The ride is finally over and shoppers have marched into 2012 with their holiday packages.  Online sales had it's greatest year ever, reaching upwards of a 15% increase.  However, reports are showing many of those packages those same shoppers ordered online, they are not going to keep.

Report from Yahoo News on Tuesday, returns are expected to hit all-time highs beginning January 3.  UPS stated in the report they will handle over 550,000 package returns that day.  They will also be handling returns of the same volume on others days of the first week of the new year as well.   "This will definitely be the busiest year for returns," said UPS marketing director Ken Burkeen.  Retailers will handle millions of returns this first week of the new year.

The return rate, although great, is an indicator of the growth of e-commerce.  Customers have begun to gain more confidence in online shopping and using tech tools such as ipads and smartphones to do it.  Mr. Burkeen also stated overall returns relative to percentage of sales is lower, which is due to companies making their websites more shopper friendly.  Therefore, companies are putting a greater emphasis on selling online.

In spite of the the high returns expected this week, the positive news is that online business is taking a greater role in selling and can be taken as a serious component to grow your business.  With nationwide couriers likeAQuickDelivery, the logistics component of delivering the very products purchased online can be made quickly and cost-effectively.  A company, whether a product delivery or return, know they can compete, even with the largest of companies online.

1/3/12, Yahoo News/Reuters, Phil Wahba and Alistair Barr, Returns of online holiday gifts to hit record

More money per person is spent on health care in the USA than in any other nation in the world, and a greater percentage of total income in the nation is spent on health care in the USA than in any United Nations member state except for East Timor.   Medical supplies are a necessity no matter where we go, yet especially in our country.  It is one of the products that cater to the health and well-being of humanity.  Therefore, where ever you find most people, in some form or fashion, you will find medical supplies.  When they are needed, lives depend on it and they are needed fast.  Even with medical products, an effective supply chain is needed and a courier could very well be the delivery choice for you.

Medical supplies range from people to even pets.  The business aspect of medical supplies is being effected by technology and in regards to health care, the supply chain in this industry has to be fast, trusted, and reliable.  Here are some ways a courier can help your supply chain: 

• Same-Day Deliveries - A courier has the expertise of delivering same-day, which otherwise, many companies do not focus on this type of service within their operations. Within a supply chain, it becomes a viable option to choose a courier to meet the needs of their customers.

• Just-In-Time Inventory Assistance - Inventory hold time is key in supply chain management. Many companies are beginning to view couriers as a partner to help just-in-time inventory practices. A courier can lower inventory on hand, therefore, lowering overall warehousing costs. Some couriers can even warehouse themselves.

• Time-Sensitive Products - Medical products such as blood samples, medical supplies, or temperature-sensitive items can be delivered by a courier. Time is not an issue with a courier. 

• Courier Diversity - Couriers can help at any point of your supply chain. Whether it is the manufacturer or the end user, a courier can get your product there. They are diverse and flexible enough to change as your business changes.

• Price Advantages Through Cost Savings - Partner with a courier within your supply chain will affect your price of your product. As a result, you can have competitive pricing in your respective market, which may be competitive already. A courier can help you gain a price advantage.

In 2011, is the courier industry changing?  This is a probably a question that many couriers are asking right now.  Businesses and customers are inquiring about this question as well.  No matter what industry it is, the way the entire world is doing business is changing.  This is no different for a courier.  Yes, it is changing and unless you change with it, you will not be able to be a successful courier. 

The advancement of technology has had a major impact on the courier industry.  Even to the point where the impact has caused the courier industry to never be the same.  More items that couriers would normally pick up for clients are changing.  The once high in demand documents that needed to be picked up asap, businesses are submitting these same documents via e-mail or online.  This use to be the bulk of courier business, yet now it is changing.

Inspite of the changes, the courier industry will experience growth.  One reason for the growth is due to the economy and businesses' pursuit to cut their costs.  They are changing, converting more into online business and less physical operation locations.  This means all they primarily need is to transport their product or car parts from one source to another, or directly to their end customer.  Even home businesses are using this practice.  A courier is becoming in high demand to assist in these types of efforts.  As a result, the courier industry, although business decreases in one sect, grows in another. 

AQuickDelivery is changing right along with the industry.  We pride ourselves on utilizing technology on the highest level to produce the highest service results.  We are customer-focused, Atlanta logistical experts, and we provide quality service to our customers.  AQuickDelivery is the recognized leading provider of same-day transportation and distribution services in Georgia.  In addition to the highest level of professional customer support, we have the best communications and information management technology available, including on-line ordering, tracking and reporting tools as well. You will enjoy peace of mind in knowing that you are doing business with an established company with over 7 successful years to it's credit.  Let AQuickDelivery be the courier that changes with you!  Call AQuickDelivery at 404-888-9999 today!

In 2010, Mayor Kasim Reed released a plan for Atlanta to go green and make it one of the "greenest" cities in the United States.  The goal is to make the city more competitive against peers like Seattle, Chicago and New York, which have "cutting-edge" policies on green building, electric vehicle infrastructure and pedestrian-only zones, and to improve quality of life.  Emory University dedicates more than half of their campus as protected green space, employs green construction, pursues local and sustainably grown food to serve on campus, and fosters alternative transportation methods including the private shuttle system Cliff and Bike Emory.  The Coca-Cola Recycling LLC has an array of Green Initiatives, such as consumer recycling centers, Earth Day News and educating students on recycling.  These are just some examples of many institutions, businesses, and even the City of Atlanta itself, are going Green.

With the environmental challenges we face today, such as paper usage and clean air, we must begin to make a difference.  AQuickDelivery has decided to do our part and become an Atlanta Green Courier.  We aren't just focused on delivering a package, but also how safe we can deliver it.  AQuickDelivery will remain on the cutting-edge and current on worldwide "green" business practices.  As a green courier, AQuickDelivery is dedicated to the following:

• Provide bike and walking messenger services when possible.
• Provide paperless, mail free courier transactions, such as e-billing and debit/credit card payments.
• Our inter-office culture is one that reduces, recycles, and reuses office supplies. 
• We have carbon neutralization practices.
• We partner with companies with green house emission reduction programs and green initiatives.
• Our order e-confirmations have "green" statements to encourage customers to go green and think before they print to save trees!
• Utilize automated signature capturing, which reduces daily paper usage and long-term document storage. 

Today's business world has changed over the recent years.  What has contributed largely to this change has been the world economy, online business, and global trade.   The world economy has caused businesses to think smarter with their expenditures.  Most large and small companies have settled on improving their business in other ways than building new physical locations.  More and more businesses that once had only store locations, now have a different type of location--an online store.  Companies now focus on online business growth because of its' lower costs and global trade abilities.  Even an individual can start an online business and service the world at their finger tips.  As a result, starting a business is easier.  Handling inventory is easier.  Managing your costs is easier.  The business world has changed and companies are taking advantage of it.  

With this in mind, the usage of courier services to do business is growing worldwide.  There is more online business being done then ever before and they are utilizing courier services.  Per the IDC, between 34.3 million and 36.6 million U.S. households have active home offices and these numbers are growing substantially.  These businesses are using couriers to keep their costs down.  It contributes to time management of their business.  Courier services are being viewed as a fast option as well. 

Businesses today have also focused on short and local deliveries being done be couriers.  Generally, transportation makes up 25-35% of the cost of a product.  Whether companies have warehouses or individuals are keeping inventory right from home, they need their goods to be transported on a daily basis.  They need it done as quick as possible.  They want to focus their time on being in the office, not out of it.  As a result, when weighed, a courier delivery service many times is being viewed as more cost-effective overall.

There indeed is global growth in the courier industry.  AQuickDelivery can help you in the growth of your business.  Whether you are a large company or need delivers made from your home, we want to be your courier of choice in the Atlanta area.  We are recognized as the area's leading provider of Atlanta same-day transportation and Atlanta scheduled courier services in Georgia.  We deliver and we deliver fast!  From our headquarters in Atlanta, AQuickDelivery manages the transportation, distribution and logistics for a rapidly expanding list of well over 1500 active clients, including many Fortune 500 companies with operations throughout the United States.  In today's business world, choosing a courier can help your business.  Call 404-888-9999 today!

How fast a courier can deliver a package is one of the main questions customers have when they have a distinct and timely need?  Your package has to be delivered by 5pm and it is 3pm.  They may have until 9am to make the bid and need the package delivered by that time.  What does the customer do?  As equally important is knowing the service time frame options a courier can provide for you.

A major key to having a successful delivery is to find out what is a courier's delivery service options.  Are they only a same-day courier or next-day as well?  Can they deliver in one hour?  Can they deliver in two hours?  What are their cut-off times for their service options?  You may need a round trip service, which means you need a package delivered to a destination and transported back from that destination back to you the same day.  Can that courier provide that service?  There are so many various situations and scenarios a customer can find themselves needing a courier.  It is important to know what your situation could potentially be and how a courier can help you.  

AQuickDelivery Service, Inc. understands that customers need delivery time frame options.  Especially options that fit their current budget.  As a result, we have various delivery service options.  Some of our service options and time frames are:

Direct Service - Pick up in 30 minutes and travel direct to destination delivery timeframe, no cut-off time
Rush Service - 1.5 estimated pick up and delivery timeframe, cut-off service time is 3:30pm
Regular Service - 2.5 estimated pick up and delivery time frame, cut-off service time is 2:30pm

We take the approach of an honest company and keep the customer's best interest in mind first.  We take the time to inform you of your options.  AQuickDelivery does not desire to be your choice courier only for your emergency, but also on a regular basis.  Whenever you need a courier, we are the trusted Atlanta courier you call.  Any courier can give a customer a good rate, but do they have the service and customer service experience to match.  We will make sure we inform you of the best courier solution that meets your need and budget.

AQuickDelivery provides the quickest most reliable same-day courier messenger service in the Metro Atlanta Area as well as deliveries throughout Georgia Courier. We have the capability to deliver anything to anywhere in Atlanta in one hour. AQuickDelivery sets the standard for customer service, professionalism and on-time delivery as an Atlanta courier service.  If you have a courier need in metro Atlanta, it may be time to call AQuickDelivery.  Make us your best option for a successful delivery service.  Call 404-888-9999 today!