Why Switching Feels Risky
Because you've seen it done badly. A new carrier starts Monday with a route sheet and no site knowledge, and week one is a series of wrong doors, missed windows and phone calls. That's not switching risk. That's inadequate onboarding.
The Five-Step Transition
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1 · Route discovery | The incoming courier rides the route and documents every stop |
| 2 · Site notification | Every location contacted before day one |
| 3 · Parallel run | New carrier runs alongside the existing arrangement |
| 4 · Daily check-in | Through the first two weeks, then weekly through the first month |
| 5 · Route profile delivered | Documented and handed to you, not held by the carrier |
What to Document Before You Hand Anything Over
Every stop with access, contacts, timing and handling. Hold-time constraints by test type. Bench cutoffs. After-hours procedures. Anything that was ever verbal.
Check Your Notice Period First
Most courier agreements run 30 to 60 days. Read it before you start conversations, so the timeline is yours to set.
The Question That Separates Carriers
"If we leave you, do we get our route documentation?" A carrier who says no is relying on switching costs instead of service.