Choosing a medical courier isn’t like choosing a package delivery service. The stakes are higher, the requirements are stricter, and the margin for error is essentially zero.Whether you’re a hospital procurement manager, a lab director, or a healthcare administrator evaluating courier vendors, here are five things that should be non-negotiable.1. Proper Insurance and ComplianceA legitimate medical courier should carry commercial auto insurance, cargo coverage, and general liability at minimum. Ask for certificates of insurance before signing any agreement. If they can’t produce documentation immediately, walk away.2. Chain of Custody ProtocolsClinical specimens and sensitive medical materials require documented chain of custody from pickup to delivery. Your courier should have clear protocols for tracking, handling, and documenting every transfer. This isn’t optional — it’s a compliance requirement.3. STAT CapabilityNot every delivery is an emergency. But when one is, your courier needs to be able to respond immediately. Ask specifically about STAT response times and how dispatch works after hours and on weekends.4. Local Knowledge and AccountabilityNational carriers know national logistics. Local couriers know your market. When something goes wrong — and in logistics, something always eventually goes wrong — you want a local operator you can reach directly, not a call center.5. Certification and CredentialsFor healthcare systems that work with government agencies or have supplier diversity requirements, courier certification matters. A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification, active SAM.gov registration, and proper NAICS codes are indicators of a serious, compliant operation.Schaner Logistics meets every standard on this list. Central Pennsylvania’s SDVOSB medical courier — same-day, STAT, and ready to serve.