S-Express: building a successful family-run business in same-day transport 

Six years ago, Maria started S-Express out of her bedroom, with just a laptop and a van. 

Today, S-Express Logistics operates from a dedicated office and warehouse and is a true family-run business. The team includes Maria’s husband, a former courier, and her two daughters – but there’s no playing favourites. 

“Everyone in this company has started in a van delivery because you can’t tell someone what to do if you haven’t done it.” Maria says. “We know what pains drivers go through, so we’re quite adept at sorting that out.” 

With a client base spanning industries from construction to e-commerce—and even handling unique jobs like transporting animals—S-Express has become a trusted name for specialist logistics needs. As Maria puts it,

There’s nothing we won’t move.

Maria Richards, Director, S-Express

How did S-Express leveraged Courier Exchange (CX) to take their family-run operation to the next level?

Here’s how they did it

From the beginning, S-Express understood that meeting customer demands required more than their in-house capabilities back in Dartford, Kent. 

“We couldn’t cover all work throughout the country because we had customers wanting things picked up from Birmingham or delivered there,” Maria explains. Her husband, having used the Exchange in the past, suggested they join as freight forwarders. 

Once on CX, Maria understood the importance of building trust to establish a reliable network. “You have to pay people early to show credibility,” she says. This approach helped S-Express earn a strong reputation among drivers, and they now handle around 70–80% of their same-day work through the platform. 

CX allows S –Express can manage long-distance deliveries, navigate congestion in cities like London, and meet customer demands anywhere in the UK. “The Exchange is the place to go because no one else matches it. We’ve tried other platforms—they’re not on the same level at all. They don’t have the drivers to cover work, and their platform is not as user-friendly as what we are used to with the Exchange,” Maria says. 

The platform also gives Maria confidence in the drivers she hires. “I can look up a driver and know his feedback and know he’s insured. I know if his van is old or new. I know everything about them, and that enables me to assure my customers that their delivery is going to be done by a good driver who is prompt, courteous, and on time,” she explains. 

CX also serves as a “get out of trouble” tool in emergencies. Maria recalls one instance when a driver called at 3 a.m., unable to make their delivery due to a family emergency.

We advertised, dealt with it on the Exchange, boom, done, and the customer’s happy.

Maria Richards, Director, S-Express

Results

Since joining CX, S-Express has experienced significant growth, transitioning from a bedroom operation to a thriving business with a dedicated office and warehouse. 

A key to their success has been the ability to rely on CX’s vast network of couriers and haulage vehicles to handle work outside their in-house capacity. While Maria’s team manages shorter, local runs, CX enables them to cover long-distance deliveries and meet customer needs nationwide, even during peak periods. 

Maria understands how vital drivers are to her business, and her fairness and respect have fostered a network of trusted partners who value working with S-Express. “Drivers are important to everybody. A lot of people don’t see that, but they are. You’ve got to look after them as much as they look after you,” she explains. 

CX has also allowed Maria to achieve work-life balance without compromising on service.  

I can work from anywhere—home, a hotel, or even on holiday—and still ensure everything runs smoothly.

Maria Richards, Director, S-Express

This flexibility means the business can operate 24/7, giving customers peace of mind that their needs will always be met.

Conclusion

For S-Express, Courier Exchange is more than a tool—it’s an integral part of their day-to-day operations. “The Exchange is brilliant. If one of our drivers is ill or breaks down, I can post the job and know it’ll be covered within minutes,” Maria says. 

CX has empowered S-Express to grow from a small family business into a trusted name in same-day and multi-drop transport.  

We work hard, but thanks to the Exchange, we’re also able to enjoy a good quality of life. It’s a game-changer for us.

Maria Richards, Director, S-Express

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