Supporting Owner Drivers
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Supporting Owner Drivers
Company news and industry articles across the world.
In 2022 there will be two lots of changes to road haulage through the EU member states for UK-based hauliers which could affect your business.
Read the full articleWe’re proud to announce that the winner of the 2021 Commercial Lines Broker of the Year was none other than our very own partner, Business Choice Direct. Read more about this prestigious award and how it sets them apart in an ocean of contenders.
Read the full articleEarth Day comes around once a year to remind us that the environment needs our support and protection. While conducting business on the Exchange, whether moving loads from A to B or orchestrating logistics operations, there are small actions we can all take to make a big difference. We hope to encourage good habits that will last because every day should be Earth Day.
Read the full articleGregor Gowans from Trans.iNFO had a chat with Founder and CEO, Lyall Cresswell, on how Transport Exchange Group has pioneered digital evolution in the logistics industry with its market-leading freight tech solutions.
Read the full articleWe have various measures in place to prioritise the safety of our members, staff and partners during this time.
Read the full articleWe want to get you ready and equipped to prevent infection and protect others by providing practical information and tips for your profession.
Read the full articleTransport Exchange Group recognises its members must be feeling a tremendous sense of pressure and uncertainty regarding Coronavirus. CEO and Founder of the Exchange, Lyall Creswell, has shared a few words on how we can all pull together as a trading community to support our members.
Read the full articleFor International Women’s Day 2020, we took the opportunity to catch up with one of Courier Exchange’s top-performing female owner drivers in celebration of this movement for women’s rights.
Read the full articleIf you manage a small fleet, then you’ve probably invested in a telematics solution. Telematics gives you several key benefits, but the main one would be giving customers full visibility of your fleet. This helps both parties to better manage risks and control unforeseen costs.
Read the full articleIf you do courier work, you need insurance. Fact. Now stay with me folks, because while the subject may not be everyone’s idea of a good time, CX is very proud to announce a new partnership that’s set to benefit our members. And yes, it’s about insurance.
Read the full articleIf you’re a VAT-registered business, the word ‘tax’ might have a bit of a negative connotation, but if you’re a member of Courier Exchange, the platform’s very handy (not to mention user-friendly) ‘Accounting’ feature goes a long way to helping you stay in control.
Read the full articleIf you're in courier work, you definitely want to avoid parking fines. Our new infographic can help.
Read the full articleFor owner driver Bill Barlow, the Courier Exchange offers flexibility, freedom and the opportunity to earn plenty of money from his one man business.
Read the full articleOn the 18th of June, Transport Exchange Group hosted an annual members’ evening and awards event. Held in Coventry at the prestigious Double Tree Hotel, the gathering, which was attended by a record number of member businesses, was our most successful yet.
Read the full articleThe new Courier Exchange website offers advanced functionality to courier drivers, freight forwarders and courier companies and we want to shout about it! The new Courier Exchange website offers advanced functionality to courier drivers, freight forwarders and courier companies and we want to shout about it!
Read the full articleThe key to being a good manager is to empower your employees to manage themselves. While that may seem to be at odds with the old school style of management, the benefits of giving your workers more scope to self-manage can greatly improve the efficiency of any operation.
Read the full articleThose of us who earn a living from self employed courier jobs need, by definition of the term, to be all things to all people – at least within the context of our own business. One of the most vital components of succeeding in the crowded delivery space is consistency. Consistency of service, of course. But consistency of work, most definitely.
Read the full articleThere aren't many people in the UK who aren't heartily sick of the word Brexit. But the truth of the matter is that as delivery industry workers we have to keep paying attention, because so much of what will (or potentially will) happen will affect us somewhere along the line
Read the full articleIn a recent survey, Transport Focus asked delivery drivers what Highways England could do to make their courier work more efficient and profitable. Let’s take a look at what they said.
Read the full articleWith thousands of courier loads crisscrossing the country every day, many see the industry as a big environmental problem. However, as the FTA have shown, we are also the solution.
Read the full articleHas Christmas come early? Absolutely - if you’re a courier driver who wants to keep business running safely and smoothly through the winter months. A multi-million-pound fleet of gritters will soon be working their magic to help make that happen.
Read the full articleFind out everything you need to know about the new CX Small Fleet App.
Read the full articleToday, I find out a little more about valued Courier Exchange member MPC Couriers and discover how the Exchange has helped this business grow.
Read the full articleFind out how to get a meteoric boost to your business by using our Courier Exchange site just like Red Rocket Couriers.
Read the full articleLooking to purchase a used delivery van? With multiple online marketplaces at your fingertips and a wide array of vehicles from which to choose, the process can be relatively quick and hassle free. However, with Internet fraud on the rise, it’s also a case of buyer beware…
Read the full articleIf you’re a self-employed courier driver, when it comes time to sell your trusty van and invest in a new one, don’t get conned by Internet fraudsters!
Read the full articleWhile we all want cleaner air in our towns and cities, those of us doing courier work are often left wondering who’s going to foot the bill when new legislation fighting for reduced emissions comes into play.
Read the full articleWhether you drive on motorways, through sleepy villages or in busy towns and cities, you’re sure to have noticed the increased traffic since the end of the summer holidays. We’ve got some tips to help the busy courier driver get through it!
Read the full articleIf you’re a fleet manager organising a complicated rota with multiple drivers using multiple vehicles, the new Bosch app – Perfectly Keyless – could become integral to your fleet’s day-to-day routine.
Read the full articleGo2Day is one of our members whose business is all in the family. They have used the tools and networking available to Exchange members to shape their business model in a particular way to suit their agenda.
Read the full articleIn this post, we are looking at the great achievement by Scottish company DNDP in helping locals gain new skills and become highly employable in the logistics industry.
Read the full articleIn part six of our series on the pros and cons of green fuels for courier work, we take an in-depth look at the viability of hydrogen for your fleet.
Read the full articleThough today we rely on our vans and trucks to deliver goods across the country, not so long ago our friends in the animal world played a much larger role in courier work.
Read the full articleThe art of customer service is one that must follow current trends and evolve to the methods of popular opinion. Although you may steadfastly believe that all unhappy clients deserve to have their concerns dealt with face-to-face your refusal to engage online will lead to immediate negative assumptions and your honourable intentions will mean nothing. So, in the words of the estimable Winston Churchill, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” (Perhaps not a direct quote per se, or is it, hmmmmm?).
Read the full articleEven if you’ve been driving the same courier job routes for years and you know the lay-of-the-land like the back of your hand, here’s a heads-up; the rules of the game are about to change. Make sure you’re up to speed on the latest driving laws so that you’re not making costly mistakes on the job.
Read the full articleDid you know that the last mile of a delivery route represents 50% of the total delivery cost of a parcel? Essentially, unless your drivers deliver a package on the first attempt, your profit margins will be minimal. Don’t lose out, use delivery software to achieve a high first-time delivery rate.
Read the full articleThere is nothing more satisfying for a business owner than seeing the fruit of their labour prove its worth. We at Courier Exchange are no different, and when we are part of a company’s success story we feel good. Here is one such story.
Read the full articleAccording to the well-worn proverb, prevention is always better than a cure. And when it comes to the dreaded MOT, never were those words of wisdom so pertinent. A fail can mean huge problems if your vehicle has to come off the road for an extended period of time, but with a little bit of TLC, getting your MOT can be AOK.
Read the full articleDehydration? You? Never! If you feel thirsty while you’re out on a courier job you’ll just have a quick swig of the old Cola or H2O, right? Well, it might surprise you to know that by the time your mind (or your mouth) tells you it’s time to wet the whistle, your body could actually already be dangerously dehydrated without you even knowing.
Read the full articleCompliance. Low carbon. Green options. Alternative fuels. The jargon alone is enough to actually almost turn you green! But the truth is that, when it comes to making the change to an environmentally friendly van, just like your dinner, any greens are good. So let’s talk about natural gas/biomethane.
Read the full articleWith biodiesel’s popularity on the rise, it’s time for those in the logistics industry to decide whether or not it’s a plausible alternative for them, or if they’re going to remain faithful to the fossil diesel that’s been their bread and butter all these years.
Read the full articleIn our world of never-ending stressors and constant day-to-day challenges staying calm behind the wheel does not seem like it should be a top priority. However if the highways, byways and inner-city roadways happen to be your workplace keeping your cool while on the job can be a matter of life or death to both you and the occupants of the vehicles all around you.
Read the full articleBirmingham is developing plans to introduce a Clean Air Zone by 2020. How will this affect courier work across the city? The Council wants to find out.
Read the full articleThe UK has a new weekly ritual – and no, it’s not going to church every Sunday with Nan. Consumers are heavily increasing their online shopping quota, with over a quarter making at least one purchase a week.
Read the full articleThe MPs’ vote to go ahead with third Heathrow runway is a rare piece of good news for the haulage industry. More cargo coming in means more jobs, and everyone will be able to get a slice of the action.
Read the full articleSome of the most high-tech inventions of our time seem like they could almost have come straight out of a science fiction film...I mean, autonomous vehicles? Delivery robots? It all seems so unreal, but it’s 100% true. Sometimes reality truly IS stranger than fiction.
Read the full articleEvery good business owner knows that keeping the customer happy is their main priority – and there’s nothing that does that like a good laugh.
Read the full articleeBikes could be the next big thing. Are they a step forward or a step back in time?
Read the full articleIt might be small and it might seem insignificant, but that tiny piece of paper called a delivery receipt gives self-employed drivers some powerful protection. Don’t ever underestimate it.
Read the full articleLooking for ways to turn freelance courier jobs into repeat business? Brush up on your personal skills and customer service, and play the loyalty card.
Read the full articleAs an owner driver, jobs are easy to pick up wherever you happen to be in the country with the Courier Exchange app. If you happen to take on a load in London when you’re not a native to the Capital, the idea of finding your way around its notoriously fiendish road network can be intimidating to say the least. But don’t let it dissuade you from accepting the work – here are five of our top tips for safely navigating London like a native on your next delivery job.
Read the full articleYou’re a fairly experienced driver for a delivery company. You know the score. You’re used to spending your working days in relative solitude. Is it time to take the leap to become a self-employed courier driver?
Read the full articleJames Gordon spoke to Lee Gueller to find out how a freight Exchange platform changed his life forever…
Read the full articleOften it’s the small steps that we take that are the key to realising big ambitions. But if you don’t believe me, then just ask Andrew Hough, an Aberdeen-based owner operator, who joined Courier Exchange in August last year.
Read the full articleHow freight Exchange platforms can enhance a courier’s last mile delivery potential
Read the full articleTo many reading this article, a run-of-the-mill laundry consignment may seem as insignificant as it is unremarkable. But, not for David Fegent, and his family. For them it represents a life-changing milestone, and one that remains etched in their collective memory banks. For this dry-cleaning run – which David transported from Cheltenham to an address in Aylesbury four years ago, was his first as a Courier Exchange member. And since then David and his son, Gavin, who owns Ariska Ltd., haven’t looked back – and all because of CX.
Read the full articleDo you rely on the road for a living? If so, you probably contribute thousands of pounds each year to their upkeep. But as a tax payer, are you getting value for money? Let me illustrate my point by providing you with an example, albeit a fictional one, but a user case which is based on real world feedback from Courier Exchange members.
Read the full articleIt is one of the most over used words in the glossary of business terms, so much so that the phrase ‘game-changing’ is beginning to lose its impact. But for Mark Smy and Karl Kirkley, the co-owners of Connect Logistics, a Gloucestershire-based same day delivery and collection provider, the expression is perfectly justified when describing the difference that Courier Exchange (CX) has made to their business.
Read the full articleFabian Blank on Unsplash
Hello all!
Steve here, wishing you a great start to 2018!
And it really does seem like it's going to be a good year – not least for those of us who do courier work. There are a lot of exciting and useful innovations coming through the pipeline and for my money most (if not all) of them are worth getting excited about. Perhaps the ones worth getting most excited about are the Transport Management Systems, or TMS.
Read the full articleHello, dears!
I hope everyone is having the best possible start to their New Year, and that all those post Christmas blues are as good as gone!
I personally had a quiet one, and I mostly spent time with family over Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year. The rest of the time I was indoors, curled up on the couch with a book, recovering from all those huge meals!
Read the full articleHello, all!
It's me, Steven, covering for Aunt Gertie for the last official week of 2017! Christmas wore her out a bit, what with cooking and the grandkids, so I offered to help her out and throw in my own tuppence for the final blog post of the year.
Read the full articleHello, darlings!
Not many sleeps left until Christmas now and I'm so excited I can barely contain myself! And because I know all (or at least some) of you will be in as festive a mood as I am, I thought I'd do a little throwback with my post for this week and go for a more light-hearted topic, like we used to have back in the day! It IS Christmas, after all – 'tis the season of merriment and cheer!
Read the full articleHello, dears!
I hope everyone is doing well and is as excited as I am about the official countdown to Christmas. That's right, winter snuck up on us and it's apparently here to stay – at least judging by how nippy the weather has been lately. But hey, I shan't complain – after all, the cold weather brings more customers in from the cold, looking for that perennial favourite, the bacon butty!
Read the full articleHello, all.
That's right, it's your boy Steve, flying solo once again!
I know, I know – I've been imposing on Aunt Gertie a little too much lately. I'll be the first to admit it. It's hardly my fault, though. There's been so much to discuss lately on the technical side, only someone who actually works in the field could talk about it properly.
Read the full articleHello, all. Surprise!!!
That's right, this week, you're getting the rarest of treats: a tandem post between your dear Aunt Gertie and your good friend (and my dear nephew) Stevie! I know, isn't that fab?
Read the full articleHello, all! Steven here.
How's everyone doing this week? Well, I hope. I'm quite excited myself – we are now officially in the countdown to peak season for courier work, and while there's bound to be plenty of hard work ahead (as you all will probably be well aware) it's also going to be well worth it. After all, who doesn't like a bit of extra cash in their pocket to spend at Christmas?
Read the full articleThe first quarter of a new year is always a time to reflect on the challenges and achievements of the previous twelve months. It’s not just about giving yourself a pat on the back, though, it’s also a way of checking that you’re on track towards new goals and bigger and better challenges.
Read the full articleHey, all. It's Steven here again. That's right – two weeks in a row! Can you believe it? It's like I'm the one writing this blog now, or something...
No, not really. If you were here last week, you may remember me mentioning I had asked Aunt Gertie to let me write a guest post later in the month. And, well, this is it. After today, I'm going to leave this blog to the person who actually runs it and you'll all get to have fun with Aunt Gertie once again.
Read the full articleHello, all! Steven here!
Yes, you're seeing it right – we're kicking things off with a post by yours truly again. Don't worry, though - I won't be taking this blog away from Auntie Gertie anytime soon. I couldn't possibly do that to her! This is her baby and she needs to be the one to write most of the stuff in it. So this is not a takeover, just a friendly guest post.
Read the full articleHi all!
That's right, it's me again – Steve the nephew, here for another round of courier-related shop talk.
Before we get down to business, though, I have to take a minute to thank all of you for the great reception my post from last week got. You lot really did make me feel special, and the more I guest-write here at Auntie Gertie's blog, the more I understand why she keeps going on and on about you guys being the best readership in the world.
Read the full articleHello, all!
Yes, that's right – no 'darlings' or 'dears' today. That's because, this time around, it's not Auntie Gertie at the wheel, it's me, your trusted designated driver, Steve!
I asked my Auntie Gertie to let me have her blog for a week, because I want to talk about something important that I don't think she's ever brought up, at least recently – and that's the issue of whether you should buy or lease vehicles when you're a self-employed, independent owner driver.
Read the full articleHello, dears!
Before we even get started, I want to say straight away that I shan't faff about too much on the lead-up to today's subject. I know I'm guilty of doing that sometimes (I do love a natter), but today's story is just so inspirational - not to mention useful for you lot out there - that I want to get to it straight away.
Read the full articleHello, dears!
I hope everyone is having a fantastic end to the summer, with or without the help of our good old British weather!
Whatever the case, though, I'm sure most of you will be making plans of some sort by now. I don't know what it is about September that makes people want to move on from where they are and make a fresh start - maybe it's because the children are starting a new year in school. I don't know. Whatever it is, though, this time of year seems to make people think about where they are in life and what they want to achieve going forward.
Read the full articleHello, darlings!
I hope everyone is having a fab summer and not being too put off by the crazy succession of heat waves and rainy spells. Although I really don't think you will be - after all, we ARE British!
Read the full articleHello, my darlings!
I hope everyone is ready for a post full of gushing excitement, because I have some big news! The biggest courier job related event of the year is coming – and old Gertie is attending. I feel like Cinderella!
Read the full articleThe first quarter of a new year is always a time to reflect on the challenges and achievements of the previous twelve months. It’s not just about giving yourself a pat on the back, though, it’s also a way of checking that you’re on track towards new goals and bigger and better challenges.
Read the full articleHello, my dears!
Well – this month has been rife with excitement, hasn't it? What started with a slightly dull, very sensible post about road safety quickly escalated into something else entirely! Last week, we discussed new ergonomic seating and dashboards for Ford Transit vans, and THIS week...well, this week, we'll be discussing something even MORE exciting. This week, we'll be taking a look at the van of the future!
Read the full articleHello, darlings!
Bit of an odd post today, as you may have seen by the title. And before you ask – no, it's not sponsored or anything. I just wanted to talk about a specific brand of van, because I know many of you darlings like it and drive it in your day-to-day jobs. So I just know those of you who do will be ecstatic at what I have to tell you.
Read the full articleHello, darlings!
First off, before we even begin, a warning – I'm feeling quite perky today. So if I sound excitable in this post, you lot will know why!
What made me so perky, you ask? Well, I don't know about you, but for me, it's always a good day when I can give my readers useful information – and if you haven't guessed, today is just such a day!
Read the full articleHello, darlings!
I hope you're having an excellent start to your summer and enjoying the balmy weather. After all those months of winter, we deserve it!
Just because it's warm, though, it does not mean you should drop your professional standards. A courier should be just as diligent in summer as they are in winter, and whatever rules they observe then, they should observe year round – particularly when it comes to road safety.
Read the full articleHello, darlings!
Before we begin today's post, let me start by thanking you all for the kind feedback on the past few posts. It seems the more serious subjects go down well with you lot and I even seem to have gained a few new readers off of them (at least according to those fancy statistics sites Stevie has shown me).
Read the full articleHello, my dears!
I hope you're all well and continuing to enjoy this not very sunny, but rather mild spring we are having. And, of course, I hope you're ready for another romp through the wonderful world of courier driving, courtesy of yours truly!
Read the full articleHello, darlings!
Well, to say the last month has been a rollercoaster ride is an understatement! The weather can't seem to make up its mind about what season it is. Eating outside in the garden is just as likely to end in everyone getting drenched as being the lovely experience it should be at this time of the year.
Read the full articleHello, darlings!
Well – it's the final week of the month, and guess what? We finally have a fun post! Hooray!! Actually, no, it's more serious stuff. But I couldn't resist pulling your leg. Sorry...!
Anyway, yes, more serious stuff this week, and yet again it's about something that can be a massive help to couriers – in this case, what are being called 'smart' motorways.
Read the full articleHello, my dears
Well that first post of the month certainly is the gift that keeps on giving, isn't it? And to think that at first, I was reluctant to do it! But it went over really well with you lot, and not only did it inspire me to share another useful bit of information last week, it got enough of a response to warrant a follow-up.
Read the full articleHello, dears!
Well – I'm not even going to try with this week's topic. When I stumbled across it, I started reading and I must be honest, it made absolutely no sense to me. But I did recognise that it would make a very interesting and useful blog post, so… I'm bowing out and leaving the explaining to someone else! I knew I needed someone who could make heads and tails of the subject, so here's my nephew Stevie to talk about the benefits of tinted windows to self employed drivers and couriers. Or something like that...
Read the full articleHello, my dears!
My, do I love it when I get to give people good news. That's not a question, it's a statement because, yes, I do - it really does warm the cockles of my heart!
Read the full articleHello, sweethearts!
Well, it appears I may have to eat a small serving of my words this week. Why am I embarrassed, you might ask? Well, if you were paying attention you'll know that last week I published a post about how I was glad owner driver jobs were becoming more popular in order to offer some healthy competition to Royal Mail. I was saying I think it's a lesson for the Post Office not to get smug and to actually update their prices.
Read the full articleWell, then. Here we are at the end of yet another month - the first of 2017, no less. And it would appear we haven't lost our stride at all! If this month is anything to go by, we should continue going strong with our discussion about the delivery and courier industry for yet another year.
Read the full articleAs I sit down to write this post, I have mixed feelings. I'm surprised, a little embarrassed, but also a little amused. Why? You're about to find out!
Read the full articleWhat’s good for us is good for you. The ever-growing demand for freight capacity has seen the Transport Exchange Group grow steadily over the last two decades. That means more drivers and more loads all round.
Read the full articleA Leamington Spa-based business is celebrating having scooped a national industry award that recognises its achievements over the past twelve months. MAK Couriers, a local and nationwide same-day delivery specialist, won the Company of the Year category at the Transport Awards 2015, organised by Transport Exchange Group, which showcases the hard work and outstanding success that is taking place within the courier and haulage sectors.
Read the full articleThe Essex-based eCity Couriers is celebrating having scooped a national industry award that recognises its achievements over the past twelve months. The delivery company located in Corringham near Stanford-Le-Hope, won the New Member of the Year category at the Transport Awards 2015, organised by Transport Exchange Group, which showcases the hard work and outstanding success that is taking place within the courier and haulage sectors.
Read the full articleThe Annual Members’ Transport Awards, now in its 13th year, has again showcased the major success and best practise that is taking place within the freight industry.
Read the full articleIt’s a familiar theme in the logistics industry: the ever-present issue of driver shortages. We see the freight exchange as one of the solutions to this issue. By offering the opportunities to maximise capacity through matching drivers with back loads, the collaborative aspects of the platform may help ease the driver shortage.
Read the full articleIt first happened in 2015 and now it’s about to happen again in 2020. The sulfur cap is about to be tightened on ferry emissions. Brace yourselves for the costs to be passed on to the road delivery industry.
Read the full articleThese are only three of the many little things that can make a courier's job much easier and much more relaxed. Just remember – while these may seem insignificant, they can end up being far more valuable than they might at first appear. After all, as someone famous once said, 'every little helps'...
Read the full articleThe 2014 Transport Awards event is still fresh in our minds and we are already preparing for next year’s party, working to raise the bar even higher!
Read the full articleTransport Exchange Group has upgraded the booking chain solution for its leading freight exchanges – Haulage Exchange and Courier Exchange – to provide member businesses with an improved means of managing and updating the status of loads when they carry out work on each other’s behalf. As a result, hauliers, couriers and logistics operators using the UK’s largest and fastest growing freight trading platform are now able to better monitor the complete lifecycle of inter-company transactions by automatically sharing key details with their trading partners in order to save time and money, improve confidence levels as well as boosting operational performance.
Read the full articleIn 2014 we updated and formalised our rules regarding the use of non-standard vehicles for delivery work contracted through the Exchange. Here’s a quick and handy reminder of those rules.
Read the full articleUse the Courier Exchange App Accounts Payable feature to select when and how you're paying bills.
Read the full articleThe member businesses who join our Exchange platforms report rising profits and falling costs. AE Hancock Ltd of Stockport is a typical example of the sort of business expansion many users experience with us.
Read the full articleA KNUTSFORD-based business has been recognised for their success over the past year by receiving a national industry award.
Speedy Freight, a same-day courier and express freight service provider based in the Pavillions, off Cranford Drive, scooped the ‘Network of the Year’ category at the Transport Awards 2014, organised by Transport Exchange Group, which celebrates major achievements and best practice within the freight industry.
Read the full articleTo give you more details on how our notification system works to alert drivers about available loads in their catchment areas, we’ve put together a short blog post describing how the system matches users with jobs.
Read the full articleDon’t forget that you don’t have to factor in roaming charges to use our mobile app on the European continent (at least not for now). You can expand your courier business into Europe with the exchange platform.
Read the full articleStay ‘in-the-loop’ with the latest news, products and services from Courier Exchange.
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