How do I look at a courier firm’s lab specimen and medical delivery runs?

Begin with the customers. Who books these runs, on what schedule, and are they contracted or ad hoc? A few regular clinics or labs may account for most of the work, so ask what happens if one leaves.

Ask about the drivers. Who is assigned to medical runs, how were they trained, and what do they do when something goes wrong, such as a late pickup or a damaged package? Speak to a few drivers and see whether their answers match the owner’s. Look at the records. Ask to see handoff logs, delay reports and any customer complaints from recent months. A company that tracks these carefully is in better shape than one that relies on memory.

Check equipment and handling practice as general good sense: how items are kept secure and separate, how vehicles are cleaned and how privacy is protected. Ask your lawyer which duties apply to handling this kind of material. Finally, ask how much of the staff would stay with the medical runs after a sale. Ask how the company would cope if a key client asked for more medical runs next month. The answer shows whether the work is limited by drivers, vehicles or the owner’s time, and it helps a buyer judge fit.

Key takeaways

• Identify the customers and how concentrated the medical work is.
• Compare driver accounts with the owner’s description.
• Review handoff logs, delays and complaints from recent months.