Bell Transport & Logistics: Turning flexibility into growth with CX

When Simon Bell launched Bell Transport & Logistics in 2019, the world was in the midst of a delivery boom.

After ten years managing transport for a large Nottingham coach company, Simon decided to take his experience on the road — starting with multi-drop deliveries during the Covid surge.

“It was a hectic time. Everyone wanted everything delivered to their door,” says Simon.

But after two years of multi-drop work, Simon saw a better opportunity. “Same-day courier work was easier to manage, less stressful for drivers, and more efficient overall,” he explains.

The move to same-day transformed the business. Fewer stops per day meant happier drivers, smoother operations, and a growing base of satisfied customers.

Finding flexibility with Courier Exchange

As Bell Transport & Logistics built up its own customer base, Courier Exchange (CX) became an essential part of keeping vehicles moving.

“We use CX to fill backloads, cover specialist jobs, and find reliable subcontractors,” Simon explains. “It means we never have to turn work away.”

Bell Transport now covers Nottingham, Mansfield, Leicester, Derby, and South Yorkshire, with national reach through CX. From manufacturing to legal and office deliveries, the Bell Transport team — now including his Steven Bell as Commercial Manager — handles everything from urgent documents to fibreboard panels and air conditioning ducting.

Courier Exchange gives us access to every type of vehicle we could possibly need. There’s no reason to say no to a job.

Steven Bell, Commercial Manager, Bell Transport & Logistics

That flexibility helps them keep their promise to both customers and subcontractors: no wasted return journeys, and consistent work.

“We’ve never turned down a load – and we’ve never failed one either,” says Simon.

A team built on experience

Bell Transport’s approach to recruitment has been key to their reliability. The company works with a close-knit pool of around ten local courier subcontractors, carefully vetted and managed by Simon and Steven.

“Experience counts,” says Simon. “We work with old-school drivers who’ve been in transport for years. They’re reliable, know every back road, and always get the job done.”

Drivers operate Monday to Friday using their own courier vans, with Bell Transport providing fuel cards and support to keep things running smoothly.

“It’s about trust and relationships,” adds Steven. “We know who we’re sending, and our customers know what to expect.”

6 years

As a CX member

153

Positive reviews

Simplifying payments with SmartPay

As the business grew, managing payments manually became time-consuming. SmartPay provided a faster, simpler way to handle everything in one place.

SmartPay has taken away the hassle of paying drivers one by one. Now we can approve and send all payments in a single transfer.

Simon Bell, Founder and Managing Director, Bell Transport & Logistics

For the Bell Transport & Logistics team, it’s saved hours of admin every week.

“It’s just one click,” Simon explains. “All the invoices are there, they’re approved, and the system takes care of the rest.”

That efficiency keeps cash flow predictable and ensures subcontractors are paid quickly — strengthening trust on both sides.

“SmartPay is brilliant. It’s made our invoicing and payments far easier. Everything’s in one place, and it just works.”

Looking ahead

Bell Transport continues to expand its customer base and service offering across the East Midlands. The next step is moving into specialised transport, including chilled transport vehicles and larger trucks — areas Simon sees as a natural evolution.

“The van market’s crowded,” he says. “Specialised vehicles offer better margins and year-round demand. That’s where we’re heading next.”

With a strong reputation for reliability, and CX and SmartPay supporting every step of their operations, Bell Transport & Logistics is well positioned for continued growth.

CX gives us flexibility, SmartPay saves us time, and our drivers give us reliability. Put it all together — that’s what makes our business work.

Simon Bell, Founder and Managing Director, Bell Transport & Logistics