SPS Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is SPS?
A: SPS stands for Smart Parcel Service; SPS is the new generation of parcel delivery service dedicated for both charitable and commercial parcel delivery services
Q: What does SPS do?
A: SPS delivers parcels using travelers who will “piggyback” the parcel with them in their vehicle and “handoff” or relay the parcel to the next traveler until the parcel arrives at its final destination.
Q: Why is SPS useful?
A: SPS is revolutionizing the shipping industry… Parcel delivery can be effected as a new peer-to-peer service, rather than a location-to-location service. There are many advantages of SPS without any disadvantages. Over 30% of our daily expenses are “shipping” related. SPS could reduce that to less than half the cost.
Q: Is SPS only for charity delivery such as emergency and disaster relief?
A: No, SPS delivers all parcels, for everybody to anywhere in the world.
Q: Does SPS only deliver parcels by Air?
A: No, SPS delivers all parcels by travelers in the air, on the road or over the water.
Q: Who are involved in the SPS Operations?
A: SPS was created by Joseph Lai, the same inventor also created the patented technology that he licensed to Airborne Wireless Network, which turns commercial airliners into satellites (Google: “Turning Airplanes into Satellites”). SPS has assembled a team of the best and smartest people to design the SPS shipping network and related APP, which is based on the same principle of how the Internet delivers its data.
Q: Why SPS is a great idea for new method of shipping?
A: SPS, Smart Parcel Service (aka, “Shipping Problems Solved”), is the most efficient peer to peer, reliable shipping method available for parcels. Unlike all the mainstream commercial carriers, SPS uses ordinary “Travelers” to piggyback and relay packages which have almost no cost of the delivery, plus it is very environmentally friendly. Think of “Uber meets UPS.”
Q: What is the primary benefit of becoming a SPS Air Partner?
A: SPS is a non-profit company (IRC 501(c)(3)), which allows our SPS Air Partners to deduct the cost of their flying! Pilots need to stay current and proficient and, therefore, must incur great expenses for the cost of the airplane. Many pilots just love to fly; others like to help people and “give back” to the world. SPS takes the sting out of paying the heavy expense of operating an aircraft by making those expenses tax deductible (e.g., cost of rental, fuel, meals, etc…).
Q: I am a student pilot. Can I join SPS as an Air Partner and receive a tax deduction for helping deliver parcels?
A: Yes, all the expenses associated with your flying become tax deductible as an Air Partner. This includes aircraft rental, fuel, food, landing & parking fees, hotels, etc. Please consult your CPA or Tax consultant to see if you qualify and to what extent you will realize benefits.
Q: I just joined as a SPS Air Partner, what do I do next?
A: SPS is still in the development stages for Air Partners. Once operational, Air Partner pilots will simply submit their intended “flight plan” via our mobile APP. We will keep you informed our progress in going operational in the near future.
Q: I am very interested in join SPS, how do I make sure the parcels have no illegal, banned, controlled substance or dangerous materials?
A: All parcels will be checked by our appointed inspectors before each flight.
Q: Is SPS same as Uber delivery of parcels?
A: No, SPS gathers “Travelers” who happen to be going in the same direction as the parcels need to be delivered in order to “piggyback” them.
Q: Once I landed at the destination airport, then what I do?
A: You can deliver the parcels to the pilot conducting the next leg at our appointed FBO, or just drop it off there for temporary storage until the next flight leg is ready. If there are loads for you to pickup, you can receive them from the same FBO.
Q: I am a SPS Air Partner, I live 10 miles from the airport, can I also handle the “last-mile” on the ground to help deliver the parcels to the final destinations?
A: Absolutely, you are already qualified as one of our SPS Road Partner too.
Q: What are other benefits for using SPS Services?
A: SPS makes shipping dreams comes true. SPS can be very fast, very flexible, very efficient, very affordable, and very environmentally friendly; what else could you ask for?
Q: I am a commercial pilot and my aircraft is certified under FAA Part 135. Is there a program for SPS to deliver commercial parcels for money?
A: There will be. Right now, we only do charitable deliveries.
Q: I just sign-up today, what I do next?
A: SPS will assign you an Air Partner number. Since SPS is still building its operations, it may be a while before you can make your first delivery for us.
Q: How do SPS assign its demand for Air Partners?
A: When there are needs for shipping parcels, SPS will search its database of the pilots, based on the sign-up time, seniority, capability and availability, SPS will dispatch the assignment to the appropriate pilots.
Q: SPS seems a great idea…What happens if none of the GA guys are available to help?
A: Well… SPS would gather the GA as our first priority of shipping parcels… if there absolutely no GA pilot available, SPS will simply dispatch the commercial services to help SPS the missing links. Just keep in mind is GA has hundreds times of more pilots and aircraft than these commercial services and SPS pilots can work at holidays at a 24/7 basis.
Q: SPS has requested that I deliver a very low cost item. Can I still deduct the expenses of my trip (E.g., fuel, meals, landing & parking fees, hotel charges)?
A: Yes, SPS is an IRS recognized 501 (c) (3) charity for tax deduction purposes. Your expenses should qualify as ‘tax-deductible’, regardless the cost of the content. However, SPS is not authorized to provide tax advice. IRS rules and regulations are quite complex. Therefore, you should always consult your CPA or tax preparer before filing any deductions.