What makes you different from any other delivery service?
We truly believe we are an original service. Most "courier" and "messenger" services will deliver a package, envelope, documents, and maybe the occasional case of wine - even same day. NVDS will deliver anything same day from an envelope to 12 pallets - anywhere in California! We are not a small courier service, nor a large trucking company. Additionally, each driver owns a small percentage of the company. It is in their best interest to serve above and beyond.
Why are your rates not posted on your web site?
We have set standard rates for hundreds of cities within the state of California, and many times the rates may be significantly lower due to various discounts for scheduled deliveries, regular accounts, etc. With some deliveries, the rates may be higher if we are carrying pallets of wine or any heavy items. You may call or e-mail us to find out a rate for any city.
How far do you go?
We cover the entire state of California for same day and scheduled deliveries.
How much can you carry? What will you deliver?
We will deliver anything legal from the size of a paper clip to anything our heavy-duty trucks will carry, which is about 13,000 pounds, or 12 standard-size pallets.
Won't FedEx or UPS cost me alot less than using you?
Unlike FedEx, UPS, and the other "big guys", we are based in Napa, so we cater to Napa and Napa County businesses and residents. We support our local economy, and want to strengthen it by remaining in Napa so we can give you better service and rates than a huge national company. Essentially, by streamlining our deliveries from origin to destination with the same driver, using less fuel, less time, and less hassle, it results in the customer saving money. The real key is utilizing one driver per vehicle, per delivery.
How come you don't have semi-trucks?
The cost of owning and operating even one big rig is phenomenal, and that cost will always reflect on the customer. Additionally, CHP weigh stations would slow us down, thereby excluding us from the rush delivery business.
If I need a delivery right away, how long will you take to get here?
If your in Napa, we'll usually have a driver at your business or residence within 15 to 30 minutes after you call.
Can I schedule a delivery?
Yes. We will give a discount on any delivery that is scheduled a day or more in advance.
What if a driver has to wait at my business?
Most pick-ups and drop-off are fairly quick and uninterrupted. There is a small charge for waiting after ten minutes, and we must charge for time due to the interference of other important deliveries. You can always call before a driver arrives to delay the delivery awhile at no charge to you.
Can you make additional stops?
Sure. There is a small charge if not more than 15 minutes round trip.
I'll need an ongoing delivery two or three times every week. Will I receive a discount?
Daily and regular accounts of at least one time per week receive a substantial discount, ranging from 15% to 25% off our regular, one-time rates.
Shouldn't I just send out my own employee to deliver something?
Virtually all of our clients find that they are saving money using our services as opposed to sending out a valuable employee. Companies don't want to do deliveries because they don't want the responsibilities of having an employee drive, and the potentially costly liability issues to deal with. Additionally, our drivers know the highways and backroads extremely well for the quickest, most efficient delivery possible.
Do you deliver at night or on the weekends?
We will deliver any time of night if the delivery is scheduled, but our office is closed at 5 p.m. We are closed on the weekends because most shipping/receiving type businesses are also closed on the weekends. We will often perform a delivery on the weekend if scheduled in advance.
Are your weight rates expensive?
Relatively, no. There are literally no weight charges if the item is under 50 pounds. Anything over 50 pounds is 5 cents per pound. A 300 pound item will be charged as 250 pounds, with a weight total of $12.50. Weights from 4,000 lbs. to 13,000 lbs. are discounted significantly right off the top, from a 20% discount to a 40% discount.
Are you insured?
Absolutely. It would be illegal for us to operate without the proper insurance. In addition to our regular vehicle insurance, we carry specialized cargo insurance that will cover nearly any amount, and nearly any item or product.
Can you bill me for your services?
We bill on a monthly basis for some clients, and a bi-weekly basis for others. For a first-time or one-time customer, we require payment same day by cash, check, VISA, Mastercard, or American Express. 99% of first-time callers use us again!
Is it true that NVDS delivered the wine for the Academy Awards?
Yes! Although it's not as glamorous as it may sound. We delivered the wine from upvalley to an air-conditioned facility on Melrose Avenue in Hollywood 8 days before the 2001 show. For 2002, we delivered the upvalley wine straight to the Beverly Hills Hotel. In 2003, we did it again!
How long does it take a driver to get to San Francisco from Napa?
San Francisco is a popular destination for NVDS. Depending on the time of day, it takes anywhere from 50 minutes to over two hours. The worst time of day is during the early morning commute hours, between 6 and 9. The best time is in the late morning until around 2 p.m.
Will you perform both the pick-up and delivery outside of Napa?
Yes. Most of our clients are within Napa County, but we get numerous, daily calls from all over California.
Can you FAX or send me some business referrals?
Give us a call or e-mail and we'll send an updated list right over.
How long have you been in business? What did you start out delivering?
We've been in transportation for well over a decade, beginning as limousine/airport specialists. We became licensed in the courier and delivery business after learning the ins and outs of Napa County, and began delivering prescription medicine to local residents, then moved on to serving more types of industries and people.
Do you screen or test your drivers?
Our drivers must possess a clear, valid CA driver's license, with a maximum of 1 violation. Drivers can be periodically drug tested without notice. A rush delivery does not allow the driver to "rush" beyond any posted speed limits and put anyone in danger.
I am concerned about the heat affecting my wine. Are your vehicles air-conditioned?
Our vehicles are air-conditioned. Wine, especially in a case, will not be drastically affected by slow temperature swings for short periods of time.
How will I know that my package has been safely delivered?
Our drivers, upon request, will call you the moment your package is delivered and signed for. Our customers love this, and it gives peace of mind knowing their important item has reached it's destination.
What won't you deliver?
Because of the potential of good food going bad, we will not deliver cooked restaurant food to any home or business, including fast food, pizza, etc. We won't deliver people, livestock, explosives, garbage, open paint, gas, or other flammables. We also do not offer process serving of any kind, to keep our drivers safe!
Are you associated with any organizations?
