Search Results - Courier

1. A Delivery a Courier Driver Should Never Have to Make
May 24, 2018

As a courier driver, there are many things you would expect to deliver throughout your career: small packages, large parcels, letters, maybe even the odd strange item (I’ve heard someone once had to deliver a banana that had been sent through the Royal Mail with an address inked into the skin and a stamp stuck to its tip!). What one driver from Somerset never predicted, though, was that he would have to deliver his own baby. A Courier Driver’s Unexpected Delivery Just a few weeks ago, Oliver Holditch was woken in the early hours of the morning by his pregnant fiancée, Danielle Ridewood. Her ... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

2. The Fleet Management Case for the Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle
May 24, 2018

Prevention of global warming has made the headlines a lot lately, particularly as courier companies look to decrease their fleet’s carbon footprint. One way is to invest in plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). These ultra-low-emission vans are ideal for use in both local and national courier jobs. Why Use Plug-in Hybrids for Deliveries Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles use both a petrol engine and a battery-powered electric motor. So, if your drivers are carrying out local courier jobs, they can operate the vehicle exclusively in electric mode. In this case, it works just like a battery ... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

3. Why Choose a Battery Electric Delivery Van
May 24, 2018

There’s been a lot of talk about electric vehicles lately and their benefits to the environment. If you work in the delivery industry, though, I’m sure you want to know whether these ultra-low emission vans are suitable for your purpose. I certainly think so, but you don’thave to take my word for it. Here’s a rundown of all the perks of trading in your diesel or petrol engine for a lithium battery-powered vehicle. How Are Electric Vehicles Suitable for the Delivery Industry? Ideal for Low Mileage Journeys A battery-powered van has roughly a 100-mile range between charges, making it perfect ... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

4. So You Want to Run your Own Courier Business?
May 24, 2018

This guide is for those who are thinking of starting their own courier business. Whether you’re new to the industry or an old hand looking to become self employed, courier jobs are there for the taking. All you need to do is follow a few simple steps and the freedom of successful self-employment could be yours. Plan to Succeed Plunging straight into a new venture without proper planning is asking for trouble. Before launching your new business, make a detailed plan covering expenses, pricing and predicted profits and, from that, decide exactly what type of self-employed courier jobs ... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

5. Keep it Real in the Rain: Wet Weather Considerations for Courier Drivers
May 24, 2018

Anyone in charge of a vehicle in therain should alter their driving behaviour to suit the wet conditions. However, for courier drivers, paying attention to the road conditions is even more important. As couriers drive larger vehicles than many on the road they have to consider the safety of those around them, and as they’re often transporting valuable goods, smoothness is also a consideration. In addition, your courier drivers represent your company out on the roads and poor driving habits can reflect badly on the business as a whole. The responsibilities of making sure drivers comply wit... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

6. LoCity: An Initiative to Help Commercial Vehicles Lower Emissions
May 24, 2018

With the imminent implementation of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone in 2020, the transport industry has been given a helping hand in the form of Transport for London’s collaborative LoCity programme. The impact of air pollution and traffic congestion affects everyone, but as all transport (including HGVs and small vans for courier loads) plays a part in the issue of London’s emissions, anyone with a vested interest in the commercial fleet sector has a responsibility to get involved in their mitigation and reduction. TfL’s LoCity programme aims to “increase the availability and upt... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

7. Courier Work Through the Centuries: 4 Delivery Methods
May 04, 2018

In a world of next-day deliveries, precise to-the-hour delivery slots and live parcel tracking, it’s hard to imagine courier work in some of its more rustic forms. But before we had the help of modern technology and transport, humans had many ingenious means of getting a package from A to B. Here, we take a look back at the roots of courier work as we know it: four historical parcel carriers that will make you grateful for our modern-day delivery driver fleets. Running An age-old method of message delivery, people have been delivering on foot since 2,400 BC, when human go-betweens we... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

8. Marketing 101 for Courier Companies
May 04, 2018

Marketing your courier business needn’t be a headache: it’s all about formulating the right strategy and embracing innovative new ways to reach consumers. With more channels on offer than ever before, it can sometimes feel like your marketing budget is being stretched a little thin, but with creativity and a watertight plan, you can see significant results. Here are just a few great ways to maximise your return on advertising spend. 1. Blogging At first glance, logistical subject matter like the ins and outs of courier work does not seem to lend itself to this format. However, with c... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

9. Safe and Sober Couriers: How to Prevent Drunk Driving
May 04, 2018

As any employer whose business involves courier work will know, logistics companies shoulder a significant amount of responsibility every time a fleet goes out on the road. The practice of the business takes place on public highways, where fellow drivers are put at risk by anyone driving irresponsibly or under the influence of alcohol. This should not be a daunting prospect: courier work can be made safe by various practices that are simple to implement and are effective at cutting out unsavoury incidents. By putting in place some basic measures, businesses can have a significant positiv... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

10. 5 Consumer Crazes that Couriers Should Consider
May 04, 2018

In the courier industry, it's easy to focus on logistical details and forget how much consumer expectations shape the industry. But shape it they do: in recent years courier jobs have changed beyond recognition, and all of the innovation stems from the end recipient’s desire to receive their goods in the quickest and most reliable way. With that in mind, here are five key consumer insights to consider if you want to stay ahead of the curve. 1. Consumers Are Embracing Innovation Gone are the days of investing hundreds of thousands of pounds to get a logistics business off the ground. ... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

11. The Vampire Economy: The Next Frontier for Courier Jobs
May 04, 2018

Late-night deliveries are the next big step in the world of courier jobs. As things stand, there’s a gap between consumer demand and delivery practice, and we as freight exchange users need to get wise to that hole in the market. We have the capability of standing at the forefront of the newest niche in the market, with the potential for substantial profits. What is the Vampire Economy? A 2016 study by Barclaycard found a sharp spike in the amount of money spent by the online British consumer after dark, compared to five years earlier. Shoppers spent over two hours a week on night-t... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

12. The Growing Advantages to Operating a Green Courier Vehicle
May 04, 2018

The government is planning to relax the licensing for vans that use alternative fuels. In this article, I explore how these measures can incentivise owner drivers to consider upgrading to a green vehicle for their work. Changes in Legislation In March, the government announced that it would negotiate with the EU in order to relax a current regulation that prevents owner drivers with category B licenses from driving electric or hybrid vans of a similar size. As it stands, a category B licensed driver will be prohibited from driving a green vehicle, because it weighs more than the de... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

13. How to Conduct Your Courier Business Transparently
May 04, 2018

Transparency is so much more than a buzzword. It’s a fundamental aspect of good business, and one which should guide every decision that we make. When it comes to courier work in particular, transparency is of paramount importance. It allows for trusted, fluent relationships between management, driver and client. This article lays out the crucial factors to bear in mind when creating a truly transparent courier workspace. Upfront Economies A client will be automatically put off the company if they’re hit with hidden costs at any point during the transaction. For example, keeping back... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

14. The Benefits of Franchising for Owner Drivers
March 28, 2018

The benefits of becoming an owner driver are well known: you gain control over your working life and have the potential to become very successful. However, when you are just starting out on your own, the transport industry can seem like a daunting business. Although you may have plenty of courier experience, you might not have had to compete for jobs before or deal with not being able to find work. If you are in love with an independent lifestyle but concerned about finding enough work to keep you going, buying into a courier franchise could be a great way for you to gain more experien... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

15. Top Reasons to Develop Your Soft Skills as a Courier Manager
March 28, 2018

Different industries demand different skill sets, and working in the courier industry requires specific abilities. Excellent driving habits go without saying, and yet an owner driver must also learn how to keep accounts and deal with clients. However, there are many ‘soft skills’ that are useful in any line of work, such as time management and a perfect handshake. Trivial as some of these skills may appear, first impressions are exceedingly important for owner drivers. Impressing your client with a firm handshake or consistently spot-on time keeping can pay off in future recommendations and re... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

16. Five Phrases Every Driver Dreads to Hear
March 28, 2018

courier driver work in the express freight exchange industry. Over 5,000 member companies are networked together through the Exchange to fill empty capacity, get new clients and form long-lasting business relationships. ">The experienced courier driver is calm, not easily flustered or frustrated. After all, you soon get used to having to deal patiently with other people’s mistakes if you spend a lot of time on the road. However, these long-suffering drivers can occasionally be provoked into an exasperated sigh or an exaggerated eyeroll. Just for fun, I have collected some of the most annoying... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

17. A Guide for New Couriers: Estimating Your Rate
March 28, 2018

When you are starting up a courier business or moving into a new area, it can be tricky to know what – or how – to charge your new clients. These straightforward tips will help you start building your business in no time. Tools of the Trade There are a few different methods of setting a fee for your courier loads. Whichever one you choose, you must ensure that you have the appropriate technology to help you measure times, weights and distances accurately. This will help you make your calculations and, if you can easily show a client your methods of recording this information, you wil... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

18. Getting More Courier Contracts
March 28, 2018

One of the hardest aspects of setting up as an owner driver is the responsibility of securing work for yourself. Although you gain freedom and the opportunity to make more money if you venture out on your own, you also accept the struggle and frustration of searching for and closing on jobs that suit you. Let’s talk about what you need to consider before accepting a job, what common mistakes you should avoid and how you can prepare fully to ensure that your assignments go as smoothly as possible. Speed: Time Frames, ‘Rush’ Jobs and ‘Stat’ Jobs For many people using a courier service,... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

19. Know Your Markets: B2B, B2C & C2X
March 19, 2018

For all the talk of the decline in physical shopping centres and the rise of internet retail giants, it is easy to forget the monumental logistical operation that takes place every day behind the headlines. With the rise of online shopping in all of its forms, availability of courier work to support the demand has snowballed, and as it continues to grow, there is a whole world of opportunity to take advantage of new markets as they emerge. Here are three key areas that you should know about, and how they are set to change the future of courier work. Business to Business B2B has alway... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

20. It's AI Time: How Artificial Intelligence Can Improve Your Operations
March 19, 2018

As futuristic as artificial intelligence may sound, the days of it being a distant sci-fi dream are long gone. Although we may not always notice it, artificial intelligence has become a key behind-the-scenes component of many aspects of our day-to-day lives, from the virtual personal assistant on your phone to the suggestions from your favourite music and TV subscription services. In essence, artificial intelligence just refers to the ability of machines to make data-driven decisions, and build upon real-time information to become more effective at doing so over time. But what does any of this... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

21. Grey Fleets: The Problems & Perks Explained
March 19, 2018

Put simply, ‘grey fleet’ is the term for private vehicles put to business use. This happens in many industries and occupations, but is most common in courier work, where employees often work locally and to a flexible schedule. Making deliveries is no longer a job for company vans alone, a fact that can certainly feel like a win-win in terms of convenience and low taxation. However, as with any business-critical operation, there are risks to take into account when relying on this new way of working. Flying Under the Radar The very nature of grey fleets makes them difficult to keep tab... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

22. Some Weird and Wonderful Tales of Courier Delivery
February 27, 2018

Courier work can throw up some interesting situations, with drivers often finding themselves called upon to deliver weird and wonderful objects to a range of different destinations. But can you imagine arriving to pick up a medical item, only to find that it is a limb that is still attached to its owner, or that you were given a child to deliver to its grandparents? These are just some of the bizarre situations that drivers have found themselves in over the years. Here are four of my favourite tales from the courier work hall of fame to make you chuckle. You’ve Got Mail Today, there ... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

23. Minimising Risks in Courier Work: The Paperwork
February 26, 2018

Though paperwork is most people's least favourite aspect of their job, failing to stay on top of collection notes and delivery receipts is a risk that is not worth taking if you're undertaking courier work. If a client raises a query about a delivery, the driver could be in big trouble if they cannot provide the right documents. It Could Happen to You Cast your mind back to a recent job that you carried out. Perhaps you were delivering a set of cartons to a client–let’s say six. Now, imagine that later that day you were contacted to find out why you only delivered five of those cart... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

24. Improve Your Business with Flawless Customer Service
February 26, 2018

Customer service skills are essential for anyone who deals with clients on a regular basis. These skills can help you build a good relationship with a client and encourage regulars to recommend you to a friend or business contact. Though client interactions may seem like a small part of your courier jobs, they can have a massive impact on the future of your business. After spending many years in this industry, I know what it takes to create positive and professional relationships. So, keep reading to see whether you’ve got what it takes to put a smile on a customer’s face. Have a L... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

25. Getting to Grips with Reverse Logistics
February 26, 2018

Anyone involved in courier work should be aware of the term ‘Reverse Logistics’. In our increasingly environmentally aware society, the importance of the concept is growing year by year. As we all know, usually the business of moving things is concerned with the events that take a product towards a consumer. This is known as Forward Logistics or the Forward Supply Chain. Reverse Logistics – otherwise known as Retrogistics or the Aftermarket Supply Chain– deals with what happens to a product after a sale. Why Do People Care About Reverse Logistics? People are concerned with what happe... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves