Make every delivery count
A 12 per cent decline in freight traffic, two per cent downturn in light van deliveries and significant job losses among truck and van drivers underlines the importance of websites like stuff2send.com. Founder Colin Hay says latest government figures show that commercial operators must seek every business advantage – like locating backloads to avoid empty running.
“Despite improvements in logistics, most haulage firms still carry nothing on around a quarter of all journeys,” said Colin Hay. “For smaller delivery firms the figure can be even higher and that’s a big problem in these tough trading conditions. However, using sites like Stuff2Send, drivers can quickly locate items that need to go their way, maximising income and minimising unnecessary empty loads.”
stuff2send.com was launched in December 2008. Those with parcels, packages or goods to send somewhere, upload details free of charge to the site. Operators then bid to take the item to its destination.
The idea is that drivers already travelling somewhere can make additional income, either by picking something up on the way or by taking it to its destination on a return journey. Companies like IAC Delivery Solutions, a family-run transport company in the south-east, have already taken advantage:
Proprietor Ian Cox said: “All our vehicles are fitted with satellite tracking and logistics are managed by a state-of-the-art online diary system. Stuff2Send.com is an additional channel that complements these systems, allowing us to find jobs, bid for them and win business we might otherwise miss.”
Since launch, stuff2send.com has grown to a community of more than 2,000 users, thanks to its simplicity and low-cost model for commercial operators. Signing-up as a delivery driver costs as little as £11 a year. Once registered, drivers can bid for an unlimited number of jobs.
Those who choose the £30 ‘Carrier Extra’ option enjoy even greater benefits. They are automatically alerted to jobs in their area, with details sent straight to an inbox.