Get Your Packages to Canada Faster with Overnight Express Shipping

One of the biggest challenges to running a successful e-commerce business is dealing with the phenomenon of shopping cart abandonment. Delivering products may take longer than planned, cost more than intended, or not be accessible by express shipment.

Do yourself a favor and choose overnight shipping if you are one of those people having these kinds of issues.

Do you ever consider shipping in a single day when a customer requests overnight delivery? Every shopkeeper has experienced the stress of rushing an item to its destination in one night. In that case, what are your plans of action? Don’t freak out! The fastest shipping option is Overnight Shipping, and it’s the only one. This way, you can rest assured that your shipment will arrive at its destination the following morning without any interruptions.

Overnight shipping

Overnight shipping means that the shipping process is done in one night. According to the definition of overnight shipping, it is a type of shipping that guarantees the customer’s package will be delivered the next business day.

When time is of the essence, overnight delivery is the way to go. However, the entire overnight shipping procedure involves several other aspects and activities.

Aspects to think about when calculating an overnight shipping price

The Size of the Package

Your shipment’s total dimensions are of utmost significance. The larger the package, the higher the shipping costs. When calculating the cost of your shipment, the size of your cargo is a major factor.

Package Weight

Your shipping costs will go up for several reasons, including the extra weight of your delivery. In general, shipping costs increase in proportion to the weight of your package. Because of this, the package weight will be used to calculate the shipping cost, even if it is higher than the actual DIM weight.

Delivery Speed

When calculating the price of overnight shipping, it is crucial to consider the delivery time. There are many overnight delivery alternatives when working with courier services. Some shipping businesses promise the quickest shipping times and a money-back guarantee if the delivery is delayed.

Your Package’s Dimensions

Knowing your package’s length, breadth, and height allows you to determine its precise proportions. A package’s dimensional weight can be determined by multiplying its length, width, and size and then dividing that result by a DIM divisor. Shipping costs can be estimated more accurately using the dimensional weight.

Place of Shipment

The shipping zone represents the actual metric distance between the package’s origin and its final resting place. When determining shipping costs, many companies employ shipping zones. Your order’s location is key in determining the shipping zone’s associated fee. There is a rise in shipping costs related to expanding the shipping zone. Overnight delivery costs will vary depending on where you live.

Shipping Options: Standard vs Overnight

The differences between the two are as follows:

When will it be Delivered

One of the most notable distinctions is the transit time when comparing standard versus express shipping. Two to eight days is the typical arrival period for conventional shipping, although air couriers can deliver express orders in as little as a day. Delivery could occur on the same day in some instances. In cases where time is of the essence, express shipping is the way to go. If you can wait a little longer, expedited shipping is the way.

Economic Efficiency

Second, because it is sent by road using surface couriers, normal shipping is more cost-effective than express shipping or delivery. Due to the utilization of air couriers, the cost of express shipping is higher than that of other transportation options because of the urgency and quick turnaround time it provides. Choosing the most efficient method of transporting your items by the required arrival times is important.

Warehouse Shipment

On average, it takes 2-8 days to send out via regular delivery, but only 1-5 days by rapid shipment.

Cost of Shipment

The shipping cost is typically included in the product price for quick delivery. If you’re only using regular delivery, you can offer that at no cost to the consumer. Based on their urgency, consumers are sometimes also given the option between express and normal shipping.

Conclusion

Expedited delivery services can be obtained from various sources, including courier firms. Even though the service is more expensive than the norm, it can normally deliver a shipment in one to three days. Phantom Couriers is a reliable and inexpensive shipping service that provides express delivery services.

Benefits of Overnight Express Shipping to USA: An In Depth Guide

Couriers offer guaranteed overnight service for consumers that need their packages as soon as possible.

Orders placed over the weekend, often the off time may take two days to arrive, depending on the carrier and shipping service. Different shipping carriers who offer overnight shipping services will have daily cut-off dates, after which next-day delivery cannot be guaranteed.

One-day shipping and next-day delivery are commonly used interchangeably. However, the delivery date is determined when the order is placed.

Companies that provide overnight shipping do so because they have access to a vast network of vehicles and drivers. Because clients want to be able to drop off packages the night before they are scheduled for delivery, the transportation network is typically dispersed across the country. At times, specific areas are the only ones eligible for these expedited services (i.e., if the package is shipped to a rural delivery area).

Explaining the Process of Overnight Shipping

Overnight delivery takes several different processes to guarantee that consumers receive their goods quickly.

The order must be placed before the midnight cut-off time for next-day delivery

A consumer who wants overnight delivery must do it before the specified cut-off time. Setting a delivery cut-off time allows you extra time to process orders, pick and pack items, and have them ready for the courier to pick up and deliver.

It is processed by either you or your fulfilment partner and then ready for pickup by the courier

Creating a shipping label and packing the product(s) fall under this category.

The package is picked up and processed by the courier

The courier brings the box to a central location where it will be sorted alongside other overnight shipments and then sent to its destination.

The package is taken to a hub for next-day delivery

Once the package has been routed, it will be transported overnight to the distribution center that is most conveniently located for the final recipient. As the name implies, overnight orders are delivered to the consumer the following business day via rapid ground or air transport.

Orders are sent and delivered the following business day!

Most big shipping companies provide overnight shipping alternatives, which is a huge time saver for business owners and their clients.

Advantages of Overnight Shipping

Honesty and Trustworthiness Towards Customers

When you use the adage “Customer is King,” you had better mean it. All parties involved—customers and shipping companies—benefit from overnight delivery services. Customers are more likely to remain loyal if supplies are consistently met. The best method to earn customers’ trust and ensure their satisfaction is to ship quickly.

Lower transportation costs

When shipping overnight, it’s best to contact local transport companies for the best rates. It could be more expensive to ship products over state lines. Overnight and out-of-state shipping costs for the out-of-stock item will be added on top of that. Look only as far as your neighbourhood’s shipping service providers when you need overnight delivery. They offer the greatest services at the most competitive rates.

Friendly Interface; Quick and Easy to Use

Overnight shipping is the most practical and hassle-free method of product distribution. In addition to meeting your business’s product needs, it will expeditiously get orders where they need to go. For instance, if you own a firm that deals with food, you may receive fresh food products in as little as one night. In any case, you won’t have to worry about this impeding your company’s productivity because the delivery will arrive before you even open for business. Depending on their needs, businesses of all shapes and sizes can benefit from overnight shipping’s efficiency.

Enhance Productivity

Express overnight delivery services have a certain pizzazz in how they operate. Any package can be delivered in just one night. As a result, your company’s total efficiency will rise, and you’ll see increased profits and a boosted reputation. Maintaining this daily routine can help your company run more efficiently and set you apart from countless other businesses.

Better Way to Keep Customers

Products can be delivered to consumers’ homes in as little as one night with the help of overnight shipping. If your organisation offers the greatest shipping services, more and more people will hire you to handle their shipments. You can improve client retention rates with faster and more convenient shipping options.

Conclusion

Is a dependable overnight shipping service something you need? Phantom Courier has no outside investors; it is owned and operated solely by locals. We’re proud of the fact that we can never get by without the help of other people.

 

Top Reasons To Use Overnight Express Shipping Services

If you’re like most business owners, you’re always seeking ways to save time and money. You may not know that your company can save both things by using overnight express shipping services in the U.S.

How does Overnight Express Shipping work?

When you need to send a package overnight, you have a few different shipping options to choose from. One option is overnight express shipping, which is a service provided by many shipping companies.

Overnight express shipping guarantees that your package will be delivered by a certain time the next day. This service is typically more expensive than other shipping options, but it is also the fastest way to get your package delivered.

To use overnight express shipping, you will need to select this option when you are shipping your package. You will also need to pay for the service, which is typically done online or over the phone. Once your payment has been processed, your package will be shipped overnight and delivered the next day.

Pros of using overnight express shipping services

When you need to send a package, you want it to arrive as quickly as possible. Overnight express shipping services can get your package to its destination in just a few hours. Here are some of the pros of using these services:

-Your package will arrive quickly: Overnight express shipping services can get your package to its destination in just a few hours.

-You can track your package: With most overnight express shipping services, you can track your package so you know when it will arrive.

-You don’t have to be home to receive the package: With many overnight express shipping services, you don’t have to be home to receive the package. The courier will leave it at your door.

-It’s convenient: Overnight express shipping services are convenient because you don’t have to go to the post office. You can usually ship your package from your home or office.

Cons of using overnight express shipping services

There are a few potential downsides to using an overnight express shipping service. First, these services can be quite expensive. If you are shipping on a tight budget, overnight shipping may not be the best option. Additionally, overnight shipping is not always reliable. While most companies make every effort to deliver packages on time, there can occasionally be delays due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Finally, some people find the extra speed and convenience of overnight shipping to be unnecessary. If you can wait a day or two for your package, regular shipping may be a better option.

Is it worth the price to use Overnight Express Shipping Services?

When you need your product delivered fast, you can rely on overnight express shipping services. This type of shipping is perfect for online retailers who need to get their products to customers quickly. Here are some of the top reasons to use overnight express shipping services:

  1. You Need Your Product Delivered Fast

If you need your product delivered quickly, then you should use overnight express shipping services. This type of shipping can get your product to your customer in as little as 24 hours.

  1. You Want to Guarantee Delivery

When you use overnight express shipping services, you can guarantee that your product will be delivered on time. This is important if you have a tight deadline or if you need your product delivered by a certain date.

  1. You Need to Save on Shipping Costs

If you are an online retailer, then you know how important it is to save on shipping costs. Overnight express shipping services can help you save money on shipping costs because they offer discounts for bulk orders.

  1. You Want to Track Your Shipment

When you use overnight express shipping services, you will be able to track your shipment so that you know where it is at all times. This is important if you need to know when your product will arrive or if there are any delays in the delivery process.

How To Ship Anything By Overnight Express Shipping

Shipping by overnight express or second day air is a great option for anyone who needs to get their package across country as quickly as possible. You may have seen the delivery label, “Overnight” and wondered what that meant. The answer is that it means the package will arrive on your doorstep the next morning, so you don’t need to wait any longer than 24 hours.

When you need to ship something urgently, overnight express shipping is the best option. It guarantees that your shipment will arrive at its destination by the next morning.

Here are the steps to take to ensure your shipment arrives on time:

  1. Choose an overnight express shipping service. There are many different companies that offer this service, so be sure to research their options and find the one that best suits your needs.
  2. Pack your shipment properly. In order to ensure that your shipment arrives safely and on time, it is important to pack it correctly. Make sure all items are securely wrapped and labelled clearly.
  3. Address your shipment correctly. Be sure to include the full address of the recipient, as well as your own contact information in case there are any problems with delivery.
  4. Ship your package early in the day. This will help ensure that it arrives at its destination by the next morning.
  5. Track your shipment online. Most overnight express shipping services provide tracking information so you can check on the status of your shipment at any time.

What is a USPS Priority Overnight Box?

The USPS Priority Overnight Box is a shipping option offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that allows customers to send items via overnight express shipping. This service is available for both domestic and international shipments and provides customers with a tracking number so they can track the progress of their shipment. The cost of this service varies depending on the weight and size of the item being shipped, as well as the distance it is traveling.

The Cost of Shipping via USPS Priority Overnight

When you are looking to ship something by overnight express shipping, the United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a service called Priority Overnight. This is a guaranteed overnight delivery service that is available to most locations in the United States. The cost of this service depends on the weight and size of your item, as well as the distance it needs to travel.

For example, if you are shipping a one-pound item from New York to Los Angeles, the cost would be $26.35. If you are shipping a five-pound item from New York to Los Angeles, the cost would be $35.45. And if you are shipping a ten-pound item from New York to Los Angeles, the cost would be $42.60.

These prices do not include any additional fees or charges that may apply, such as for fuel surcharges or residential delivery charges. Additionally, these prices are for shipping during regular business days; if you need to ship on a Saturday, there is an additional fee of $16.50.

Priority Overnight is just one of many options available when you need to ship something quickly and efficiently. When choosing a shipping method, be sure to consider all your options and choose the one that best fits your needs in terms of cost and time frame.

Adding Insurance to Your Package via USPS Priority Overnight

If you’re sending something important via USPS Priority Overnight, you may want to consider adding insurance to your package. Adding insurance to your package is easy and can be done at the time of shipping. Simply select the “Add Insurance” option when shipping your package and choose the amount of coverage you’d like. Prices for insurance start at $2.20 for up to $50 of coverage.

What if my Item doesn’t Arrive by the Expected Delivery Date?

If your item doesn’t arrive by the expected delivery date, don’t panic! There are a few things you can do to track down your package and get it delivered as soon as possible.

First, check the tracking information for your package. If the tracking number shows that your package was delivered, but you can’t find it, contact the shipping company and they will help you locate your package.

If the tracking information shows that your package was not delivered, contact the shipping company and they will investigate the issue and work to get your package delivered as soon as possible.

7 Tips For Overnight Shipping To Canada

Check out these 7 tips for overnight shipping to Canada and get your packages sent across the border in no time at all.

Realize What You’re Buying

It’s important to remember that when you’re shipping overnight to Canada, you’re not just buying a product – you’re also paying for the service of getting that product delivered to your door. Make sure you understand what type of service you’re getting and what it includes before you commit to anything.

There are two main types of overnight shipping services: air and ground. Air shipping is faster, but it’s also more expensive. Ground shipping is slower, but it’s less expensive. If you need your shipment to arrive by a certain time, make sure you know whether air or ground shipping is right for you.

In addition to the different types of shipping services, there are also different levels of service within each type. For example, with air shipping there is standard overnight, priority overnight, and express overnight. Standard overnight is the most affordable option, but it doesn’t guarantee that your shipment will arrive by a specific time. Priority overnight is more expensive, but it gives your shipment a better chance of arriving on time. Express overnight is the most expensive option, but it guarantees that your shipment will arrive by a specific time.

When you’re shipping overnight to Canada, be sure to factor in the cost of the shipping service as well as the cost of the product itself. Overnight shipping can be pricey, so be sure to shop around and compare rates before deciding on a provider.

Shipping Internationally

When shipping internationally, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that your package is properly labelled with the correct addresses and postage. Second, you need to choose a shipping method that will get your package to its destination safely and on time.

There are a few different shipping methods you can choose from when shipping internationally. The most popular option is to use a courier service like FedEx or UPS. These companies offer reliable service and can often get your package delivered overnight. Another option is to use the postal service. While this option may take longer, it is usually less expensive.

If you are shipping something that is valuable or fragile, you may want to consider insuring your package. This will protect your investment in case something happens to the package while it is in transit.

Finally, make sure to keep track of your shipment so that you can follow its progress and be there to receive it when it arrives.

Choosing a Good Package Carrier

There are a few things to consider when choosing a package carrier for your overnight shipping needs. The most important thing is to make sure that the carrier you choose is reputable and has a good track record. You’ll also want to make sure that the carrier offers insurance in case your package is lost or damaged in transit.

Another important consideration is cost. Overnight shipping can be expensive, so you’ll want to compare rates from different carriers before deciding. Be sure to consider any special discounts or promotions that may be available.

Finally, you’ll need to decide on the delivery method that’s best for your needs. Some carriers offer door-to-door service, while others require that you drop off your package at a local post office or retail location. Make sure you understand the details of each option before making your final decision.

Packaging Your Item Properly

When you are shipping an item internationally, it is important to take the time to package your item properly. This will help to ensure that your item arrives safely and on time. Here are some tips for packaging your item properly for overnight shipping to Canada:

  1. Use a sturdy box. When you are shipping an item internationally, you want to make sure that you use a sturdy box. A cardboard box that is reinforced with tape will do the trick.
  2. Use bubble wrap or packing peanuts. Once you have a sturdy box, you will need to fill it with something to protect your item. Bubble wrap and packing peanuts are both great options. Just make sure that you fill the box so that your item is snug and secure.
  3. Label your box clearly. When you are labelling your box, be sure to include all the necessary information such as the recipient’s address, your return address, and a description of the contents of the box. You should also include any special instructions that may be necessary such as “Fragile – Handle With Care”.
  4. Use proper postage. Be sure to use enough postage when you are shipping your item internationally. You can check with your local post office for exact rates.

Getting Help from an Expert

When it comes to shipping to Canada, there are a few things you need to consider. First, you need to make sure that your products can be shipped there. There are some restrictions on what can and cannot be shipped, so you’ll need to check with your chosen carrier beforehand. Second, you’ll want to ensure that you’re familiar with the customs process and any potential duties or taxes that may apply to your shipment.

The good news is that there are plenty of experts out there who can help you with all of this. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend reaching out to a freight forwarder or customs broker. They’ll be able to help you navigate the complexities of shipping internationally and get your products safely delivered to their destination.

Think About Customs and Tariffs

When shipping to Canada, it is important to be aware of the country’s customs and tariff regulations. All packages entering Canada are subject to inspection by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA). Any items that are deemed to be commercial in nature or have a value over $20 CAD may be subject to duties and taxes. It is the responsibility of the sender to ensure that all required documentation is included with the shipment, and it is also recommended that you include a detailed list of the contents of the package.

If you are shipping items that are considered restricted or prohibited by the CBSA, please be aware that your shipment may be delayed or even refused entry into Canada. For more information on customs and tariffs, please visit the website of the Canada Border Services Agency.

Avoiding Speeding Tickets!

The best way to avoid a speeding ticket is to simply obey the posted speed limits. Speed limit signs are typically posted every few miles on highways, and drivers should try to keep track of their speed and slow down when necessary. If you are caught speeding, you may be subject to a fine or other penalties.

In addition to obeying the posted speed limits, there are a few other things you can do to avoid getting a speeding ticket. First, make sure your vehicle is in good working order and that your tires are properly inflated. This will help you maintain control of your vehicle at high speeds. Second, avoid driving during times when speeding is more likely to occur, such as late at night or early in the morning. Finally, if you are pulled over for speeding, be polite and cooperative with the officer. Often, officers will give motorists a warning if they show signs of contrition.

Courier vs. Shipping

Mark: Hi, it's Mark from TLR. I'm here with Mark Huggan, Phantom Couriers in Vancouver. Vancouver's best courier service, fastest growing. One of the a hundred fastest growing companies in British Columbia. We're going to talk about the difference between shipping and couriers. How are you doing Mark? 

Mark H: We're doing good today. How are you? 

Mark: Good. So what is the difference? 

Mark H: Well, it's a little bit of a difference. People think it's all the same. A courier, you would call them up and you could courier across Canada, but you have to pick it up at point A to get it to point B. It's just like shipping, except with shipping, there might be multiple, like stop checks along the way. For instance, we do last mile courier for a shipping company. So you might have to go to fulfillment warehouse, pick up a unit or units, and then consolidate them into one package and bring them somewhere else. And then have them taken out to a final mile. 

And with courier is basically direct Mark's house to Mark's house. It's a lot easier. But with the shipping, there's so many different steps and shipping is like multiples and large heavy items. And courier is most likely small packages and documents. 

So the other day, for instance, we're a courier company and we get a call and it's like, can you pick up 96 boxes of vitamins at a warehouse? And it's like, okay. So that's a shipping thing where we go in, we have to find the lot, you have to take the truck. It's slower. And it usually is window of like all day. So, you know, you have to make the arrangements for the pickup. You have to get a schedule and an appointment. And then on the drop-off you generally have to schedule an appointment because you need to lock off elevators, or it might be a curb side. It might take a swamper. You have to identify what kind of vehicle you'll need. Mainly like a five ton truck with a tailgate. Or is this on a pallet? It needs a forklift. 

And with courier, it's a lot easier. Just send a working vehicle to go in there, small package, pick it up and go. So with the shipping, we do a lot of it. And with the vitamin one, for instance, we had to coordinate with the security guard at the building and he had to coordinate with his supervisor. Then we had to coordinate the shipping elevator lock off. And then there was two guys in the truck, two guys in the street. Good thing it was a sunny day cause they don't have a proper loading and then it was just go.

So there's lots of hand bombing and tracking and getting it all in there and then final pre counts. Cause you know, you go in someplace and you're like, is that what we're picking up? And everybody just goes, yes. So you have to triple check it is the right thing. And then on drop off of course you have to make sure that truck was emptied and no box was left behind. Get her all in. And then, well, dropping off 96 boxes to an office in downtown Vancouver is a lot different than a warehouse, but like that was an extreme situation. It got done. It took a lot of work and you know, the guy was happy. So he's placing a bigger order with us next week I imagine. So it could be this week. 

And with the courier, it's a lot simpler. It's identifying what it is, where it is and where it's going. And then straight shot, basically get a signature and drop it off. But shipping got a lot more checkpoints. It gets to be dimensional weight, actual weight, the truck, the fuel. There's a lot more things to tick and it's not as simple. We try to make it simple, but we get the job done, but we have to educate the clients more that a shipping job is just not as easy as coming over. There's more steps. It takes a little bit longer because you know, most people are like, when will it be here? I'm like, well today, but you know, most shipping gets ordered like on a Monday delivered on a Tuesday as well, because all of the trucks are organized and routed.

So you definitely want to have that, you want your orders in so you can schedule the truck drivers the next day. So that there's not any hot shots and extra cost involved. Because trucks are more expensive than cars, even though freight generally is cheaper than courier because it's a bulk thing and they can fill a five ton truck up to work all day.

Meanwhile, courier packages are usually on a shorter timeline and they're more urgent. Period. There you go. One long sentence shipping courier. 

Mark: So if I can sum that up in a way from what I heard. You solve a lot of the little intricate details that people don't think of. Cause they haven't done a ton of it, of who to call, how to arrange it, what vehicle to use abub bubba. All that stuff is looked after by the courier on both ends of the delivery. 

Mark H: Right, for instance, the vitamin company, they call us all day for courier, but they just thought, we'll just call the courier for this. It's gotta be just as simple. Meanwhile we're just like, yeah, we'll get it done. But we have a huge systems and procedures we have to follow. And even with all those checklists, we're like, oh, you know what? We have to first find out if that building has loading dock, because that one didn't, that's why we had to go to the security. So there's things to learn and with doing it, you know, you get to mastery a little bit. 

I remember when I was couriering, I could be like, oh, black building, excellent. Go meet the person. She usually has a red pen. So you get to remember all these little things because you do it so often. And was shipping now we know this building, you need 24 hour notice to lock out the elevators. And another shipping company might not know it. The guys might be just, I can't drop it off and they'll drive away and then product doesn't get dropped off. Then there's all that admin side and it just gets backed up as the truck is being scheduled for the next day delivery. New truck has to be added. More costs. The customers a little bit disappointed, and then they're angry about the extra costs and to look for another shipper.

And then that shipper doesn't know there's a loading zone. It just wash, rinse, repeat on a bad thing. So we're here to help straighten out, iron out the kinks. And the next time that happens, it's going to be like, yeah, we'll just go talk to the guys over there. They were awesome. So you know, kudos to the guys that run 355 Burrard. The security team was awesome. So they really helped us out and there was no sweat off their back. They knew exactly what they were doing and boom, the customer got their vitamins and we were happy. 

Mark: Simple story. If you want your package delivered on time, tracked, delivered, triple checked, made sure that everything happens the way it's supposed to happen. Phantom Couriers, you can reach them at (604) 899-5447. You can also book online at phantomcouriers.com. If you're outside of the lower mainland in British Columbia. +1 844-899-5447. They're there to help. Thanks mark. 

Mark H: That's right. Thank you. 

Weekend Deliveries

Mark: Hi, it's Mark from TLR. I'm here with Mark Huggan of Phantom Couriers in Vancouver. Vancouver's best courier service, multiple time fastest growing company in BC, expanding across the country, doing all kinds of amazing things, but mostly delivering your packages on time and when you need it. And today we're going to talk about weekend deliveries. How you doing Mark? 

Mark H: We're doing good today. How are you? 

Mark: Good. So weekends, I know most of your business is business to business type stuff, but weekends are for just playing around. Do people want stuff on the weekend? 

Mark H: For sure. Let's not go out and do errands when you don't have to. Use us to do them. So you can spend time with your family. And with the COVID lock down and like the more stringent rules, don't go outside and make yourself vulnerable. We have priority at most consumer pickup places. When a courier shows up, they're just like, Oh, what do you mind waiting a moment. The couriers here for this package, they called it in an hour ago. Bing bang, boom, done back to the house. 

So you don't have to go out find the parking, worry about the masks, wrangle the kids, sanitize your hands, send the courier because they prep all that stuff constantly. They're ready to rock. So it's really good for the weekends. Like even when people were moving this weekend, taking up their donations and stuff to the Value Village, we just drop it off at the back door. You didn't have to do it. 

So those kinds of things are something we should all be looking at. One courier can do like 15 things in a day. So that's 15 cars that don't have to leave their home. 15 families that don't have to go out and become, you know, susceptible to COVID. Don't have to feel guilty about traveling outside.

Let us do it for you. It's easy. You can call us all the time. You can use our online ordering system and just reach out to us. It could be a big or small job. We're here to negotiate. We're here to help. You can't do it alone. We're all in this together. So let's rock it out, use Phantom. And I think it's a good idea. I mean I do it too. I don't leave home. I'll call the courier who's out, running around. It's like, please come drop that off here or pick that up for me because I'm working from home. 

Mark: So what kind of items are people getting delivered on the weekends?  

Mark H: Lots of things. Groceries, number one, right? Liquor, wine, go pick that up. Don't do that. Pharmaceuticals. A lot of people send us to Finlandia to pick up holistic pharmaceutical stuff because that's like a specialized item. They don't want to leave. It's in the middle of Broadway. It's not easy to get to, you know, like the Value Village thing I mentioned.

Small items, like, you know, they can't leave the home. They don't want to, they just need batteries for their mouse. We can rip that thing up super fast and we'll find the closest one to go to it. We can even like pay for it on the spot and then I'll just e-transfer the courier. So it's seamless. It's really time-saving.

 You name it, if we need it, we'll go get it. You know, all sorts of things. You know when you're at home and you're just like, Oh, I need, you know, you just have that, I forgot. So we all have our to-do lists and we're always just wandering down the hall. When we suddenly realized we forgot to do something. Go use the courier because it's outsourcing your time to us and we'll do it for you.

Saves time, saves energy, same stress, and you know, that's a big deal what's going on right now. It's totally wacky times. Flatten the curve by not going outside. Just enjoy yourself at home. Get some groovy stuff for a dinner on the deck. Who knows? I don't know. We're here to make it fun and it's fun too because it's like a courier's coming? So it's different. It's fun. It's affordable. And it's safe. 

Mark: If you're deep in that Marvel superhero marathon on the weekend or The Expanse or whatever your drug of choice is on the weekend. Give Phantom Couriers a call. They can deliver your groceries, your pharmacy items, your wine and other liquor items. They can deliver your USB cord or HTMI or whatever you need to make your life a little bit easier because you don't want to get out of your pajamas and go out there. Or you just are too darn busy. The party's happening and you need candles and you don't have candles, whatever it is. Give Phantom Couriers a call (604) 899-5447. Or check out the website, phantomcouriers.com. You can book right online there. Thanks Mark. 

 Mark H: We're here to help for sure.

Courier Problems Solved

Mark: Hi, it's Mark from TLR. I'm here with Mark Huggan of Phantom Couriers in Vancouver, one of BC's hundred fastest growing companies. Booming, rocking courier company. One of the best places to get your stuff delivered in the lower mainland. And we're going to talk about common problems that a lot of people have with courier companies and how they solve it. How're you doing Mark? 

Mark H: Doing excellent today? Good morning. 

Mark: So some of the list of things that we've heard from customers, some of the other companies drivers don't have phones, dispatch and drivers don't even talk to each other. How do you guys solve for these kinds of issues? 

Mark H: Well, we have a pretty robust communication system here. So our dispatch software allows for communication between drivers with notes. And then we also use a texting app, which we talk all day and communicate both ways like through photographs and texts and phone calls. We're in constant communication with the drivers. I mean, one delivery we'll probably get like six calls. There's always something needs to be resolved. Always. So our job, right? We're a communicator, that's all we do. 

Mark: What would be some of the common issues that drivers run into when they're trying to deliver a package? 

Mark H: Well, first thing would be incorrect address. Or unable to contact the receiver. Or just all sorts of weird stuff. Like it's constant. Like you can't even begin, like there's so much, it's funny. Like, I can't say, Oh, I can't think of one because it's a forest for the trees. Like it's just constant everything. So we're always in touch with the drivers, finding out addresses, confirming phone numbers, texting people. A lot of times people won't answer their buzzer.

They don't know who it is. So we'll text up. It's like, Hey, courier at the door, we have your delivery from the pharmacy, Oh yeah, it was that you. Yeah, it was us. So we need to take those extra sort of steps. Because people don't know, like, you know, if you're in an apartment and your buzzer goes and you're not expecting somebody, you just think it's somebody downstairs, buzzing all the buzzers. So we're always throwing out text messages or making phone calls. 

So there's some studies that say, if you do a phone call, you can expect a return call within 72 hours. If you text, it would be within six seconds because they'll read it. So we're constantly texting customers because we have the ability to do it. So it's just straight from the desktop to texts. The couriers with their phones is difficult. So we just copy paste, send the canned message. Get in touch with them. Solve problem. 

Address corrections are big time, or tracking down the concierge, big time. So the couriers don't have time to do it so they can go to another close by delivery. We'll text the customer and say, Hey, are you close to home, are you within five minutes? And if they don't reply within five or go somewhere else, and then we sort of tag it as like follow up and then if they get back to us, then we reroute the package to the customer. So we're always doing those kinds of proactive things constantly. 

The big thing is address corrections. You think you tell everybody when you move, you just throw it up into Canada Post, that doesn't go to a distributor, an employer, the pharmacy, everything. So a lot of people just forget, Oh, that I forgot. So we're constantly doing it for people. And then we have to update our address book. And hopefully that problem is nipped in the bud, it doesn't happen again. And people are grateful for it. 

You know, like we had a contact lens thing. We couldn't reach them on Friday. So they scheduled it for Monday, between nine and 11. It's like, yep we can do that. We just changed all the times. Manage it and off it goes to that person, now knows we're coming and they've marked their calendar and they're expecting us. And then it's seamless from that point forward. But at first time it's always a little clunky, nobody's prepared. And a lot of people don't tell people something's on its way.

 Mark: You mentioned something about you have cameras. Like what, why would you need a camera? 

Mark H: Well, you'd be surprised. So, first thing, for instance, a, I was sent over to your place to pick up computer monitor or something and you have two computer monitors going out. So we have to confirm we picked up the right one.

So we take a picture, because we ask you, hi, I'm here to pick up the computer monitor, going to 1234 Main Street to Joe Smith. And you're like, it's right there. And you just point, there's two. So we have to go over there and make sure, so we take the picture and confirm, then it's on our app.

So the customer can log in and see it. We can save it. We can text an image to it. We can email the image to the person, making sure we've got the right one. I mean, everybody makes mistakes. We do. You do. Everybody does. So if you put the wrong label on it, it's easy to track it. It's like somebody can call us up and say, do you have this item? And it's like, yes, we do. And we can look at it and see what it actually is. Just in case it's not the 8.5 by 11 manila envelope. It's 8.5 by 11 brown envelope. Just those kinds of things. And it's easier to fix with visuals. You know, it's a visual world. 

And we also do that with delivery. So you can see that we picked it up. And if, as a waybill on it, it's got the right way bill number by photograph. And then when we deliver it, we've got in front of the door as a timestamp, we had the permission, you can track it and then, you know, you can say my neighbour picked it up. Okay, fine. They found it.

Or whatever it is, it's at the concierge, and a concierge table may be full of things. We can just tell him exactly what it is because a lot of people are like, well, what did they send? Oh, it was a Microsoft keyboard and mouse set for you. And it might just have like the name Mike on it. And it just could be 20 Mike's in a building.

Then we can tell them it's a keyboard set, go downstairs and get it. And they say to the concierge, bing done. It really just streamlines things because everybody's really busy. So the pictures are really, they're a lifesaver. And it's new to us. We've only been running it probably for four months.

 Mark: But that's the value of experience of having done this for how long now? 

Mark H: 26 years. 

Mark: 26 years of making sure that packages get delivered. If you want experienced, if you want people who actually care that your package gets there, when you want it, Phantom Couriers. You can reach them at (604) 899-5447. Or you can book online at phantomcouriers.com. If you're outside of the lower mainland +1 844-899-5447. 

Problems Solved, Package Not Delivered

Mark: Hi, it's Mark from TLR. I'm here with Mark Huggan, Phantom Couriers in Vancouver, and we're continuing our series or we're starting a series on problems that couriers will solve for you today. And how are you doing Mark? 

Mark H: Doing good, thank you. 

Mark: So this is a pet peeve of mine because it's happened a lot. Certain delivery service of ours in this country will show up at the door, hang a thing on the sign saying, Hey, we tried. We work from home. We're here all day. They never rang nothing. And now suddenly we got to go somewhere else to find our package. So how do you solve that? The driver not actually delivering the package, but leaving a note. 

Mark H: Yeah, well, it's all part of the onboarding and then on the job training. When our drivers show up, for instance, say they came to your office and you live in a tower and you have a concierge and an intercom and a phone number and email and all this stuff.

We have enough contact information, and you know, the guys who are proactive and looking like, Oh, no phone number. We need that these days. You really need it. So say for instance, the courier showed up. And the door's locked and you don't answer your phone. Of course, you're not gonna answer your phone. Nobody ever does, but they'll, you know, there's studies that show it'll take up to like six days for somebody to return a phone call. But like 30 seconds they'll return a text because the text pops on their phone and they're like, Oh, courier downstairs. Oh, I thought it was not for me. 

So the guys from the office here will get in touch with all the parties, right? They're in touch with the driver, they're in charge of the sender and they try to make contact with the receiver because really we don't want that package. Because that driver perhaps is not going to be back in that area tomorrow. You could be in an other area for sure, a hundred percent or they might call back and he's 60 kilometres away and they really want it.

So of course, that's the objective, they pay us to deliver. So we need to deliver. So we're proactive and making sure that our drivers actually did have an attempt. So we're like get us a picture. Give us some documentation. We'll put it into the notes on our trip. This is first attempt at 12 o'clock.

They talked to Mark at Phantom. Mark texted the customer, waiting for a reply. Then we can just copy that and text it over to the customer. If they're ever like, Oh, what's the deal. And we get her going. 

You know, I was up for a meeting last Monday. And that's exactly why we just got a new account. Is courier showed up one day. Concierge saw the courier. Courier didn't get entry, walked away. The same courier came back the next day, concierge walks to the door and the courier turns back and walked away because he's getting those second attempt. Third attempt deliveries. And we're working on that. So we just want to make sure we're nipping it in the bud, making it happen for our customers.

They get the delivery and the customers aren't upset because when they're working from home, who knows what's going on, they could be on the phone. They don't have a switchboard, they don't have reception. They don't have everything. Their phone could be on silent. It's a million things. So we're just trying to make those connections go because customers ultimately become more happy.

And it's bad with all these, like you hear in the news, all these packages being returned to depots, and then they get lost in the muck. Like there's just packages going out, packages coming in, secondary packages coming in. And then there's this big pile that doesn't get addressed. And, you know, we felt it here. 

It's hard to catch up once you pass a certain amount of time on like non-deliverable packages. You're waiting and the follow-up is crucial. It's really difficult. And so people got to do it and it's no fun, but you must do it. It's the customer's package. 

Mark: So, if you want your package delivered or you want to receive the package, the guys to use in Vancouver and in BC are Phantom Couriers. You can reach them at (604) 899-5447. Or call their 800 number 1 844-899-5447. Serving Vancouver Island, outer reaches of BC, even into Alberta. Phantom Couriers. Any package anywhere. 

Mark H: Phantom Couriers gets it there, Mark. 

Stopping Porch Piracy

Mark: Hi, it's Mark from TLR. I'm here with Mark Huggan, the Phantom himself, Phantom Couriers in Vancouver. Vancouver's favourite courier company. We're going to talk about some of the problems over the next few broadcasts that couriers solve for you. And one of the big ones is porch pirates or package theft. Mark, how do you guys solve this for people? 

Mark H: Well, we're highly aware of it. There's, like we mentioned before, the broadcast started, there's people out there, that's their job to cruise around in suburban neighbourhoods and look for unattended packages and they will be there, like that and steal it. 

And whatever they're stealing, it could be something valuable or it's a nothing. But it's always an inconvenience and it's illegal. And it's really disappointing to a person who's had a notification that your package arrived and then it's not there. And then that is the first domino that falls into a huge administrative like search for the package.

So we've got a proactive step to prevent this kind of thing, because we do get permission to leave with unattended packages, with no signature required and no contact delivery. And that's the opportunity that we have to thwart for the thieves. So we usually make good contact with the receiver and we're like, so we have your package, the courier's there, there's nobody answering the door. What would you like us to do? And so we'll like, you know, we'll come back. It's an extra cost. If the people want us to come back. It's a second attempt to delivery. It's no big deal. We can just route it out. 

Or we'll ask them, is there a safe place to leave it? And if people say, Oh, by the front porch and we confirm with the courier, can you see it from the street? It's like yes or no. And if they can see it from the street, well, hold on a second. We confer with the receiver. Look, you could see this package from the street. Are you sure you want it to be left in plain view? And then they might say, Oh, you know what? There is a blue box in the backyard that we keep our lawn tools and go put that there. Bingo done. 

You know, so we always try to go that little bit extra. It's really easy just to run up and say, okay, it's on your porch, goodbye. But it only takes a second for somebody in a car to spot a courier uniform, walking to the door and take that package. And it's a big problem. We get permission to go into backyards. In fact, one of our drivers was, the police arrived quickly because it's such a thing. The neighbours are on the watch for this. So even though our courier was wearing a uniform, thieves dress like couriers too. 

So we're, you know, it's a constant battle. We've been very successful at not having things stolen because it's in the news all the time. It's on YouTube all the time, and it's very disappointing and you don't want to be part of that. 

Well, the insurance process, you have to go with them on their insurance. It could be anything. And as a receiver of a package, you get pretty disappointed if it's been stolen. And then of course, first thing you do is doubt that it was over there. So we want to make everybody comfortable. It's a big deal. 

Mark: It's a big deal. And it's something that I noticed that the other delivery, perhaps larger ones, I won't name names, they just dump them off and leave. 

Mark H: Yeah well, their volume is very high. The volume is high. They couldn't possibly you know, wait, larger companies can do 12 million deliveries a day. So imagine like the technological side of contacting and back and forth, it's almost impossible. So we're lucky we're a little bit more nimble and we're more bespoke, niche market that we can do it. We've got a team here that will listen and we're able to follow up, we have really good tracking and we also take a picture when we pick it up to make sure we have the right item. And then when we deliver it, we have a picture too. 

So say there was just a slight miscommunication. Oh, go to the backyard, take the stairs door on the left. Oh, I meant the right. Ahh, you know, it could be 20 feet, it's dark, they come home, it's gone. And then there's a picture, it's like, Oh, that's Mike's floor mat I understand. Bingo. Done. 

So, you know, it's always trying to smooth out those little wrinkles and that's something we do all the time, because really we just communicate with customers constantly. That's our job. Couriers are communicators. Our office is a dispatch. And the whole thing is just communication. So we keep that pretty crystal clear, keeping it simple, right? It makes people more confident and happy in the end. And most of the time the package is right there anyways. But when it's not, let's find it. 

Mark: So what's some advice perhaps that you could give people who don't have access to Phantom Couriers, maybe they're in the States, maybe they're in another country who happened to watch this, how can they protect themselves in a little bit better way from this kind of fairly rampant thing of people stealing stuff off your porch?

Mark H: Yeah. Well, traditionally in the past, if you weren't home, say for a large carrier, you'd have to leave a note that said you may leave it, but now that COVID laws are in and no contact, it's just assumed that you're saying leave it. So just print up a little note for the delivery people, put it down at the right-hand corner of your door, where it's noticeable and not from the street where you'd have to see when you walk up, be like what's that. And it could have specific instructions like, Hey, I know you're dropping off a package today, why don't you just walk it around the backyard and put it by the swing set. 

Or if it's an apartment well, it's a lot more trouble, like maybe make arrangements with your neighbours, be more community minded and just say, I have deliveries come in today. Just poke your head out the door. If it's there, just grab it for me I'll be home at five. Because people will steal prepared meals. And how would you like it if you're sending prepared meals to your grandmother and somebody steals them? How frustrating and like, you know, just make those communication notes. We're all in this together. And you know, we're here, you're there, let's team up.

And because it's a delivery economy. I think it's great, which know your neighbour. Well, you don't have to know them, but you know, teamwork, just those little notes, little communication, and it'll solve it a lot faster because once the person gets into a building, they'll just elevator down from the top to the bottom and they will leave with a shopping cart of your stuff. And we've seen them on the streets, you know, it's bad news. 

Mark: So if you're in Vancouver or BC, because they deliver right across British Columbia, into Alberta, into Ontario, Phantom Couriers. You can reach them to get your packages delivered securely (604) 899-5447. Or if you're outside of the lower mainland one eight four four eight nine nine five four, four, seven. Any package, anywhere Phantom Couriers 

Mark H: Gets it, or keeps it safe or brings it back or we'll bring it back another time. 

Mark: Thanks, Mark. 

Mark H: Right on.