2008 May | Same Day Courier Services, Essex

Archive for May, 2008

Top Packing tips part one

Posted on May 31st, 2008 No Comments

Items to send by parcel carrier or post?

* Choose the size of the packaging according to its content. Overloaded boxes may burst; under-filled boxes are likely to collapse

* Whenever possible use high quality materials for your shipments. Things to consider with your wrapping supplies are strength, cushioning, and of course durability

* If you can choose boxes made with corrugated cardboard, and good quality outer lining. Use heavy-duty double-layered board for your most valuable items.

* Make good use of cushioning materials, these can stop your items from moving.

* Put fragile goods in the centre of a package; ensuring they don’t touch the sides. If your item is well cushioned on all sides it has more chance of arriving in one piece.

* Liquids must be stored in leak-free containers, packed with a lightweight, strong, internal material- Styrofoam is a good choice, and sealed with a plastic bag. Remember that bad packaging may cause damage to surrounding items.

If an item is both fragile and valuable, then consider using a dedicated courier.

We are happy to advise where possible, just give us a call on 07816 528421 or Email for a parcel quote by clicking here

Regards

Kevin

Posted in Packing for transportation, Sameday Courier

Delivering satisfaction, from and envelope to an elephant

Posted on May 30th, 2008 No Comments

Envelopes Delivering everything from an envelope to an elephant is a very powerful marketing phrase and it stays in peoples minds. When discussing website copy with Jeff at Rienne Business Consulting he suggested this line, but only if we had actually delivered an elephant… Elephant need delivering?

Well actually, Arrow Light Haulage has delivered an elephant, not a living one, as couriers are not allowed to carry livestock, but a wire framed one for an artist client of ours.

The call came out of the blue, could we go and collect an elephant? If we hadn’t of known her, we would have thought it was a wind up! Could we collect a wire frame of an elephant? Of course we could!

The artist was going to plaster to it and make it look lifelike as something that would go in the garden to surprise her family.

We got the dimensions, it was huge, but our since retired Luton could take items up to 17 feet high, at 16 feet the elephant just got in. The Elephant had to be carefully strapped to the sides, so that it didn’t slide and covered in felt blankets to protect it in case the unexpected happened.

200 miles later, it was delivered safe and sound, we had a few tricky moments unloading. It is awkward moving an elephant backwards onto the tail-lift but we will know for sure how to do it next time!

As to envelopes, we are delivering blueprints and documents all the time as part of our confidential delivery services. These services are often used by Essex based law firms, courts, doctors and architects.

Next time you read “we deliver everything from an envelope to an elephant”, remember to ask about the elephant, and remember we really have done it.

Kevin Arrow

Posted in Courier Business, Moving awkward /fragile goods, Packing for transportation

What not to do when packing items for parcel delivery…

Posted on May 23rd, 2008 No Comments

When packing items to send by courier or parcel network there are certain things you should NOT do… Some people forget, or perhaps didn’t know if the first place.

Handle with care sign

* Remember that all shipments can be opened by customs authorities for inspection – Do not over seal your package. Package securely and safely. If it really is that precious you need to consider sending it by dedicated courier vehicle.

* Do not use cellophane tape or rope to seal your shipment. Parcel tape always works best. Cellophane tape easily rips under pressure. Do I need to explain rope?

* Do not consider “Fragile” and “Handle with care” labels a substitute for packaging, you should still pack carefully and then label your items. Fragile and Handle with Care labels are for guidance only.

If you are not sure, please don’t hesitate to call us on 07816 528421 or send us an email, we are happy to help.

Kevin & Sarah, Arrow Light Haulage- The Essex Courier and Delivery company