FAQ

• Expectations
• Service
• Shipping labels and label maker
• Miscellaneous
• Participants
• Fuel surcharge

Expectations

Overall expectations for RIDES should be:

• Delivery service will be provided  between 8am and 5pm on the scheduled day of service. 
• All prepared items in a green RIDES tote will be picked up each scheduled day of service
• Notify via Rides Assistance form if the outgoing load is larger than normal.
• All incoming items will be delivered in a green RIDES tote each scheduled day of service. 

Service

How do we join RIDES?

• For more information, see Joining RIDES.

How do we change the number of days we get delivery?

• Submit your request via the Rides Assistance form.

How do you determine the number of days required?

• It is based on the volume of materials at the site. We created a matrix that uses a year's worth of scanned data, MeLCat reports, local shared system reports of interlibrary loan, and library reports to the Library of Michigan about interlibrary loan. The number may not match the exact number of items you send and receive in RIDES, but it is an equalized measure that we can use for comparison of library usage.
• Libraries with a volume number of 1,000 or less have the option of choosing 2 or 3 days per week of service.
• Libraries with volume numbers between 1,000 and 10,000 have the option of choosing 3 or 5 days per week of service.
• Libraries with a volume number of 10,000 or more are required to participate with 5 days of service per week.

Why is the Upper Peninsula pricing different than the Lower Peninsula?

• Our primary courier sub-contracts with another company for the Upper Peninsula service. There is a substantial price difference for that region, so we process them separately.

Why is there a charge for volume?

• To make the pricing more equitable.

Why can't we have delivery at the same time every day so we can plan staff scheduling?

• To offer this service to Michigan libraries at an affordable price we have had to make  concessions. For example, library materials are shipped with a variety of items—medical, office supplies, etc.—to lower the cost. Dedicated service (firmly scheduled day and time of delivery) costs would triple the current charge. We expect our contracted courier to deliver to libraries between 8am and 5pm, but we cannot ask for a specific time of delivery. The courier schedules driver routes with the intent to deliver on prearranged days and often they arrive at or near the same time every day, but there is no guarantee.

Shipping labels and label maker

Why are all our branches listed on the label maker if we only have delivery service at the main library?

• The label maker options match the pickup locations on MeLCat paging slips. Libraries with multiple pickup location options have multiple listings on the RIDES label maker. See 'Central Delivery' information under Participants for more information.

Sometimes when I print out shipping labels it prints the wrong address. Why is that?

• The address is for the site where RIDES delivers. The label maker provides the correct address so do not change the printed label.

I can't find a library on the label maker.

• For best results search by MeL Agency code (z code).
• See Participants for a list of abbreviated names.
• If a library does not appear on the label maker, they no longer participate in RIDES. Contact RIDES Assistance if you need help.

Miscellaneous

Where are the RIDES warehouse hubs?

• 100 - Grayling
• 101 - Upper Peninsula transfer site
• 200 - Grand Rapids
• 300 - Kalamazoo
• 400 - Flint
• 500 - Royal Oak
• 700 - Jackson

What do we do with mystery items that arrive at our library?

• Ship to the owning library or to ZY001 Midwest Coll for Lib Services with a note of explanation.

Why are there so many labels?

• MeLCat items must have a paging slip with the patron information and a MeLCat identifier, either a book band or a removable sticker. 
• Everything shipped via RIDES must have a current RIDES shipping label created with the RIDES label maker. The RIDES shipping label is for the use of the courier sorters and drivers and designed for efficiency in sorting and delivery.

What is the RIDES email list?

• A low volume email discussion group about RIDES concerns, announcements, policies, and procedures.

Why do I have to be subscribed to the RIDES email list?

• RIDES policy requires the RIDES contact subscribe to the RIDES email list . Other staff members may also subscribe to the list.

How do I sign up for the RIDES email list?

• RIDES email list

What precautions is the courier taking due to COVID-19?

• Current CDC recommendations are posted at each facility.
• Staff is required to wear gloves when sorting.
• Drivers are required to wear masks and gloves when making deliveries.
• Drivers will not obtain signatures when making a delivery, and will not interact with library staff.
• Staff expressing or exhibiting symptoms are required to stay home.

Participants

How do I find RIDES Participants?

• Information including contact, hub zone, and RIDES code is available on the RIDES Participating Libraries page. Press Control -> F (Cmd -> F on Mac) for a search box.

How do I know which libraries are No Pack?

• No Pack shows on the RIDES label maker search screen and prints on the shipping label.

What is Central Delivery?

• Libraries or cooperatives that are a pick/up and drop/off site for other libraries using a local delivery system are 'central delivery sites' and the libraries they service are 'sub-libraries'. The delivery address on the RIDES shipping label is the central delivery site where RIDES provides direct delivery service.

Which library branch should I select on the label maker?

• Because of space constraints, some library systems with branches have been abbreviated on the RIDES shipping label maker. When in doubt, select the following:

Fuel surcharge

What is a fuel surcharge?

• A fuel surcharge is a transportation industry standard to cover costs when the cost of gas goes beyond a certain point.

Does RIDES have a fuel surcharge?

• Yes. Our courier will add a surcharge if gas reaches $5.01 or more per gallon.

How is the fuel surcharge billed?

• If a fuel surcharge is necessary, MCLS will invoice once every 6 months. For example, if the price of gas is between $5.01 and $5.20 for six months, the charge for a library paying a yearly cost of $2187.72 is $109.39 -- the yearly cost divided in half ($1093.86) then multiplied by 10%.

Why bill every six months? Why not just add the fuel surcharge to next year's bill?

• Monthly and quarterly invoices are labor intensive and not cost effective. Annual billing would be a burden for libraries. Semi-annual billing is our best alternative.

How is the fuel surcharge determined?

• A sliding scale calculates a monthly average based on the average weekly price of gas as reported by AAA of Michigan fuel gauge index: