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

Definition

 

AICVOA  ASSESMENT:

The Big 4 are the biggest in their sector.  They're sector is the:

Express Package Pick-Up & Delivery Service

 

The Courier World is biggest in our sector.  Our sector is the:

Small Package Pick-Up and Delivery Sector

 

Although all Couriers pick-up and deliver something, the Big 4 call the sector they've cornered the Express Package Pick-Up & Delivery service.

The word Courier seems to get lost in translation.  Meaning, the AICVOA calls a “Van” (up to 9,999 MGVW)  the only vehicle for courier work*.  The word “Courier” is recognized this way by the AICVOA but not by others.  The word becomes multiple in meaning.  They mix all the other “modes” of transportation into the jumble.  The word “Courier” gets watered-down, we'll cover topic later.

The Big 4 provide the back bone the general overall SPPD industry.  Reports suggest about a $ 220 billion just from these four courier companies.  However, the Big 4 do not just specialize in Courier Service.  The Van is one of the “modes” of transportation they use.  Trucking, and Air Jet power.  Making it  in, at the top 5 airlines in the world.  Motorcycles, Helicopters, Vans, Trucks of all sizes, - and rail and ships too.  The AICVOA can only address issues concerning “Van Drivers” independent couriers van operators.

Current events in the Courier World,  would dictate a lack of responsibility on someones part.  The AICVOA would appreciate being able to contribute an optimistic approach.  People are people not machinery.  Why not be profitable, efficient, strong, and be content and happy too.  This topic can be covered in depth, it would take up allot of space on the page (this topic can be analyzed in-depth in the future).

These Corporations are pushing the limits of our technology.  Unfortunately the “Laborer” is considered part of the machinery.  But “Laborers” are people, not machinery.  Profits are substantial, despite high operating expenses for all parties concerned.  Giving the Laborer the advantage of a better understanding through education would be considered “not treating the Laborer like a piece of machinery”.  Sound's poetic, but you get the point.

The AICVOA is dedicated to creating better definitions of “operational procedures”, such as a more defined level-of-service for making SPPD's.  Revamping courier “Dispatching Systems” for all levels of SPPD use.  Although we're sure the Big 4 can handle any problem, everyone in the Courier World will benefit from better dispatching.  The “Integrators” have earned their honorable title – they are deserving.  They are on the cutting edge - by being bold and yet maintaining the peace.  The Big 4 have established a dominance over this “Volume Based Sector” of the Small Package Pick-Up & Delivery Industry.  The BIG 4 have it cornered.

 

BIG 4 - CONTRACTORS AND SUB-CONTRACTORS

The Big 4 - aka the "Integrators"

FEDEX

UPS

DHL

USPS

&

TNT

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Welcome Big 4 ICVO Drivers.  Alrighty then.  Lets get started.  Your situation understood here at the AICVOA.  We are and will take this situation - from the ground floor and proceed judiciously and very slowly - proceed forward.  The AICVOA is totally aware of the "issues" concerning Contractors/Sub-Contractors and the relationship with the Big 4.  The word - issues - is in quotes, because the AICVOA is fully aware of how sensitive these issues are, and importance of these issues.  An issue is a type of disagreement.  The AICVOA will do the most that it can, to be effective in clarifying, smoothing-out and resolving issues.  The AICVOA will offer advice and criticism where needed.

A dozen things can and should be done. 

This "Dig" has just begun .  (the word Dig refers to an excavation of and ancient civilization in the ground that was buried over time, and now is discovered and uncovered, and we, the AICVOA, and Everyone Involved, will begin the process of uncovering the the many layers of sediment that have piled up over the years).  Welcome home Drivers, now take a deep breath.