I take to the open road, healthy, free, the world before me.” — Walt Whitman
MMS Courier held three driver appreciation events in June. The events were an excellent opportunity to demonstrate how valuable the independent contract driver team is in ensuring client deliveries are seamlessly completed safely and on-time. The team also shared critical insights into system performance and how MMS can continually improve upon already exceptional service levels. The dispatch team was also treated to sandwiches and snacks as part of the events.
Now eleven years old, MMS Courier developed a distinct business model utilizing independent contract drivers (ICs). Doing so enables the organization to optimize agility, accuracy, and accessibility in serving clients with demanding and dynamic needs.
“Our driving partners are what make the business run and succeed,” said MMS Courier Founder and Chairman Michael Eshelby. “We have the utmost respect and esteem for the role our driving partners play in serving clients. We also respect their desire for independence, freedom, and the opportunity for managing their business in their own way. By strategically integrating technology, people, and process we serve both clients and the independent driving contractors at the same time with the highest level of efficiency possible.”
Feedback gathered from the drivers helps the MMS operations team assess and continuously improve on the systems and technology required in an extremely fluid ecosystem characterized by immediacy. “Our clients depend on responsiveness,” Mr. Eshelby shared. “No two days are the same. And even though many of our routes are carefully planned and established there are always exceptions. Keeping everyone focused on ensuring pick-ups and deliveries are completed without fail is a challenge we embrace. We couldn’t make it happen without our dedicated IC team. We are always looking for ways to show our appreciation for their commitment, professionalism, and tireless pursuit of excellence. It was a pleasure to get together with the team, share a few laughs, play trivia games, and hear about their lives, goals, and aspirations.”
MMS Courier primarily provides messenger and courier services in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. The firm partners with over 200 independent contract drivers covering some 220 routes comprised of more than 2,500 stops and 165 cities. The IC team registers about 30,000 miles in servicing clients in the medical, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, energy, utility, legal, real estate, and diverse additional industries. At present roughly 80% of all deliveries involve dedicated routes while 20% are urgent on-demand requests.
“The IC team truly seemed to enjoy the events,” said Mr. Eshelby. So did the account management and operations teams. We are all so busy making sure things run smoothly, it is nice to take a break and just enjoy fellowshipping with one another. It reminds all of us what is most important.”
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