Breakaway News Volume No. 20 Issue No. 12 December 2015

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays to all of our customers in the Big City and beyond. This year we especially want to remind everyone to stay safe and sound, and to shop with caution. And don’t forget that we can deliver any holiday gift or doo-dad that you want to send.  We might not be faster than reindeer, but we’re pretty quick. Please see the reverse side of this newsletter for some important holiday season shipping information. 

Hobnob  

Thirty years ago, one of the most important of events in our generation happened; the creation of Calvin and Hobbes. It’s hard to believe that Bill Watterson’s six-year old boy and his tiger sidekick are thirty years old.  With the most dead-on, fall-on-the-floor-laughing commentary on growing up, C&H was a must read for kids of all ages.  

More Wit? Get Fit! 

We’re long been aware of the link between staying physically active and mental nimbleness. However, recent findings are getting more specific. A new British study shows that of 324 pair of twins, the one with the sturdier legs had less mental drop off entering middle age. One more reason to ride your bicycle! Just ask Albert Einstein, who some say claimed to have dreamed up the theory of relativity while riding his. 

 December Driving… 

New York only has 7 official gridlock alert days this month (Dec. 2, 4, 11, 16, 17 and 23), but the whole month is likely to be challenging from behind the wheel. You’ll save yourself a lot of headaches and get where you’re going faster by using public transportation, walking or riding your bike.  Better yet, stay off the streets and let us do the pick-ups and deliveries!

More Mobility  

Breakaway has a lot of services and, as readers of this newsletter know, we’re not shy about touting them. So you’re probably heard about our mobile app, but here’s a reminder:  download the hyperSHIP app from Google Play or the App Store, enter the code, “bway,” and use your existing online log-in. Now you can call for a Breakaway messenger from wherever you happen to be. It’s waaaayyyyy more productive than Candy Crush. 

Life, Continuity, Us 

This is now the 20th volume of our illustrious newsletter, and boy does time fly. Einstein had something when he bicycled in on relativity. For instance, if we ride a route for the first time, it seems to take a long time, but after we’re used to it, it goes faster. So, if you rode your bicycle across country, every day would be different. Each day could be an eternity. And every minute would be an eternity if you were listening to a Justin Bieber record. 

Stump the Band 

Last month we asked what Cuban government vehicles are legally required to do while on the open road. Answer:  pick up hitchhikers.

T-Shirt Question 

Intelligence is relative; what relative of Einstein also had a PhD? The first one to call Gil Ortiz with the correct answer will win a coveted Breakaway T-shirt.

Tips for Faster Deliveries During the Holiday Season

Our delivery volume will spike dramatically during the holiday season, and you may experience delays, particularly during peak periods.  Here are some tips to avoid service delays:

1) Place large orders in the early morning, preferably before 9:00 AM. We are open 24 hours a day.  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. For any delivery project with 10 or more addresses, you can just email us a spreadsheet and we’ll upload it directly into our system. Send the email to manyorders@breakawaycourier.com, and get more information at http://breakawaycourier.com/bulk-deliveries.

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. Many people leave several days early, and some offices close for the entire week of Christmas, so it’s best to complete deliveries by Friday, December 18.

6) Please circulate this flyer to all employees who will be using Breakaway’s services during the holiday season.   

Enjoy the holidays!