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Jobs & Pricing

Lee Gueller’s 10 tips for new couriers

Lee Gueller shares expert advice for couriers, from handling late payments to building trust, so you can grow your courier business.

Breaking into the courier industry can be tough, especially if you’re just starting out. Knowing how to manage jobs, communicate with shippers, and handle payments professionally can set you apart. Lee Gueller, from Red Rocket Couriers, has built a reputation in the courier world, and he’s shared some practical tips to help you succeed.

Whether you’re a member of the Courier Exchange or working independently, these tips can help you handle your courier jobs with confidence and professionalism.

Tips for new courier drivers

1. Start with an eQuote, but don’t stop there

Lee’s first piece of advice is to use eQuotes when bidding on loads whenever possible. Shippers are busy, and eQuotes let them quickly review your availability and pricing without stopping what they’re doing.

But sending an eQuote is just the first step. Following up with a quick phone call can make all the difference. “It builds a bit of rapport with the company and puts a voice to the screen,” Lee says. Even if the shipper is busy, they’ll appreciate your effort to connect personally.

2. Learn and respect shipper preferences

Every company works differently, and understanding their preferences is key to building lasting relationships. For example, some shippers prefer emailed invoices, while others might request hard copies.

Lee Gueller recommends doing exactly what each company asks when it comes to invoices, PODs, and communication. “The better you adapt to their preferences, the more likely they are to work with you again,” he says.

3. Stay professional with payments

Payment terms can vary, but patience and professionalism will help you manage them effectively. Some shippers pay promptly, while others might run on specific schedules, like the first Tuesday of the month.

Lee advises waiting a couple of days after the due date before chasing a payment. “Don’t go in all guns blazing,” he says. Start with a polite phone call to confirm they received your invoice. Often, payments are simply delayed due to busy schedules or admin errors.

4. Send invoices promptly and accurately

Sending invoices as soon as the job is complete speeds up the payment process. Many shippers appreciate having the invoice emailed immediately, as it helps them process payments faster.

Keeping your invoices organised also avoids unnecessary delays. If you’re a member of the Courier Exchange, uploading your invoices and PODs directly to the platform simplifies the process and makes it easy for shippers to find your details. And make sure you add courier VAT to the invoice if it applies.

5. Use the Courier Exchange Driver App to your advantage

For CX members, the Driver App is a valuable tool for building trust with shippers. Lee Gueller stresses the importance of keeping your tracker updated at all times.

“Always put that you’re on-site, loaded, or delivered,” he says. This gives shippers peace of mind and helps them handle their own customers more effectively. Non-CX couriers can replicate this approach by communicating regular updates via email or phone.

6. Get the POD details right

Accurate PODs are a must for professional couriers. Lee Gueller recommends always collecting a full name and signature, even if it feels like an extra step. “There’s nothing worse than getting a POD that just says ‘John,’ especially when there are 20 Johns at a site,” he explains.

Uploading clear PODs promptly not only improves your feedback but also speeds up payments. If you’re not using a platform like CX, ensure you send PODs directly to shippers as soon as the job is done.

7. Build trust by staying reliable

Reliability is one of the most important qualities in a courier. Accept jobs promptly and update shippers regularly to show you’re dependable.

Shippers want to know they can count on you. Whether it’s a simple update about your ETA or confirming you’ve delivered a package, these small actions make a big difference in building trust as a courier. This is especially helpful when handling return loads, where efficient communication can secure more work.

8. Handle late payments calmly and effectively

Late payments can be frustrating, but staying calm will help you resolve the issue faster. Start with a friendly reminder, and only escalate if needed.

Lee Gueller suggests giving shippers the benefit of the doubt initially. “Sometimes invoices genuinely get lost or overlooked,” he says. If a polite follow-up doesn’t work, you can always take a firmer tone later.

9. Focus on delivering great customer service

Going the extra mile for shippers and customers will set your independent courier company apart in a competitive market. Whether it’s being flexible with delivery times or proactively updating customers about delays, these actions leave a lasting impression.

Great service doesn’t just secure repeat business—it also boosts your feedback scores. Better feedback means more opportunities for owner-driver jobs and a stronger reputation in the industry.

10. Stay flexible and responsive

Things don’t always go to plan in the courier world. Delays, last-minute changes, and unexpected issues are part of the job. Staying flexible and responsive helps you keep shippers happy, even when challenges arise.

By being approachable and solution-oriented, you show shippers that you’re committed to getting the job done right. Whether you’re using CX or working independently, this attitude will help you stand out.

Conclusion

Lee Gueller’s advice highlights the importance of communication, professionalism, and using the right tools to succeed as a courier. Whether you’re new to pricing your courier jobs, managing return loads, or securing consistent work, these tips provide a strong foundation.

For couriers who are ready to scale their business, platforms like Courier Exchange can make a big difference. But even if you’re not a member, adopting these best practices will improve your relationships with shippers and help you build a successful career in the courier industry.

Starting out as a courier comes with many responsibilities, and one of the most important ones is understanding taxes, especially your VAT (Value Added Tax). 

It can be a bit daunting at first, but getting a good grip on VAT is important for running your business smoothly and keeping costs in check. 

In this guide, we’ll explain what VAT is, when you should register for it, and how the VAT returns process works for couriers.

What is VAT?

VAT, or Value Added Tax, is a tax applied to most goods and services in the UK, from soft drinks to your home electric bill, and is typically set at 20%.

It’s an indirect tax, meaning it’s collected by businesses on behalf of the government. 

How it applies to couriers

As an independent courier company, you’ll likely pay VAT on several essential business expenses. 

This could include fuel, vehicle maintenance, PPE, freight exchange memberships, and even office supplies if you have a home office. 

If you’re registered with HMRC, you can claim back the tax you’ve paid on these items, reducing your overall expenses.

When should you register for VAT?

If you turn over £90,000 in a 12-month period, you’re legally required to register for Value-Added Tax. 

But even if you’re just starting out and your earnings are below the threshold, it might still make sense to register for it. 

If you regularly pay VAT on business expenses, such as fuel or equipment, registering could allow you to reclaim the tax, potentially saving you money. 

Additionally, being VAT-registered can give your business a more professional image, which might be beneficial when dealing with larger shippers who expect to work with VAT-registered companies.

On the other hand, registering for it could complicate things if your business turnover is low. 

You’ll have to add tax when you price your courier jobs, which could make your prices less competitive, especially if your customers are individuals or small businesses that can’t reclaim the tax themselves. 

For smaller courier businesses, this extra burden might outweigh the benefits of reclaiming taxes on expenses.

How to register for VAT as a courier

Registering for VAT is a straightforward process and can be done online. 

1. Gather your details: You’ll need your National Insurance number, business information (name, address, start date), bank account details, expected turnover, and information about any businesses you’ve owned recently.
2. Register online: Visit the HMRC website, sign in or create a Government Gateway account, and fill in your business details. Submit your application.
3. Choose your VAT scheme: Most courier owner-drivers will use the standard VAT scheme. However, the Flat Rate Scheme might be simpler if your turnover is under £150,000.
4. Receive your VAT certificate: HMRC will send you a VAT registration certificate with your tax number, the date to start charging your customers, and your first return deadline.
5. Start keeping records: From the registration date, keep detailed records of Value-Added Tax on your sales and expenses. These will be essential for your returns.

How to claim your VAT back

Once you’re VAT-registered, you’ll need to submit regular returns to HMRC, usually every three months. 

This process might sound complicated, but with a bit of organisation, it’s quite manageable.

To complete your return, you’ll need to keep detailed records of all your sales and expenses. 

You’ll calculate how much tax you owe on your sales and subtract any Value-Added Tax you can reclaim on your expenses. The difference is what you’ll pay to HMRC. 

If the amount of tax you’ve paid on expenses is more than what you owe on sales, you can claim a refund.

Common VAT claims for couriers

As a courier, you’ll have several regular expenses that are subject to Value-Added Tax and can be reclaimed. 

Fuel is one of the biggest expenses you’ll face, and claiming back the VAT on this can significantly reduce your costs. But fuel isn’t the only expense you can claim tax on—there are several others that can help you save money. 

Here’s a list of common expenses that couriers can claim VAT back on:

• Fuel costs: The VAT on all your fuel purchases can be reclaimed, which is often one of the largest savings for couriers.
• Vehicle purchase and maintenance: Whether you’ve bought a new courier van or need routine servicing, tyre replacements, or unexpected repairs, you can claim back on all these purchases and services.
• Office supplies: From paper and pens to more expensive items like computers or printers, all your office-related purchases can be reclaimed.
• Tools and equipment: Any tools or equipment you purchase for your business, such as GPS devices, mobile phones, ratchet straps and other loading equipment can also be claimed for.
• Uniforms and workwear: If you purchase uniforms or PPE specifically for your job, you can claim back on these items.
• Advertising and marketing: The VAT on costs related to promoting your business, such as flyers, business cards, online ads and even your Courier Exchange subscription can also be reclaimed.
• Telecommunications: VAT on your mobile phone and internet bills, if used for business purposes, is reclaimable.

Unfortunately, you can’t claim on your vehicle insurance or courier insurance, as they’re exempt from VAT.

Consider using an accountant

While you can handle your tax returns on your own, many couriers find it helpful to use an accountant. 

They’ll take care of the paperwork and help you avoid common mistakes that could lead to penalties. They can also give you advice on what you can and can’t claim, which can be a real help in making sure you’re getting all the Value-Added Tax back that you’re entitled to.

Example of courier VAT returns

To give you a clearer picture, let’s say you spent £15,000 on fuel, £5,000 on vehicle maintenance, and £2,000 on other supplies in the past year. 

With VAT at 20%, that means you’ve paid £4,400 in VAT on these expenses alone.

If you’re registered, you can claim back that £4,400, reducing your overall business costs significantly. 

On the other hand, if you weren’t VAT-registered you’d have to absorb these costs, which would eat into your profits. In this case, being registered could save you a considerable amount each year.

Look at it this way: by claiming your VAT back, you’ll earn 20% more per year!

Conclusion

While registering for Value-Added Tax is required by law if your turnover is over the £90,000 threshold, it can be worth it for newer businesses once you’ve started taking on regular courier jobs. 

By reclaiming the tax on your expenses, you can lower your operating costs and potentially improve your bottom line. However, if your business is smaller, the extra admin might not be worth the hassle.

Whether you choose to register for VAT or not, staying on top of your finances is key to building a successful courier business. If you’re unsure about the process, speaking to an accountant can help you make the best decision for your situation.

When it comes to setting the right price for your courier jobs, it’s not just about covering costs. You also need to make sure you’re making a profit.

By carefully considering how you price your courier jobs, you can boost your income and grow your business.

The best way to start is by understanding your price per mile (PPM). This helps you see if a job is worth taking, and helps you stay you’re competitive while still earning well.

With the right strategy, you can find the sweet spot in pricing, and get more loads while increasing your profits. Keep reading to learn how to fine-tune your pricing strategy for the best results.

How to price your courier jobs

Journey distance

The distance you travel affects your fuel costs and the time you spend on the road. It’s important to calculate your mileage accurately. Use reliable mapping tools to determine the exact distance and consider any potential detours or delays. 

Remember, longer distances mean higher fuel costs and more wear and tear on your vehicle.

Pricing your courier jobs based on location

Courier rates can vary significantly depending on whether you are delivering in urban or rural areas. Some locations are also better for couriers than others.

Urban deliveries often involve heavy traffic, which can lead to delays. On the other hand, rural deliveries might cover longer distances with less traffic.

Adjust your pricing to reflect these differences, ensuring that you account for any potential delays or additional time spent on the road.

Cargo type

Different types of cargo can impact how you price your courier jobs, especially if you offer specialist courier services.

For example, fragile items might require extra care and special handling, which can increase the time and effort needed for delivery. Hazardous materials may need specific licences like an ADR, and the proper equipment when loading and unloading.

Make sure to consider these factors when setting your prices. 

Load size and weight

The size and weight of the cargo can significantly affect your costs. Larger or heavier items may reduce your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and require more space, limiting the number of deliveries you can make in one trip.

Make sure to factor in these elements when pricing your jobs. Charging more for bulky or heavy items helps cover the increased fuel consumption and reduced carrying capacity.

Setting courier rates by time and day

The time of day and day of the week can impact your delivery times and costs.

Peak hours, such as mornings and evenings, often involve heavier traffic, which can slow you down. Similarly, weekends and holidays might see increased demand but also heavier traffic.

Consider charging higher rates for deliveries during these times to compensate for the additional time and fuel costs.

Toll roads, congestion charges, and ULEZ

When calculating how to price your courier jobs prices, don’t forget to include costs such as tolls, congestion charges, and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fees.

These additional expenses can quickly add up, especially if you frequently travel through these areas. The CX app allows you to list these costs separately when quoting for a load, making it easier to ensure all charges are covered.

Always calculate these costs accurately to avoid underpricing your services.

Operating costs

Running a courier business involves various operating costs that need to be included when set your pricing for jobs.

These costs include vehicle maintenance, courier insurance, and any other expenses necessary to keep your business running smoothly. It’s important to note that during less busy periods, your fixed costs, such as vehicle maintenance and insurance, remain the same. Therefore, it’s wise to factor in these fluctuations when pricing during busy times to ensure you cover for the slower periods.

Ensuring your pricing reflects these operating costs and seasonal demand fluctuations helps maintain profitability throughout the year.

Conclusion

Setting the right price for your courier jobs is essential for maximising your earnings as a courier. Before quoting for a job, make sure you’ve planned your route efficiently and calculated your costs accurately.

By considering factors like journey distance, location, cargo type, cargo size, time of day, and additional costs such as tolls and ULEZ fees, you can set prices that reflect your true costs and ensure profitability.

Regularly review and update your prices for courier work, taking into account not just your costs but also the average market price. As a CX member, you’ll have access to weekly average price-per-mile data for your vehicle type, so you can keep your quotes competitive in the marketplace.

There are busy times as well as slow times in the courier industry. You need to account for this and make sure that the higher profits in the busy times cover your fixed costs during the slower periods.

Lastly, you need to communicate clearly with your customers. Make sure your customers understand the factors that go into your prices. Clear communication helps manage expectations and builds trust. 

As a courier, it’s important to stand out from the competition. By offering specialist courier services, you prove you can handle a variety of different types of cargo, and makes you the ideal choice for clients with specific requirements.

In this guide, we’ll explain the 17 specialist courier services and licenses you can add to your Courier Exchange profile and offer to your customers.

The most popular specialist courier services

1. 2 Man: This service means you have two people available for deliveries. It’s ideal for handling items like furniture or large appliances that require extra manpower for safe transport and installation.

2. 24 Hour: This means you can handle urgent deliveries or those needed outside standard business hours, such as emergency parts or last-minute gifts.

3. ADR: This stands for ‘Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road’. As an ADR courier, you can transport hazardous materials, including chemicals or flammable substances, safely and legally.

4. DGSA Qualified: As a ‘Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor’, you can oversee the transport of hazardous goods, ensuring all safety and legal guidelines are followed. It’s very similar to an ADR licence.

5. FORS Bronze, Silver, Gold: The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme recognises different levels of excellence in fleet operations. Bronze focuses on legal compliance, Silver on maintaining safety equipment, and Gold on effectively managing noise pollution and emissions. This is a sign of high operational standards.

6. Frozen: Specialising in frozen transport is another popular courier service, and ensures that items like ice cream or biological samples are kept at the correct temperatures throughout transit.

7. GOH – Garments On Hanger: This service is tailored for the fashion industry, transporting clothing items that need to arrive wrinkle-free and ready to wear or sell, such as dresses or suits.

8. High Security: High-security transport is used for high-value or theft-prone items like jewellery, electronics, or confidential documents, involving enhanced security protocols to prevent loss.

9. Installation & Swap-out: This service includes the installation and, if necessary, the swapping out of old items. It’s often used for appliances like refrigerators or office equipment.

10. Level A / B Aviation, Cargo Operative (previously Level D): These aviation security certifications indicate that you can safely and securely deliver road cargo to and from airports and air freight facilities. This is important for goods needing to be flown, like pharmaceuticals or electronics, or in some cases, urgent parts that are needed to fix a grounded aircraft waiting to fly.

11. Refrigerated / Chilled: Similar to frozen services but at chill temperatures, this service is necessary for dairy products, fresh flowers, or pharmaceuticals that must stay cool but not frozen.

12. Removals: Handling complete removal services means managing the transport of household or office contents from one location to another, involving everything from furniture to personal belongings.

13. Waste Carrier: As a licensed waste carrier, you can legally transport waste materials, including construction debris or old electronics, ensuring they are disposed of or recycled according to environmental regulations.

14. WEEE: Specialising in the disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment means you can handle items like old computers, televisions, and refrigerators, ensuring they are recycled or disposed of in an environmentally safe manner.

15. Authorised Economic Operator (AEO): This status shows that your role in the international supply chain is secure and that your customs controls and procedures are efficient and compliant. This is important for companies that regularly import or export goods.

16. CMR: The CMR insurance certification means that you’re qualified to carry goods internationally under the CMR consignment note, offering legal protection and security for items being transported across borders, such as furniture, electronics, or commercial goods.

More services, more work

Adding these specialist courier services means you can take on different types of jobs, including ones that pay better.

This makes your profile more attractive on CX, helping you get more work. Over 13,000 courier jobs are posted on CX every day.

Offering specialist delivery services lets you make the most of these opportunities, filling your van and boosting your earnings on Courier Exchange.

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. Follow these simple steps before negotiating the delivery schedule for your London load.

1. Do Your Research

London is a vibrant capital city where no two days are the same. One very handy piece of advice for couriers is to check online for any possible disruptions before you start planning your journey. It’s entirely possible that your route could be affected by one of the following:

• Planned road works
• Transport strikes
• Demonstrations, festivals or parades
• Building work

It would be foolish, for example, to agree to a quick delivery in West London on the weekend of the Notting Hill Carnival. Of course there will always be the chance of last-minute traffic problems or road closures, but it is worth checking online beforehand to save time (and patience) later.

2. Give a Generous Time Estimate

As an owner driver, don’t be tempted to accept multiple cross-London deliveries in a single day. Courier jobs may come in thick and fast, but customer satisfaction and a delivery schedule you can stick to are more important than completing multiple jobs quickly.

You can be sure that the traffic in the Capital will move at an agonisingly slow pace, no matter the hour of your delivery. It’s easy to get frustrated when you’re sat at a standstill in a queue, but don’t add to the pressure by giving yourself a schedule you can’t hope to meet.

3. Map Out Your Route Ahead of Time

It may sound obvious, but a wing and a prayer just don’t cut it when it comes to navigating London. We would always recommend checking your route options on both a conventional map and a Sat Nav before you set out on your journey. That way you can gain an understanding of the lay of the land and identify two or three routes that would get you to your destination, before picking the most sensible one.

4. Stick to Your Plans When Navigating London

Once you have chosen your route, take the advice of the London Hackney Club (otherwise known as black cabbies, to you and me): even if you have years of navigation under your belt and know the streets of London like the back of your hand, a lot of the time traffic jams can’t be avoided.

Try not to stray from your chosen route – attempting to “get around the traffic” will only lead to frustration and potentially add precious minutes to your delivery time.

5. Two Pairs of Eyes are Better Than One

It can really help to have a second pair of eyes in the cab with you when you’re driving in an inner city with multiple lanes and exits.

We’ve all been in that situation when your Sat Nav gives you an unclear instruction and you’re craning around to find the correct turning. A mate on the seat beside you can keep a look out for road signs and man the phone while you’re navigating London, allowing you to focus all of your efforts on the road. Of course, a second pair of hands also comes in useful when it’s time to unload at your destination.

Follow these simple steps, keep a cool head and you’ll be planning your London routes like a true Londoner in no time!

If you’re not based in London, check out our guide to the best locations for couriers.

As a courier, life on the road can be a slog. You’ve got delivery deadlines to hit, customers to keep happy, and invoices to keep track of. With all of this, it can be easy to forget about one essential thing: your health!

Staying physically and mentally healthy is really important, so we’ve put together some simple yet practical tips to keep you fighting fit.

Physical health: Keeping the motor running

Food and drink

Grabbing a quick pasty from the petrol station is easy. We get it, they’re tasty and convenient, but it’s important to remember that our bodies need proper fuel to function at their best.

Next time you buy lunch, try to get a mix of lean proteins and veggies, and avoid carb-heavy food like sandwiches and pastries. You’ll have more energy throughout the day, and it’s better for you long-term! If you’re a snacker, skip the Haribo and grab some fresh fruit or healthy snacks like roasted chickpeas or dark chocolate.

And don’t forget about hydration. Keep a reusable water bottle on hand and refill it regularly to stay alert and keep fatigue at bay. A lot of motorway services have free water refill stations these days, and a few petrol stations have them as well. You can even get water bottles with straws, so you can drink (water) while driving.

Staying active

Exercise is vital for your physical health. But when your “office” is a driver’s seat, finding time for a workout can be challenging.

The key here is creativity. Can you fit in a quick walk while waiting in a loading bay? How about some stretches during a petrol stop?

Here’s a quick 5-minute stretch routine you can use to stay limber and refreshed. No yoga mats or Lycra leggings necessary!

1. Neck stretch (1 minute):

• Start by slowly tilting your head toward your right shoulder until you feel a light stretch on the left side of your neck.
• Hold this position for 15 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
• Do this twice on each side.

2. Shoulder rolls (1 minute):

• Sit up straight, then slowly roll your shoulders up, back, down, and forward in a smooth circular motion.
• Do this for 30 seconds, then reverse the direction for another 30 seconds.

3. Upper body twist (1 minute):

• With your feet flat on the floor, turn your upper body to the right, placing your left hand on the outer side of your right knee for added stretch.
• Hold this position for 15 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
• Do this twice on each side.

4. Hip stretch (1 minute):

• While seated, cross your right ankle over your left knee, creating a figure 4 with your legs.
• Gently press down on your right knee to feel a stretch in your right hip and glute.
• Hold for 15 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
• Do this twice on each side.

5. Seated hamstring stretch (1 minute):

• Extend your right leg straight in front of you, heel on the ground, toes pointing upwards.
• Gently lean forward from your hips (not your waist) until you feel a stretch in the back of your right thigh.
• Hold this for 15 seconds, then switch legs.
• Do this twice on each side.

These quick and easy stretches can help you alleviate stiffness, improve flexibility, and boost circulation, even within the confines of your van, or when you’re waiting in a loading bay.

Remember, it’s always important to ‘listen’ to your body – if you feel any pain or discomfort when you’re stretching, try a different stretch or take it easy. If it persists, book an appointment with your GP!

Routine health checkups

Speaking of GPs, it’s easy to forget routine health check-ups. Regular visits to your GP are crucial to catch potential issues early. Plus, they can provide personalised advice based on your individual needs.

If you’re struggling to get an appointment at your local surgery, some high-street pharmacies can give health advice and consultations.

Rest and sleep

Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Getting proper rest is as important as eating healthily and exercising.

Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night and maintain a regular sleep schedule. This can be tricky with late-night or early-morning jobs, but even a quick power nap at a motorway services can make a world of difference.

If you’re fortunate enough to have a sleeper cabin in your vehicle, invest in some decent earplugs and bedding, so you’re as undisturbed and comfortable as possible.

Mental health: Keeping the wheels turning

Managing stress

Let’s face it, courier work can be stressful. Traffic jams, tight deadlines, difficult clients, the list goes on. That’s why finding ways to let off steam and relax is important. Deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or simply enjoying your favourite tunes on the radio can all help reduce stress levels.

Staying social

On the road, it’s easy to feel isolated. Make an effort to keep in touch with family and friends regularly. A quick chat during breaks can boost your mood.

Also, don’t overlook the importance of building relationships with your clients and fellow drivers. A friendly conversation can brighten your day and make the job more enjoyable!

Mental stimulation

Long hours on the road can be a drag. Keep your mind sharp and avoid boredom by listening to podcasts and audiobooks, or even learning a new language.

We highly recommend Pete the Courier’s Sunday Q&A series, which is available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

So long as it doesn’t distract you from driving, it’s a plus!

Wrapping up

In conclusion, staying healthy on the road is about balancing your physical needs with your mental well-being.

Eat well, stay active, get plenty of rest, manage your stress, keep in touch with loved ones, stimulate your mind, and don’t forget those routine health check-ups.

Remember, a healthier you makes for a happier, more efficient courier. And that’s a win-win situation for everyone!

On CX, the most common way to get loads is by using our live loads map.

The second way to get loads on the Exchange is by direct bookings. Here, instead of you contacting load posters, load posters contact you directly.

To receive direct bookings, you need to be available… which is a setting you set through our app.

The more available you are, the more chance you have of getting direct bookings, which means more money in your pocket. And all it takes is a few phone taps…

2. Get good feedback

In a recent survey, we asked load posters what they looked for when choosing carriers and drivers.

Good feedback was their number one response.

Simply put, when you have good feedback, you can expect to make more money on the Exchange. You can expect to get more bookings. And you can expect to make more per mile. The question is: how do you get good feedback?

Well, load posters want to work with companies who deliver loads on time and in a good condition. They also want to work with companies who go above and beyond and communicate well. (Using our app can help here – you can share your live location, which keeps customers updated of your ETA while you’re driving.)

But what you really need to do – and what most people don’t do – is ask for feedback. So, once you’ve delivered a load, ask your customer to write about it on our platform… especially if you’ve gone above and beyond.

3. Offer specialist services

If you have specialised skills or expertise, you can charge higher rates for your services.

For example, if you’re experienced in handling fragile items, you may be able to offer a premium service for delicate packages. Similarly, if you’re trained in transporting hazardous materials, you can offer a specialised service that commands a higher price tag.

By offering specialised services, you can work with load posters willing to pay more for your expertise.

4. Use Future Positions

On the Exchange, most members looking for loads tend to look for loads in their current location as and when they need them.

That’s great, but it’s limiting. After all, if you know you’re going from Brighton to Birmingham, do you really need to wait until you’re in Birmingham to get your next load?

The answer is: not when you’re on the Exchange.

One of the Exchange’s lesser-known (but most powerful) features is Future Positions. With Future Positions, you can plug in where your vehicle will be at pretty much any point in the future. As soon as you do, you can get notifications of available loads that fit your future position. Better still, load posters will know where you’re going to be and when – so they can book you direct in advance.

Let’s say you’re travelling from Brighton to Birmingham tomorrow, arriving at midday, and returning at 3pm. Using the Exchange, you might set your future position as in Birmingham from 12.30pm to 3pm. You can then get notifications whenever load posters post loads with pickup points in and around Birmingham exactly when you’re going to be in the area. Even better, load posters searching for drivers will be able to see when you’re going to be in Birmingham so they can book you direct.

Future Positions allows you to plan ahead, and it can reduce your dead miles. All in, that means you can make even more money on the Exchange.

5. Use Future Journeys

Future Positions is very smart. But even smarter is Future Journeys.

With Future Journeys, you can let the Exchange know not just where you’re going to be, but where you’re travelling to. Continuing the example above, if you know you’re leaving Birmingham at 3pm tomorrow to head back to Brighton, you can plug your upcoming journey into the Exchange. Once you’ve done that, you can get notifications of jobs that take into account your future journey.

You might get something from Birmingham to Oxford, say. Then, you might grab a load to transport from Reading to Brighton. It’s on your way. So the Exchange will tell you.

Future Journeys is yet another way to reduce your dead miles so you make even more money on Courier Exchange.

6. Use TEG PPM

To make more money on the Exchange, you need to get your pricing right. That’s hard when prices:

1. Vary based on you vehicle type
2. Vary based on your location
3. And change constantly due to fuel price changes, demand changes, economic changes, and many other factors

Luckily, with TEG PPM, pricing isn’t guesswork.

TEG PPM averages and categorises almost all the journeys on the Exchange to give you a good idea of current prices per mile.

As you can see, TEG PPM shows you prices per mile for specific vehicles in specific locations. It gives you guidance on pricing so you can make informed decisions.

Even better, TEG PPM updates weekly, so when prices change – you know about it.

7. Expand your service area

If you’re willing to cover a bigger area, you can access more jobs on the Courier Exchange.

It’s rare you’ll need to do this. But if and when you end up getting a second or third vehicle, you may wish to expand your service area to see what else is out there. (Just be sure to factor in the cost of fuel and other expenses when doing so.)

To sum up…

Once you’re off the mark, there are a few things you can do to try to make more money on the Exchange. Availability, feedback, specialised services, Future Positions, Future Journeys, informed pricing and an expanded service area can all help.

It’s easy to ignore these tactics. After all, running a courier business is hard enough as it is. But then success as a self-employed courier requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to go above and beyond for your customers. And if you already have those qualities, then the above tactics shouldn’t be too daunting at all.

If you’re not currently an Exchange member and would like to see how it works, simply register your details below.

Register now

The price per mile for ‘direct’ bookings is often greater than average. This is more evidence for the point made earlier: load posters are willing to pay more for a good courier.

So, how much can you really earn on the Exchange?

To sum up:

• Couriers looking for loads can use our earnings calculator to see how much you could earn on Courier Exchange
• The earnings calculator is based on average prices per mile for your vehicle and location
• Other factors for how much you can earn are: whether you’re just taking loads or if you’re also posting excess work, your mix of hotshots or backloads, your services, your feedback score, and the percentage of direct bookings you receive
• You could earn more than the earnings calculator suggests
• To find out the average price-per-mile in your area (and see how much work is available) register your details and our team will show you

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