Work

Hi guys as we are new to this site we're a bit disappointed as regards trying to get work by means of bidding but have not been given any work as yet. We are insured (GIT and courier) we have made a few decent bids but have got no where what is it we have to do to get work from people. We have no trusts on the site but if you arn't getting work how can you get any trust ratings!? We are willing to do the work but getting it is another matter.

Can anyone enlighten us on this situation?

Well, you know, when you are sub contracting it does not help when you have your name plastered all over your van. Paramount to poaching!

3D Courier Services said:

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Well, you know, when you are sub contracting it does not help when you have your name plastered all over your van. Paramount to poaching!

That can be true, It really would depend on the working relationship the company subbing any work has with their customer. We have some customers who we have gone through a rigorous process, eventually being set up as one of their approved suppliers. It matters not if anyone else's sign written van turned up on our behalf, as they only use us, and even if they left their details, they would not be able to do any work for them.
On the other hand we have customers that state that a plain van is required, due to the nature of the goods that are being transported. There is no definitive answer. We have vans sign written and plain.
I might be wrong but if just subbing, I think the best bet would be to own a plain van, as it gives more scope in subbing work.
I doubt much, if any work comes from what is written on a van?
There are magnetic signs and although some say that looks 'tacky' if properly done they do look ok

NorthGreen Transport said:

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Hi guys as we are new to this site we're abit dissapointed as regards trying to get work by means of bidding but have not been given any work as yet. We are insured via g. I. T and courier we have made a few decents bids but have got no where what is it we have to do to get work from people. We have no trusts on the site but if you rnt getting work how can you get any trust ratings!? We are willing to do the work but getting it is another matter. Can anyone enlighten us on this situation?

Its not a good idea to have the a sign written van if you are actively looking to sub of other couriers. When we used to work for a big company in Wakefeild a bloke came in with his van written up one morning and he was told you get rid that crap or go and find your own work! I bet he wish he did now as they went bust!

Personally I don't mind sign written or not, but the fact that's we're talking about it suggests it's a problem for some.

The real problem tho is where you're based.

There are dozens of Courier Co's not to mention Couriers in your area... Which is good in one way... Means there's loads of potential for work, but the downside is there's lots touting for the same work

You need to network cos i can't see it being because of your rates

Rob, may I remind you of your post on 06/02. Re sign writing

"Oh and if you predominantly sub from other couriers, then advertising you, rather than them is a conflict of interest A bit like leaving you card at the pick up or delivery point when doing a job for A2B Couriers"

Judging by the image in his profile and his website, the van is not sign written, it looks like a photoshop job.

Lol thanks Steve

Like I said today, I don't mind BUT some do

You're more than welcome Rob. Lol.

Hi, your profile has no description.

NorthGreen Transport said:

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We have no trusts on the site but if you aren't getting work how can you get any trust ratings!?

Are you not known well enough by anyone on the site that they trust you? If you are you should ask them to.

For example as I'm not a courier company I have not worked with members on the site, but as I have seen them about for so long there are many that I am happy to trust. You do not need to do a job for someone to get trusted.

Also you have only been on the site a little over 2 weeks. This is not long and unfortunately it takes time to get known (and trusted). Unfortunately there are no short cuts, you really have to play the long game.

Keep putting the effort in to build up your contacts and you will find people to work with. Ideally before you make a quote either over the phone or on the site, the vendor should have heard of you (so make sure they know you... But they're busy so you may have to try a few times!).

The idea of our van being sign written is certainly not for poaching, it is more what you would class in our eyes as mobile advertising. When we have done work for companies or other contractors, we have clearly stated when arriving at the pick up point and the delivery point who we have come on behalf of so there is no confusion for the company to think we are trying to poach somebody elses work or contract!

Unfortunately Paranoia is rife in this game

Yes but in these difficult times we all look to try and save money. So do our customers. They may well think that if "Speed Couriers" can afford to send in "Northgreen" He can cut out the middleman and go direct to "Northgreen" next time. It's human nature and it does happen. Why present the opportunity?

That's a good point Steve. I'd be wary of sending in a sign written van in case they poached work off me.

But you wouldn't know whether it's sign written.

Not something you ask is it when the job needs picking up asap.

"Ta for the quote, i'd like to go ahead with that, but is your van sign written?"

It's a difficult one but i can honestly say in over 14 years I have yet to lose a customer through someone poaching.

(touch wood)

Speed Couriers (Stansted) said:

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But you wouldn't know whether it's sign written.

Not something you ask is it when the job needs picking up asap.

"Ta for the quote, i'd like to go ahead with that, but is your van sign written?"

It's a difficult one but i can honestly say in over 14 years I have yet to lose a customer through someone poaching.

(touch wood)

You're right, but it is a question one would ask IF the job required a plain van!

Speed Couriers (Stansted) said:

It's a difficult one but i can honestly say in over 14 years i have yet to lose a customer through someone poaching

(touch wood)

I'm not sure you would always know about it

It is all about the relationship one has with the customer. If you are secure in that partnership you have no worries what is written on the van. It matters not.
It could matter though if you are not in a secure relationship, or the client thinks you have more vans than you have been truthful about. Which ever it is a subbie should NOT leave their details, cards, or anything promoting their business! If they take a job from you they are working on your behalf and for all intent and purpose they are representing you!

I have asked someone I didn't know, if their van was signwritten, as it would have been inappropriate to have something other than a plain van arrive!

there are so many variables so a correct answer is not really possible!

A customer of mine has a book of my paperwork and I told the subbie (who I had never used before) who I asked to do a collection from them this, but instead of following this simple instruction he decided to also use his paperwork as well as mine. Customer has indicated whilst this paperwork was present he didn't think he had obviously tried to poach, obvious or not I am very unlikely to use his services again.

As for paperwork used I would not object to using the customers pod paper work as it is them I am going to do the collection and delivery for not myself and as I have already stated to stop any confusion I pacifically tell the company who the load is being collected and delivered on behalf of I do not make out that I am collecting or delivering on behalf of myself or give the impression of this