[Moving Mountains] Experiences with ground service providers

[Canepa, Kerri A (EED)]

While I would love to develop in-house delivery service, that's not
realistic for the Alaska Library Network at this time. We're not a
formal organization yet (although we have 30+ years of informal library
collaboration all called the Alaska Library Network) and I think what
funds we'll have on hand at the beginning will best be served elsewhere.
 
Given that, I am in the process of developing delivery service between
Fairbanks and Anchorage (one way - 360 miles). Very simple stuff; single
pick-up/drop-off location in each city, one delivery per day, five days
a week. I've spoken with both UPS and FedEx, and  I'm playing telephone
tag with DHL. UPS seems the most likely candidate because they have
guaranteed overnight ground service between those cities and they can
set it up to be an automatic daily pick-up/drop-off. FedEx could make it
work and DHL (from what the national service rep told me) would be
willing to talk to me about it.
 
I'm looking for experiences with using UPS and FedEx ground service for
regular deliveries. Particularly from areas with similar winter
conditions. The highway between Fairbanks and Anchorage is well
maintained during the winter but it can still be icy and extremely cold.
Summer conditions are only a problem if there are large scale forest
fires near the highway (very infrequent).
 
Even if you don't have winter conditions even close to Alaska's I'd be
happy to hear your comments. Thanks!
 
Kerri Canepa
Coordinator
Alaska Library Network
334 W. 3rd Avenue, Ste 125
Anchorage, AK 99501
907-269-6567
kerri.canepa at alaska.gov
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