Signing a courier contract without proper due diligence is one of the most common mistakes healthcare procurement teams make. The vendor looks professional on paper, the price is competitive, and the sales pitch is polished.Then the first week of service reveals the truth.Before you commit to any medical courier contract, here’s the evaluation process that actually protects your facility.Verify Insurance Before Anything ElseRequest certificates of insurance on day one. A legitimate medical courier should carry commercial auto insurance, cargo coverage, and general liability at minimum. Verify the coverage amounts are adequate for your needs and that the policy is current.If a courier hesitates to provide insurance documentation, end the conversation.Check Their Compliance CredentialsFor facilities that work with government agencies or have supplier diversity requirements, verify the courier’s certifications. Are they registered on SAM.gov? Do they hold any small business certifications such as SDVOSB, WOSB, or similar?These credentials indicate an operator who takes compliance seriously across all aspects of their business.Ask Specific Questions About STAT ResponseDon’t accept vague assurances about urgency. Ask specifically: what is your average STAT response time? How is dispatch handled after hours? Who do I call if my regular driver doesn’t show up?The answers reveal whether you’re dealing with a real operation or a single driver with an app.Request References from Healthcare ClientsAsk for references from other healthcare facilities, labs, or medical practices they currently serve. A call to one existing client tells you more than any sales conversation.Understand the Contract TermsRead the termination clauses, performance standards, and liability provisions carefully. What happens if a specimen is lost or damaged? What are the remedies if service standards aren’t met?If the contract doesn’t include performance standards, ask for them to be added before you sign.Why Schaner Logistics Welcomes This ScrutinyWe built Schaner Logistics to pass every evaluation on this list. Certified SDVOSB. SAM.gov registered. Fully insured. Transparent pricing. References available.We welcome due diligence because it separates serious operators from everyone else.Central Pennsylvania’s healthcare systems deserve a courier that holds itself to the same standard it asks of others.