services Toronto understands that your business is about more than shipping, so we make your life easier with loyalty programs, special offers and promotions that save you time and money year-round. Flexibility, great service, and logistics expertise make Power Link well equipped to satisfy your timelines and your budget. Keep your supply chain unbroken: choose Power Link Expedite for all your shipping needs.

Every Retailer Should Know These Tips on Preparing Warehouse Inventory for Major Rushes

February 26, 2015

Your products can’t exactly fly off the shelves if they’re not on the shelves in the first place! The solution rests in the supply chain: always knowing where your products are, and how they are going to get to your retail store (and/or your online store). Here’s how to maximize profits during your the peak season. Plan Early It’s not just putting the tinsel up after Halloween. It’s launching your holiday promotions earlier (like emailing your customers an exclusive Boxing Day promotion that allows them to begin shopping on Christmas Day, while they digest their turkey). What else?

Start hiring extra staff early, so you have time to train them
Review your past sales data so you can respond to the higher holiday demand
Where possible, delay the final customization of finished goods until the demand is certain
Predict consumer behaviour using historical data, market research and social media

Know YOUR Supply Chain You should have full supply chain visibility to meet your goals and to be prepared in the event of surprises. The farther you can see back into your supply chain, the more efficiently you can use courier services in Toronto to schedule cost-effective delivery solutions and optimize shipping routes. Flexibility and responsiveness are impossible when you don’t know whether your products are in the factory, in transit, or at the warehouse; once you do have your inventory, consider systems like radio frequency identification (RFID) to track and locate products. Expedite Shipping With Courier Services in Toronto With the proliferation of online shopping, customers expect the correct product to be delivered to them within a very short time frame. Giant retailers like Amazon already have the advantage of a vast network of distribution centres and speedy delivery options. If your fulfillment will take place onsite, consider using software to optimize your order picking, packing, and shipping. Why is shipping so essential? A recent study indicates that free shipping and specified delivery times and costs were the most important factors when buying online. Work with your transportation courier services in Toronto to discuss moving your freight. Create Consistency With Your Online Channels The reason McDonald’s is so successful is because of the consistent customer experience, whether you’re in Shanghai or Scarborough. Customers expect this in their shopping experience, whether they’re on a PC, tablet, phone, or in your retail store -- their expectations for browsing, customer service, price, and delivery are the same. What works against you is the fact that customers can and do research a wide variety of competitors on their mobile devices, so if you want to connect with your shoppers, use social media for added visibility and take advantage of up-sell opportunities at the checkout. If you’re looking to cut shipping costs, click the following link to contact us.

5 Ways Courier Services Can Make Your Supply Chain More Efficient

February 25, 2015

It’s the holiday season and all the shops are decked in beautiful window displays. Twinkling lights and happy shoppers are everywhere. It’s a great reminder of: a) Your upcoming, well-deserved vacation time b) Winter magic: skating, hot chocolate, snowball fights c) The insanely long lineup at the post office as you struggle to get your company’s mail out If you answered c), you are not alone. Although handling your own shipping sounds easy in theory – after all, you’re already doing fulfillment, so why not address, stamp and send the packages too? It’s actually more complicated than that for most small to medium sized businesses.

The Problem With Doing Your Own Shipping

There are two main problems with handling your own shipping needs as a business owner, rather than making use of courier services in Toronto. Impact on your business:

There aren’t enough hours in the day for serving your clients and shipping their goods. You’ll be taking time away from more valuable tasks
Conventional mail is more expensive than courier services in Toronto, which offer flat rates as well as mileage-based plans to save you money

Impact on your customers:

Speed is compromised when you’re shipping through the mail, unless you pay huge premiums for fast delivery
Products are not guaranteed to arrive safely

Five Ways Courier Services Can Make Your Business More Efficient

Courier services in Toronto to the rescue! Whether you have a consistently large volume of online orders to ship, or important documents that must be signed for by your clients, or even occasional shipping needs, there is a perfect courier service out there for you. Not only do courier services offer a cost-effective solution, there are other significant benefits as well:

Reduced workload – No more time spent trudging to the post office or buying special mailing supplies
Secure delivery – Your package doesn’t sit in one warehouse after another on the journey to its destination. The only person to touch your mail beside the courier, is the final recipient.
Online management tools – You don’t have to call for a courier anymore, you can simply set up an online account and handle your shipping needs from your computer. Once you set up the initial account, most of the rest is automated – great for those clients or associates you regularly ship to.
Real-time tracking – Just like the post office, you can track your parcel too, but as previously mentioned, there’s only one stop – and your parcel is also guaranteed to arrive in good condition.
Insurance – Courier services Toronto are fully insured against anything happening to your parcel, so you can rest assured that your package will arrive as you intended.

It’s time to step out of the line…and let courier services start to make your supply chain more efficient. Now all you have to worry about is what you’ll do with all that extra time. Need something shipped ASAP? Click the following link to request a quote, or contact us with any questions.