Let's start with some official dictionary definitions – they are:

Definition

What is a Courier Company ?

It is a company that offers “Courier Service”.  Courier Service is the Small Package Pick-Up and Delivery (SPPD) of, an “Item” or “Box” from one geographical location to another.  The main determinant of of how Courier Service functions is:  SPEED, CAPACITY, COST.  Courier Service is a vital aspect of any business that needs or requires SPPD service.

The First “Courier Service” offered in our great country was, 1928, and the “Pony Express” was doing the work.  Since then,  the service has improved 1000 times over.  Today 2011, the Industry generates over 240 billion dollars per year.

Articles have been written about the industry.  They reflect a feeling of tremendous growth and productivity.  Courier Service is now part of the American Lifestyle.  Today’s Courier Service offers a few variations of “small package pick-up & delivery service”.  They are:

 

Service Levels Chart:

 

Basic Service                                    >        Routed           >        Priority

Middle/Better Basic Service          >        2 Day              >        Low Priority

Standard Business Service            >        Next Day        >        Medium Priority

Express Service                               >        Same Day       >        High Priority

Direct On -Demand Service          >        AFAHP             >        Very High Priority

 

This “Levels Chart” is a general high level assessment of the Courier Companies Services  which are being offered to the public.  These process's reflect Low to Very High level's of urgency regarding what service is available.  Of course the cost or price of the service goes up as the urgency becomes greater.

 

Types of Courier Company Setup's:

Reports and Studies would reflect that there are various sizes of Courier Companies.  From the “1 Man Operation”  to  “400 Man Operations” (not including big 4)

One Man Operation's

Courier Companies that are “One Man Operations” are most in number,  AICVOA estimates: 45,000 “Single-Vehicle Operators” in the United States (not including big 4).  AICVOA estimates: 141,000 operators (single-vehicle) in the United States (including Big 4).

Up to 25 Man Operation's

Courier Companies that are “Up to 25 vehicles” are a main-bulk category,  AICVOA estimates: 7000  “Multiple-Vehicle Operators” in the United States.

25 to 100 Man Operation's

Courier Companies that are “25 to 100 vehicles” make up about a third or around 35 %,  AICVOA estimates:  of the 3,000  “Multiple-Vehicle Operators” in the United States.

Is there a Light at the end of the tunnel ?:

Yes there are allot of Courier Companies out there.  Whether the Courier Company is a “One Man Operation”  or a “500 Man Operation”, the service the same.  The Courier Industry is one of the most consistent service-industry’s on the planet.  Research shows: that for the service the Courier Industry provides, what it does, is done in a very proficient way, and has a high success rate.

The size of the Courier Company doesn't matter.  As long as the package is delivered safely and on-time, and quality-of-service is maintained, size of a company has absolutely no bearing on the service outcome.  The AICVOA is seeking to unify all Couriers DBA Independent Courier Van Operators.  Promoting a carefully thought-through plan for all concerned (in the SPPD process) to follow.

 

The Average One-Vehicle Operation: