Postal Letter

How tough is it to open an independant courier business in Texas? I want to pick up and deliver small items.?

I have 8 years experience working in the mailroom for 2 large oil companies, so I have some experience on the receiving end of the business. I would like to deliver small packages, letters, envelopes, etc. and possibly court/legal documents. I would start out as a one man operation, but does anyone have any ideas on how I would begin to market myself, rates to charge and types of insurance I would need. I would base my operation from home at the beginning. I have 3 vehicles (van, sedan,small car),a state- of -the -art computer, a business cell phone and a willingness to work hard. How does a person break into the business? Would it be better for me to start out working as a contractor for an existing company? I don't want to try to compete with the "Big 3" (FedEX, UPS and DHL). I want find my niche by offering same day delivery, not over night services. Any independant courier guys/girls out there who have tried this and have been successful? Any response or ideas will be appreciated!

Public Comments

1. I don't have any experience doing this, but my parents have used a company in San Antonio called CFI for years. If you are not from here, they may be willing to help. They offer 2, 4 and 6 hour deliveries. The price starts at $6, I believe. It's a very helpful service. I don't know who they deal with most, but they pick up documents from the courthouse for us and bring them to us or wherever else they need to go. It should be easy enough to find their number.
2. The most important thing that will earn you business is to be licensed AND BONDED. Companies will not trust you with vital and sensitive communications unless you are. The best way to get the word around is to go to your local Chamber of Commerce, join it, and use its membership list as a contact sheet to send your first wave of advertisements to. As you work your way through that list, seek other business organizations and do the same thing..
3. Dealing with sensitive documents you need to offer some assurance to the big companies you are reliable.. -get licensed and bonded -get a uniform -offer discounts to get in on some buisiness etc.