Use Courier When
- Speed matters most (same-day or rush)
- Shipment is small-to-medium and handoff-sensitive
- Chain-of-custody and direct routing are important
- You want fewer transfer points and tighter control
Use Freight When
- Shipment is palletized, bulky, or high-volume
- Dock coordination and larger vehicle capacity are required
- Route is longer-haul or regional/national transfer
- Schedule-based movement is acceptable
Decision Rule Used by Dispatch
Start with urgency, then evaluate dimensions/weight, handling sensitivity, and destination constraints. This avoids overpaying for speed when structure is the true requirement, and avoids under-scoping urgent loads that need direct courier execution.
"Cordova helped us split urgent documents to courier and pallet loads to freight in the same workflow."