Charles Bradford, Author at Courier Exchange

For owner drivers in the courier industry, staying competitive and securing contracts can be a challenging endeavour. In today’s digital age, technology has become a vital ally in navigating this landscape. That’s where Courier Exchange comes into play. In this blog post, we will explore the incredible benefits of owner drivers joining Courier Exchange, and provide insights into how to secure valuable courier contracts in the UK through our platform.

Unleashing the Power of Courier Exchange for Owner Drivers

Courier Exchange offers a multitude of advantages to owner drivers looking to level up their courier services. By joining Courier Exchange, owner drivers gain access to a platform that streamlines operations, enhances customer communication, and provides valuable resources to grow their business.

So, what does that mean, exactly?

Courier Exchange simplifies order management, enabling owner drivers to efficiently handle and track their deliveries in one centralised system. This saves time, reduces errors, and enhances overall operational efficiency.

We provide integrated communication channels that empower owner drivers to interact with customers seamlessly. Timely updates, estimated arrival times, and addressing customer inquiries become effortless, fostering stronger customer relationships.

With Courier Exchange, owner drivers can harness the power of real-time tracking. This enables them to provide customers with precise information about their loads, building trust and ensuring transparent delivery experiences.

Our intelligent routing algorithms optimize delivery routes, allowing owner drivers to maximize efficiency and minimize travel time. This improves productivity, reduces fuel costs, and ensures faster deliveries, enhancing customer satisfaction.

How you too can secure courier contracts on Courier Exchange

Our platform will enable you to understand the demand for courier services in different industries and regions within the UK. You can also identify potential niches or underserved markets that align with your expertise and capabilities.

The most important thing to remember is that establishing connections within the courier industry by networking with members and receiving positive reviews, will help you get more business long-term. Collaborating with other couriers or courier associations can provide valuable insights and potential contract opportunities. Our platform serves as a gateway to connecting owner drivers with a wide range of available loads and contract opportunities.

If you want to thrive on Courier Exchange like other couriers, you should strive to provide exceptional service to your customers. Delight them with timely deliveries, clear communication, and personalized experiences. Positive customer reviews and testimonials will significantly boost your reputation and attract more contract opportunities.

For owner drivers in the UK courier industry, joining forces with Courier Exchange opens up a world of opportunities. From streamlining operations to enhancing customer communication and securing valuable contracts, Courier Exchange empowers owner drivers to thrive in a competitive market. By utilizing Courier Exchange’s powerful platform and incorporating strategies to secure courier contracts in the UK, owner drivers can elevate their business and unlock new levels of success. So, gear up, embrace the digital transformation, and embark on an exciting journey that leads to growth, profitability, and a thriving courier career.

Following on from Making Tax Digital, you can now integrate your Finance Manager with one of three compliant accounting software – Xero, Sage Business Cloud and QuickBooks!

Once integrated, you can avoid re-keying data and send invoices straight to your accounting software. Just sync your Exchange account with your accounting software and your invoices and credit notes can be sent straight to it with one click.

Why have we introduced this upgrade?

Simply put, we’re making life easy for you. The accounting integrations feature saves you time and energy – because with just one click, you can manually export your invoices and credit notes from the Exchange to your HMRC-compliant accounting software.

What is Finance Manager?

Finance Manager is a bespoke digital invoices and payments management solution designed for ease and efficiency when operating on The Exchange. It was built with one thing in mind: to help save you time and energy doing finances.

What is Making Tax Digital?

Recently announced by HMRC, Making Tax Digital (MTD) means that all businesses must now have digital tax records. This means all invoices and credit notes must now be submitted, via an accredited accounting software, to HMRC.

You must be using a HMRC-compatible accounting software to submit your digital VAT tax records. According to HMRC, MTD will help businesses get tax right. There’s less margin for error, and your tax records will now be filed digitally – meaning you can access them whenever you want.

MTD means you’re no longer permitted to do your tax returns on paper records or spreadsheets. Instead, you must now file your VAT tax submissions on a HMRC-compatible accounting software.

For more information on how to integrate your accounting software to Finance Manager click here.

As we approach peak season, logistics companies are gearing up to cope with one of the busiest times of year.

It’s not only Christmas that brings a spike in demand for deliveries: Black Friday this November 25^th is looking to generate a huge surge. Last year saw sales in excess of £9.2 bn in the UK alone, with multiple retailers launching sales events as early as the end of October.

Christmas 2021 saw retail sales rise by over 7% in the UK, but whilst that was inflated by lock-down in the first half of the year, expectations are that E-commerce will see another record-breaking season in 2022. This increase in demand calls for effective management of drivers and delivery workforce to handle seasonal spikes.

If managing fleets, couriers and tracking delivery operations is hectic on normal days, it is even more complicated during peak seasons.

Recruiting and training new staff or subcontractors is just one of the demands that puts logistics and courier companies under further pressure. Advertising, recruiting, training and managing all the additional paperwork and documentation is an added headache during a time when courier companies are already overburdened.

Furthermore, efficient route planning and dispatching is critical during peak times, since the last leg of any shipment accounts for over 50% of the entire transportation costs. Any failure to deliver or use an incorrect route will increase delivery costs.

For managing the staffing side, there are several innovative workforce management technology systems available which are designed to streamline the process around onboarding, wages, contracts and admin, etc. The Courier Exchange is a great example of this, with a fully compliant network of verified professionals to make your recruitment process seamless.

As your workforce grows to meet demand, don’t forget about the insurance side. Our insurance partner Business Choice Direct (BCD) can provide members with advice and the best rates for courier and haulage insurance:

Business Choice Direct Insurance Services Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Business Choice Direct Insurance Services Ltd is registered in England and Wales No. 10301653. Registered Office: Affinity House, Bindon Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 6AA.

That is the message being promoted during tyre safety month this October. Tyre safety is of vital importance each and every day, and this is specifically highlighted during the month of October for the Tyre Safety Month campaign run by tyresafe.org.

According to statistics from TyreSafe, nearly 1,000 drivers are seriously injured or killed in accidents annually due to tyre-related issues. This figure is likely to rise as the economic crisis leads drivers to economise and hesitate to fit new tyres or opt for re-treads (part worn) tyres, which research has shown to be 93% non-compliant .

These stats are indeed quite scary, and not only highlight the need for safety checks, but also the importance of ensuring that you have got adequate insurance cover. It’s certainly wise to check with our insurance partners at Business Choice Direct that you’re properly protected. You can get a quote here. They can do the necessary so that you can tread carefully!

Our vehicle’s tyres are the only thing connecting your car or van to the road. Not only are there safety concerns involved, but checking your tyres are in good condition has implications around optimum fuel use. Keeping your tyres at the right pressure, especially not under inflated, will help ensure your vehicle uses less energy and, therefore, less fuel. Using the correct pressure also improves the longevity of your tyres, so checking your tyres are in good repair and are correctly inflated makes economic sense too.

Tyres have to cope with braking, cornering and accelerating, which puts a great deal of pressure on their performance, which becomes especially important when the roads are wet, slippery or covered in ice or snow. They can be slightly underinflated for icy roads.

The tyre tread pattern is designed to expel water between the tyre and the road surface, so if it is worn out, it reduces grip and increases stopping distances, whilst increasing the chances of aquaplaning. For normal car or van tyres, according to manufacturer’s Michelin, an average tyre should last around 25,000 miles.

Every driver should undertake vehicle checks, not just their tyres, whether or not you drive for a living. Walkaround checks should only take you around 15 min tops. They are important to ensure that your vehicle is safe to be traveling, and that you’ll be safe as the driver. Even if it’s been on the road with another driver all day, if you take over, it’s your responsibility while you’re driving it, so it’s recommended that you do your own checks again.

If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident, however it was caused, you’ll want to be reassured that you have got good insurance cover. That is where our insurance partners BCD come in. As mentioned earlier, it really is worth checking amongst everything else, that you have the optimum cover to meet your specific requirements.

We know that insurance may not be high on your checklist, which is why talking to the experts at BCD, who understand your business, helps to make it a fast, hassle-free process. Not only that, but their policies are comprehensive and competitive too. Remember Courier Exchange members can benefit from pre-agreed special rates.

Business Choice Direct Insurance Services Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Business Choice Direct Insurance Services Ltd is registered in England and Wales No. 10301653. Registered Office: Affinity House, Bindon Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 6AA.

With the new number plates due out in September, here is what courier drivers should know if you’re thinking of changing vehicles. The 72-plate will apply to all new vehicles registered until February 28th, 2023.

A Van or pick-up truck enables you to offer a broader scope of services thereby giving you access to a wider range of clients. Upgrading capacity could certainly enable you to undertake multiple drops and cover longer distances and a newer vehicle provides reliability and a potentially superior performance.

Van sizes are based around ‘wheelbases’, i.e., the length of the chassis, and confusingly you can get a long-wheelbase small van, or a short wheelbase large van. The other size measure is around Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), which dictates the authorised weight the vehicle is allowed to be once loaded.

As to what size you get depends upon your contracts, but a small van could be the best starter vehicle for your business.

This size is flexible enough for almost any courier requirement, so this could be worth the investment. Typically, with a load space length of around 2.4 metres, they are classed as ‘short wheelbase’ on Courier Exchange.

For capacity, this is a size that offers greater scope with many economical options available.

This is a difficult question to answer as no one size fits all, and it depends on your individual circumstances. Both options are tax deductible as expenses.

· Full-service leases are available which often include maintenance, repair, accident management, insurance and registration

· Cheaper up-front costs as total cost of leasing is spread out over the lifetime of the contract

· You are paying the same amount on the lease every month, which is consistent for budgeting.

· Many leases don’t include insurance and you will have to organise it yourself. If insurance is provided, you must check that it is suitable for your business needs and offers the appropriate coverage for tools, commercial liability, and goods in transit insurance.

· Total cost of purchasing is likely to be lower than leasing, making it economical in the long term

· Make it your own and fine tune it to your needs- but be aware of any modifications that could impact upon your insurance

Whether you decide to take advantage of this September’s new plate release or not, you can always rely on the superior performance of our insurance partners, Business Choice Direct (BCD) https://rebrand.ly/BCDCrEx. Whatever vehicle you own, they have the expertise to ensure that you have the most appropriate cover.

Business Choice Direct Insurance Services Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Business Choice Direct Insurance Services Ltd is registered in England and Wales No. 10301653. Registered Office: Affinity House, Bindon Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 6AA.

Calls are recorded for use in quality management, training and customer support.

As you may know, here at the Courier Exchange we don’t believe in standing still.

The Exchange is the UK’s biggest courier marketplace. It routinely grants couriers access to more than 10,000 loads per day. But rather than rest on our laurels, we’re always on the lookout for new ways to help our industry advance.

Earlier this month, our CEO, Lyall Cresswell, announced several new developments that are about to do just that. The developments really are going to change the logistics industry for the better. So, rather than keep them hush hush, you can read Lyall’s update in full below.

I’m writing this to let you know about the imminent release of the most important developments that we have made to the Transport Exchange Group (TEG) platform over the past few years. Those of you who have been valued members of TEG (and our sub-brands Courier Exchange and Haulage Exchange) for many years will know that we do not believe in standing still and have a long-term vision to continuously improve user experience and reduce friction wherever possible in the process of dealings between our member businesses.

Over the past three years, despite the unprecedented backdrop of Covid, Brexit, Ukraine and the fluctuating and challenging economy, we have continued to make significant investments in the platform. This year will see us invest £4 million. This is testament to our long-term commitment to our members to develop the TEG platform and improve the user experience so that both are best in class.

Here are some of the highlights that we will be delivering over the next few months:

You will soon be invited to enrol your business in our brand new transport compliance and digital identity platform ‘Trustd.net’. Three years in the making, this has been designed to handle onboarding, maintenance and monitoring of key business data used in the Exchange platform. Our aim is to elevate compliance standards and fair dealing both in TEG and also within the industry that we serve to a whole new level. Fully integrated with the TEG platform, Trustd will become the single source of truth for your business profile, whether you are an owner driver, fleet operator or non-asset based transport business.

Platform security is always at the heart of everything we do and with this in mind we will shortly be launching User Authentication and Multi Factor Authentication. You’re probably already familiar with these from the other secure online platforms that you use. This will further protect your platform login, as well as safeguarding other key account activity, such as when you change your profile or perform certain actions within the system. The ‘unique email’ implementation that you and other users in your account underwent earlier this year was the first stage in this process.

As we all know, the process of paying and getting paid can be problematic and time-consuming in our industry. To alleviate this stress, we have completely re-built the Finance function for both Payables and Receivables. The invoice approval and payment process can now be 100% digital, ensuring unrivalled transparency, compliance, and cost-effectiveness for all parties. We have built new functionality into this area including batch invoicing, dispute handling and improved ‘private’ invoicing. Further, Payables and Receivables can also be fully integrated with your accounting software – see below.

We have built comprehensive new integrations with the most popular accounting software packages, including Xero, Sage and Quickbooks, so you will now be able to export data seamlessly from TEG into these connected platforms which is valuable to meet your Making Tax Digital (MTD) obligations and most importantly to save you time.

We launched the first version of our driver app back in 2004. Working with the TEG platform from the road has always been an essential part of our user experience and we are now in the process of building a completely new mobile app for both Drivers and Fleets. We will be inviting some of our members to ‘test drive’ the new app later this year and look forward to launching it in Q1 2023.

We live in an inter-dependent and connected world – the future of our industry depends on creating integrations so that data can be transferred in a secure and frictionless manner to and from the TEG platform to third party systems, including TMS and telematics. To this end, we have updated our API documentation and now have an in-house API specialist to demonstrate the benefits of integration and help to guide you through the implementation process.

We’re launching ‘Analytics’ – a brand new section of the platform. For the first time you can see detailed reports on Supplier Insights as well as understanding how the freight transport market is performing.

But enough about the technology enhancements. How about other key aspects of the TEG member experience?

We know how important it is that we handle your questions and support tickets as quickly and accurately as possible. We have therefore recently opened a new dedicated Customer Support Centre in Chippenham, Wiltshire. I am delighted with the positive feedback that we have received so far and, whilst we appreciate that it can be hard to get it right every time, we are continually striving to provide the excellent level of support that you expect and deserve.

As well as our new Customer Services centre, we have been on a recruitment drive to hire experienced and energetic colleagues across all areas of our business. The Account Management and Product Development teams have seen their numbers grow in particular.

We will be writing to you via email over the summer to keep you up to date with further information about how and when these important new developments will be available to your business.

In the meantime, enjoy the summer and please keep your feedback and suggestions coming – we value everything that you send us.

We’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.

In July of this year, Business Choice Direct (BCD) was shortlisted for the 2021 National Insurance Awards. Judged rigorously by a panel that reviewed numerous other entries, BCD came out on top.

The significance of this award

The National Insurance Awards showcases the best in the industry and celebrates excellence in general provision and management. The awards took place at the Grosvenor House in London where BCD faced fierce competition, but ultimately conquered all and claimed the title of ‘Commercial Lines Broker of the year’.

Hard work and dedication pays off

The past twelve months have posed significant challenges for all businesses, BCD included. This award is a huge milestone for them and a reflection of their team’s hard work, dedication and excellence. Those of you who are customers of BCD must have already experienced this dedication first hand.

BCD has set the bar high for other insurance contenders and is making a conscientious effort to face any challenges that lie ahead with tenacity.

The recognition from the National Insurance Awards also highlights that we are getting it right for our clients and customers. Here at BCD, we pride ourselves on the high level of service that we provide. We see our customers as real people, not just calls and emails and we know that every request for advice or assistance has come from somebody running a business or wanting to protect something important in their life. That is why we are constantly developing and growing; making sure our customers are getting the outcome they desire.

If you’re interested in what an award-winning insurance team can do for your courier business, get in touch today.

Earth 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.

Here are top 5 tips for making greener choices while completing loads on the Exchange:

1. Grab a reusable water bottle for everyday use and remember to fill it up between load bookings. Single-use plastic bottles significantly contribute to pollution, even when recycled and contain more microplastics than tap water. What’s more, a single-use plastic bottle that ends up in a landfill site takes approximately 450 years to decompose – scary stuff!

2. Take freshly packed lunches with you on the road, reducing the environmental impact of the UK’s lunch-on-the-go habit. Studies show that around 11 billion pieces of packaging every year make their way into a landfill site. If you do happen to buy lunch, a solution could be to take your container with you instead of requesting plastic bags or sandwich wrappings. We know that sometimes waste is hard to avoid, but you can be prepared by always having a bag to store your rubbish and then correctly recycling it at the end of your day.

3. You can make simple choices on your journey like switching your engine off when idle for longer than 2 minutes. It’s a great way to save fuel and reduce the amount of poisonous exhaust gases being released into the atmosphere. Simple things like regularly servicing your car, being mindful of speed limits, getting out of the habit of unnecessary revving and harsh acceleration all contribute to greener choices.

4. Use our Return Journeys solution to eliminate dead mileage. If you’ve driven a long way to complete a load booking and are wanting to make the most of your miles back home, advertising your availability and upcoming route on our mobile app will help you receive real-time notifications matching you to backloads in the area – saving you time and optimising your fuel efficiency without ‘offloading’ extra pressure on the environment.

5. Go digital with electronic quotes, PODs and invoicing using our platform and mobile app – making your life easier and helping you reduce paper wastage.

Ultimately, Earth Day is about making conscientious choices, however small, that will lead us to a greener future.

If you’re interested in learning more about how our freight tech solutions can help your business unlock latent potential and achieve peak efficiency, book a demo today.

Gregor 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.

Lyall also touched on core product offerings, the competitive climate of the marketplace, current developments and more.

We have various measures in place to prioritise the safety of our members, staff and partners during this time.

The Exchange Remains Fully Operational

Transport Exchange Group is responding to the effects of COVID-19 in an empathetic, proactive and practical way. Our top priority is the health and safety of our trade community, partners and staff.

The Department for Transport has confirmed in writing that the work of the Transport and Logistics sector is essential and should continue to the greatest extent possible through this crisis. It is for this reason that we continue to operate with some adjustments.

Haulage drivers, managers, warehouse staff and all other logistics professionals need to continue to go about their business to keep supply chains moving, and government policy is clear that this applies to all supplies chains and not only those for food and medical supplies. At all times workers should however follow Public Health England guidelines on social distancing.

Our Approach to COVID-19

It’s our collective responsibility to protect the integrity of the Exchange and safeguard the interests of our member businesses as much as possible. We’ve asked our members to pay drivers and carriers on time or even earlier if possible.

Rest assured that we are also closely monitoring slow payers reported to us. Payment cooperation ensures the smooth-running of businesses and keeps loads moving.

If you’re having difficulty or anticipate any problems, please speak to us.

We’ll be introducing a new Complaints Resolution process designed to resolve any payment issues quickly and efficiently.

Our marketing email communications will continue as usual, with helpful information sent out to members about COVID-19 developments, product releases or platform-related updates. You can also refer to our pop-up banners found on the log in page of the platform for information.

We realise that each member’s circumstances are different. If you’d like to discuss anything relating to your account, please contact us on 020 8993 7100.

We endeavour to treat your case with empathy and help you navigate your circumstances accordingly.

We aren’t compromising the support promised to our members during this time. Our team is still available to help at the same operating hours: Mon-Fri, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.

In addition, we’ve expanded our team to cope with the increased volume of calls and enquiries relating to COVID-19.

For the continued safety and wellbeing of our staff, our head office remains closed until further notice with all employees working from home. Our operating hours remain unchanged to ensure the continuity of business on the Exchange.

There are no impacts on our ability to keep the Exchange running reliably and securely.

Transport and Logistics is a key sector and we need to keep supply chains running, but that doesn’t mean the safety of our members must be compromised. Our digital tools and app functionalities allow you to keep your business running while stopping the spread of COVID-19.

For more tips on how to use our digital features to help stop the spread, click here.

With all our staff working remotely, we are complying with the government’s social distancing guidelines. We’ve cancelled any pre-arranged face-to-face meetings with members, employees or partners.

Our annual Members’ Evening, set to take place in June, is postponed until further notice.

Working in logistics means that many of our members are in daily contact with people across the country. According to a recent study funded by the US National Institutes of Health, Coronavirus can survive on stainless steel and plastic for 72 hours and 24 hours on cardboard, so always bear this in mind whether you’re working in an office or behind the wheel.

We want to get you ready and equipped to prevent infection and protect others by providing practical information and tips for your profession.

Top 10 tips to protect yourself and others

Tip #1
It is advisable to check load details before quoting or accepting a booking. You can contact the load-poster by phone or text to see if you’re required to take certain measures or precautions during pickup or delivery.

Tip #2
Try and go completely digital with your workflow and POD process if possible, speak with customers to discuss beforehand as they may still want a hard copy POD. Stay informed with what type of PODs your recipient is willing to accept at this time, they may accept a picture of a written signature on a piece of paper.

Tip #3
Remember to wipe your mobile screen with disinfectant wipes but we recommend not exchanging your phone, pens and paper with your customers.

Tip #4
Keep disinfectant wipes with you to clean the inside of your vehicle, especially the steering wheel.

Tip #5
Pay special attention to Euro bookings as advice and restrictions will vary between countries.

Tip #6
Don’t restrict access to restrooms for carriers. For us to protect each other we must ALL wash our hands.

Tip #7
Avoid direct contact with those showing signs of illness to prevent the transmission of the virus onto your hands.

Tip #8
It’s best to sneeze and cough into tissues. Place a waste disposal bag in your vehicle. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow. Steer clear of touching your face – this includes your eyes, lips and nose as you can infect yourself if your hands are carrying the virus.

Tip #9
There is a shortage of hand sanitisers in stores, but if you do happen to have some and you sneeze into your hands, use it immediately. If you don’t have hand sanitiser, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds.

Tip #10
Don’t worry too much about wearing surgical face masks. If you happen to have them, it wouldn’t hurt to wear them. Face masks are more beneficial to people who have the virus so they can try to stop spreading it to others should they cough or sneeze.

How Courier Exchange can empower owner drivers to secure more contracts across the UK

Unleashing the Power of Courier Exchange for Owner Drivers

So, what does that mean, exactly?

How you too can secure courier contracts on Courier Exchange

Why have we introduced this upgrade?

What is Finance Manager?

What is Making Tax Digital?

The significance of this award

Hard work and dedication pays off

The Exchange Remains Fully Operational

Our Approach to COVID-19

Top 10 tips to protect yourself and others

Solutions

Add-ons

Resources

Support

About

Legal

Unleashing the Power of Courier Exchange for Owner Drivers

So, what does that mean, exactly?

How you too can secure courier contracts on Courier Exchange

Why have we introduced this upgrade?

What is Finance Manager?

What is Making Tax Digital?

The significance of this award

Hard work and dedication pays off

The Exchange Remains Fully Operational

Our Approach to COVID-19

Top 10 tips to protect yourself and others

Solutions

Add-ons

Resources

Support

About

Legal

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