Wednesday, May 25, 2011

CM Webinar: A Success

Thanks to all of you who signed up for today's webinar. It was a resounding success and the discussion after the main presentation was also first class. Stephen Mullen of Bush Truck Leasing gave a terrific presentation about the basics of building a sustainable and efficient independent contractor model in a courier company.

The hour-long discussion featured Mullen and the view from the courier side of the IC issue. It won't be long before our next webinar (June 28) that we discover the law side of the IC issue:

Robert Hulteng and Damon Ott, Littler Mendelson P.C., Employment and Labor Law Solutions Worldwide (San Francisco).

The use of ICs in the courier industry has been under attack for years, particularly at the state level. Get a detailed explanation of these legal developments to help you understand how they may impact your ability to lawfully use IC drivers.

The IC saga will continue and so will Courier Magazine's efforts to inform and educate.

Thanks again to all those who participated. Sign up for our next session here.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Last Chance for Courier Magazine webinar

Time is running out to register for the first Courier Magazine webinar of the year. This Wednesday, May 25, Stephen Mullen of Bush Truck Leasing (Mason, Ohio) will share his presentation “Understanding the IC Model: Upsides, Hopes and Risks,” designed for courier owners to get the most out of the independent contractor system.

This presentation will teach you or your staff members how to set up an effective truck program when using or transitioning to the use of independent contractors (ICs). We will discuss:
- IRS common-law factors and their relation to financing ICs
- Choosing the proper trucks for IC routes
- Frequent pitfalls
- Appropriate program endorsement (without going over the line)
- Tips for handling trucks in IC-turnover situations.

The presentation will begin promptly at noon (Central Standard Time). Make sure you are a part of this valuable training seminar brought to you in the comfort of your office.

Don’t wait! Sign up today by clicking the link below.

http://www.my-registration.com/registration/index.asp?EID=3033445157


Vincent Brennan
Editor

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Get Your FREE Subscription Today

For the first time ever, Courier Magazine is giving away a FREE (yeah, I said it, FREE) subscription to its award-winning magazine. All you have to do is visit the Courier Magazine website, click on the free subscription link in the middle of the home page and fill out the informational form.

THAT'S IT!

We'll get you signed up for one year of our digital publication sent straight to your mailbox immediately after the print magazine hits shelves and mailboxes.

We first offered the service at last week's Messenger Courier Association of America meeting in Las Vegas. We got a great response at the show and we feel it's only going to get better once we announce it here.

Visit the website, www.couriermagazine.com today to sign up for your free subscription today!

Friday, May 13, 2011

The Evolving Industry

After last night's networking party by the pool, MCAA attendees returned for more valuable insight into the courier industry today with the first presentation, "The Evolving Landscape of the Same-Day Industry."

The panel consisted of three leaders in the shipping industry, Benjamin Gordon (BG Strategic Advisors), Andy Ahern (Ahern and Associates and Tom Washbush (Benesch Attorneys at Law.

The three discussed the outlook on the courier and transportation industry as a whole. Gordon noted how transportation company stock has increased more than 20 percent in the last year. As the economy continues to rebound, albeit slowly, Gordon said small courier operations are set to benefit from the boost.

Moderator Rob Slack focused the second part of the session around selling a courier business. While there are many factors to consider when selling a business, Washbush explained that owners must be ready to let go of the operation before the selling process can even begin.

More to come.

Vincent Brennan
Editor

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Becoming a High Performance Individual

With a legacy of success and winning, Vince Lombardi, Jr., took the stage this morning at the MCAA convention to share his ideas of becoming ... and keeping ... a high performance individual.

Lombardi, Jr., shared several stories about his father, Vince Lombardi, Sr., who coached the Green Bay Packers to several championships in the 1960s, including the first Super Bowl.

The main topic of the presentation included what people do when they're at their best. It was a motivational 1-hour session and left many courier and messenger professional inspired once they left the conference room.

Check back for more updates later today.

Vincent Brennan
Editor

Mr. MCAA Names to the MCAA Hall of Fame

It's only fitting that Rob Slack was named to the Messenger Couriers Association of America's Hall of Fame during the association's annual business meeting this morning. With a nickname such as "Mr. MCAA" and more than 20 years of service to the expedited delivery association, Slack was a perfect choice for the honor.

Slack follows Bill Goodman as the latest courier professional to receive the honor. Slack received a plaque from Gil Carpel of Washington Express during the presentation. Slack noted how honored he was for the selection and credited his peers during his tenure with the MCAA.

"This really is a great association that can enhance the way couriers do business in this country," Slack said. "I never though of this as a job. Instead, it was something that had to be done."

Look for more coverage of the MCAA Hall of Fame induction in the July-August issue of Courier Magazine.

Vincent Brennan
Editor

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

And We are Underway!

MCAA is off without a hitch as first timers and veteran conference attendees hit the convention hall for a welcome reception.

The Courier Magazine booth is set for helping courier companies around the country reach their goals of growth and expansion.

Make sure to stop by Booth No. 11 to see how Courier Magazine can enhance business. I'll be back with more updates about the 2011 MCAA convention soon.

If you are here, make sure to enjoy the majestic Las Vegas skyline at some point over the next week. Otherwise, good luck at the tables!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Viva Las Veg ... err ... MCAA!

We are less than a day away from one of the largest courier and logistics conventions in country from getting underway. The Messenger Couriers Association of America (MCAA) have planned another outstanding event chock full of educational opportunities and networking events.

Courier Magazine will be riding shotgun the entire way. Remember to check back to this blog to see what late-breaking news debuts at the show.

Editor Vincent Brennan will be sure to include all of the developments right here for those who are unable to make it to the convention. It's sure to be a bright spot for couriers, messengers and industry mainstays.

Remember to stop by the Courier Magazine booth (Booth No. 11 in the exhibit hall) to see how CM can help grow your business.

Can't wait to see you all in Vegas for the MCAA's annual convention.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Want to get more out of your first MCAA meeting?

With the Messenger Couriers Association of America meeting coming up next week in fabulous Las Vegas, attendees are looking to get the most out of their experience.

If this is your first annual convention, the MCAA has a special session just for you:
MCAA’s First Timers’ ONLY Networking Playbook Workshop.

What: The keys to making the most of the MCAA Annual Meeting

When: Wednesday, May 11

6 to 6:30 p.m. – Orientation Workshop

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Reception with the MCAA Board of Directors, vendors and sponsors

Where: Veranda Room – Red Rock Resort Conference Center

Who: Just First Time Meeting Attendees

Why: Spend 30 minutes with us prior to the first timers reception and you’ll be able to move around room like a pro, meet someone who’ll change your business and pick the brains of some of the best in the business with ease.

We’ll show you how to:

• Get an advantage before you even enter the room.
• Make real contact with new people at the event.
• Avoid being trapped by “ankle huggers.”
• Strike up a conversation with someone you want to meet.
• Move on when it’s time.
• Forge lasting connections.
• Network AND have fun.

Make sure to visit with Courier Magazine during the event to sign up for a free subscription. We will be located at Booth No. 11 in the exhibit hall.

Courier Magazine can help your business grow through our comprehensive network of courier and expedited delivery specialist.

Visit www.couriermagazine.com for more information.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Jacobson Companies Named Carrier of the Year

Jacobson Companies, a worldwide third party logistics company, has received the “2010 Carrier of the Year Award” from The HON Company. The award was announced at The HON Company’s annual business meeting and award ceremony on April 20.

Jacobson began providing truckload services to The HON Company in August 2001 including inventory transfers, inbound materials to manufacturing and direct shipments to customers.

“HON is a customer that truly does work closely with carriers to give us every opportunity to succeed,” stated Jacobson’s President of Transportation Logistics
Services Scott Temple. “They have clearly outlined the metrics which define how we meet and exceed their customers’ expectations and are providing those ‘HON Ready’ carriers with additional opportunities.”

The HON Company’s Director of Transportation Services Melanie Gray added, “While transportation is not a core competency at the HON Company, we view transportation as a strategic competitive advantage. Jacobson has partnered with The HON Company to provide our customers with a consistent and reliable delivery experience.”

For more information, visit www.jacobsonco.com.