Blog

CX Approved by HMRC for Making Tax Digital

If 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.

A Delicate Balance: Road Safety and the Environment

If you’re a delivery driver using an electric van, you may not be aware your vehicle has been branded a ‘silent killer’.

M4 Restrictions Will Become Permanent to Keep Drivers Healthy

If your delivery work takes you to Wales be aware that the temporary 50mph restrictions on some major have now become permanent.

Case Study: KKM Couriers & the Road to Success

The Rising Popularity of the Electric Van

The figures are in and the courier industry is embracing the use of electric vehicles. The FTA is calling on the government to offer more support.

Delivery Work Tips: How to Reduce Inspection Time

Our new infographic will show you how to reduce your inspection time so you can get back out on the road to complete your courier jobs.

Delivery Work Tips: When to Visit a Mechanic

Doing courier work and wondering whether or not to visit a mechanic? Our handy infographic can help.

Delivery Work Tips: How To Avoid Parking Fines

If you're in courier work, you definitely want to avoid parking fines. Our new infographic can help.

Retreading: good for your wallet and the environment

Get ready for big changes in tachographic legislation

Read up about the new legislation regarding smart tachographs, and the implications of its changes.

Changes to speed limits in London's 'Square Mile'

Make sure you're aware of the new speed limit that's set to be imposed in London’s Square Mile.

An overview of the 2019 Microlise Transport Conference

We've summarised the best parts of the Microlise Transport Conference that took place on May 15th. Read further to find out more about the important topics discussed regarding today's transport industry.

Keep your distance and keep moving

If you make a living doing courier work, and you need to brush up on the stats and dangers of tailgating – then do something about it!

A case study for Bill Barlow

For owner driver Bill Barlow, the Courier Exchange offers flexibility, freedom and the opportunity to earn plenty of money from his one man business.

Winners of Transport Exchange Group awards revealed

On 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.

Ford’s latest hybrid vans revealed

No Clean Air Zone in Cardiff

Tackling emissions without a CAZ

If you’re a Welsh delivery driver, you may be applauding Cardiff Council’s rejection of a Clean Air Zone – but not everyone agrees.

Security matters: keeping your van and contents safe

If you’re an owner driver, your van is the tool of your trade. Ensuring your vehicle and contents are kept as secure as possible is extremely important.

We’ve just launched our new website

The 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!

How CX can help you improve communications

Optimise communication of your business with Courier Exchange Solutions.

Driving habits that damage your van

No matter how well we drive and how careful we think we are, there's not a professional driver alive who doesn't occasionally fall prey to lapsing into bad habits every now and again. It doesn't mean we don't know the correct way to do things, it just means that because we're out there on the road for most of the hours of our working life, we might just need a gentle reminder to keep us on the straight and narrow.

Get Your Drivers to Manage Their Time Better

The 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.

2018: A Good Year for Courier Exchange

The 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.

New Year, New Business Opportunities for Couriers

Those 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.

Grow Your Stake in the German Market

There 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

Getting More from Highways England

In 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.

A Brighter Future: Zero Emissions and Zero Accidents by 2050

With 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.

New Gritters Delivered to Help Keep the Roads Moving

Has 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.

Get the Small Fleet App and Grow Your Business

Find out everything you need to know about the new CX Small Fleet App.

What MPC Couriers Gets from Membership to the Exchange

Today, I find out a little more about valued Courier Exchange member MPC Couriers and discover how the Exchange has helped this business grow.

How the Courier Exchange Site Put a Rocket Up Red Rocket Couriers

Find out how to get a meteoric boost to your business by using our Courier Exchange site just like Red Rocket Couriers.

Don’t Get Caught Out When Buying Your Van

Looking 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…

Avoid the Pitfalls When Selling Your Van

If 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!

LoCity Boosts Efforts to Support Commercial Vehicle Owners

While 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.

Back to School Means Back to Back Traffic

Whether 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!

Bosch Gives Fleet Managers a New Tool: The Digital Key

If 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.

Keeping it All in the Family: How Go2Day Benefits from CX

Go2Day 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.

Making Courier Work Accessible: A Scottish Social Enterprise

In 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.

AEB Should Be Fitted to All Courier Vehicles

As 2017 sadly saw road deaths at the highest they have been in the past five years, improving road safety should be a number one priority for road users. Volkswagen has argued that fitting AEB on all commercial vehicles could prevent about 2,500 crashes per year. The Department for Transport agrees that hundreds of lives could be saved, and many serious injuries avoided if all vans under 3.5 tonnes were fitted with AEBs.

Which Green Suits Me Best? Part 6: Hydrogen

In 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.

The Animals Used in the Past for Courier Work

Though 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.

Which Green Suits Me Best? Part 5: Liquefied Petroleum Gas

Although the list of alternative fuels to choose from may seem long and a bit complicated, Liquefied Petroleum Gas might save the day with its beautifully simple viability for most van drivers or fleet couriers.

How Do You Measure Up? Dealing with Online Customer Reviews

The 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?).

Are You Up to Speed on Driving Law Changes?

Even 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.

The Importance of Mapping Data to Achieve First-Time Delivery

Did 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.

How We Helped HSP Couriers Grow Their Business

There 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.

A Checklist for Passing Your Van MOT First Time

According 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.

Spotting Signs of Dehydration when Driving

Dehydration? 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.

Which Green Suits Me Best? Part 4: Natural Gas/Biomethane

Compliance. 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.

Which Green Suits Me Best? Part 3: Biodiesel

With 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.

Staying Calm on the Road

In 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.

The Next Clean Air Zone: Birmingham Makes Plans

Birmingham 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.

Deliveries Without Borders: Online Shopping’s Increasing Popularity

The 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.

Good News for the Transport Industry: MPs Back Third Runway at Heathrow

The 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.

Back to the Future: Cutting Edge Technology or Science Fiction?

Some 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.

Customer Service is No Joke...Or Is It?

Every good business owner knows that keeping the customer happy is their main priority – and there’s nothing that does that like a good laugh.

Are eBikes the Future of Courier Delivery?

eBikes could be the next big thing. Are they a step forward or a step back in time?

Protection for Self-Employed Drivers: The Delivery Receipt

It 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. 

Getting More Business with the Personal Touch

Looking for ways to turn freelance courier jobs into repeat business? Brush up on your personal skills and customer service, and play the loyalty card.

5 Tips for Navigating London like a Native on Your Next Delivery Job

As 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.

Should I Become a Self-Employed Courier Driver?

You’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?

A day in the life of Lee Gueller…

James Gordon spoke to Lee Gueller to find out how a freight Exchange platform changed his life forever…

The Exchange has given me the freedom to earn a good living… on my terms

Often 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.

How freight Exchange platforms can enhance a courier’s last mile delivery potential

How freight Exchange platforms can enhance a courier’s last mile delivery potential

How joining Courier Exchange transformed one family’s life…

To 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.

Why Freight Exchange Platform Members Should Embrace Dynamic Road Pricing

Do 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.

How using the CX mobile app led to greater operational efficiency

It 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.

Why Telematics Are Important for Courier Jobs

Hello all. Steve here!

That’s right – it’s me again. We sure have been seeing a lot of each other lately, haven’t we? Don’t worry, though – I am still not planning to take the blog away from Aunt Gertie any time soon. I just ask (very politely, may I add) to pop in whenever I have something important to say or discuss. And in that regard, this week is no exception.

Heated Roads: The Ultimate Working Conditions for Courier Jobs

Hello all! Steve here!

Now, before we begin, I have to warn you: if I make any typos in this blog post, it’s because my hands are too numb to type. I’ve just been out all day doing courier jobs in freezing weather (not always fun), and the hot chocolate currently going through my system is taking a while to start working! So, sorry in advance if anything comes out wonky!

Why Transport Management Systems Benefit Courier Work

Fabian 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.

Courier Work by the Book

Hello, 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!

The Amazon Key, and How it Will Affect Courier Jobs

Hello, 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.

The Oddest Courier Deliveries

Hello, 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!

Reducing the Stress of Courier Work – Gertie's Tips

Hello, darlings!

Well the countdown to Christmas continues (it's almost here!) and, while for some, like me, that's a cause for joy, for many of you out there it's probably a reason to start gnashing your teeth and ripping your hair out!

How to Eat Healthy When Doing Courier Work

Hello, 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!

Three Vans to Trust for Courier Jobs

Hello, 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.

Do You Have What it Takes to Be an Owner Driver?

Hello, dears!

Well, after two posts where Stevie either took over or helped me write, I finally get to spend some one-on-one time with you all. Long overdue, if you ask me!

And what better way to celebrate the occasion than by writing a post dedicated not to those who have been reading this blog for donkey's years (although you know I love you), but to those who may have just found us? Or maybe even relatives of my readers, who may be interested in taking up courier work as an owner driver, but are not quite sure if they are cut out for it?

Courier Christmas List!

Hello, 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?

Courier Work and the New Phone Laws

Hello, 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?

How Courier Exchange Can Help You INCREASE PROFITS

Healthy Eyes on the Road for Courier Jobs

The 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.

Who's Going to the What Van Awards?

Hello, darlings, did you miss me?

That's right – it HAS been a while, hasn't it? I do hope Stevie did a good job of keeping you entertained, or at least giving you some useful information about courier jobs – he did seem quite excited to talk about the topics he had in mind!

This week, however, old Gertie is back. And what better way to celebrate the occasion than to talk about one of the most exciting award ceremonies the courier industry hosts each year?

New E-Van is Super Street Smart

Hey, 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.

How Technology Helps the Courier Driver

Hello, 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.

The Low Down on MOT for Owner Drivers

Hi 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.

How Courier Exchange Can Help GROW YOUR BUSINESS

To Buy or Not to Buy? Leasing vs. Buying a Courier Vehicle

Hello, 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.

The Best Way to Get More Courier Jobs

Hello, 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.

Smart Growth for Your Courier Business

Hello, 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.

Gertie's Odd Courier Job Stories

Hello, my dears!

I hope you are all having a great week, full of successful deliveries and profits!

Even if that isn't the case, I do believe after you've read today's post you might feel a little bit better about yourself. Because you see, this week, I've deliberately set out to create a fun and light-hearted post that I could enjoy along with my readers. We've been getting a little serious around here lately, and I miss the days of question-and-answer posts and fluffy subject matter. So I thought I'd jump in on that 'throwback' trend and go back to our more carefree days, even if only for a week!

Doing Green Delivery Work? You May Be Rewarded

Hello, 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!

The Biggest Courier Event of the Year

Hello, 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!

Make the Most of Your Delivery Work by Fitting Out Your Van!

The 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.

How Courier Exchange Can Help You Find More Jobs Nationwide

Mercedes Are Working On The Van of the Future!

Hello, 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!

How Courier Exchange Can Get You MORE OWNER DRIVER JOBS

Your Transit Van Just Got More Comfortable

Hello, 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.

Looking For Courier Driver Training? This Course May Be For You

Hello, 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!

Gertie's Safe Driving Tips

Hello, 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.

Are Electric Vehicles Good For Courier Jobs?

Hello, 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).

Top Tips for Employing New Drivers

Hello, 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!

Why Tyres Matter to An Owner Driver

Hello, 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.

How Smart Motorways Can Help An Owner Driver

Hello, 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.

Owner Driver Tips: Finding Cheaper Fuel

Hello, 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.

Benefits of Tinted Windows For Couriers

Hello, 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...

The Plug-In Van Grant: A Useful Aid For Self Employed Couriers

Hello, 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!

How CX Can Increase Job Security for Freelancers

How CX Can Help You Improve Communications

Royal Mail Offering Owner Driver Jobs

Hello, 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.

Telematics Integration Provides Supply Chain Visibility for our Freight Exchange Members

We give our member businesses complete visibility and control for their own fleets and for their subcontracted drivers through the longstanding partnerships with leading telematics specialists. We were the first to offer a completely system-neutral telematics integration platform for the logistics and road transport sectors.

Freight Capacity Demand Pushes Record Growth for the Exchange

What’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.

Together, Courier Exchange and Causeway Maximise Member Profits

Leading software firm Causeway has been partnered with Transport Exchange Group since 2015, providing our member businesses with an advanced telematics solution that is seamlessly integrated with our online freight exchange.

Leamington Spa-based Mak Couriers Wins Transport Award

A 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.

Transport Exchange Group and Navman Wireless Collaboration Boosts Fleet Performance

Navman Wireless is just one of our leading telematics partners making sure that you can integrate your tracking systems with our platform. Optimise your fleet’s performance and boost profits.

Courier Exchange Builds Tight Relationships with Members and Partners

For nearly two decades our freight trading platform has been generating significant business opportunities for our members thanks to a variety of features. These include our closely integrated partnerships with telematics systems. Our partners provide the platform with up-to-date and real-time tracking of packages and cargo.

Simpex Express scoops award for second year running

A Birmingham-based business is celebrating having scooped a national industry award that recognises its achievements over the past twelve months. Simpex Express, a leading provider of international express and specialised transport, won the European 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.

How Small Courier Work Businesses Can Benefit from Tracking Integration

Outstanding standards win award for Coventry courier

Amrik Bains, a Coventry-based courier is celebrating having scooped a national industry award that recognises his achievements over the past twelve months. The courier from Stoke in east Coventry won the Owner Driver of the Year category at the Transport Awards 2015.

ESSEX-BASED ECITY COURIERS SCOOPS TRANSPORT AWARD

The 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.

Transport Awards 2015 – 4 winners, 300+ guests, countless business opportunities

The 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.

Collaborative Logistics is Key to Easing the Driver Shortage Issue

It’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.

Courier Exchange Teams up with TomTom Telematics to Enrich Customer Experience through Real Time Data

The well-established integration of the TomTom Telematics WEBFLEET system has been giving our members the capacity to promote their empty vehicle capacity whilst tracking their deliveries in the traditional manner.

New EU Regulation and IMO 2020 Sulphur Cap Leads to Ferry Increase

It 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.

Transport Exchange Group launches new version of mobile app to boost & simplify freight trading

Transport Exchange Group has launched a new version of its popular mobile app to provide added visibility and control to members of Haulage Exchange and Courier Exchange. Owner drivers, couriers and road transport operators using the freight trading platform can benefit from a range of new features and enhancements that help better advertise real-time location and availability of vehicles, as well as give immediate operational insight to trusted partners.

White Logistics & Storage Limited joins the Exchange

The Worcestershire-based White Logistics & Storage Limited is the latest road transport operator to become a member of Transport Exchange Group’s freight trading platform.

Using the Exchange the company aims to maximise free capacity by filling empty return loads and getting connected with likeminded logistics partners across the UK.

Transport Exchange Group Launch New Features To Increase Visibility And Control Of Freight Resources

Transport Exchange Group has recently introduced two new features to its freight trading platform to provide greater control of multi-depot activity and improve the accuracy of available vehicle capacity published on the Exchange. The Depotlink tool enables members of Haulage Exchange and Courier Exchange that operate multiple sites to switch seamlessly between these accounts, giving a single management overview to authorised users. Meanwhile, the Vehicle Activity Management dashboard allows members to simply and effectively update the location and availability status of all mobile resources, including both company-owned and sub-contracted vehicles.

Early Bird tickets for the 2015 Transport Awards are on sale from today!

Our introductory Early Bird Tickets for the 21st March 2015 event are now on sale!

Transport Awards 2015 – Save 21st March 2015!

The 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!

Transport Exchange Group launches new booking chain solution

Transport 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.

The Exchange team congratulates Innovation winners

Haulage Exchange was proud to present the 2014 Motor Transport Award for Innovation to Carrier Transicold and Sainsbury’s at the awards event in London on Wednesday, July 2nd.

‘Non-standard’ Vehicles Rule Update

In 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.

Accounts Payable Explained

Use the Courier Exchange App Accounts Payable feature to select when and how you're paying bills.

AE Hancock Eliminates Empty Capacity and Increases Profitability with the Exchange

The 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.

Transport Exchange and Navman Team Up to Increase Return Loads and Boost Profits

Navman Wireless is just one of our leading telematics partners making sure that you can integrate your tracking systems with our platform. Optimise your fleet’s performance and boost profits.

Vehicle Tracking Boosts Profits for Haulage and Courier Network Member Businesses

Our member businesses enjoy the integration of their established tracking systems with our networking platform. Find out why this feature works so well for them and how Transport Exchange Group has cultivated partnerships with the leading software companies.

Speedy Freight wins Network of the Year Award

A 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.

Today Team moves to larger premises due to expansion

Long-standing Exchange member, Today Team Ltd has recently moved to larger premises due to fast growth.

The company was set up with one rented van and a small Princes Trust loan in 2005 and the move is the next step on the road of their expansion

The winners took it all!

The Transport Awards, now in its twelfth year, has again showcased the major success and best practise that is taking place within the freight industry at its annual awards ceremony. Organised by Transport Exchange Group, operator of the largest and fastest-growing freight exchanges within the UK, the event celebrated the greatest achievements amongst almost 3,000 courier and haulage member businesses over the past year.

Transport Awards -Saturday 22nd March

Preparations are now over and the Annual Member’s Transport Awards event will kick off at 6.15pm this Saturday for the 9th consecutive year running.

How do Notifications Work?

To 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.

Use the Courier Exchange Mobile App in Europe

Don’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.

Winter Driving Checklist: Staying Safe on Courier Jobs

If you deliver for a living then you’ll be working on the roads during the winter. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned logistics driver, it never hurts to refresh your checklist of jobs to prepare for a safe winter.

Communication on Courier Exchange

Over the years we’ve been listening to our users, and we’ve put together a checklist of important tips and ideas from our members for making sure that you use the network’s communications system in a way that keeps everyone in the loop.

IPhone Mobile App Update v.1.5 now available in the app store

We’re delighted to announce to that Apple have finally approved the changes and fixes to the iPhone version of the Courier Exchange Mobile App. They have a very rigorous approval process, so this is no mean task! This means that our members can now use the very latest version of the app on Android smartphones and the iphone.