Welcome to the The Boring Post (but relevant).
We send bicycles across the country every single day. Which means we are used to dealing with bike shops and boxing and waybills and dimensions etc. But we appreciate that you do not. And you might have some questions. Which we try to answer below.
What is a courier company?
Moving parcels: A courier company is a type of delivery service provider that specializes in the transportation and delivery of packages, documents, and other items from one location to another. Courier companies offer a range of services, including same-day and next-day delivery, express and overnight delivery, international delivery, and specialized services such as temperature-controlled transportation and hazardous materials delivery.
With different vehicles: Courier companies use a variety of transportation modes, including cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and even airplanes, depending on the distance and urgency of the delivery. They often employ a network of couriers or drivers who are responsible for the transportation and delivery of packages within a certain geographic area.
A convenient alternative: Courier companies are commonly used by businesses and individuals who need to send packages or documents quickly and securely. They offer a convenient alternative to traditional postal services, with faster delivery times and more flexible options for pick-up and drop-off. Many courier companies also offer online tracking and delivery confirmation services, which provide real-time updates on the status of packages and help ensure their safe and timely delivery.
Why do we use courier companies?
We use courier companies for several reasons, including:
- Faster delivery: Courier companies offer faster delivery times than traditional postal services. This is particularly important for urgent or time-sensitive packages, such as medical supplies, legal documents, or important business contracts.
- Secure delivery: Courier companies use secure methods of transportation and delivery, which helps to ensure that packages arrive at their destination safely and without damage. This is especially important for valuable or fragile items.
- Convenient pick-up and delivery: Courier companies offer flexible options for pick-up and delivery, including door-to-door service and pick-up from designated drop-off points. This makes it easier for senders and recipients to arrange for the delivery of packages according to their schedules and preferences.
- Tracking and delivery confirmation: Many courier companies offer online tracking and delivery confirmation services, which provide real-time updates on the status of packages and help ensure their safe and timely delivery. This provides peace of mind for both senders and recipients.
- International delivery: Courier companies offer international delivery services, which allow packages to be sent to destinations around the world. This is particularly important for businesses that need to send packages to customers or suppliers in other countries.
Overall, courier companies offer a fast, secure, and convenient way to transport and deliver packages, making them a popular choice for businesses and individuals who need to send packages quickly and reliably.
What is a bicycle courier?
Delivery by bicycle: A bicycle courier is a delivery person who uses a bicycle as their primary mode of transportation to transport packages, documents, or other items from one location to another. Bicycle couriers are typically employed by courier companies or work as independent contractors.
VS delivery of the bicycle: what we do at #bicyclecouriers is to move the actual bicycle. So if you bought or sold on the bike hub, Facebook marketplace, classifieds, privately or even from a shop. We will conveniently transport the bicycle from the seller to the buyer. Or for existing owners to their latest race or bike travel expedition.
Back to the original definition: Bicycle couriers are often used for same-day or urgent deliveries in urban areas where traffic congestion can be a challenge for traditional delivery vehicles. They can navigate through traffic more quickly and efficiently than cars or trucks, allowing for faster delivery times. Bicycle couriers can also access areas that are not easily reachable by motor vehicles, such as narrow alleys or pedestrian-only zones.
It all depends on the bicycle: Bicycle couriers can transport a variety of items, from small documents or envelopes to larger packages or even furniture, depending on the size and capacity of their bicycles. Some bicycle couriers use cargo bikes, which are specifically designed to transport larger or heavier items.
Why use traditional bicycle couriers? Bicycle couriers offer several advantages over traditional delivery methods, including environmental sustainability, lower costs, and increased speed and efficiency in congested urban areas. They also provide a unique branding opportunity for companies that want to promote their commitment to sustainability or social responsibility.
What is a waybill?
A legal document: A waybill is a document used in the transportation of goods that contains important information about the shipment. It is a legal document that serves as evidence of the contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier.
Containing shipment info: The waybill typically includes information such as the name and address of the shipper and the consignee (the recipient of the shipment), the origin and destination of the shipment, a description of the goods being shipped, the weight and dimensions of the shipment, the mode of transportation, and the agreed-upon shipping charges.
And used for tracking: The waybill is used by the carrier to track the shipment throughout the transportation process, and it serves as proof of delivery once the shipment has been received by the consignee. The carrier may require the shipper to attach a copy of the waybill to the outside of the shipment to make it easier to identify and track.
Examples: There are different types of waybills, depending on the mode of transportation and the type of shipment. For example, an air waybill is used for air cargo shipments, while a bill of lading is used for ocean freight shipments. However, all waybills serve the same basic purpose of providing important information about the shipment and serving as proof of the contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier.
What weighs more, a ton of bricks or a ton of feathers?
Both a tonne of bricks and a tonne of feathers weigh the same amount, which is one metric tonne (1,000 kilograms or approximately 2,204.62 pounds).
The key difference between the two is their density, with bricks being much denser than feathers. A tonne of bricks would take up less space than a tonne of feathers due to their density, but they would weigh the same amount.
A metric ton, also known as a tonne, is a unit of weight in the metric system that is equal to 1,000 kilograms or approximately 2,204.62 pounds.
In the International System of Units (SI), the symbol for metric tonne is “t”. It is commonly used in industries such as shipping, mining, and agriculture, as well as in the measurement of large-scale objects and materials.
What is volumetric weight?
Definition: Volumetric weight is a method used by courier companies and other transportation providers to determine the cost of shipping a package. It is also known as dimensional weight.
Calculation: Volumetric weight is calculated based on the amount of space that a package occupies in relation to its actual weight. The volumetric weight is usually higher than the actual weight of the package if the package is lightweight but large in size.
Formula: The formula for calculating volumetric weight varies depending on the courier company or transportation provider. But it typically involves multiplying the length, width, and height of the package. And then dividing the result by a volumetric factor. The volumetric factor is a number that represents the amount of space that a unit of weight occupies.
Example: For example, if the volumetric factor is 5000 and the dimensions of the package are 50cm x 30cm x 20cm. The volumetric weight would be calculated as follows:
Volumetric weight = (50cm x 30cm x 20cm) / 5000 Volumetric weight = 6kg
Usage: If the actual weight of the package is less than 6kg, the courier company will charge based on the volumetric weight. Rather than the actual weight. Volumetric weight is used by courier companies to ensure that they are charging a fair price for shipping. It is based on the amount of space that a package occupies, rather than just its actual weight. It also encourages shippers to use smaller packaging to reduce the amount of wasted space during transportation.
Who are the prominent courier companies in South Africa?
According to the AI robots, There are several prominent courier companies in South Africa, including:
- DHL Express South Africa
- FedEx Express South Africa
- UPS South Africa
- TNT Express South Africa
- Aramex South Africa
- RAM Hand-to-Hand Couriers
- The Courier Guy
- Dawn Wing
- MDS Collivery
- Fastway Couriers South Africa
These companies offer a wide range of courier services. Including domestic and international deliveries, same-day and overnight deliveries. Plus specialized services for businesses and e-commerce companies.
Who are the most prominent courier companies globally?
There are several prominent courier companies globally, including:
- DHL Express — DHL is an American-founded German logistics company. They provide courier, package delivery and express mail service, delivering over 1.8 billion parcels per year.
- FedEx Corporation — Experts in Worldwide Delivery with International shipping solutions to suit your business needs. Fast & reliable deliveries to more than 220 countries and territories.
- United Parcel Service (UPS) — United Parcel Service is an American multinational shipping & supply chain management company. UPS was founded in 1907. A long long time ago…
- TNT Express — TNT Express is an international courier delivery services company. With its headquarters in Hoofddorp, Netherlands. *TNT will become FedEx Express.
- Aramex International — Aramex is an Emirati multinational logistics, courier and package delivery company based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was founded by Fadi Ghandour and Bill Kingson in 1982 in Amman, Jordan.
Five more
- Royal Mail — International Distributions Services plc, trading as Royal Mail, Parcelforce and GLS. They are a British multinational postal service and courier company. It was originally established in 1516 as a government department.
- Japan Post Holdings — The Japan Post Holdings Company, Ltd. is a Japanese publicly traded conglomerate headquartered in Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda, Tokyo.
- Deutsche Post DHL Group — Deutsche Post AG, trading as Deutsche Post DHL Group. They are a German multinational delivery and supply chain management company. It is headquartered in Bonn, Germany. And is one of the world’s largest courier companies.
- SF Express — SF Express Co., Ltd. is a Chinese multinational delivery services and logistics company based in Shenzhen, Guangdong. It is the second largest courier in China, and provides domestic and international express delivery.
- China Post — China Post, legally the China Post Group Corporation, is the state-owned enterprise. They operate the official postal service of China. They service mainland China, excluding the special administrative regions Hong Kong and Macau.
These companies are recognized as leaders in the courier and express delivery industry and operate in multiple countries and regions. They provide a range of services including international and domestic deliveries, customs clearance. Plus logistics and supply chain management and e-commerce solutions.