So I'm looking at the 135 mile job I posted, once again no interest

The last 17 small van jobs I posted were a total of 2199 paid miles so an average of 130 miles each not shitty little jobs.

These jobs resulted in 1826 alerts being sent out to members

From those alerts, only 4 people bothered to quote (0.2%)

None of them got the job, 2 were because they couldn't collect at the time I needed, and 2 were too dear.

Waste of bloody time

We had about 40 quotes through the mtvan website yesterday, plus several more by phone. It's working ok for us but we still have a handful of jobs every day that go uncovered, which we have to outsource them to a 3rd party supplier. So while it's working well, more quotes will be very welcome :)

Damian i will always help you out if im in the area and i will always tell you when i am.

I have to rely on my own alerts now as i have switched mtvan ones off

"Waste of bloody time"

YOU HAVE HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD

The site #2 is a misrepresentation as the trades description act would have no problem in proving, ,(show us the figures!)

shed 5 and Shipley are taking the lead with delivery supermarket coming in not far behind, I have picked up a contract off a site that cost 0.10p to join and has over the last month returned more work than the average courier could handle in 6 months,

As I have said this before I will not be renewing my subscription after its run I my honest opinion #2 is Courier Exchange and the other sites are taking the lead,

the contract was off a site that has been determined as an" eBay tat "site and far from it. work is work for some one here for the life style courier its a good start and for me it doesn't work.

As I pointed out in the past there seems and is a "clique" and if you don't fit It wont work and doesn't, Most "members if they were just honest would admit the fact that it is just a social site for the form only.

AS A CAVIATE: THESE VIEWS ARE MINE AND MINE ALONE AND HAVE NO REFLECTION AAND BEARANCE TO ANY MEMBER OR CLIENT / CUSTOMER THAT USES OR PARTISIPATES IN THIS OR ANY OTHER SITE

I've post a couple of jobs on here in the past and I agree with damian, I got 2 quotes and was well over priced. Posted them on Courier Exchange and sold them within 10 mins at a reasonable rate that worked for me and the courier.

Actually a small error in my post above, I did get more than 4 quotes but some were from a courier who I don't believe could do the work and they never put the collection time. I messaged them once to ask them if they could collect at the time required and they never bothered to answer, so they are off my list (oh and apparently they don't need GIT, which further raises my suspicions they are just putting the work on another site as they seem to quote on lots of work all over the country at the same time)

MrG, your texts are appreciated and you have helped us out in the past. Why do you have your alerts off btw, I used to because of the endless little miles jobs, but now those can be filtered.

CourierExpert, glad it's working for you. I pay good rates and quickly, it's a mystery why it works so well for you but not me, perhaps all the proper couriers have given up with alerts and all thats left are people who just want to do an odd little job for pocket money...

Actually your last 17 jobs were 275 miles, average 16 miles. 1337 alerts, 2 quotes (0.14%) and none allocated to members so not sure how that's classed as 'working'

Preston Courier Co Ltd said:

CourierExpert, glad it's working for you. I pay good rates and quickly, it's a mystery why it works so well for you but not me, perhaps all the proper couriers have given up with alerts and all thats left are people who just want to do an odd little job for pocket money...

Actually your last 17 jobs were 275 miles, average 16 miles. 1337 alerts, 2 quotes (0.14%) and none allocated to members so not sure how that's classed as 'working'

Our rates are irrelevant on mtvan, we sub the job out to the courier who gives us the best quote and can do the job within the timescales.

Not sure how many quotes have been done today, as I counted yesterdays figures. Regarding the last 17 jobs, they were posted tonight but are nearly all for collection tomorrow, so will get allocated in the morning when the office opens up at 8 am.

Rapid Movements Europe Ltd said:

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"Waste of bloody time"

YOU HAVE HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD

The site #2 is a misrepresentation as the trades description act would have no problem in proving, ,(show us the figures!)

shed 5 and Shipley are taking the lead with delivery supermarket coming in not far behind, I have picked up a contract off a site that cost 0.10p to join and has over the last month returned more work than the average courier could handle in 6 months,

I think mtvan are claiming to be the #2 trade website, which i believe is correct. shiply isn't a trade site and while i don't know much about shed 5, I haven't heard anything to suggest it's #2

Courier Expert said:

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Preston Courier Co Ltd said:

CourierExpert, glad it's working for you. I pay good rates and quickly, it's a mystery why it works so well for you but not me, perhaps all the proper couriers have given up with alerts and all thats left are people who just want to do an odd little job for pocket money...

Our rates are irrelevant on mtvan, we sub the job out to the courier who gives us the best quote and can do the job within the timescales.

I wasn't saying you didn't pay good rates (a full-stop after quickly would have helped), the news feed only goes back so far, I can only go off what I see.

My figures are the same all the way back to the beginning with no sign of any improvement.

Preston Courier Co Ltd said:

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Courier Expert said:

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Preston Courier Co Ltd said:

CourierExpert, glad it's working for you. I pay good rates and quickly, it's a mystery why it works so well for you but not me, perhaps all the proper couriers have given up with alerts and all thats left are people who just want to do an odd little job for pocket money...

Our rates are irrelevant on mtvan, we sub the job out to the courier who gives us the best quote and can do the job within the timescales.

I wasn't saying you didn't pay good rates (a full-stop after quickly would have helped), the news feed only goes back so far, I can only go off what I see.

My figures are the same all the way back to the beginning with no sign of any improvement.

OK, now worries, it's just the way I read it.

In my experience, I think response does improve the more you post. Some couriers are wary doing a job for someone for the first time, but as you keep posting work, you build up a circle of regular couriers.

Courier Expert said:

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Preston Courier Co Ltd said:

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Courier Expert said:

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Preston Courier Co Ltd said:

CourierExpert, glad it's working for you. I pay good rates and quickly, it's a mystery why it works so well for you but not me, perhaps all the proper couriers have given up with alerts and all thats left are people who just want to do an odd little job for pocket money...

Our rates are irrelevant on mtvan, we sub the job out to the courier who gives us the best quote and can do the job within the timescales.

I wasn't saying you didn't pay good rates (a full-stop after quickly would have helped), the news feed only goes back so far, I can only go off what I see.

My figures are the same all the way back to the beginning with no sign of any improvement.

OK, now worries, it's just the way I read it.

In my experience, I think response does improve the more you post. Some couriers are wary doing a job for someone for the first time, but as you keep posting work, you build up a circle of regular couriers.

I don't think you need to teach Damian how to suck eggs (so to speak)

I have my alerts switched off aswell sick of being spammed by courier expert and will not be renewing on here!

With all the threats of leaving MT Van, It would appear that allowing these car jobs [Retail] will prove to have been it's death knell!

If this is going to be a serious debate, then I fail to see the logic of how reducing the amount of work available on mtvan, is going to improve the issue that started this thread. Work providers need more active couriers on here, the more work available, then more will join. Those who don't want to see retail jobs, can filter them out. Those who do want them (and the 100 or so normal sameday jobs we put on here weekly), can quote and do the work. It should be win-win situation for everybody.

Retail has not been the death knell for our own membership, in fact the numbers have gone up, so i would not be surprised if mtvan has seen an uplift too.

From various posts over the last few months it appears that MOST members would prefer URGENT SAMEDAY jobs ONLY.

Why have so many recently left, or stopped posting or are threatening to leave? That's all I was saying!

Courier Expert said:

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Rapid Movements Europe Ltd said:

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"Waste of bloody time"

YOU HAVE HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD

The site #2 is a misrepresentation as the trades description act would have no problem in proving, ,(show us the figures!)

shed 5 and Shipley are taking the lead with delivery supermarket coming in not far behind, I have picked up a contract off a site that cost 0.10p to join and has over the last month returned more work than the average courier could handle in 6 months,

I think mtvan are claiming to be the #2 trade website, which i believe is correct. shiply isn't a trade site and while i don't know much about shed 5, I haven't heard anything to suggest it's #2

C. E I bow to your expertise but from my view and mine only the facts are in the returns

2 is a misrepresentation the facts are evident,

other sites are trade sites, they are being used by trade clients and amongst the "eBay tat" there is very good work from trade clientele, take a look you may surprise even your self.

Work u.k to u.k haulage and express work that seems to be overlooked is posted on a daily basis at very keen rates. The work that is provided by your self is good work i am presumptuous that it is mainly aimed at the life style operator and again this I don't knock as the work is suitable for someone, Again i would like to see the figures that prove me wrong.

The site from my short being here should be re branded to facilitate the work provided (or even become an add on to your own holdings ),

The examples of work from Shipley are, Germany to U. K express £ 1.70pplm, U. K TO SPAIN £1.65 PPLM, these are good rates and not back load rates Courier Exchange rates are around £1.30 pplm so therefore I would suggest that the sites are for the trade user but not exclusively, The other work that is available is for the "lifestyle" operator and has a good balance they are easier to work with: set your parameters, filters and hey presto trade work in abundance

Normal caveat applies

What i meant was that Shiply etc is not a trade only site, whereas Courier Exchange and mtvan are aimed at trade only. In this respect, mtvan is the number 2, can't think who else would be in the frame at the moment.

However Rapid, having read your post, I will be looking into whether it's feasible to post some of our work on some of these auction sites. We still have a problem covering some jobs (i am talking about normal sameday jobs here) and could do with another option. However, I fear the the likes of Shiply or anyvan will not produce a fast enough response... or are my presumptions incorrect?

I have no major problem with your sameday retail work, but I suspect like many others I turned off my alerts because they were too much and of no interest to me.

Granted you can now filter them out, and I have turned mine back on, but I think that the damage has been done. Admins were warned by many people but it took them too long to add that filter.

RAPID LIGHT TRANSPORT LTD. said:

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From various posts over the last few months it appears that MOST members would prefer URGENT SAMEDAY jobs ONLY.

Why have so many recently left, or stopped posting or are threatening to leave? That's all I was saying!

Alun, I agree with this the majority of operators on the site are specialist in their field and are looking for same day urgent

The influx of "same day retail " mars the effect of an efficient site, though if the rates are acceptable then I would agree that the effects are rewarding to those whom want the odd little job etc.

Preston Courier Co Ltd said:

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I have no major problem with your same day retail work, but I suspect like many others I turned off my alerts because they were too much and of no interest to me.

Granted you can now filter them out, and I have turned mine back on, but I think that the damage has been done. Admins were warned by many people but it took them too long to add that filter.

The voice of the subscribers was in my honest opinion listened to far to late, and the effects are catastrophic the site relies on subscribers and if you were to look at previous threads it would have pointed out the failing, s. A separation should have been put in place with simple filters and this unfortunately is now available but to late.

Courier Expert said:

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What i meant was that Shiply etc is not a trade only site, whereas Courier Exchange and mtvan are aimed at trade only. In this respect, mtvan is the number 2, can't think who else would be in the frame at the moment.

However Rapid, having read your post, I will be looking into whether it's feasible to post some of our work on some of these auction sites. We still have a problem covering some jobs (i am talking about normal sameday jobs here) and could do with another option. However, I fear the the likes of Shiply or anyvan will not produce a fast enough response... or are my presumptions incorrect?

Use the filters that are provided at the search page and it is easy to find same day and groupage also dedicated next day work at real rates Try a test post you may be surprised, but also i would suggest that the work that is posted on the sites that are used continue as I believe that your services provide a good income for those that want the "lifestyle " type of work

Here's some more statistics, looking at the member directory sorted on my postcode

49 Members

34 HAVE NO INSURANCE

18 HAVE NO VEHICLES

If this is the quality of the members then it's hardly a surprise it's not working.

Any van have a stipulation before you are allowed to quote for work that you must prove that

1. You are insured goods in transit
2. Your vehicle is insured for hire and reward
3. You are not bogus
4. Proof of address

And this is a "non trade site " All the above have to be emailed or faxed to their offices before you are even allowed to quote on moving Mrs Bloggs wardrobe

Courier Expert said:

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What i meant was that Shiply etc is not a trade only site, whereas Courier Exchange and mtvan are aimed at trade only. In this respect, mtvan is the number 2, can't think who else would be in the frame at the moment.

However Rapid, having read your post, I will be looking into whether it's feasible to post some of our work on some of these auction sites. We still have a problem covering some jobs (i am talking about normal sameday jobs here) and could do with another option. However, I fear the the likes of Shiply or anyvan will not produce a fast enough response... or are my presumptions incorrect?

Yes they are incorrect.

Rapid Movements Europe Ltd said:

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Any van have a stipulation before you are allowed to quote for work that you must prove that

1. You are insured goods in transit
2. Your vehicle is insured for hire and reward
3. You are not bogus
4. Proof of address

And this is a "non trade site " All the above have to be emailed or faxed to their offices before you are even allowed to quote on moving Mrs Bloggs wardrobe

As I have said many times Anyvan will soon take over All others, also there are hundreds of Sameday jobs (from couriers) posted every week on there.

Marketing Marketing Marketing! i keep saying it.. Without promoting the site to drivers work will not be covered.. without work there will be no drivers ! Its that simple! Set up an office and employ a marketing team. You can no longer run the site from your back room

I strongly believe that mtvan was set up to provide a "lifestyle revenue stream" for the administrators that would require minimal input.. and expecting the site to run itself.. Unfortunately the site has outgrown the "lifestyle" option and now needs to take the serious investment and marketing route if it wishes to move forward . Many members have been alienated by what seems to be a favouritism towards shuttle jobs..serious couriers looking for work are taking one step onto the site .. then seeing that most of the jobs require a car for a 3 mile journey and walk away never to come back !

Rather than charge a membership why not take a commission on each job posted and sold? That wouldn't be hard to set up

The burden is then on the vendor rather than the O/D. The expert would then more likely use his own membership base rather than get free listings which could limit the amount of car jobs on site .It would certainly be cheaper for him to phone his members than take a hit on each job

The ship has lost a rudder and is drifting aimlessly by, with members deserting and even about to mutiny.. The ship has no clear destination anymore and could sink without trace. Captain Tim are you ready to take the wheel ?

Not had alerts working for weeks for me!

My free subscription runs out next week and I will not be renewing. I do not see many jobs for around my area so I think it would be dead money.

Ive turned all my text alerts off, sick of phone bleeping night and day with nowt but 1-5 mile jobs and judging by the response damian has had im not the only one.

Kehoe Light Haulage said:

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My free subscription runs out next week and I will not be renewing. I do not see many jobs for around my area so I think it would be dead money.

How do you renew a FREE subscription?

Yer am at a loss too. Cant bid so dont know who the 'decent' jobs are for and cant stop all the shitty little jobs being text even though I have them allegedly turned off. As stated before I will not renew subscription due to the vast majority of work posted on here. Andy as a member has the right to post them but can they not be put in a seperate place for just that type of work.

Seems our concerns are not going to be addressed.

Soon be Christmas so have a good one guys (and Gals) lets look at 2014 as something to look forward to.

Mr G Courier service- I take it personally said:

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Kehoe Light Haulage said:

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My free subscription runs out next week and I will not be renewing. I do not see many jobs for around my area so I think it would be dead money.

How do you renew a FREE subscription?

You know what I mean.