Different Types of Delivery Work Vehicles

Professional drivers who specialise in delivery work may be required to use various methods of transport. Bulky items may be transferred in box trailers, flatbeds and other spacious vehicle attachments, while particularly valuable and important items may have to be transported in armoured or refrigerated vehicles, for example. Professional delivery personnel may use any of the vehicles mentioned below.Walk In TrucksThe majority of transport companies make use of walk in trucks. It is possible to gain entry to these vehicles via a side-door or extendible walkway, leaving enough usable space inside the trucks to place and inspect client goods. Many companies use the large space on the outside of such vehicles for their logos and relevant advertising for local promotion.Cargo VansThese types of delivery work vehicles are relatively small when compared with walk in trucks. However, they are deemed the most practical option by many end users. They can be used in the delivery of parcels, fragile antiques and other items that don't take up too much space. This vehicle is probably the most standard all round one for smaller firms.Box TrucksAutomotive manufacturers designed box trucks as an alternative to the extended cargo wagons. These cube shaped vehicles are absolutely ideal for the movement of loads and cold storage containers. They can be fitted with advanced cooling systems and interior holders for added convenience. However, delivery work specialists may have to take time to develop the skills required to handle these unique vehicles.


Jeeps or 4WDsThere are certain types of specialist delivery work that requires the use of Jeeps or other 4WD vehicles - especially as a means of navigating challenging terrain in undeveloped countries. The American postal service actually has a separate fleet of Jeeps specifically for the purpose of making deliveries in severe weather. The mail must get through no matter what the conditions, and these vehicles ensure that, except in very extreme circumstance, it does.DronesBy now, most people will be aware of the automated drones being trialled in the United States by retail giant Amazon. While it may seem space age, the possibilities regarding transportation are seemingly endless and it's quite possible that the types of drones in use by Amazon will be incorporated into general fleets in the not-too-distant future. While, of course, they could never take the place of personal service in some people's minds, their speed and efficiency cannot be argued with when it comes to customer service and cost effectiveness.

Participant Observation in a Qualitative Research, Reliable or Not?

Participant-observation is a data gathering tool that involves observation with the participants in a study using survey protocol or key informant interview (KII) guide. It is a very reliable source of information because researchers could actually see or observe the participants through immersion.Experiences of the participants can be observed and recorded through this method. There is also triangulation to ensure that biases or personal preferences may not hinder the manner of observing and recording meaningful experiences of the study. Triangulation ensures study credibility and transferability.Limitations To Any Participant ObservationJust like ay other data collection methods, participant observation has also its limitations:

The recorded observations about a group of people or event is never going to be the full description.

As mentioned before this is due to the selective nature of any type of recordable data process: it is inevitably influenced by researchers' personal beliefs of what is relevant and important.

This is also plays out in the analysis of collected data; the researcher's worldview invariably influences how he or she interprets and evaluates the data.
Observing" or "observant" participation has also been used to describe fieldwork which meant to highlight the way in which their partial or full membership in the community/subculture allows a different sort of access to the community and also shapes their perceptions in ways different from a full outsider.


There are advantages in using participant observation such as:1. it affords the backstage culture or the inside story of a participant;2. it allows richly detailed description such as the reasons, experiences, attitudes and dreams and aspirations of the participants;3. it provides opportunities for viewing or participating in unexpected events; and4. it improves data collection and interpretation.There are also disadvantages of using participant observation in gathering information:1. to rely on key informants rather than be interested in what happens out of the public eye;2. to gain different understanding of what is being observed based on the key informants;3. subsequent interpretations and representation problems occur when selected key informants are familiar; and4. the information collected is observed based on individual interest in a setting or behavior rather than being a representative of what actually happens in a group or culture.Although this method requires transparency and democracy during the process, the interpretations are integrated in the analysis. In reality there is a difference between what people say and do. With participant observation this discrepancy can be unveiled and discovered.Thus, unveiling the secrecy and confidentiality of information make participant observation a very reliable tool in conducting a study.

6 Tips for Getting Your Parcel Delivered The Right Way

If you are about to send a parcel through a courier or parcel delivery service, you would definitely be concerned about its safe arrival at its destination. I have advocated six must follow tips that, if you'll follow, will make sure that your parcel gets delivered the right way at the right place; please check out the following -The company - Going with a well-recognized parcel delivery service is an essential step. Brands and chained service providers never mishandle your goods, as it may affect their repute. They understand the world has become a tiny place with internet available widely. And on the Internet, maligning any product, brand or company has become a piece of cake. Therefore, a reputed courier company will never do anything that can damage your item or package. Though, the service charge asked by brands is comparably high, but they deliver the trustworthy services.Size & Weight - These two factors firm up the final price for service delivery. Before consulting a courier company, you should check the size and weight of your package. Packing your small items in large box would only boost the weight and service charge. You should remove excess and unnecessary stuffs from the package.The type of item heightens the cost. - Yes, it affects the final price. There are classifications of goods and items that can be sent via courier. Every item belongs to a series or group, which has its very own service delivery charges. Every company, and even the government sponsored postal service, follow this system. Thereby, you should check if it is really important to send your expensive (certain group of) item via courier. Additionally, you should pass up sending restricted items via courier.


Distance - Distance also plays a key role in defining the final price for the service. Interstate or international delivery is quite expensive, and there are different (licensed) providers of such range of services. Sending something to remote and distant areas, and small towns would cost more.The swiftness - If you want to send something speedily via express or air, it too would be extra chargeable. Again, if it is not that important, you can avoid using this pricey facility.Attach the message - You should never forget to enclose your message for the person, whom you are sending the parcel to. It will mark a good impression on the recipient. In addition to, before handing over your package, you should ensure if you have placed the correct address of the recipient and sender. However, the person who books the delivery, check this on his own, but you too should ensure this from your end.

From Fear to Here

Fear seems to be the companion, if not the friend, of every entrepreneur I've ever met. That's the reality of being someone who seeks their edge, and steps over it out of their comfort zone. It's the reality of someone who wants to grow, both as a person and a business leader.That's who you are when you have your own business, a leader. And every successful business leader has had to deal with fear.When I first wanted to start my business, I held off for 5 years (5 years!) before I made my move. I was scared of losing my 6-figure salary, and the apparent security of my corporate job.Once I did make the move, I'd like to say that supreme peace reigned, but really, it's been the same process over and over. An opportunity, scared, taking a deep breath, stepping toward the opportunity and out of my comfort zone, and then the new normal.As long as I continue to move to my edge, to step beyond it, the opportunities just keep coming and keep getting bigger!The question I get asked often by clients, in one form or another is, "how do I get past the fear? I want to move forward, but I'm afraid I'll make a big mistake, or lose what I already have."Yet the people who do take action in spite of their fears, apply consistent effort, and learn and adjust as they move forward are the ones who are successful.So how do you get from fear to here?Here are 6 strategies for moving through your fears:1. Reality check. Fear can be overwhelming, and our primal lizard brain can really take over in these situations. To keep this primordial activity in check, balance the fear with a look at what's real. Activating your cerebral cortex can help you see what's real and what's not. Fear often masquerades as reality (False Evidence Appearing Real), and taking a close look at it can wipe away the fiction.2. Feel your feelings fully. This may seem counterintuitive, but there's research to show that if you emphasize your feelings, you gain benefits. It helps you to get clarity on their full extent, and they're less likely to sneak up on you later.3. Exaggerate your fears. Puffing your fears up a little can often result in comic proportions, and you have to laugh. That laughter not only releases energy. It also lets you see how you might be able to laugh at your own imaginings.


4. Friend your fears. I once created a little image that has helped me tame my own fears. Her name is Stella, and she's a pink lizard. Stella is the holder of my fears. She's the personified lizard brain, the part of your brain that is trying to protect you, to warn you by freaking out when something scary happens. By creating this separate imaginary being, it helps to detach from my fears, gently observe them, and even play a role in calming Stella down. That has proven to be incredibly effective, plus a lot of fun. While Stella is shrieking with anxiety, I get to stroke her little lizard head or sit her on my lap to comfort her. These days, Stella is often an amiable companion, sitting poolside wearing shades and drinking an umbrella drink. A comforting thought.5. Accept risk. All growth requires risk. You are risking the status quo for what can be. It's not a certainty. Balancing risk with benefits is a good way to look at risk, as a measured chance you taking on something more, something better. Is it worth it? Only you can say. But if you want your business to grow, it is certain that some risk will be involved. If you accept that, it makes the uncertainty easier to bear.6. Take action. The worst thing you can do when you are scared about doing something you know you want to do is to procrastinate. It lengthens the amount of time you spend in those emotions and wears you out in the process. That leaves you with little energy to do what you know must be done. Even small actions can break this cycle of, fear-procrastinate-more fear. Spend your energy on taking action, instead of resisting what's yours to do.Fear is a given. It will always pop up when you are even thinking about meandering outside your comfort zone. It's not about having fear. It's about what you do to create the work, and the life, you want, in the face of it.That's how you get from fear to here, the place where you achieve your goals, and live the life that is yours.

Types of Coffee for Your Coffee Business

Owning a coffee business is a potential venture that can promise you rewarding financial gain. Indeed many entrepreneurs are drawn into coffee business because of its substantial rewards. You can buy coffee shop premises anytime you want as long as you have a substantial amount of money. But buying a coffee shop for sale is one thing, running it is another.People come to coffee shops mainly for drinking coffee, to hangout with friends, and a place to relieve their stress. But it all boils down to the reason that these people want to drink coffee. Therefore more than anything else you must offer them the best of coffee that you can give. When you invest in a coffee shop for sale, you are putting at risk a great part of your savings if you're entering this experience blindly. Read up, do your research and ask around - is this something worth investing in?The key to a successful coffee business is to focus on things that matters to the customer: the coffee, great service and ambiance. Your customers come into coffee shop for coffee so if you'll serve them a drink they can make themselves, why bother? Look out for the best supplier of coffee you can find, attend workshops or classes so you can learn it yourself. It's best to immerse yourself in the process so you know the ins and outs, and can apply what you've learned in your coffee shop.


Here are the popular types of coffee that you can serve to your patrons along with the other coffee-related items:Espresso - This is a very strong coffee brewed by forcing hot water under extreme pressure through finely ground coffee beans. It produces an almost syrupy beverage that is often used as a base for other coffee drinks. Some coffee aficionados however, prefer to drink espresso on its pure form with a little sugar.Cappucino - A favorite of many, a cappuccino is a combination of espresso and steamed milk in equal parts. It is distinguished for its milk froth which is usually sprinkled with unsweetened cocoa powder.Caffe Latte - Also a combination of espresso and steamed milk but not in equal parts like that of a cappuccino. Caffe Latte is made with one shot of espresso and three parts of milk.Caramel Macchiato - This type of coffee is often a combination of espresso, caramel, and foamed milk. Some use steamed milk with an addition of vanilla for a more delicious flavor.Americano - If you can't take in a pure shot of espresso then you can have the Americano instead. It is a single shot of espresso added to a cup of hot water - the result is a watered down espresso but still with the same amount of kick.

How to Serve Better and Earn More - 3 Top Tips for Couriers

In the history of courier service, successful delivery companies have always worked hard to improve their operations and spot growth opportunities ahead of the competition. As profitability is no accident, here are three tips to help you achieve that Holy Grail.How to Say 'No' Without Saying 'No'In the long history of courier service, it has been accepted that different customers have different expectations; the mark of a good driver's competence is the ability to manage these different expectations effectively. Surprisingly, despite how easy it may sound, the task is actually challenging in the context of the real world. There are some customers that are more 'toxic' than others, making unreasonable demands and being too pushy for patience. And on the other hand, there are also customers that are more laidback and willing to wait and take it easy. The challenge is how to balance things out between the different customer types, and learning to how to say no without compromising your commitments. The secret to saying no without actually saying no is a simple and time-tested management strategy: manage your customers' expectations. To illustrate, instead of just rejecting a client request, it is better to say something along the lines of, "We cannot do this today, but we can certainly do it tomorrow." You will be surprised at how willing even the pushiest customers can be to work with your schedule if you're good. Give them options while staying realistic.How to Route ProfitablyA delivery driver's routes are the bread and butter of the business, and in the history of courier service, choosing routes wisely can have a significant impact on your profits. Planning your route profitably can be challenging, but there are methods of doing so properly. The bottom line, as always, is efficiency: depending on your location, you must choose routes that are navigable by your delivery vehicle, with full knowledge of options by way of side alleys or back streets that may not be visible on a standard map. If you can, it's best to conduct an actual onsite survey of the routes in order to determine the shortest distance possible between point A and point B. A GPS-enabled device will certainly come in handy, but nothing beats insider, hands-on knowledge. You should also be able to distinguish between opportunities offered by different vehicles: what can a bike or a motorbike accomplish that a minivan cannot?


How to Properly Perform a Post-MortemOf course, by post mortem we mean analysing your company's performance after accomplishing a delivery job, and logging the relevant data that will enable you to find weaknesses in your operations and further improve your system. In the history of courier service, this kind of self-awareness of one's operations has been crucial, not only in the continuous growth of an organisation, but also in spotting opportunities that can help jumpstart a company and catapult it into a position ahead of competitors. Keep notes of every customer so you'll have a history of their business with you, and keep tabs of any complaint or feedback - and take it all seriously.

The Benefits of Using Proper Waste Management Techniques in Business

It doesn't matter how big or small your business is, all commercial enterprises can benefit from waste management techniques that are effective. Inefficient practices will only waste your money and contribute to the planets problems with climate change and pollution. Business waste includes everything that is thrown away or disposed of and all businesses create it, some on a large scale. Legislation places a duty of care on businesses to dispose of their waste in a responsible way. In the UK more than 100 million tonnes of waste are generated every year by households, industry and commerce, the majority of which ends up being incinerated or dumped in landfill.Managing your business waste stream will have a significant impact on your profits as well as the environment. Proper waste management isn't free but poor techniques will mean your company is throwing money down the drain. They could cost you nearly 5% of your yearly turnover. And it won't get better unless you change the way you dispose of your waste. Costs will continue to rise over the next few years because new legislation is determined to make landfill disposal more and more expensive.Good waste management techniques indicate to customers, partners and other business owners your commitment to improving your company's environmental performance. This creates a positive image and will be valued by all those you work with and bring loyalty and improve your public relations. Eco-savvy customers often ask for a company's "green" credentials to check they're contributing in a positive way to the future of the planet. When you're negotiating future contracts you may find your proposal is turned down if you don't have an effective environmental policy in place. And that includes utilising proper waste management techniques.


Some Interesting Figures
If double-sided printing was used all over London the paper saved would wrap the Earth four times
Paper and cardboard makes up 60% of office waste and it's all recyclable
60% of business paper and cardboard is currently not recycled
1 tonne of recycled cardboard saves 17 trees, 7000 gallons of water, 4100 kw/hours of electricity and 2 cubic yards of landfill
It takes a forest the size of Wales to supply the paper used in Britain in one year
The Benefits of Good Waste Management
Environmental
Waste minimisation saves on resources, which further leads to reduced waste and pollution. As industry works towards consuming less raw materials it'll use less fossil fuels and result in less pollution. The majority of solid waste currently ends up in landfill but the risks involved in this are now better understood. Effective waste management is a proactive approach to reducing a businesses impact on the environment.
Economical
Minimising packaging and waste costs are the ultimate aim. It will become more and more expensive to send rubbish and waste to landfill so it's a commercial duty to find alternatives that are cost-effective and safe for all concerned.
Positive PR
Concern for the environment rates high within your local community and a transparent waste management program will show your commitment to playing your part.

Is It Time To Be "Irresponsible" For the Sake of Good Business?

I just spent 6 days cycling/hiking in Zion National Park/Byrce Canyon - and it was absolutely amazing. I rode 230 miles over 5 days, including some "hairy" descents - going 35 mph down the canyon with cliffs on both sides (speed limit is 20 mph for some, so technically, we could get a speeding ticket for riding a bicycle.)As I checked this trip off my bucket list (which also includes climbing Mount Kili and chasing penguins in Antarctica), I got nostalgic about the days when I bumped around the world with a backpack and my Nikon FM2 (that uses film... remember those?)Back in the days, my guts would simply say "I am going!" and off I went to Europe, Tibet, Scandinavia, Iceland, the Patagonia, Silk Road, the Eastern Bloc... you name it.That was before the age of hyper-connectiveness... which means I actually had to "wing it" if something was not booked in advance.The most rewarding adventures often came with some level of following my guts and improvising as I went. "Where do I want to be next?" - and the "lack" of "planning" allowed possibilities to pour through.Yeah, "booked in advance" -Somewhere along the way, "Planning" has become a "Virtue"... Somewhere along the way, we were told to buckle down, get a job and "be responsible."Somewhere along the way, we shot down spontaneity communicated to us by our guts through feelings like thrill, elation, and butterflies in the stomach.Somewhere along the way, being "successful" got equated with"being in control" and "having a plan."Somewhere along the way, we stopped listening to our GUTS and stifled our natural-born rights to LIVE brightly, loudly, unapologetically because we have to "grow up."There is so much creativity hidden in our natural instinct but we are pushing it down by denying our desire for exploration, adventure and spontaneity because others tell us "that's how it's done."Where In Your Business Are You Holding Back Your Creativity and Individuality By "Being Responsible"?


Of course, we are not asking you to gamble your house and lose your pants. Having the awareness that this hidden desire in us can help us HAVE MORE OF US in our business can ignite the FIRE and guide us to express our creativity and individuality - which will open up possibilities and potentialities that we didn't know exist within us.Are you implementing "proven" processes, blueprints and systems cookie-cutter style without asking - what do I WANT my business to do FOR ME?Have you fallen into the comparison trap, "modeling" after everyone in your field and ended up with Frankenstein-marketing-copy that sounds just like everyone else... but nothing like YOU?Have you had ideas that really pulled you but got shot down by some business coach because it doesn't fit into his/her "paradigm" of how things are done... before you had the chance to explore all the angles and see how YOU, as you, can make it work for your business?Reinventing the wheel is not smart, but letting the wheel determine how you roll sounds kind of ass backward too.Let's play with these couple of questions:What would you do and who would you BE if generating revenue is NOT the top priority for the next 3 months?What do you need to know in order to feel safe enough to jump?Part of us need to feel safe before we DARE, and that's totally cool. We all have different criteria in order to feel safe, before we can let free that wild part of us. Do not beat yourself up for needing more (or something different) to feel safe than "everyone else."Acknowledge what you need - because all parts of you need to be heard, if you want to have all of YOU in your business.But make sure whatever you need to feel comfortable so you can dive into the deep end comes from YOU, not from other people's standards of what "being responsible", "being in business", "being a success" should look like.

Procurement Companies, Are They Worth Hiring?

More and more companies are starting to realize that in the changing world of business, procurement has changed from a simple, straight forward process, to a complex collection of acts that can't be covered by just a logistic manager, with little experience in the field. That is why, in order to enhance their efficiency and performance, these companies choose to hire procurement companies that have the ability to offer them modern procurement strategies and effective management solutions. If you are part of a company that hasn't jumped on the wagon yet and you are thinking about taking this step, we are going to give you some basic information about all the advantages of hiring a procurement company.One of the main advantages is the fact that, as a company, you can cut back on the costs of an entire department and replace the people that maybe aren't very experienced, informed or capable of offering you the results you need with a team on highly qualified people, with many years of experience in the field and an established network of suppliers.A good procurement company has good morals and strong ethical codes, meaning they will always efficiently represent your company's interests. Also, such a company will always have a broad range of services and will offer you the option to select your desired package, so that the unique challenges your company faces can be handles with maximum efficiency. Since this is a growing industry, you have the possibility to choose between local procurement companies and global procurement companies, a choice that should be made according to the size and needs of your business.


By far the best advantage of collaborating with a procurement company is the fact that they have established relationships with suppliers and manufacturers all around the world in a variety of industries. That means that they will have the ability to negotiate and obtain the best prices for the products and services your company needs. Low prices, combined with a reliable delivering schedule and a high product quality will lead to competitive prices for your company, satisfied customers and a better reputation.Many companies have tried to work with such companies and obtained a higher business performance, gaining more customers while keeping the old ones satisfied. If you are among the companies that are thinking about beginning such a collaboration and are wondering where you can find a good procurement company, you should know that it's pretty simple. You just have to make and internet search with the type of company you want and the location of your business. You can look for, procurement companies in your city of choice, or even global procurement company. Make sure to check if the company has enough experience in the field and take a look at their client portfolio. Also read the list with the suppliers and manufacturers they have agreements with and try to see if they are trustworthy and reliable companies.

6 Reasons Why You Need A Business Broker

If you are planning of selling your business you should highly consider hiring a business broker. Some of the reasons why you should hire the professional include:ConfidentialityIt's usually challenging to maintain confidentiality when marketing your business. This is because you might not be having the right skills to protect your vital information.A business broker is trained on how to undertake proper marketing while at the same time protecting the confidential information about a business.This aids in protecting your employees, customers, and even your suppliers from knowing that you are planning of selling the business. Confidentiality also aids in ensuring that your business retains its stability.NegotiationsThere are a lot of emotions that are involved during the buying and selling of a business. The emotions are particularly very high when the buyers and sellers start making offers and counteroffers. If not well checked, emotions can escalate resulting to damage or even collapse of the negotiation process.The broker serves as a mediator who brings the buyer and the seller together and ensures that buying and selling process goes on without any problems.Quick saleBrokers are often approached by people interested in buying businesses; therefore, when you contact a broker and ask him to help you sell your business you will most likely sell it within a very short time.


This is because the broker will find a person interested in your type of business and the buying process will start within a very short time.Time wastageThere are many people who pretend that they want to buy a business but in real sense they are not. Due to their training, brokers are able to easily identify real and fake buyers. This prevents time wastage as you only deal with people who are ready to buy your business.Financial assistanceAs a buyer, a business broker is of great importance especially if you don't have enough money with you. Many successful and reputable brokers have good relationships with banks and other organizations; therefore, they can help you in accessing a loan to make your purchase.Keeping the process on trackBusiness negotiations can collapse if there is no proper follow up and this is where business brokers come it. The broker will follow up with both the buyers and sellers and ensure that the process is on track and all the deadlines are met within the right time.