Your business relies on US based air courier services, and your customer relies on your business for their all-important products. Use US based air courier services advice and ratings in order to find the most reliable, consumer-friendly air courier service for your business. Ratings will give you an idea of overall consumer satisfaction, safety, and delivery damage information, so you can choose the right US courier for your business needs.

When you look for US air courier companies' ratings, look for:

1. Legitimate sites that rate air courier services.

2. Professional associations that offer approvals of national air couriers.

3. Analysis and assessment of air courier companies across the United States.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Visit legitimate sites that offer consumer reviews and experiences with US air couriers

Consumers love to complain about service, so the best way you can find out reliable, recent information about airfreight courier service is to read consumer Web sites that evaluate a company's service.

I recommend: My3Cents offers a consumer complaint and review area for domestic air couriers across the country. Epinions.com offers consumer ratings and reviews of us air couriers.

Watch professional associations that rate and give advice on national air couriers

Professional logistics and freight organizations keep track of air couriers in the US and reward the ones they think do the best jobs. Look for annual awards that recognize the best service and operations. Look for professional analysis of the different competitors in this area, too.

I recommend: The Association for Postal Commerce offers a detailed analysis of "Competition Within the United States Parcel Delivery Market" that rates each of the major courier companies. The Transportation Marketing Communications Association (TMCA) sponsors the annual Compass Awards that reward domestic air courier and other logistics companies in several categories.

Read professional advice and ratings of air couriers in the US from experts

Experts in the industry have insight into US national courier service ratings, analysis, and can advise you on the best courier services for your business. Look for comparisons of the different services to help you choose the right air courier for your business needs.

I recommend: Emerald Group Publishing offers a detailed article on consumer satisfaction between FedEx and UPS. Air Cargo World rates the best US air courier companies in their annual report.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't choose your air courier company by price alone. Reputation, customer service, on time delivery, and condition of your deliveries all matter. When you choose a US air courier, look for one with a customer service ranking that matches their price structure and you'll find the right air courier for your needs, and that will support your profit margin, too.

US air couriers help you send your packages rapidly and with great care. Their services keep you competitive by delivering top-notch products fast. Whether it’s merchandise or a recovery package, air courier services deliver.

US based air courier services come in all shapes and sizes, and most would bend over backwards to earn your business. Shop around and find the one that will be a good fit for your geographic area, then work with them to come to your price point.

To find an air courier service to fit you:

1. Start local and work your way out when looking for US couriers. The smaller the distance the courier has to go to reach you, the lower your shipping costs are going to be on both ends.

2. Look to a regional hub if you don’t have a close air courier company in your region.

3. Consider a national service as your next option.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find US air couriers online

As you begin your search, look to the wide variety of carriers available to choose from on the web. Determine feasibility of their air courier service based on distance from you and price. Look to service providers like Direct Rush or National Air Cargo.

I recommend: Direct Rush specializes in direct air freight and trucking services. National Air Cargo has no size or weight restrictions, and they offer next day, 2-day and deferred services.

Look at big companies for air courier services

US based air courier services Fed-ex and UPS both offer services to hand carry your goods from sender to destination. Often times, this will keep your package out of the customs abyss as the courier can claim it as part of his or her luggage.

I recommend: FedEx offers a door-to-door service where 1 of their representatives will hand carry the package from point A to point B. UPS also offers you an express hand carried option.

Set up an account with your US courier

Work with your air courier service to set up an account with them, while at the same time negotiate your shipping rate. See what kinds of discounts apply based on the amount US national courier service you will need.

I recommend: N&S Messenger Services offer rush and same day deliveries, as well as a regular mail run. They also offer doctor and hospital runs, small to midsized trucking and international shipping. IES Express offers next day and 2-day courier service to the 48 continental states.

Seek a US courier that also offers international services

You never know when the need will arise that you need to ship an international package. If you work with a company that already offers you discounted rates, you don't have to ship a single international package at a higher rate through an untested company.

I recommend: Primac is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. With International Parcel Services, you can save up to 50% because of their high volume of shipments. Many Fortune 500 companies use World Courier Ground.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When choosing a company ask what their on-time delivery percentage is and ask to speak to references.