With the economy moving on a slow upswing, companies have had to make certain changes to make it through the rough waters of recent years. Technology has positioned businesses to employ people from home, and the results show that it has worked in more ways than one.

The numbers speak for themselves. Work from home has surged to 41% in 10 years reported CNNMoney last week. 13.4 million Americans work from home now. The report highlighted not only the internet, but new technology such as at-home virtual meetings by Skype, has attributed to the ability for employees to work from home. "As communications and information technologies advance, we are seeing that workers are increasingly able to perform work at home," said Census Bureau analyst Peter Mateyka. Companies have found this to be a solution to the daily hovering operating costs. Government state jobs from home have increased 133% and federal jobs went up 88% between 2000 and 2010. The government, as many other companies, has sought to cut costs, which for it was real estate.

Working from home has advantages for the employee as well. There is nothing like being able to wake up in the morning and go right in the next room to work. This saves an abundance of time within the day. From getting dressed and grooming, to allocating time to drop the kids off at school, time can be less managed. There's also no traffic, which most people spend at least 2 weeks of their lives at traffic lights. The greatest traffic to experience working from home is a a child's toy car to cross over in the hallway. In addition, gas is now a major consideration for the average person, including job seekers. Working from home eliminates this expense and is a big plus for these types of jobs. Companies are understanding working from home is a win-win for itself and the employee.

If anyone the increase in working from home has helped is senior citizens. 1 out of 10 people over the age of 65 work from home. It is not only cost issue for the elderly, but a health issue to handle the demands of daily on-site work. One of the top assets of senior employees is their knowledge and experience. This extends their value in the workplace and work span, even if is on a consultative basis.

Technology has not only opened the doors for people to work for companies from home, but to start their own. Online business is on the rise, with a last year increase of 16%. Experts anticipate online sales growth in 2012 as well, even 15% to 17% during the coming holiday season. The average person can create a company online with minimal start-up costs. With the current unemployment rates, home-based businesses are being started today as a source of income, even if it is not the primary source.

If you do start a business from home, a courier is a viable option to assist you in beginning and maintaining delivery of your product. Courier services like AQuickDelivery can provide same-day delivery for a home-based business. We can be a transportation source to all of your customers and make sure you meet your delivery demands fast. This Atlanta courier has partnered with a number of home-based businesses in Georgia to have a competitive advantage and cut costs. We service over 1,500 clients and continue to grow. AQuickDelivery is the courier to call to make having a business from home easy. With little implementation time, a courier will be a great asset as your company maximizes on online business.

References: 10.4.12, CNNMoney, Emily Fox, Work from home soars 41% in 10 years

From the US to abroad, e-commerce is becoming more of an invested source of business growth worldwide. It literally presents a world of opportunities at any company's fingertips. You can even ask the number one luxury retailer in the world Neiman Marcus that. Neiman Marcus has been reported by Internet Retailer to have invested $28 million into leading e-commerce company Glamour Sales Holding in efforts to the enter the China Market.

Neiman Marcus has partnered with Glamour Sales to build a luxury goods e-commerce web site. This will be the very first strategic move by Neiman Marcus to advance on luxury online sales there. China is currently the third largest market for luxury goods. It is no coincidence the luxury giant is making headway to thrive in China.

Most of all, this is Neiman Marcus's opportunity to become a large international player in the luxury retail market. "We are taking this bold step to establish Neiman Marcus Group as an international brand. Our strategic investment in Glamour Sales gives us a tremendous partner and a strong foothold in a rapidly expanding luxury market," said Neiman Marcus President and CEO Karen Katz in the report. The two companies will work together on the e-commerce web site to complete by the end of this year.In agreement, Olivier Chouvet, CEO of Glamour Sales said in the article, “This partnership represents the coming together of two pioneers. Neiman Marcus was the first luxury retailer to go online and Glamour Sales was the first to bring authorized flash sales to China. And we will provide our customers with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that all of our luxury goods are authorized, authentic and sourced directly from the manufacturer.” Both CEO's have nothing but a positive outlook on this partnership.

Neiman Marcus appears to be very serious with this type of investment into online retailing. They now have 37% ownership of Glamour Sales Holding with this lucrative partnership. Neiman Marcus has consistently seen online growth as well, and it is only fitting to branch out into more of the international market.

The delivery of a product in e-commerce can mean a competitive advantage in any respective industry, especially for the anticipated increase of online sales for the remainder of 2012. In China, delivery of online purchases are primarily performed via same-day delivery. It can be certain even high-end luxury products like Neiman Marcus will be providing same-day delivery of their online goods to their customers. Local couriers are who they will probably partner with to make the deliveries from their e-commerce website to come.

Any company in today's e-commerce climate, whether in local or international, can partner with same-day couriers such as AQuickDelivery to help their online business be successful. This Atlanta Courier can partner with any company and quickly implement a courier delivery solution fit for your e-commerce strategy. Whether small packages or palletized freight, AQuickDelivery can cover all of Georgia and meet your courier needs.

Couriers are called upon to pick up an array of different packages. From checks and keys, to clothes and palletized freight, same-day couriers do it all. There are even couriers in India that perform routine pick ups of breast milk! Yet, one of the most common questions customers have about courier services is do couriers pick up and deliver cash? Most couriers do not pick up and deliver cash for a few important reasons.

Theft—Theft becomes a big factor with couriers. This is true regarding theft from without, when drivers can get robbed. This is even true with theft from the driver themselves. It is wise to not put drivers in this type of situation, especially if it involves large sums of cash on hand.

Safety Hazard—Courier companies do not want to put their drivers in dangerous situations with carrying physical cash on hand. If the average person knew drivers pick up and deliver cash, they can put themselves in life-threatening situations. A courier can be involved in a drug deal and not even be aware of it.

Illegal Activity Deterrence—In contrast, the driver themselves can knowingly perform illegal activities such as drug trafficking under the premise of being a courier. An individual could potentially become a courier driver for the sole purpose and objective to conduct illegal activities.

It was reported in the Hindustan Times of India last week that a courier employee was robbed of 20 lakh in broad daylight. Sanjay Thakur was on his way delivering money to a businessman and was briefly kidnapped. He was forced into a car by three unidentified individuals and they took him away. The men attempted to take the money from Thakur and after resistance, they attacked him, causing bleeding and injury to his hands. Thankfully, he was let out of car without major harm.

Oddly enough, police are also questioning Thakur and whether he was actually involved in the robbery himself. The report stated, “The police are also checking Thakur’s antecdents to ascertain if he had any role in the robbery, as it was surprising that a person could be forced into a vehicle in a crowded area like Cotton Exchange, said the police official, requesting anonymity.”

Courier services like AQuickDelivery, care about the safety of their clients and drivers. AQuickDelivery operates under strict guidelines of no cash pick ups to ensure complete safety and avoidance of all such illegal activities. This Atlanta courier can meet all of your courier needs, without any interferece with the safety and secure protection of your package. You can have peace of mind with AQuickDelivery.

Reference: 9.6.12, Hindustan Times, HT Correspondent-Courier firm employee robbed of Rs. 20 lakh at LT Marg

The unemployment rate has changed slowly in the US this year. Many are wondering where are the jobs. Online business has eliminated some jobs by making them obsolete, however, can it create jobs for a change? With last year’s increase of online sales of over 15%, e-commerce is creating a market of jobs in the same-day delivery sector. Brick-and-mortar retailers such as Macy’s and Target for example, want to capitalize on online shopping.

The same product can be sold online multiple times within the same timeframe it would have taken that same shopper to hop in their car and drive to Macy’s to buy it. What that equates to is an instantaneous need to deliver that product to that customer who bought it online from their iPad at Starbucks.

That is job creation.

Even online giants are on the wave of same-day delivery. EBay reported they are currently testing markets in San Francisco to perform this type of service with companies like Target, Wal-Green’s, Best Buy, and more. With so many large corporations diving in, they will employ thousands to make their same-day delivery systems work. The former employee of a printing company, where sales weren’t doing well because of electronic data and online communications, now can work as a delivery agent.

“All this time wasted on menial tasks makes society less productive, when so many who needs jobs could do these things instead. It would be a win-win” said Co-inventor and CEO Mark B. Barron of Consumeron. The new company is on the launching pad of same-day delivery as well, yet on a different level. Their personal assistant on-demand delivery service allows a consumer to utilize real-time video inspection of what a consumeron delivery agent picks up for them. The consumer will be able to actually see what they are buying.

Technology has come far and is evolving to a point where it can begin to benefit us more. Jobs do not have to be eliminated, just changed to meet the current online demand. The convenience of online shopping helps businesses sell, which in turn, lowers operating costs. As a result, the funding brick-and-mortar retailers spend daily on their operating costs can now be put in the job seeker’s wallet.

Courier services like AQuickDelivery can be a courier that helps you grow your online business and create jobs while you do it. We have over 1,500 clients throughout the country and our list is getter bigger every day. With the evolution of same-day delivery, AQuickDelivery can employ pick up agents, either male or female, and assist families in these challenging economic times. E-commerce is definitely headed in the right direction and jobs will certainly follow.

Reference: 9.6.12, Jessie Prashar, Mobile Telepresence Adds Fuel To The Race For Same-Day Delivery

If we thought retail stores were going to lay down while Amazon and EBay pursue takeover of the online retail market, think again. Macy's is not backing down. They are in the race too. The Huffington Post recently reported Macy's has created a new order fulfillment system that will enable the company to perform same-day delivery of their products nationwide. Their effort is in response to competing in the online retail market with companies such as Amazon and EBay.

Macy's is the largest retail department store with a national footprint in the US. In 2011, Macy's actually began same-day deliveries via order fulfillment with 280 of its' 800 department stores to its' online customers and to stores needing inventory replenishment.

"If we decide it is an important need for the customer, I think we're going to be very well-positioned to do same-day delivery", said Macy's Chief Financial Officer Karen Houget. "We're much better positioned to do so, than [Amazon] will be." Macy's is not the average department store and has a large customer base. Their new store sales have risen 3% in 2012, utilizing their new order fulfillment system. In the report, Houget also mentioned they can not currently tell if this has to do with their new system as of yet.

Amazon, the largest online retail company in the world, appears to currently lead the competition in the same-day delivery race. The company is quickly building warehouses and distribution centers strategically throughout the country. Speculations are the company is preparing to offer same-day delivery. EBay is also in the hunt, announcing last week the testing of eBay Now. The new software will enable same-day delivery from retail stores such as Nordstrom's, Macy's, Target, Walgreen's, and Best Buy. Macy's appears to be right on track to do well with same-day delivery in the years to come.

Businesses are finding same-day delivery is the final piece to the puzzle for shoppers to buy online. For brick-and-mortar Macy's, which is an appealing company to consumers already, this would be revolutionary.

Because Macy's is a very large corporation, they have the ability to perform order fulfillment themselves. For the business that can not, competing in e-commerce, your company can perform same-day delivery as well. Courier services such as AQuickDelivery can assist your company meet the demand of online business. This same-day delivery courier can be created as a delivery option to within your online store and instead of choosing UPS or Fedex, customers can choose AQuickDelivery to deliver your product right to their front door within hours.

References: Huffington Post, 8.8.12, Alice Hines-Macy's Challenges Amazon For Same-Day Delivery

The price of gas has been a bit of a roll-a-coaster this summer. Just when there appeared to be some daylight, prices have made a pivotal turn. As we head into the middle of August, gas prices are now at an average of $3.67 per gallon in the US per the AAA. This is $.29 more than a month ago, when it appeared gas prices would level off for the months to come. The price of oil has increased $6 per barrel for three days straight this week reported the Washington Post.

Some states are experiencing an even higher gas price average according to the AAA daily fuel gauge. For example, Michigan has an average gas price of $3.94. California's average was already at $3.98 per gallon, however, is forecasted to eclipse the $4 mark after yesterday's refinery disaster. A fire damaged one of the nation's largest oil refineries and will hinder gas production for some weeks. California does not have the capability of replacing the gas with imports easily, therefore, making it probable for a large short-term spike of price increases.

The economies of several countries is having a lot to do with the price increase. The weak economy of Europe and the slow economies of the US and China, are all having impacts on oil. All are pushing to strengthen their respective economies, yet at the same time, inform the Middle East of higher demand. As demand increases, so does the price per barrel. Also, the war on Syria is affecting oil prices as well. "Weeks of violence in Syria have some concerned about a regional conflict", said Tradition Energy Broker and Analyst Gene McGillian.

Gas appears to continue to fluctuate for the remainder of the year. With these issues looming ahead, businesses will have to keep a watch on their own transportation costs. One delivery alternative for companies to using their own fleet and employees in many areas is to use a courier. Atlanta Courier services such as AQuickDelivery can make your local same-day delivery in Atlanta at a lower cost because of route optimizations and transportation expertise. It may indeed make sense to use couriers because of the overall operation efficiency and speed they can offer to your business.

References: 8.8.12, Washington Post/Associated Press-Oil slips after gaining for 3 straight days; gas prices nearly $3.65 per gallon; AAA Daily Fuel Gauge

Amazon is the world's online retailer and there's no doubt they have showed no signs of slowing down. Fortune reported Thursday Amazon's profits dropped 96% this second quarter. The company's profits dropped to a whopping $7 billion or 1 cent per share, which was at a stark contrast $191 million in the same quarter last year. Their sales weren't lacking at all, being up close to $3 billion more than this time in 2011. Every businesses objective is togrow in sales and profits at the same time, not one or the other. With a company as robust as Amazon, the only logical reason for these numbers is robust spending.

CEO Jeff Bezos has stated the company increased expenditures endeavoring to expand in other businesses. The report stated Amazon has opened 8 new warehouses this year so far, which added to their expenses. The company plans on opening 10 more this year. It also made great investments into Amazon Web Services and their business strategy of same-day delivery of their products. They have been certainly spending their profits with hopes of gaining them back in the future.

Tom Szkutak, Amazon CFO said, "We don't see a way to do that [same day nationally] on a broad scale economically" (reported in The Financial Times). Amazon sees the value and opportunity in same-day delivery in their retail sector of business. Customers would run to the option of a same-day delivery. With online business trends, how you can deliver your product is just as crucial as the product itself.

Businesses may not have the expertise to create a system for nationwide, however, couriers do. They are the way to achieve same-day delivery services. Nationwide couriers like AQuickDelivery has the footprint to be able to provide a logistical solutions to handle these types of services large corporations desire. AQuickDelivery is also equipped with the most modern technology in the courier industry to service businesses on a massive scale. From small packages to palletized freight, AQuickDelivery can meet courier service needs and help profits grow.

References: 7.26.12, Fortune, JP Mangalindan-Amazon profit drops 96%

The courier industry has had its' share of challenges over the last 4 years since the economic collapse. Before 2008, thousands of businesses had couriers apart of their daily operation and the industry was flooded with demand. Now in 2012, the industry still has signs of growth and success. IBISWorld, the largest provider of industry information in the US, released their research report of the Global Courier and Delivery Services Industry.

The research giant reported the courier industry is steady growing. From the IBISWorld findings the growth is slow at 0.1%, but it is projected to be steady for the next 5 years reaching $188.5 billion. The industry was weakened in 2009 after the economic collapse and has yet to achieve that level of business volume since.

One reason for the slow growth is the cost of gas, which in turn causes courier prices to increase. At the same time, e-commerce is increasing as well and more customers appear to want what they buy faster. The report also stated the demand for high-end, time sensitive goods will increase within the coming years. More companies will also begin to utilize air transportation to assure timely, same-day deliveries. Therefore, the courier market will continue to be sought after.

Companies, home-based businesses, and even individuals want same-day delivery of their products. Large global couriers like Fedex and UPS provide courier services, however, same-day deliveries is not their cost-effective nitch. As transportation evolves, delivery options will need to be more than just next-day with a hefty price tag. The courier and delivery services industry will have to grow for more growth.

It will be up to the couriers themselves to seek how they can cause their industry to obtain faster growth. With so much delivery service innovation, from Target store pickup by AQuickDelivery, to part distribution services by courier services such as A-1 Express, the industry can integrate their services into today's business trends and models.

With all of the buzz around "going green" in both personal lifestyles and business models, it is hardly surprising that so many corporations are increasingly interested in reducing their carbon footprints or making progress on other key metrics used to measure a company's level of environmental responsibility. Industrial development has been costly from a "green" perspective, but fortunately, the modern economy has actually produced many different products and services that can help an organization cut down on its environmental impact.

One of the most prominent examples is the growing ability of companies to go partially or completely paperless by using computers and online data-sharing. The increasing utility of mobile devices is especially helpful for businesses that are looking to reduce paper consumption, as they allow a digital alternative where previously, any task being completed on-the-go would necessitate using pen and paper.

The experience of one innovative pet supply company based in Montana shows how striking the results can be. West Paw Design is currently implementing a new shipping system that uses tablet-based applications and is expected to trim 200,000 sheets from the company's annual paper consumption. The business ultimately projects that it will be able to reduce its environmental impact by about 80 percent.

Another common tactic for businesses aspiring to be more eco-friendly is to focus on taking steps to reduce fuel consumption. For instance, some companies have programs that encourage employees to bike to work or offer bicycles that can be borrowed for short trips to get lunch or run an errand.

One great way for a company to reduce its carbon footprint is to use a bike messenger service for all local pickups and deliveries. There's no need to have a car or truck burning fuel and wasting time stuck in traffic. For short-distance shipping, a local courier service is the most environmentally friendly option. And, relying on a professional courier guarantees your package will get where it needs to go intact and on time.

Reference: 1-800Courier.com

On Sunday July 1st, 2012 USPS will implement a ZIP code realignment change for approximately 1,104 residential and 80 businesses who currently have a 30114 ZIP code - their new zip code will be 30115. All people who will be affected by this change will be notified soon. Michael Miles, Atlanta spokesman for the Postal Service, said the realignment will impact people who live South and East of the Etowah River and East of Interstate 575 and that the change is being made to allow quicker delivery for customers.

Realigning these ZIP codes will geographically join two delivery routes with others in 30115, allowing for a more efficient line of travel for letter carriers to service customers in this area. While people may notify regular correspondents of their new ZIP codes, it is not necessary to complete a change-of-address order with the Postal Service. USPS internal processes will automatically update customer addresses. The Postal Service normally provides the updated maps, but the new lines are "a little confusing." USPS encourages any customer who was unsure whether they will be impacted to contact michael.r.miles@usps.gov.

AQuickDelivery is already aware of this change and all courier service accounts will not be impacted.