Breakaway News Volume No. 16 Issue No. 3 March 2011

March Observances

As far as we can tell, this March is chock full of observances, religious and otherwise. Among them are: Purim, Ash Wednesday, and St. Patrick’s Day. On St. Patrick's Day please note that the parade down Fifth Ave. becomes a great barrier to cross for our couriers; not to mention wanton packs of teenagers cheerfully oblivious to the rhythms of commerce.

Mad! Mad I Say!

The tension is building. Partisans are meeting. A political revolution? No, it’s only March Madness coming. Like some seasonal fever that descends every year, March Madness infects our staff here at Breakaway HQ and results in endless arguments over who can shoot, dribble, coach, etc. Occasionally, during this time, we get some work done.

Le Package!

Breakaway leader RK has just come back from a trip to Paris, where he had a tête-à-tête with his French courier counterparts at Coursier. Last October, a French courier from Coursier, worked at Breakaway for a week and learned our best practices. RK visited Coursier and learned their best practices. It looks like a good business alliance, with a possible exchange program for our dispatchers and theirs. Sorry, we’re not taking any applications for dispatching now. Also, Coursier graciously declined our croissants from our local deli on 8th Ave.

Reality Bytes

It’s official; Breakaway’s stint on reality TV is slated to air in June on the Travel Channel. If you ever wanted to know how a messenger company operates but were too afraid to set foot in a messenger compound, now’s your chance. All you need to do is tune in to the Travel Channel. Check your local channel for times and listings. Popcorn is on you.

Weekend Work

In this economy people are working harder than ever and we’re no exception.  If you are burning the midnight oil and have to get that urgent package delivered on Saturday or Sunday, fear not, we are open on the weekends.  Our veteran weekend dispatcher Chris, aka Mr. C, awaits your call or web order.

Potholes a Go Go

One consequence of this brutal winter’s snow has been the proliferation of potholes. Formed more rapidly during times of low temperatures and picked open by plows, these urban booby traps have been responsible for many a pinch-flat by our couriers, not to mention a broken axle or two. Watch your step out there.

Stump the Band

Last month we asked why several countries banned the mailing of Valentine’s Day cards during the late 1800s. Answer: The cards were too racy and risqué. The U.S. Postal Service in Chicago rejected more than 25,000 cards during this period, saying they were not fit to be delivered via U.S. mail.

T-Shirt Question

Everyone associates the croissant with France, but what is its true origin? The first person to call Gil Ortiz with the correct answer will win a coveted Breakaway t-shirt.