Proper Practice, Etiquette, What?

As a newbie, I have submitted a couple of online quotes for jobs posted here, but I have heard nothing.

Is there no rule which requires the vendors to let quoters know the end result, or do we just have to take "no news is bad news"? Surely it's possible to notify us? From what I've seen, there aren't that many quotes for any particular job. Or couldn't there be a simple click button for vendors to reply... No thanks, too dear No thanks, too long to your pickup time No thanks, don't know you. Etc, Etc, Etc.

Seems maybe there are lots of rules for drivers, but none for vendors?

Just assume you were unsuccessful Vendors usually too busy to answer individual quotes.

You have a point and yes, it would be nice to be told , but the reality is that most don't have the time. Once a job is "sold" they move on to the next job. Bear in mind that you may get a dozen or so calls or texts With quotes, so answering them all would take quite a bit of time, time that just isn't there.

Dennis said:

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As a newbie, I have submitted a couple of online quotes for jobs posted here, but I have heard nothing.

Is there no rule which requires the vendors to let quoters know the end result, or do we just have to take "no news is bad news"? Surely it's possible to notify us? From what I've seen, there aren't that many quotes for any particular job. Or couldn't there be a simple click button for vendors to reply... No thanks, too dear No thanks, too long to your pickup time No thanks, don't know you. Etc, Etc, Etc.

Seems maybe there are lots of rules for drivers, but none for vendors?

I only wait for 15 mins once my quote has been submitted, after that I move onto the next job. Some vendors will let you know that you was unsuccessful, but like rob and alan said, vendors are busy and looking for the next job to be covered.

If you hear the words "If that's any good we'll call you back" you can assume you didn't get the job.

For the first time yesterday I was actually told flatly that my quote of £60 for a 102 mile job was "too much". At least there was no beating about the bush with that one.

MyVanCan said:

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If you hear the words "If that's any good we'll call you back" you can assume you didn't get the job.

For the first time yesterday I was actually told flatly that my quote of £60 for a 102 mile job was "too much". At least there was no beating about the bush with that one.

I don't hear anything - I wrote I have submitted a couple of online quotes

When I read some topics here, I see the experts saying drivers should phone in, text in, whatever, all the time, to keep the vendor in the picture. And note, I suggested that the site adds the facility of a quick click button for vendors to notify bidders. But anyway, they're so busy they can take my quote, but not inform me of the outcome? Strikes me some vendors have office staff, enough to do the decent thing. Plus, you got told that £60 was too much - that at least tells you that for that particular vendor you needn't waste your breath or pixels next time he posts a job (or alternatively to put a lower bid in and keep bidding down until you get his job).

(I have submitted a couple of online quotes for jobs posted here, but I have heard nothing.)

I have come to except that some vendor's will not have the time to send messages to people that have not got the work, it all depends on how many have quoted for the job and indeed how many contract's the vendor is trying to get covered at the same time, ive learnt to quote and wait see what happens, and only checking on it if already on the road and wanting to move off, but most of the time a lot of the greedier vendor's will wait till the lowest bid offer to pay the vendor £10.00 to take the job, but ive found some good genuine ones out there that will pay a reasonable rate,

Hi Dennis

Thanks for posting.

A couple of suggestions for you and others in your situation:

Your Profile is almost complete, which is a good thing. Everyone should put in at least as much effort as you have. I would strongly recommend adding a photo of you and/or your van, as this is a big reassurance for controllers deciding in a hurry whether or not to trust you with their clients' stuff. You might like to add a full address as well.

Also, as with any business, it pays to get close to your customer. People tend to do business with people they know, so you have to get yourself known. When a job needs covering is not the time to be doing this. So a bit of work in advance pays. Just contact all the vendors on here, and all the courier companies in your area from the mtvan directory, and ask the question:

"I see you're posting work on mtvan, is there anything I need to do to be in the running for your work?" (e.g. send them docs, references etc, or even go in for an interview).

That way, when they list a job, and you make an offer, they're more likely to give it to you. Even if you're not the cheapest.

You could also ask them if they prefer phone quotes or online quotes. Preference is 50/50, we find, and those who like phone quotes tend to see online quotes after the event.

Getting in touch can be done using the message system while you're low rep, or use Google to find their contact details. Every time you quote, post on the forum, post work etc you get more rep.

Hope this helps.

Tim mtvan

Dennis said:

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As a newbie, I have submitted a couple of online quotes for jobs posted here, but I have heard nothing.

I forgot to point out that as a Newbie here, I am up against this...

Contact Information

You must have reputation greater than 200 to view contact details.

(Therefore I don't have the opportunity to phone in a quote - and maybe get instant rejection with reason).

Well, allegedly I have updated my profile to include a photo of my 13 registered van. But it doesn't show up. Probably I didn't do it right. This post will demonstrate whether it appears on my "next" post.

It didn't. :-(

Nice picture. You probably just need to refresh your browser to see it in the Newsfeed and on your Profile.

Looking at your Profile www.mtvan.com/courier-directory/dennis/2, I think any potential Vendor would give you a call.

I think the best bits are the picture, and the "established 1999". Both important to controllers.

Right. Tomorrow I shall make enquiries as to how to refresh my browser, because I haven't the faintest idea how?

In the meantime, back on topic, how about a button for vendors to send notification?

PS - I looked at Membership directory and googled the nearest ones to me - the first eight didn't come up on Google. The seventh one is interesting - AJS Couriers, located at BS16 on the list, but according to Google, there's one at Glasgow and one at Slough.

Yes, I definitely meant it when I said:

all the courier companies in your area

as it's unusual for owner drivers to be found by Google other than on mtvan or similar. As a rule, anyone with work to sell to you will have a result in Google, as that's how their customers find them, obviously.

To refresh your browser, either click on the circular arrow on the right hand side of the URL bar (where the www.mtvan.com is), or put your cursor on the right hand side of the www.mtvan.com and hit return, or press F5 on your keyboard. Or go to "View" at the very top of the browser and select the "Reload page" or similar. Other browsers may have other options.

Thanks for your suggestion about a "no thanks" button. It is on the list already, but there are a few big things ahead of it.

Dennis said:

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Right. Tomorrow I shall make enquiries as to how to refresh my browser, because I haven't the faintest idea how?

In the meantime, back on topic, how about a button for vendors to send notification?

PS - I looked at Membership directory and googled the nearest ones to me - the first eight didn't come up on Google. The seventh one is interesting - AJS Couriers, located at BS16 on the list, but according to Google, there's one at Glasgow and one at Slough.

I would contact Barry at HCS Express - he has been on mtvan for a while and posts work

I was told by an enquiry that they would be ringing back in 10 minutes... 9 hours ago, I'm dying for a pee I bet he'll ring when I go!

Lol Tony - it's always the way!

Tim - thanks for some very useful tips for those new to the industry and trying to make an impression on local courier companies.

Jamie

Dash Despatch said:

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I would contact Barry at HCS Express - he has been on mtvan for a while and posts work

Sorry, Dash. I got your text and assumed it was spam - kaboom, deleted!

MK BIKES said:

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I was told by an enquiry that they would be ringing back in 10 minutes... 9 hours ago, I'm dying for a pee I bet he'll ring when I go!

Nowadays, when Royal Mail Sameday ring me at 3 am, I tell them the quote is valid whilst they're on the phone - if they come back inside ten minutes it'll have gone up by £30. I think they only ring me when they're desperate!

Dennis said:

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MK BIKES said:

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I was told by an enquiry that they would be ringing back in 10 minutes... 9 hours ago, I'm dying for a pee I bet he'll ring when I go!

Nowadays, when Royal Mail Sameday ring me at 3 am, I tell them the quote is valid whilst they're on the phone - if they come back inside ten minutes it'll have gone up by £30. I think they only ring me when they're desperate!

Actually I think they only ring me when they forget I won't work for 50pplm!

Are you sure that rate is correct 50pplm? I thought it was 50ppm not loaded mile.

Drivers R Us (midlands) LTD said:

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Are you sure that rate is correct 50pplm? I thought it was 50ppm not loaded mile.

I am very sure. 50p per loaded mile - if you prefer, 25p per round trip mile EXCEPT they won't pay you to travel to the pickup point. If they offer you a job from B to C they will not pay from A (your home) to get to B. If A to B to C and back to A is a long sided triangle, you really lose out.

E.G. If I get a job from Gloucester to Birmingham, they pay 50pplm from Glos to Birmingham, but I have to drive 40 miles up to Glos, then the entire miles from Birmingham back to home at Keynsham for nothing. So I drive 190 miles round trip and get paid 55 miles loaded, £27.50.

Before anybody jumps in, I DON'T accept that job, or any other. I wouldn't even accept a job from my own home at 50pplm (unless it was a round trip, loaded for every mile).

Oh, by the way, they actually pay MORE than CitySprint who pay 47pplm!!!

I hope you're not thinking of copying them for your subbies.

Thats garbage we got more than that in the 90's

Rates of Pay

Our standard rates of pay are as follows:

Small van from 50p per mile + premiums for out of hours work Short Wheel Base Van from 70p per mile + premiums for out of hours work Long Wheel Base Van from 80p per mile + premiums for our of hours work Extra Long Wheel Base Van from 90p per mile + premiums for out of hours work

This is the email i received from them.

Drivers R Us (midlands) LTD said:

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Thats garbage we got more than that in the 90's

That is Garbage I got 46 pence a mile in 1999, but while there are people covering the work at these silly prices there is no reason for them to increase there rates.

im sure in the 90s we were charging 28p per mile (56pplm) dennis must have his figures confused somewhere. Surly a massive company like the royal mail wont be that stuck in the past!

Drivers R Us (midlands) LTD said:

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im sure in the 90s we were charging 28p per mile (56pplm) dennis must have his figures confused somewhere. Surly a massive company like the royal mail wont be that stuck in the past!

Work it out for yourself ... Extract from email February 2012.....

Hi

Coll Royal Mail Unit 2 B Wheatstone rd Swindon SN3 5XX

Drop Royal Mail London Rd 6 Barrows way Stevenage SG1 1AA

(Job ref edited out) £50.50

Thank s

(Controller's name edited out) Operations

Royal Mail Courier Services

Why do people want more money for out of hours work? Your meant to be a 24/7 sameday courier, price should be kept the same no matter wether its day or night! I once had a subbie charge me extra for setting off at 4am in a morn due to it being unsociable hours, needless to say i never used him again. Majority of our work we load the day before and we set off early in the morn to avoid traffic and to get back handy ready for any other jobs that have come off, if i turned round and told my customers that i was charging them more for early hours driving they would soon tell me where to go!

I'd say its 50/50 for those that do charge OOH and those that don't. We don't,but even the big boys do... CitySprint after1800 for example. I guess it all depends on what the competition is doing. If someone wants to charge more for OOH then thats up to them.. Afterall you don't have to use them

I can't understand OOH it makes more sense to get a head start when the road are empty!

MK BIKES said:

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I can't understand OOH it makes more sense to get a head start when the road are empty!

Exactly mate

Some try and justify it by suggesting they are highly unlikely to be able to get a return load, but should anyone be quoting on the basis of whether or not they are more or less likely to get something else?

Surely if you quote a proper rate in the 1st place that wouldn't be an issue.

I think its more like an excuse to try and take advantage of the reduced number of couriers available, and a bit short sighted too. Are you more or less likely to get used again by charging more at certain times of the day/week?

I agree guys id never charge an ooh rate! That was only a snippit of an email i received from royal mail sameday.

Just got a Carlisle for 9am delivery tomorrow so I stuck on £50 for a saturday... I am only kidding!

Just got a Carlisle for 9am delivery tomorrow so I stuck on £50 for a saturday... I am only kidding!

:)

MK BIKES said:

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Just got a Carlisle for 9am delivery tomorrow so I stuck on £50 for a saturday... I am only kidding!

Ha ha nice one ;-)

I do a lot of ooh work and my price is always same as delivering during the day. But to be honest these people work for 50-60pplm, would you actually get out of bed at 3 in the morning for that sort of rate?

Drivers R Us (midlands) LTD said:

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Just got a Carlisle for 9am delivery tomorrow so I stuck on £50 for a saturday... I am only kidding!

:)

Price it via the M62 instead of the A66 and the result would be similar...

021 SAMEDAY said:

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Drivers R Us (midlands) LTD said:

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Just got a Carlisle for 9am delivery tomorrow so I stuck on £50 for a saturday... I am only kidding!

:)

Price it via the M62 instead of the A66 and the result would be similar...

My mistake, you will be going via M6 :(

MK BIKES said:

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I can't understand OOH it makes more sense to get a head start when the road are empty!

Spot on.

East-Lancs Sameday Couriers Ltd said:

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But to be honest these people work for 50-60pplm, would you actually get out of bed at 3 in the morning for that sort of rate?

Royal Mail, 62.5pplm OOH. Still not survival rate, is it?

Dennis said:

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MK BIKES said:

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I can't understand OOH it makes more sense to get a head start when the road are empty!

Spot on.

East-Lancs Sameday Couriers Ltd said:

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But to be honest these people work for 50-60pplm, would you actually get out of bed at 3 in the morning for that sort of rate?

Royal Mail, 62.5pplm OOH. Still not survival rate, is it?

I wouldn't even get in to my van for that rate

East-Lancs Sameday Couriers Ltd said:

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I do a lot of ooh work and my price is always same as delivering during the day. But to be honest these people work for 50-60pplm, would you actually get out of bed at 3 in the morning for that sort of rate?

No the rate should be at least 80pplm with no OOH, however the run should be substantial enough at that time of the morning

MK BIKES said:

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East-Lancs Sameday Couriers Ltd said:

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I do a lot of ooh work and my price is always same as delivering during the day. But to be honest these people work for 50-60pplm, would you actually get out of bed at 3 in the morning for that sort of rate?

No the rate should be at least 80pplm with no OOH, however the run should be substantial enough at that time of the morning

I agree with you Tony. It's a struggle to get that rate off a lot of vendors. When I 1st joined Courier Exchange, a vendor asked what my rate was, so i said 75pplm, he said too expensive for me, he wanted me to do it for 60pplm, he said that's the going rate in the courier world. I soon put the phone down. I have no idea how people can work for these kind of rates. I've even quoted on some jobs as a backload @40pplm and got told too expensive, these people would have you do for free if you gave them the chance