Wednesday 24 September 2014

Brand New CSM Logistics, Brand New Website



Business Delivery

Personal Service

That’s our ethos in four words!  We love a clear statement.  It is with this view that we at CSM are delighted to reveal our new look and new website. 

What’s New?

We have changed the structure of the site with users in mind.  The navigation has been improved and new concise, informative text given to guide users to the information that they require.

We have introduced a new weights and dimensions calculator to assist users to gain an accurate cost for deliveries along with details about maximum parcel sizes and weights.

An additional, time saving feature for CSM’s clients has been developed.  Now clients have the ability to void a parcel if the delivery is no longer required, previously this would have had to be requested.

Why the Change?

Our business has been growing and evolving over the last 18 years, and we felt that it was time for a change.  We have updated our look to include a vibrant orange to reflect our zest and passion for delivering our reliable courier services.

One aspect that we will not change is our energetic efficient team, who are at the end of the phone to assist you with your every requirement, offering a truly personal service.

We are so proud of our new look; and are feeling refreshed and ready to deliver!


Come and see us at www.csmlogistics.co.uk.

Thursday 11 September 2014

Underground Overground Contact Free!


When I heard the news that from 16th September London’s Underground, Overground, Trams and DLR were using contactless payments I couldn’t get the Wombles theme out of my head, my childhood has a lot to answer for at times!

I think the contactless scheme for travel is an improvement on the Oyster card scheme currently in place, as it is set to automatically offer everyone getting around our fair capital the best value rate for their travel, if they use the system correctly.  I’ve been looking into this area recently; thought I would share my findings.

Using Your Card

Using your contactless card is much the same as an Oyster card.  You need to touch the yellow card reader at the beginning and end of your journey.  It is essential that this is done to ensure your fair is charged correctly.

Using the Same Card

The system is set to calculate the best fare for each day or week, based on when and where you have travelled.  But this will only be if you use the same contactless card.

Here’s the cleaver part, not only will the system cost the journeys you make each day it will cap the fees appropriately daily, and will also sum the cost of your travel between Monday and Sunday and apply the capped rate for the week, if appropriate, meaning your travel will always be charged at the best rate possible.

Keep You Cards Apart

I’ve heard that there is a potential issue with the new contactless travel, and that is of conflict between multiple contactless cards if you have multiples, so to avoid this care should be taken to keep the card your purse or wallet away from the reader when using the contactless readers.

How You Are Charged

This is the difference between using an Oyster card and using the new contactless system, each individual step of your journey is recorded and at the end of the day a calculation is made giving the cost of your travel and capped fees are given wherever applicable.  No money is deducted from your account as you are using the system, instead a charge will be taken at the end of the day.  Meaning that you haven’t got the extra steps of adding credit as is obligatory with an  Oyster card.

As I mentioned earlier the system also works from Monday to Friday, so the charges will be calculated daily and when charges meet the cost of the weekly capped rate, no further payments will be required for that particular week.  All of these fees are based on adult fares and capped rate fares are offered at a better rate than a Travelcard.

“Tickets Please” Oh, I don’t have one

Do not fear!  If an inspector askes for your ticket just show your contactless card.  From 16th September inspectors will carry a mobile reader, there is no need for your to hand your card over, but instead touch it on the mobile reader.   The inspector will not be able to view any of your card details, but will be shown confirmation of your journey.  Be sure to offer the correct card here to avoid confusion.

Monday 8 September 2014

Protecting Your Fragile Items


There is always a risk of breakage when shipping a fragile item, however, there are steps you can take to protect delicate items.  Here we give you some pointers to help you protect fragile goods.

Box Selection

When choosing a box for a fragile item you should select a strong ridged box.  If you are shipping with CSM you have a weight allowance of 30kg for most services so you have plenty of scope weight-wise to choose a sufficiently strong box.

The box must be a little bigger than the items you are sending to allow for packing.

Wrap the Items Separately

Each fragile item should be individually wrapped.  Bubble wrap is ideal, but this is an area where newspaper and tissue paper can be recycled.

If possible, put the wrapped items in an inner box or container for added protection.  Cardboard dividers also work well as shock absorbers to protect multiple items form knocking together.

Packing the Box

When placing the items in the box you are looking to place your delicate items in the centre of the package, as this is the area which offers the most protection.  Make sure you surround the items with cushioning material such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts at the top, bottom and all the sides.  Fill the box as much as possible to avoid movement in the package. 

It is also advisable to protect the corners of the box as these points are likely to knock against other parcels, and protected corners will help to absorb any impact your parcel may encounter.

Securely Fasten the Box

Once carefully packed the box should be closed and carefully sealed to avoid opening in transit.  Reinforced tape is ideal for this; all seams of the box should be taped for extra security.

Mark the box Fragile

If you clearly mark your package as being Fragile then handlers will be aware of that your package contains delicate items.

Insurance

Every effort will be made to deliver your items safely, but we would recommend that you look at taking out insurance for added piece of mind.