A PDA or Personal Digital Assistant is a vital tool for the modern same day courier business. As more transport companies become greener and more sustainable, they are looking at ways of utilising their empty vehicles. In the past it has always been about gaining backloads and work for the return journey – nothing is more harmful to the environment (with the exception of an accident) than running back empty. Freelance couriers are now looking to co-load and part load items in order to maximise their efficiency.

Where the PDA comes into it…

Freight and parcel exchanges are springing up all over the place, and although they all like to think they are unique and are fulfilling a niche that is untapped, the honest truth is transport has had them for as long as there has been the ability to have a website.

Having a mobile PDA always you to tap into all of these services and post your return journeys. A well planned van delivery should always include a search for return items to eliminate dead mileage. Depending on the size of your van depends whether you will be transporting furniture or packages.

Using your PDA most effectively will also mean updating your Facebook status – so people can see where you are (do you know how many jobs we have collected using Facebook? 2 or 3 a week… not to be sniffed at, and if people know what you do, they will recommend you).

Your PDA can also be used as a tracking device, so your customers can track the vehicle online and know exactly where you are instead of them phoning and asking you all the time. There are two types of software that do this, one is free and the other has a small fee.

Proof of Delivery? Yes, your PDA comes into it’s own here – a small piece of software that enables you to collect a signature and email it back to your customer or your office. No need to lose paperwork, no need to worry about having a pen, your PDA has it all.

Lost? Use the GPS aspect, yes you may think your Sat Nav is foolproof but when you are sitting in a field looking for an address, you might like not having to phone the office or the customer for extra directions.

If your business is a modern same day courier business you will be maximising all opportunities for more work, more efficient working and you cannot do it without this essential piece of kit.

Kevin

The Complete Courier Guide, contains essential information to maximising your revenue from your courier business. You can buy it and download it from this website.

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