[Moving Mountains] New list subscriber has a question

[Jo-Ann Benedetti]

Hi Carrie,

Your system is close to the size of ours (29 libraries + 7 branches covering
2 counties).

We were with Velocity Express until August 2008, when they just could not
meet our needs.  We then went with a small, local company with great
success!

Our libraries get delivery daily (every library, every day).  The company
provides 3 drivers and 3 vans...we move about 125,000 - 150,000 items
monthly.  The items are all delivered here (System HQ) where the drivers
sort the books and load their vans.  The vans then go out first thing in the
morning to make their deliveries.

We pay about $19/stop.

In the year that we've had this local company, we have had 5 damaged items
(water) and NO lost items.

The drivers are terrific, loyal and hard workers.  The management is
responsive...nothing is ever a problem.

I could write volumes about the issues with Velocity Express - but I won't.

After many years of struggling with delivery, we have found a company and a
system that works.

Jo-Ann


Jo-Ann M. Benedetti
Manager of Information and Outreach Services
Upper Hudson Library System
28 Essex Street
Albany, NY  12206
phone: 518-437-9880 ext 225
fax:  518-437-9884
jo-ann at uhls.lib.ny.us




-----Original Message-----
From: movingmountains-bounces at swonlibraries.org
[mailto:movingmountains-bounces at swonlibraries.org] On Behalf Of Carrie
Haverman
Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 4:21 PM
To: movingmountains at swonlibraries.org
Subject: [Moving Mountains] New list subscriber has a question

Hello,
I joined the list today, but noticed the archives don't contain any messages
after Oct 2007.  Is the list still active?

Introduction: I plan and deploy delivery services to 24 locations spread
across three counties in PA.  We employe 2.25 FTE delivery drivers and have
2 vehicles responsible for 2 daily delivery routes.

I'm seeking any sort of metrics and efficiency studies for material
delivery.  What's generally working and what isn't?
I'm also seeking ideas for route planning software.
I'd love to hear from any libraries that bill the cost of the delivery.

Looking forward to any responses in any format.  If I can share anything,
like my own current costs, plans, and struggles, just ask.

Warm regards,
C

Carrie Haverman, District Consultant
Capital Area Library District
Dauphin County Library System
101 Walnut St.  Harrisburg, PA 17101
phone: 717.234.4961 x106
fax: 717.234.7479
chaverman at dcls.org

_______________________________________________
MovingMountains mailing list
MovingMountains at swonlibraries.org
https://www.swonlibraries.org/mailman/listinfo/movingmountains