Courier Magazine�s Reprint Service

o I am enclosing $2.50 for each article. Mail check to 8571-B Sudley Road, Manassas, VA 20110.

o Charge my order ($10 minimum). Fax credit card orders to 703-330-5357.

o VISA o MasterCard

o A Perspective from Down Under Courier columnist Tom McLeod, marketing director for Dynamic Transport Management (Mt. Waverley, Victoria, Australia), shares interesting insights on how - and why - the Australian courier industry has embraced wireless communications . . . and what U.S. delivery firms can learn from their experiences. [July/Sept. 1995]

o ACCA Leaders Predict Air Courier Industry�s Future The air courier industry is flying high, according to leaders of the Air Courier Conference of America (ACCA). Since everyone "wants it now," the delivery pie is growing to meet the demand. Editor Mary DeLuca reports on the latest growth trends ... and reveals who�s getting the biggest piece. [September/July 1998]

o Acme Courier vs. Godzilla! Protecting Your Business against Monster Loss Is catastrophic liability protection really necessary for courier companies already struggling with the high cost of insurance? Insurance expert Peter Schlactus thought not ... until he heard about a recent settlement of nearly $3 million. In his "Risky Business" column, Schlactus illustrates how Umbrella coverage can protect you from monster claims. [May/June 1999]

o Airlines Push Automation and Reliability to Meet Courier Demands Do you hesitate to offer same day or overnight air shipments because dealing with the airlines can be, well, frustrating at times? This article explains what the airlines are doing to make time-critical deliveries easier for you. [Oct./Dec. 1996]

o Alternative Financing of Sales, Mergers & Acquisitions Attorney Ron Shapss enlightens readers about a variety of methods for helping a potential buyer purchase your messenger-courier business. He looks into pooling of interest, sales of assets, earn-outs and seller financing. [Jan./March 1995]

o Am I My Drivers' Keeper? Answers to Questions about Driver-Owned Autos "Be protected ... or be prepared!" warns insurance expert Peter Schlactus. Autos and trucks create huge risks for delivery companies and can cause grave injury and destruction of property. Schlactus explains that all liability is not created equal ... and tells you how to protect yourself and your company. [March/April 2000]

o Americans with Disabilities Act: It�s the Law. Now What? Messenger-courier executives who think the ADA - which took effect July 26, 1992 - won�t affect them because they don�t hire disabled people better think again! Here�s what the law is all about � and a list of resources for more information. [Oct./Dec. 1992]

o Analyzing the Foundation of Successful Initial Public Offerings Delivery Management Chairman/CEO Dean K. Matt explains why a successful initial public offering needs a solid tripod to support it. [July/Sept. 1996]

o Automatic Dispatching: Automatic Problems or Automatic Profits? When Terry Clevens and Michael Nevin started Bandit Delivery Service (Los Angeles), they knew that to survive they needed an edge. They found that edge in technology. [April/June 1997]

o A Whoe New Ball Game: Messenger Express Success Story What happens if your lifelong dream is to play sports professionally, but an injury sidelines you prematurely? If you�re Messenger Express President Scott Kort, you put together a different type of team. [July/Sept. 1995]

o Back to Basics: Surviving the Recession by Doing the Little Things Right Air courier station manager Tim Brice examined four successful, innovative California messenger companies to learn how they turned a profit despite the past few recessionary years. Lesson learned: stick to the basics! [July/Sept. 1994]

o Backstreet Couriers� Steven Braden Marches to a Different Beat How do you run a successful Tennessee-based business when you live in Colorado? It takes a certain personality � and a top-notch staff to carry on when you�re not on-site. Backstreet Couriers President Steven Braden has both. [Jan./March 1996]

o Beyond Insurance: Loss Control Strategies In this uncertain, uncontrollable world, talking about "controlling" losses might seem unrealistic � but insurance expert Peter Schlactus explains how "The Three C�s" can help you effectively posture your business against loss in this first in a series on Loss Control Strategies. [Oct/Dec 1998]

o Beyond Insurance: Loss Control Strategies In his "Risky Business" column, insurance expert Peter Schlactus continues his series on loss control strategies by focusing on tactics for hiring drivers. Schlactus helps you control your losses by describing basic strategies that you can - and should - put to work within your company. [May/June 2000]

o Bicycle Messengers: Technology for the Terrain Bike messengers may not represent the oldest profession, but they�ve certainly been at it a long time. A humorous, but insightful, piece on what many think is the most colorful aspect of our industry. [Oct./Dec. 1993]

o Boost the Power of Your Vehicle Graphics There�s a gridlock of ho-hum logos sitting in traffic, so how do you pull ahead of the competition? First, you need to determine what you�re selling. If you say, "fast delivery," that�s what your competition is selling, too. Find out how fleet graphics can make your company stand out and get noticed. [July/August 2000]

o Bright Idea! Express-It Courier Services Network developed a unique form that gives all workers the opportunity to submit suggestions and comments. Company President Sal Grassia explains how the form works, including how it benefits both employees and the company. [April/June 1996]

o CAFE Hike Will Cramp Style for Millions of Motorists The U.S. Department of Transportation is considering drastic increases in Federal mileage standards for "light trucks." The Coalition for Vehicle Choice explains why this would increase prices, limit vehicle choice and decrease safety. [Jan./March 1996]

o Caution: Mergers Ahead Predictions of a consolidating messenger-courier industry appear to be proving correct, as witnessed by the growing number of mergers, acquisitions, and regional and national courier companies. Several key players discuss their own company�s role in this trend, which affects large and small firms. [Jan./March 1995]

o Cellular Management: By The Book Verne Kirby�s innovative management style has had courier company owners from around the globe requesting copies of his management "book." In this Success Story, Kirby reveals how his company has kept profits even while reducing staff hours from 150 to 20 hours weekly. [July/August 2000]

o The Check Is In the Mail: How to Reply to Classic Debtor Excuses How do you react when debtors offer excuses for non-payment? Taking a proactive stance is the best way to handle these situations, according to Milliken & Michaels Vice President Jim Azar. [April/June 1997]

o Chicagoland�s Family Affair: United Express System Success Story Owned by Brad and Janice Westrom, United Express System (Aurora, IL) has grown substantially since its humble beginnings around the Westrom;�s kitchen table. A caring attitude, the willingness to learn and a lot of hard work combine to make UES more than just a business. [Oct./Dec 1996]

o Collection Litigation: Legal Roulette Executive Vice President Louis M. Gavin of Milliken & Michaels explains why filing suit against debtors can be like playing legal roulette. This article will show you how using the legal system to collect accounts receivable can be a slow - and often uncertain - process.

o Coming to Grips with Change in an Ever-Changing World: UPS Reveals Transformation Process The evolution of UPS - from message and errands service to nationwide carrier - has been peppered with challenge. Senior Manager of Public Relations Robert S. Godlewski tells how transformation continues to challenge the giant and how UPS sees the future of the delivery industry. [May/June 1999]

o Comparing Consolidation & Acquisitions in the Same-Day Delivery Industry with Other Industries Although consolidation of the same-day delivery service industry is relatively new, analysts have compared it to the consolidation of the solid waste industry. Delivery Management Executive VP and CFO William Marra examines the "waste industry consolidation model" to see what lessons courier executives can learn. [April/June 1996]

o Competitive Bidding: Wireless Communications Opportunities for Small Business Robert Allen, Esq., explains FCC auctions as a method of awarding licenses, opening the way for small businesses, women and minorities to take a bigger piece of the pie. [July/Sept. 1994]

o Computers: How to Protect Your Critical Records Along with the improved service and increased efficiency computer technology brings, courier companies should also recognize and address the new risks involved. Insurance advisor Peter Schlactus offers invaluable tips on how to protect your company�s important records. [July/Sept. 1996]

o �Contract� vs. �Common� Courier Status As interpreted by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit Court, the difference is more than semantic and can spell trouble for couriers transporting "valuable paper" for a financial institution. [Oct./Dec. 1993]

o Controlling Chaos: Software Solutions for Messenger-Courier Firms Computerized operations, controlled by industry-specific software, can help produce a cost-efficient courier company. What programs are best for your firm? The unique capabilities and niches of software available from industry suppliers and case studies of how these systems are used by a number of courier companies are presented in this feature. [Oct./Dec. 1992]

o Corporate Express Delivery Adopts Wireless Data When city streets are congested with traffic, airwaves become clogged too. Bob Walton, Operations Manager of Corporate Express (Washington, DC), tells how making the switch to wireless data relieved the company�s communication traffic. [Oct/Dec 1998]

o Courier Companies Shine in the UPS Aftermath The fifteen-day strike between the Teamsters and United Parcel Service opened the eyes of shippers across the country. Here�s how courier companies rose to the challenge ... when the country was left "holding the package." [Jan/March 1998]

o Courier Magazine�s 1996 Profile of the Messenger-Courier Industry Ever find yourself making important business decisions without the research you need to back you up? Do you need a credible, reliable resource of financial and operational data about the messenger-courier industry? Courier Magazine�s 1996 Profile of the Messenger-Courier Industry can provide the information you�re seeking. [April/June 1996]

o Couriers and Printers Form Partnerships Many printing companies have replaced their in-house delivery fleets with contract couriers � saving time, money and headaches. [April/June 1994]

o Couriers in America: Chicago - Delivering in a Tough Town Al Capone may be gone, but Chicago�s tough-guy reputation hangs on. Hope Katz Gibbs visits with busy Chicago execs and explains why delivering in the windy city is a tough task. [May/June 1999]

o Couriers in America: Columbus, Ohio Miami and Los Angeles may boast beaches and balmy weather, but from a courier company's point of view, Columbus, Ohio, may be North America's true paradise. Ross Miller visits with Columbus courier company execs and details the unusual benefits the area has to offer. [March/April 2000]

o Couriers in America: Houston The "Bayou City" is the fourth-largest city in the US. With a diverse economy ranging from medical to computers to aerospace. Cindy Cross explains how Houston courier companies break in, stay afloat and stay cool. [Sept/Oct 1999]

o Couriers in America: Los Angeles Our series examines the differences in courier markets across the US. Editor Mary DeLuca examines the LA area and explains why its challenges are like no other: from traffic jams to Space Jam. [April/June 1998]

o Couriers in America: New York City Fashion, finance, international affairs, law firms, broadcasting ... everybody�s who�s anybody is in New York. Eric Stein tells how Big Apple couriers serve New York City�s 18,000,000 inhabitants. [July/September 1998]

o Couriers in America: South Florida If you don�t habla espanõl, you�re not going to make it in the South Florida messenger business. Hope Katz Gibbs tells how area courier companies deal with barriers in language, traffic and competition [October/December 1998].

o Couriers in America: Washington DC As they say in real estate, "location is everything." First in a series examining the differences in courier markets across the United States, we take a look at the national capital area and reveal the unique challenges posed by the seat of government for the messenger-courier industry. [Jan/March 1998]

o Couriers in Crisis: Bringing Disaster Relief Mother Nature�s demolition crew - hurricane, earthquake, tornado, fire and flood - literally brought the house down for some couriers who - despite the destruction of their homes, businesses and towns - helped ease the pain of others. [Jan./March 1993]

o Couriers Keep Heads above Water When devastating floods hit the midwest in the summer of �93, courier companies were faced with the almost impossible task of keeping their doors open for business while keeping the rising waters at bay. [Oct./Dec. 1993]

o Credit Application Basics Credit applications serve as contracts between your business and new prospects. Vice President James G. Azar of Milliken & Michaels reveals critical information for maximizing your credit-worthy sales ... and explains the difference between "nice-to-know" details and those that are "need-to-know." [April/June 1998]

o Customer Service: It�s the Little Things that Count Have you ever received a telephone call from a retailer asking whether an item you purchased a month earlier was meeting your needs? No doubt you noticed - and remembered - the good turn. Richard Ensman, Jr. tells how to get your customers to remember you ... by incorporating "little things" into your daily operations. [July/September 1998]

o Debugging Your Warehouse Business opportunities in warehousing are growing at a 30-40 percent rate throughout the United States. Warehousing experts John DiTucci and Roy J. Steele give you the advice you need to cash in on this $25 billion business. [Sept/Oct 1999]

o Defeating the Dragon at the Gate: Challenging the IRS Need help in defeating the dragon at the gate? Attorney Roland Frasier, III explains how you can fight the Internal Revenue Service on independent contractor disputes - and win! [Jan./March 1995]

o Delivering in Cyperspace Why are more and more messenger-courier companies launching World Wide Web sites? This follow-up to our July/September 1996 article explains what your industry colleagues are experiencing on the Internet. [Oct./Dec. 1996]

o Despite Quivers and Shivers, Couriers Make Their Rounds As Californians battled a major earthquake, most of the rest of us tried to keep warm. But Mother Nature�s worst wasn�t enough to keep messengers from their appointed rounds. [April/June 1994]

o Determination Meets Inspiration: Unishippers Defines the "Reselling" Business From mini-storage to mini-empire, Unishippers is creating success as it carves the reselling niche within the delivery business. This Success Story chronicles the hills and valleys of Unishippers� road to success. [May/June 2000]

o Dialing for Dollars Each call your company receives means money in your pocket ... but if people can�t get through to your call center, they�re going to take their business elsewhere. Kevin Todd Parsons reviews what you need to know to update or revamp your telephone system. [Oct/Dec 1998]

o Different Strokes for Different Folks With computer keyboards connected to a new generation of software specifically designed for the messenger-courier industry, help in handling your operations can be right at your fingertips. Profiles of 16 courier companies and eight of the software solutions they�ve found to improve customer service, achieve greater efficiency and increase their profits. [April/June 1995]

o Dispatcher Burnout: Inevitable? Can you ease the strain that your dispatchers face on a daily basis? Burnout stems from an overdose of continuous stress - from lack of control over the work flow to customer demands, traffic, weather, breakdowns, accidents and constant deadlines. [Oct./Dec. 1994]

o Dispatchers: How to Live with ... and without ... Them People skills ... grace under fire ... communication skills ... and an ability to read a map. That�s what courier company execs look for in their dispatchers. Many believe that dispatchers are the "heart and soul" of the messenger-courier industry ... but how do you live with them? Here are hints from the field and how some companies are making the most of their dispatchers. [April/June 1998]

o Don�t Just Survive Change . . . Change to Survive! CPA Peter N. Chase offers variety of valuable tips for your business planning - the key to surviving and thriving. How you treat your employees will be reflected in how they contribute to your company�s growth. Read how time spent planning now will pay off later in future dividends. [April/June 1995]

o Double Rush Delivers Laughs Based on bicycle messengers, CBS-TV�s new Double Rush sitcom is off to a flying start. The comedy�s fast pace keeps the action - and the deliveries - moving while providing viewers with lively entertainment. [April/June 1995]

o Eastern Connection: Taking the Niche Route to Success "Cultivate a niche in the market, don�t stretch too far and stay focused on what you do best." This is how Eastern Connection developed into the successful business it is today. [Oct./Dec. 1995]

o E-Commerce and the Local Delivery Industry E-commerce orders surpassed the 1,000,000 mark last year and are expected to hit 3,000,000 by the end of 1999. Greg Kidd, founder of dNet.com, explains why e-commerce is the silver lining behind the fax and e-mail cloud over the local delivery industry. [Sept/Oct 1999]

o Employee Retention: Don�t Put the Cart Before the Horse In light of today�s unprecedented labor shortage, finding good employees is steadily getting tougher. Mel Kleiman, nationally known authority on employee recruiting, offers concise tips on finding good help. [Sept/Oct 1999]

o Employment Practices Alert The combination of workers� compensation statutes and the vast array of employment laws can make employees a far greater threat to your company�s welfare than the public at large. Certified Insurance Counselor Jeffrey A. Ice reviews the reasons you need employment practices coverage. [Jan/March 1997]

o Empower Your Employees ExpressAir Messenger, Inc. (Newport Beach, CA) President/CEO Bruce Ross explains how to empower your employees in four easy steps. "If you want initiative from your employees, management must display initiative first by taking the time to put together an employee empowerment program," he says. [Oct./Dec. 1995]

o Executive Summary of IRS Draft Training Guide on Determining the Employment Status of Workers If your company uses independent contractors, you�ll be interested in the new Training Guide the IRS is preparing. Attorneys Camille A. Olson and Timothy F. Haley summarized the draft proposal and highlighted potential problems. [July/Sept. 1996]

o Expand Your Horizons with Niche Marketing Competing on price alone can be hazardous to your bottom line. Strengthen your balance sheet by branching out into warehousing, distribution, outsourcing, grocery delivery, express trucking and other new niches. [April/June 1994]

o Faxes �n� Taxes Threaten Bicycle Couriers Document-lugging urban road warriors flashing through traffic on two wheels, many metropolitan areas bicycle couriers are finding it increasingly difficult to outrace technology, high insurance costs and a sagging economy. [Oct./Dec. 1992]

o FCC Opens New Radio Frequencies for Courier Companies The FCC has acted to enhance the attractiveness of Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR) systems to messenger-courier companies. You, too, can take advantage of this new window of opportunity. [Jan./March 1993]

o Financial Benchmarks of Today�s Messenger-courier Industry See how your courier company stacks up against others in the industry. This excerpt from Courier Magazine�s 1996 Profile of the Messenger-Courier Industry highlights annual sales volume, growth rate, sales and profits, costs per hour, and accounts receivable. [Oct./Dec. 1996]

o Fleet Facts: Courier Executives Reveal What Drives Their Companies Here�s your chance to compare your fleet with those used by other courier companies. Which cars, vans, pickups and trucks work best in this industry? [Jan./March 1996]

o "They know what our needs are and they never let us down." With testimonials like that, it�s no wonder Front Range Courier has taken its business to billings of $1.62 million in only 16 years. Details of this company�s journey to prosperity. [April/June 1998]

Free-call dispatching relies on the knowledge of the fleet � and counts on dispatchers as coaches and quality control supervisors. According to Greg Kidd, founder and chairman of DMS Corp., many firms are experiencing higher productivity, quality and professionalism from this alternative method of dispatching that makes every person in the organization a problem-solver. [October/December 1997]

o From Mom & Pop to Pros Management Consultant Paul Stoney, who once owned a London-based messenger-courier firm, discusses the dangers that could dash an otherwise flourishing business against the rocks. [July/Sept 1993]

o Getting Personal about Insurance: Part 1 Beware the three myths of personal insurance! Insurance expert Peter Schlactus exposes the one-size-fits-all insurance policy for what it is and details often overlooked insurance features focusing on personal insurance. [July/August 2000]

o Give Your Business a Lift with Warehousing Does your company operate a warehouse? If not, it may be just a matter of time before one of your customers asks for this service. Several courier executives - operating both large and small warehouses - share their knowledge about this popular, and growing service. [April/June 1996]

o Going by the Book The Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Transportation are teaming up and cracking down on hazardous materials violations. Editor Mary DeLuca reports on what you must know to protect your company. [Oct/Dec 1998]

o Going On-Line: Will It Work for You? Communication is a key element of any successful messenger-courier business, and one of the fastest growing means of communicating today is the World Wide Web. Courier company managers tell how they are taking advantage of this new marketing tool. [July/Sept. 1996]

o Good Advice about Bad Checks Minimize the loss to your business caused by bad checks with a professional three-step plan by Vice President James G. Azar of Milliken & Michaels. Azar explains why a debtor who offers a bad check is no different from one who persistently ignores your request for payment. [Jan/March 1998]

o Ground Assault Is a shipment still considered "air freight" when it never sees an airplane? Shippers and forwarders are finding new beauty in a transport standby - trucks. An explanation of the increasing importance traditional air transport providers are placing on surface operations. [April/June 1998]

o He�s Not My Employee � He Just Works for Me: Keeping Independent Contractors Independent "He�s not my employee � he just works for me." How many times have we heard that one before? Messenger/courier companies continually seek to maximize their staffing flexibility while minimizing their employment and employee benefit costs by hiring independent contractors. "Despite the substantial benefit to companies of using independent contractors, the practice is not risk-free," warns attorney Lisa Lavelle of McKenna & Cuneo, L.L.P. "Just as your messengers watch for hazards on the road, you must be alert to these hazards of worker misclassification!" [July/September 1997]

o Help Wanted: What�s Desirable in Hireable Couriers What qualities and traits do messenger-courier executives look for in a prospective employee or independent contractor? We�ve dug through the classified ads, done some interviewing, and share our findings. [April/June 1993]

o High Tech = Increased Productivity An in-depth examination of messenger-courier companies that are taking advantage of the latest technology available for order taking, dispatching, tracking, billing, payroll � and all other functions of a successful operation. [July/Sept. 1993]

o Hiring - and Keeping! - the Best Workers Few workers anymore intend to stay with a company for life. In fact, they don�t expect you to be around that long. The average U.S. worker will change jobs nine times in his or her lifetime. Human resources expert Bill Cook shares strategies for finding the right candidate, reducing expensive employee turnover ... and keeping your best workers on the job. [April/June 1995]

o Hold the Phone! There�s a Customer on the Line! Automated answering machines, voice mail and messages-on-hold are filling the empty void for callers waiting to be connected. Does your telephone system turn callers on to your business and services ... or does it turn them off to a lack of customer service? [Jan./March 1995]

o How Can I Build a Team When I'm Stuck with the Players I've Got? Most managers agree that professional relationships and building trust are key to survival in business. Communications consultant Leil Lowndes explains how to become effective at building a team when you're stuck with employees who are less than enthusiastic over management's latest buzz words. [Oct/Dec 1997]

o How to Evaluate and Sell Your Business Attorney Ron Shapss, a specialist in the transportation industry, discusses the evaluation and marketing of a privately-held messenger-courier company. [Jan./March 1993]

o How to Insure Your Warehouse Warehouses expose concentrated values of goods to fire, flood and other potential damage. insurance advisor Peter Schlactus explains the types of insurance available to protect warehouses and offers tips for making the right choice. [April/June 1996]

o How to Save Money � and Win More IRS Audits What happens when you�re selected for an IRS audit of your independent contractors� status? A CPA takes the fear out of facing the IRS and offers practical advice to enhance your audit�s chances of success. [Jan./March 1994]

o The Importance of Strategic Planning: An Overview Consolidation consultants Eric J. Lomas and C. A. Burkhardt explain why owners of delivery companies need a strategic plan that provides a conceptual framework for making decisions today which will affect their companies in the future. [Jan/March 1997]

o Increase Your Sales and Profitability Aero Speed Delivery Director of Sales Donna Logsdon offers tips on increasing not just sales, but profitable sales: Start at the beginning . . . with a business plan. [July/Sept. 1995]

o Industry Profile From predictions of messenger-courier executives to an overview of how the industry operates throughout the country, our 1993 Industry Profile summarizes the results of this comprehensive survey of our readers. [Oct./Dec. 1993]

o Insuring the Messenger-Courier Industry Many courier companies find it difficult - or even impossible - to get the coverage they need at rates they can afford. With your business needs in mind, several insurance carriers who focus on the messenger-courier industry offer basic tips on how to sort through the complexities of coverage. Sidebar articles discuss finding an insurance specialist and working smarter to get favorable rates. [April/June 1993]

In recent years, both the IRS and state departments of unemployment insurance have been aggressively auditing messenger-courier companies that use I.C.s. Attorney Nancy E. Joerg of Wessels & Pautsch, P.C. explores the recent developments which change the way the IRS approaches the I.C. issue. [April/June 1997]

o Is There a Future for Independent Delivery Firms? Recent articles in the industry press have given the impression that the future for independent delivery firms may dim. Kiwi Corp. executives Greg Kidd and Linda Jenkinson offer two paths courier companies can follow to survive. [July/Sept. 1995]

o It�s a Jungle Out There! Taking a cue from Barbara Walters - who once asked Katharine Hepburn, "If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? - we asked our Editorial Advisory Board some intriguing, albeit leading, leading questions � including, "Which animal best represents the typical courier executive?" We hope you enjoy their half serious and full earnest answers. [April/June 1997]

o Just Say �No� to the IRS: Courier Industry Unfairly Targeted Think the IRS is out to get you? It is according to Edgar Gee and Willis Jackson, the dynamic duo who�ve won landmark cases against the IRS on independent contractor issues. The CPA and attorney tell you how the IRS operates and when - and why - you should just say �no� to the IRS. [May/June 2000]

o Laser Courier: Success Story Laser Courier has developed a network of strategically located offices that allows them to ensure efficient delivery times and exceptional logistical coverage. This article explains how the network approach makes them successful. [July/Sept. 1996]

o Leasing vs. Ownership: Advantages, Disadvantages and How to Make the Choice To own or lease capital equipment � which is better? Consolidated Services Regional Manager Robert Cavalli clarifies each approach and provides pointers on how to make the best decision for your company. {Jan./March 1996]

o Maintaining Your Competitive Edge While Remaining Independent If you�ve decided to maintain your independence in the face of all those national networks, you may be feeling the crunch in the crowded marketplace. How can you remain competitive? Several courier executives share tips on how to play the game under the new rules. [Oct./Dec. 1996]

o Making the Air Courier Connection While many think overnight delivery is the exclusive turf of giants like Federal Express, DHL, United Parcel Service or Airborne Express, more and more businesses are learning that smaller courier companies are available to meet specialized needs the big guys either can�t or won�t. Three such companies are profiled here, along with a guide to airline support services and a description of ACCA, the air courier industry�s trade association. [Jan./March 1993]

o Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing Now Required If you�re not testing your drivers for drugs and alcohol, you may be in violation of federal regulations. Attorneys Craig W. Trepanier and Joseph G. Schmitt explain the steps you should take to comply with the regulations. [April/June 1996]

o Maryland Messenger Service: Success Story For 40 years, quality service, efficient on-time delivery and courteous professional personnel have enhanced Maryland Messenger Service�s reputation as "the original messenger" in the Baltimore metropolitan area. [April/June 1996]

o Meals on Wheels: Takeout Taxi Brings Restaurants Home A timely trend in the messenger-courier business - delivering complete meals to customers at home - Takeout Taxi franchisees are reaping the rewards of this movement. [April/June 1993]

o Media Messengers: Couriers Deliver TV and Movie Performances Entree to people�s personal and professional lives afforded to couriers may explain their emerging prominence and popularity in movies and on television. But the critical nature of the service they perform attests to their role on and off camera. [Oct./Dec. 1992]

o Mediation: A Smarter Way to Resolve Disputes Attorney-mediator Judy Cohn sheds light on a non-adversarial way to settle otherwise costly small business disagreements. [July/Sept. 1993]

o Miles to Go and Promises to Keep ... Great Customer Service Is More than On-Time Delivery It�s a fact of life in the courier business that every day some runs are going to be late and some customers are going to be unhappy. How do you handle these unhappy customers? RoadRunner Transportation V.P. Blaine Walker offers advice on building customer loyalty. [Jan/March 1997]

o More Memorable Deliveries Think you�ve delivered some nifty stuff? Over 50 courier companies responded to our invitation to tell us about their more memorable deliveries. From celebrity and organic deliveries to dangerous cargo, gags and gifts, you�ll enjoy reading about the more unusual assignments delicately handled by today�s messenger corps. [April/June 1995]

o Motivate Your Employees to Deliver Their Best In a service industry, employees are your most important asset. Several courier company executives give advice on which motivational programs work best. Instilling mutual trust and job pride, and asking employees for feedback are some of the ideas explored. [Oct./Dec. 1995]

o Naming Names: What Works for Courier Companies Because your company�s name carries such awesome responsibility, it must be chosen with great care and thought. Ideally, your corporate name should describe - at a glance - your business and the services it provides. [Jan./March 1993]

o National Partnerships: Is Joining an Alliance in Your Future? Almost every time we turn around we hear about a new national organization springing up to create a network of courier companies to provide coast-to-coast service. Who are all these organizations? [Oct./Dec. 1996]

o Negotiating a Payment Plan How can you protect your company�s interests when negotiating a payment plan with a customer who�s already defaulted on the original terms of your agreement? Vice President James G. Azar of Milliken & Michaels suggests using "logical criteria" which are simple variations on your original credit-granting policies. [July/September 1997]

o New Market Opportunities: More Than One Way to Diversify Astute owners and managers are constantly looking for viable business opportunities. Here�s a bird�s-eye view of how and where to find the best ways to diversify. [April/June 1994]

o Nice Niche: Medical Editor Mary DeLuca explores the one niche that remains secure in the face of technology. Specimen samples will always be sent to labs, prescriptions will always be needed by patients and - until Scotty perfects that "beam me up" number - blood, tissue and body parts must be delivered by couriers. [May/June 2000]

o No Matter What�s in the Package, Couriers Carry On A whimsical look at some of the industry�s more memorable odd-ball deliveries. [Jan./March 1994]

o Olympic Fever: Coping with the Crowds How do you cope when your regular delivery area is blocked off to vehicular traffic and thousands of visitors are partying in the streets? Atlanta couriers tell how they got the work done while leaving time to enjoy the festivities. [Oct./Dec. 1996]

Jerry Mercer will never forget his first delivery: Flying a wooden winged, fabric covered airplane, he earned $164, cleared his expenses ... and made a profit of $40. Twenty-three years later, AirNet�s revenues are expected to exceed $85 million. [April/June 1997]

o Outfoxing the Fax Those who thought faxes would kill the messenger-courier industry were wrong! Some industry execs even admit the fax helps them conduct business more efficiently. [April/June 1994]

o Patriotic Duty Leads to Commercial Success Ask Ralph Richter what makes his company such a remarkable success, and he�s likely to point to the more than 1,300 employees who work for him every day. For the past 25 years, Columbus, Ohio-based U.S. Cargo and Courier Service has been at the forefront of quality service and dependability. Louise Muniak explains why, in this issue�s interesting "Success Story." [July/September 1997]

o Personalized Service: the Key to Courier Marketing Success The formula for marketing success. Interviews with successful messenger companies reveal how to attract and retain customers ... and grow your business. [April/June 1998]

o Pony Express . . . with a Twist Bicycle couriers face hazards and obstacles that rival even those overcome by the Pony Express riders of history. A lighthearted look at these fascinating wheeler-dealers. [Oct./Dec. 1993]

o Preferred Delivery Systems: State of the Art Technology Turns Chaos Into Bliss PDS adopted technology which allows its dispatchers to communicate electronically with their couriers. Owner Kevin McGuire explains how the technology has transformed their whole operation. [July/Sept. 1996]

o Preparing Yourself - and Your Company - for a Sale Selling your company is a complicated process requiring advance planning and professional analysis in many areas. In addition to telling you how to get ready for the sale, HPC Puckett & Company V.P. Eric Severson details various valuation procedures used in the industry. [April/June 1997]

o Prices That Pay for Same-Day Marketing Consultant and Senior Manager/FedEx Sharon Jacobson interviews 1.800.COURIER execs Sal Grassia and Michael Oakes, who discuss the company�s valuable perspective on pricing for the same-day delivery industry. You�re bound to benefit from some lessons learned! [July/September 1997]

o Pricing Your Service: What�s in It for You? Messenger-courier executive Larry Huiras offers enlightenment to anyone who�s even slightly confused about how to determine the fair market value of a delivery company�s services. [July/Sept. 1993]

o Psychology of a Debtor One of the biggest problems you face in running your credit department is deciding when your customer becomes a debtor, according to Milliken & Michaels� Tim Sanderson. Learn how understanding the psychology of a debtor will help minimize your end-of-year write offs. [Oct/Dec 1998]

o Public Relations and the Courier Industry Messenger firms are learning to put their best feet forward in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Many are finding that hiring a public relations firm to promote their accomplishments is a positive way of attracting attention. [Oct./Dec. 1994]

o Quick International Courier Robert Mitzman started Quick International Courier with desire, intelligence and $7,000. How did he get from there to a $60 million company in only 15 years? Quick�s Success Story explains. [Jan/March 1997]

o RDS Spells Success: Success Story RDS Delivery Service (Manhattan, NY) is owned and operated by a family that cares. This Success Story showcases how RDS has controlled company growth, empowered employees, marketed its message, and enhanced its image by getting involved in the community to capitalize on a commitment to service excellence. [April/June 1995]

o The Rise and Fall of American Delivery Service: Success Story When American Delivery Service in St. Louis changed the status of its couriers from independent contractors to employees in 1989, a majority of the company�s couriers quit because they viewed their withholding taxes as a pay cut. ADS bounced back, but the turnaround wasn�t easy. [Oct./Dec. 1994]

o Risky Business: Shattering the Myths about Workers' Comp No other form of insurance elicits as much fear, loathing and misunderstanding as Workers' Compensation. Insurance expert Peter Schlactus dispels seven popular myths about Independent Contractors and gives the information you need to know. [Oct/Dec 1997]

o Sales, Mergers & Acquisitions CPA, MBA Joe Palmer offers expert insights into the expedited delivery industry�s early stages of consolidation. His discussion includes consolidation benefits, consolidators, and the nature of related financial transactions. [Jan./March 1995]

o The Search for Best Practices Courier company owners from around the world were polite and courteous when they visited the US, but were shocked by what they saw in comparison to some of the best practices in their home countries. Greg Kidd, founder of DMS Corp., gives a provocative overview of the differences in the best management practices of messenger-courier companies around the globe. [April/June 1998]

o The Secret�s in the Sauce Washington Courier's owner Hugh Sutherland says the secret sauce that helped his five-year-old company gross $1.6 million in 1997 was top-notch service, a 15-minute response time, and good manners. His 1,300 customers agree. Hope Katz Gibbs tells the success story of Washington Courier. [July/September 1998]

o Self-Motivating Workers for the Delivery Industry How do you motivate independent contractors? Kiwi Corp. founder Greg Kidd says to let them motivate themselves by introducing a new way of managing your couriers: free call. [Oct./Dec. 1995]

o Sexual Harassment Ruling Spells Workplace Revolution Penalties for sexual harassers - and the companies that tolerate them - are about to get tougher. Understand your company�s liability in such cases, as well as ways to prevent potentially costly workplace behavior. [April/June 1994]

o Shareholder Value in the Local Delivery Industry: A New Reality The rise and fall of shareholder value within the messenger-courier industry has been a roller coaster ride for the past couple of years. Greg Kidd, founder of DMS (and current chairman of dNet.com), and Rob Howard, dNet's director of strategy, tackle the reasons for the downfall ... and speculate on future shareholder success. [March/April 2000]

o The Silent Majority Is the delivery industry soon to be dominated by national companies created by stock issues with a plan to gobble up small, profitable firms? Verne Kirby, owner of Datapack Couriers, describes his vision for the future of independent contractors as he speaks out for the Silent Majority. [May/June 1999]

o Sixteen Winning Marketing Strategies to Increase Your Sales and Profits Courier companies no longer can rely on past accomplishments to generate income and sales. Publisher - and public relations executive - Bruce Joffe illustrates how to make yours a marketing-oriented organization and gain a clear marketplace advantage. [March/April 2000]

o Slow and Steady Wins the Race With $500 and a can-do attitude, Mark Furia broke into the courier industry in 1983. Here�s the success story of Valley Forge Courier Service�s growth from a side venture to one of Philadelphia�s 100 fastest-growing privately held companies. [Jan/March 1998]

o Software Capabilities This easy-to-use and understand chart compares features from all the major software packages available for the messenger-courier. [July/Sept.1996]

o Standards for the Messenger-Courier Industry Setting standards of service - and improving communications between companies - will help the industry raise its level of professionalism, according to Greg Austin and Greg Kidd of DMS Corp. Here�s what they propose. [April/June 1997]

o State of the Messenger-Courier Industry Where is the messenger-courier industry headed and how will it get there? Fourteen industry insiders took time from their busy schedules to share their views of the future with our readers. [July/Sept. 1995]

o Strange Brew: Contractors, Employees and Workers� Compensation Many courier executives share a common misperception that the IRS uses Workers� Compensation to evaluate the contractor status of drivers. Not so! Insurance expert Peter Schlactus helps you navigate the risky Workers� Comp waters of governmental guidelines. [July/September 1998]

o Strategies for Attracting Better Drivers � and Getting Them to Stay More than Six Months Driver retention can be difficult in this industry, with some companies suffering an 80% turnover each month! American Delivery Service President Dale A. Oestreich shares the results of his research on how to recruit - and retain - the best drivers. [Jan/March 1997]

o Strengthening Your Position During Initial Delinquency Even the most cautious policies and comprehensive credit investigations can�t circumvent the reality that some accounts go past due. Credit and collections expert James Azar explains how to improve your chances of collecting what you�re owed. [Jan/March 1997]

o Surfing to Success Some call the Internet the bridge to the next millennium - others consider it a virtual world filled with drivel. Courier Magazine explains the ins and outs of the Internet and tells you how to make it work for you. [January/March 1998]

o Taking the Courier Business to the Internet Competition is heating up as FedEx and UPS use Internet technology to facilitate business. Sandra Wear of CY Business tells why the Internet is the next logical step for your courier company. [January/March 1998]

o Taking on Goliath: How Insurance Can Help Insurance can be a great equalizer between you and your larger competitors, says KBS officer Peter Schlactus, who explains how to use insurance in your sales presentations to portray yourself as more professional. [Oct./Dec. 1996]

o Taking Workers� Comp on the Road When drivers hit the road, there�s no telling where they might get hurt. Out-of-state worker injuries pose a serious problem for the messenger-courier industry. KBS officer Peter Schlactus discusses some practical solutions to this complicated issue. [April/June 1997]

o Talk about Expedited Delivery!-Holiday Promotions Santa isn�t the only one who makes special deliveries at the end of the year. Many messenger-courier companies use the holiday season to thank customers and make contact with prospects. [Oct./Dec. 1995]

o Technology 2000 Technology is moving at the speed of the Internet and Courier Magazine brings you our annual update so you can outfit or update your business with the latest and greatest from the world of technology. [March/April 2000]

o Technology Helps Messenger Company Succeed When Art Ruben opened Action Messenger Company in 1990, he realized that - to grow and stay competitive - he would have to make the move and automate. Dave Rizzo explains how Ruben's choice of the ASCAR computer system allowed his company to expand, while meeting its changing needs. [Oct/Dec 1997]

o Technology Showcase Can�t decide which software is right for your courier company? We took some of the mystery out of shopping for a new system by collecting information from each of the major software companies and distilling it into a simple, usable format. [July/Sept.1996]

o Tech�s Next Generation The mysteries of wireless communications are unraveled. If you�re even the least bit confused about mobile data, cellular, AVL and the like, this article can help you stay ahead of these ever-changing times. [July/Sept. 1994]

o Technology to the Rescue Technology is your company's key to success � and the future. Bring your company into the next millenium with a computerized system that's right for you. We've asked the top companies providing technological solutions for the messenger-courier industry to give us the lowdown on what they can offer you. See why they think their systems outshine the rest in this special report. [Oct/Dec 1997]

o Ten Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Company With merger mania still gripping the messenger industry, many experts offer books and seminars on how to market your business. Hill Thompson Capital Markets Managing Director C. A. Burkhardt says it�s just as important to know what not to do when selling. [Oct./Dec. 1995]

o The Unjustified and Limitless Use of Double Taxation and Its Implications for the Messenger-Courier Industry Attorneys Lawrence A. Silibra II and Marc Weinstein explain how aggressive state tax authorities - searching for new revenue sources - are trying to collect corporate income taxes based on the number of interstate miles traveled. [Oct./Dec. 1996]

o The New "Air Courier" Revolution Courier Columnist Bruce Ross, president of Southern California�s ExpressAir Messenger, Inc., tells how his company is capitalizing on the area�s increasing problem of ground traffic congestion. Combining helicopters, airplanes and light trucks, ExpressAir Messenger makes timely deliveries - even to the most remote locations. [July/Sept. 1994]

o The Third Party Solution: When All Else Fails, Call the Bill Collector! Just as important as timing is to the delivery business, it�s equally vital to the successful collection of your receivables. [Jan./March 1993]

o "This is Going to Happen" On April 25, 1995, the operations manager for Bellair Express (Chicago, IL) received a call requesting an emergency delivery to Bahrain. Before he even knew where in the world Bahrain is - and acting on his own authority - he took steps to ensure the delivery would be made. [Oct./Dec. 1995]

o To Sell or Not to Sell? UltraEx has learned a lot about buying and selling companies. Its management has participated in more than a dozen mergers, acquisitions and sales in recent years. Marketing consultant and former senior manager for FedEx Sharon Jacobson discusses why and how that experience could be beneficial to you. [July/September 1998]

o Uniform Performance In an effort to put best feet forward and gain a competitive edge, more and more delivery companies are putting uniforms on their couriers. [July/Sept. 1994]

o Unions and Couriers: Worrisome Trend? The evolving story of how the Teamsters are going about unionizing couriers is told through a chronology of events. [Oct./Dec. 1994]

o Universal Payout Grid Greg Kidd, founder and Chairman of DMS Corp, illustrates how standardizing pay could bring your company Increased productivity, better pay, improved workforce quality � and raise customer perceptions of service standards. [Oct/Dec 1998]

o U.S. Delivery Systems: Success Story In November 1993, seven local delivery companies merged to create the first national same-day local network. The company plans to have operations in every major U.S. market within the next two years. [Jan./March 1995]

Success comes to those who get a jump on technology, according to execs at RoadRunner Transportation (St. Paul, MN). Leslie Anderson tells the "Success Story" of how technology helped RoadRunner grow from a suburban taxi company in 1979 to a transportation company handling over 4,500 packages daily today. [Oct/Dec 1997]

o Wanted: Helipad in L.A. with Warehouse Space. Bank Vault Optional How do you find the perfect location for a helipad in Los Angeles. For ExpressAir Messenger Service, it took patience and tenacity. President/CEO Bruce Ross shares his experiences. [April/June 1996]

o Warehousing Resources - What�s Out There? Security, insurance regulations, safety standards and advertising are just a few of the issues that must be addressed when you run a warehouse. But where do you get help with all these details? We researched various organizations that represent the warehouse industry to give you some answers. [April/June 1996]

o What�s Your Job Worth? If you�re making a career out of owning or operating a messenger-courier firm, you�ll be interested in the statistics gathered from our executive compensation survey. [July/Sept. 1995]

o When Hollywood Calls, Classic Courier Delivers Working in Hollywood requires dependability, responsiveness and a steadfast commitment to meet customer needs on time, every time. Classic Courier implemented a two-way wireless data communications solution to stay successful in this exciting market. [July/Sept. 1996]

o Wireless Data Solution Delivers for AdCom Express With radio dispatch congestion increasing along with the size of his business, Cliff Neuse of AdCom Express knew that deliveries would suffer. Paola Stanziale tells how Neuse found a reliable and cost-effective way for his drivers and dispatchers to exchange time-critical information. [Oct/Dec 1997]

o Women Deliver as Owner-Operators of Messenger-Courier Companies Females surviving - and thriving - in the male-dominated courier business are profiled, along with a variety of methods through which these pioneering women entered the frenzied world of on-demand and consolidated. [Jan./March 1994]

o Workers� Comp Rate Hikes Spur Company �Take-a-Hikes� Workers� compensation premiums, a source of grief for many Ohio companies, drove one Cincinnati courier service into Northern Kentucky after reclassifying its workers as full-time employees rather than independent contractors. Here�s how some experts say messenger firms can handle soaring workers� comp costs. [Oct./Dec. 1992]

o Workers� Compensation: A Primer Insurance expert Peter Schlactus gets back to basics with the fundamentals of Workers� Compensation and explains how it affects your independent contractors. Schlactus reveals pitfalls and offers solutions in the most dreaded of insurance areas. [Jan/March 1998]

o Workers� Compensation: Confronting One of the Industry�s Worst Headaches As workers� comp expenses continue to skyrocket, the need to control these costs becomes even more essential. Labor law attorneys Richard H. Wessels and Frank A. Gumina describe several strategies for cost containment. [April/June 1993]

o Workers� Compensation Crackdown Just when you thought it was safe ... new storm clouds are gathering on the Workers� Compensation front. Government and the insurance industry have intensified their scrutiny of companies� workers� comp policies. Insurance expert Peter Schlactus explains which companies are more likely to be called to account ... and what they can expect. [April/June 1998]

o Working with a Merger & Acquisition Professional The decision to sell - besides being the beginning of a long complicated, often emotional process - is also a one-shot deal for which many owners simply aren�t prepared. Eric Voth takes sellers through the steps involved in selling a business and offers a rationale for using a trained professional to facilitate the process. [Jan./March 1995]

o Your Latest Most Memorable Deliveries The courier industry runs into some intriguing pick ups on a daily basis � and many a messenger company recalls handling unusual assignments of an interesting, humorous, critical, heavy - or even festive - nature. Cristina T. Love recaps some of the oddest deliveries recently made by our readers. [July/September 1997]

o Zero Tolerance: Insurance Fraud Why should you care about insurance fraud? Insurance pro Peter Schlactus sheds light on the price you pay for fraud and tells you how to save on your insurance costs by taking a stand against it. He also reveals the insurance industry�s ten telltale signs of fraud. [Sept/Oct 1999]