Breakaway News Volume No. 16 Issue No. 12 December 2011

X-Mas Cheer

Ho ho holy MOLY that was a fast year! Now 2011 is coming to a close, it’s that time of year for trimming the tree, hanging stockings, and buying gifts. All of which, while fun, can be time consuming. If you need any help, be sure to call on us. Our Special Agent for Holiday Deliveries, Kris, will be on hand to help expedite your deliveries. He mentioned something about leaving early on Christmas Eve. Naturally, we said “No Kris, our customers come first”.

Wheels, Elves, Kids

What do the above three have in common? When they get together, magic happens! Specifically, the magic of people giving the gift of a bicycle. Elves and Wheels last year gave away 108,000 bicycles to underprivileged children in Greater Houston. The idea is that with a bicycle, poor children have more options than they would if they were restricted to walking. Visit www.elvesandmore.org/EMHomePage.shtm to learn more.

Skid Row? Skid Ho!

What’s a skid? Also called a palette, a skid is what our truckers use to haul stuff. Our bread and butter, usually made of wood, the items rest on top, and then a skid-jack/palette-jack can be inserted underneath to wheel it around. We move them all day, all night 24/7. If you have a lot of something, or one big something, let us know, and we’re all over it.

Shop Breakaway       

It’s Christmas, and that means shopping. This Cyber Monday, be sure to spend your hard-earned cash at www.breakawaystore.com, for some messenger bling. Because nothing says the holidays like a shirt or jersey with Breakaway emblazoned on it.

Speeding Bullits

Look, out in the street! Is it a bird? Is it a truck? No, it’s the Bullit a new cargo bicycle, and only Breakaway’s got them. These Danish, flatbed type bicycles can carry moderate loads quickly throughout the city. So, if you have a serious load, but don’t want to call a truck, let our Bullits handle it.

Can’t Touch This!

In this cyberage, privacy is a thing of the past. Anyone can have their phones or e-mail hacked by determined people; just ask the Brits. Maybe that’s why we’re fond of envelope delivery. The only hands that touch it are yours, our messenger’s, and the recipient’s. The only code our couriers know is the Messenger’s Code: Get it there fast!

Stump the Band

Last month we asked for the significance of “576” on the car of Boston’s mayor. Answer: James Michael Curley was Boston’s first mayor to have an automobile, and the “576” stands for the number of letters in each of his names.

T-Shirt Question

In what country is Christmas not a formal public holiday, despite being the birthplace of an important Christmas saint? The first person to call Gil Ortiz with the correct answer will win a coveted Breakaway T-shirt.

Season's Greetings!!

Delivery Tips

 As Christmas approaches, we our delivery volume will spike dramatically. During peak periods, you may experience delays because many large orders will arrive simultaneously. Here are some tips to avoid service delays during the holiday season:

1) For faster service, place your large orders in the early morning. It is extremely helpful to have orders placed before 9:00 AM. We open at 7:00 AM. Our peak periods are from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. If we are extremely busy, pickup times can slow down. Trucking deliveries are generally slower because of traffic delays and security checks.

2) If you are planning a large batch of gift deliveries, it helps to have one-day advance notice. You can also fax a copy of your deliveries to us or place your order on our website: www.breakawaycourier.com

3) Label your packages completely.  Packages that are not completely labeled languish in the company mailroom.  Always include the recipient's full name, company name, room number, address and phone number. With post-9/11 security, many office buildings will not accept packages without complete information on delivery labels. Also include your return address on the package.

4) Call ahead to the delivery point to make sure someone is there to receive your package. If you order an evening delivery, make sure the receiving party is open past 5:00 PM. It might make more sense to schedule the delivery for the following morning.

5) Do not procrastinate! Please do not wait until the last minute for a large batch of deliveries. It is advisable to place large gift deliveries by Friday, December 16th.

6) Please circulate this flyer to all employees who are planning to send large batches of deliveries this holiday season.

 7) Enjoy the holidays!