Looking for work! Regular work

i am looking for regular work Wondered if anyone can help me Advise me etc etc

Thanks

Do you really have all those vehicles you have listed?

And have none of them got GIT insurance?

Sort the G. I. T. Insurance asap. No one will put expensive loads (and reputation) with someone who is not insured.

Mr Speed has bought this issue up time and time again. What is the problem with you people!

G.I. T. Is meaningless without proper H&R insurance because it simply won't pay out. Checking one without the other is also meaningless.

I agree. mtvan only show G. I. T. as having been checked. You are right Andy they should also be asking for relevant H@R. Like Shed 5 and Royal Mail Sameday.

I agree, the more we can do to weed out those that operate without the correct insurance, the better our industry will be. It would stop in an instant, the ability of the uninsured, to undercut those that do things properly and professionally AND at the same time stop vendors taking advantage of this "loophole". I say loophole, but it isn't really a loophole is it, it's illegal and it needs to be stopped.

If everyone insisted on only using those that can prove they are insured properly, by having an exchange site that insists on their being evidence of such, then maybe that exchange site may find a better standard of membership, and a happier membership too.

There are too many courier companies taking advantage of the lack of checks, which enables them to cover work at cheaper rates. Too many only care about the goods being carried being insured (GIT), and a few who don't even care about that.

It's time we self regulated and stopped the cowboys getting away with it.

Just because someone doesn't upload their documents to this site doesn't mean they are not adequately insured Rob.

Maybe they don't want to cover other members work Maybe they don't actively look to work for other courier companies.

This doesn't make someone a cowboy, but then i agree with the point that if one joins actively looking to network, build relationships with companies / drivers, looks to seek extra avenue for work etc then it is in their best interest to ensure their documents are all up to date and relevant

Speed Couriers Nationwide Ltd said:

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I agree, the more we can do to weed out those that operate without the correct insurance, the better our industry will be. It would stop in an instant, the ability of the uninsured, to undercut those that do things properly and professionally AND at the same time stop vendors taking advantage of this "loophole". I say loophole, but it isn't really a loophole is it, it's illegal and it needs to be stopped.

If everyone insisted on only using those that can prove they are insured properly, by having an exchange site that insists on their being evidence of such, then maybe that exchange site may find a better standard of membership, and a happier membership too.

There are too many courier companies taking advantage of the lack of checks, which enables them to cover work at cheaper rates. Too many only care about the goods being carried being insured (GIT), and a few who don't even care about that.

It's time we self regulated and stopped the cowboys getting away with it.

Agree 100%. Until this happens I won't be renewing my PRO membership because it's a waste if time quoting for jobs against the cowboys and also 'car couriers' most of whom aren't insured.

Shed5 now checks H&R and GIT so why can't the others? It isn't rocket science.

There is a common misunderstanding that GIT will cover the goods in the vehicle under any circumstances but if the vehicle isn't insured to be carrying the goods in the first place I can assure you GIT is as much use as a chocolate fireguard.

Personally I have stopped looking at Shiply, Anyvan and Freightalerts, we have to find a way to distance professional service providers from the cowboys.

Ok... So we can sit and argue, discuss or debate all we like but the fact remains Admin is very quiet on the subject, so direct question to them... Are there plans in the pipeline to have proper insurance checks?

My membership is up shortly and I would like to know as it will have a bearing on what I decide to do.

In reply to HSP, agreed just because someone doesn't upload docs doesn't make them a cowboy, however they are more likely to be, and to be honest it takes 30 seconds to do so why wouldn't you?

Fastback Parcel Solutions said:

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In reply to HSP, agreed just because someone doesn't upload docs doesn't make them a cowboy, however they are more likely to be, and to be honest it takes 30 seconds to do so why wouldn't you?

I also agree with this, entirely.

HSP Couriers said:

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Just because someone doesn't upload their documents to this site doesn't mean they are not adequately insured Rob.

Maybe they don't want to cover other members work Maybe they don't actively look to work for other courier companies.

This doesn't make someone a cowboy, but then i agree with the point that if one joins actively looking to network, build relationships with companies / drivers, looks to seek extra avenue for work etc then it is in their best interest to ensure their documents are all up to date and relevant

No Hiten, it doesn't makes someone a cowboy, but you know what I'm saying. There are 2 or rather 3 level of membership on mtvan. There are those looking around, perhaps only wanting to offer their advice on the forum, there are vendors who have jobs to cover, and there are couriers looking to get extra jobs. If each "level" was clear to us all, then we would be able to use the site better. At the moment PRO membership doesn't tell me anything other than they've paid more than a non PRO member.

How about colour coding on the directory... Black, full member with all docs checked, red a vendor selling work only, and green for anyone else. My work then only goes to Black... simples

Instead of relying on the companies, cant we form some kind of consortium between ourselves and agree not to use anyone that is found to be illegal.

The colour coding seems workable

Speed Couriers Nationwide Ltd said:

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HSP Couriers said:

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Just because someone doesn't upload their documents to this site doesn't mean they are not adequately insured Rob.

Maybe they don't want to cover other members work Maybe they don't actively look to work for other courier companies.

This doesn't make someone a cowboy, but then i agree with the point that if one joins actively looking to network, build relationships with companies / drivers, looks to seek extra avenue for work etc then it is in their best interest to ensure their documents are all up to date and relevant

No Hiten, it doesn't makes someone a cowboy, but you know what I'm saying. There are 2 or rather 3 level of membership on mtvan. There are those looking around, perhaps only wanting to offer their advice on the forum, there are vendors who have jobs to cover, and there are couriers looking to get extra jobs. If each "level" was clear to us all, then we would be able to use the site better. At the moment PRO membership doesn't tell me anything other than they've paid more than a non PRO member.

How about colour coding on the directory... Black, full member with all docs checked, red a vendor selling work only, and green for anyone else. My work then only goes to Black... Simples

That's fair enough Rob and completely understandable. I know exactly where you are coming from. The downside to this site is sometimes the ridiculous quotes you get when a job is posted and also the response to job alerts time quota, can post a job on here for ASAP collection and delivery but still get an email or text 3 days later offering services when clearly the job would have already been sold either on here or elsewhere (even having marked the job as sold / allocated)

For example - so far this week we have contracted out 12 jobs all of which needed an immediate response and urgent. So when a urgent job comes in are you likely to post your work on a site where you get quotes 3 days later or are you going to post elsewhere or make calls where you will get pretty much instant response.

Yes it is a case of if vendors don't post here due to the response time then the site will not get busier, but looking at it from a sellers point of view, the first thing to process is to get the job covered by a contractor who knows what they're doing, is able to make the collection and delivery time and is in an appropriate vehicle to carry out the job, and more importantly is reliable and contactable. We just wouldn't have the time to post the work on here and await a response when we can post elsewhere with immediate response. Difficult thing to get round i guess, not just for mtvan but for any exchange site.

Having said that, there are several members of this site who have worked for us directly via another site or personal recommendation and have done a great job.

In regards to uploading docs to the site, as explained above - if you have no intention of taking work from the site and having no docs uploaded might be a deterrent from others calling you to cover work which they cannot. That is not to say that we wouldn't help someone out if we were able to and had availability. We still do get calls from mt van members which is good, but they obviously call because

1) they know we are (or atleast i would like to think) reliable and more than able to service their requirements

2) know we have the relevant insurances to carry out work

3) know of us from other places, or reputation should speak for itself.

Not trying to cause a stir here or insinuate superiority etc but just to put another side to the scenario, there are two sides to everything.

Have a fab Day

H

When the day comes when owner drivers can earn a decent living then I'm sure that all relevant insurances will be in order at the moment a lot are scraping to make a living, in the last ten years there rate of pay hasn't exactly gone up much so if things are tight the first thing they will stop is there insurance or seek a cheaper alternative maybe if they where paid more they might comply until then you will have just have to put up with it.

Well you say that Gary, and like you i thought rates hadn't kept up with inflation. I can only talk from where i started back in 98, but it seems rates HAVE kept up with inflation, or rather rates most of us charge and sub-contract out at.

The Big guns who are charging their customers less, together with those who are keeping a bigger %age of what they charge is where the problem lies.

Most independent Courier Companies ARE charging a comparable price, and most ARE paying a comparable rate to the courier

See for yourself

inflation calculator

Speed Couriers Nationwide Ltd said:

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Well you say that Gary, and like you i thought rates hadn't kept up with inflation. I can only talk from where i started back in 98, but it seems rates HAVE kept up with inflation, or rather rates most of us charge and sub-contract out at.

The Big guns who are charging their customers less, together with those who are keeping a bigger %age of what they charge is where the problem lies.

Most independent Courier Companies ARE charging a comparable price, and most ARE paying a comparable rate to the courier

See for yourself

inflation calculator

I'm not looking at the inflation buster they are tosh, what i'm talking about is a guy with a van who has a family and has all the bills that come with it, he is getting 10 pence a mile more but everything else in his World has gone up my shopping bill has doubled in 4/5 years pence per mile rates have hardly moved, so the guys are struggling what is going to suffer well he will have to keep that van running a couple more years than he liked insurance well git will be given a miss his van will be come more unreliable it a viclious circle, there there will be a reason for no insurance anybody think i'm talking crap go and be a subbie for six months thats why I got out of it running about for bugger alll aint amy scene.

Gone have the good days for a subblie it's on the decline

AJM sameday Couriers said:

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Speed Couriers Nationwide Ltd said:

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Well you say that Gary, and like you i thought rates hadn't kept up with inflation. I can only talk from where i started back in 98, but it seems rates HAVE kept up with inflation, or rather rates most of us charge and sub-contract out at.

The Big guns who are charging their customers less, together with those who are keeping a bigger %age of what they charge is where the problem lies.

Most independent Courier Companies ARE charging a comparable price, and most ARE paying a comparable rate to the courier

See for yourself

inflation calculator

I'm not looking at the inflation buster they are tosh, what i'm talking about is a guy with a van who has a family and has all the bills that come with it, he is getting 10 pence a mile more but everything else in his World has gone up my shopping bill has doubled in 4/5 years pence per mile rates have hardly moved, so the guys are struggling what is going to suffer well he will have to keep that van running a couple more years than he liked insurance well git will be given a miss his van will be come more unreliable it a viclious circle, there there will be a reason for no insurance anybody think i'm talking crap go and be a subbie for six months thats why I got out of it running about for bugger alll aint amy scene.

Gone have the good days for a subblie it's on the decline

Sorry to say it Gary, but the fault lies squarely with the subbie. If people refused to work for the prices offered, the vendors would have no choice than to offer more money.
I have seen countless people over the last 20 years, come into this business with no business sense at all, work for silly money, and after a short time, realise they can't carry on.
Also, this game is rife, for people claiming benefits, to top up their beer money by doing the odd few jobs, possibly with incorrect insurances, and offering a less than professional service, in the meantime knackering things up for the genuine guy. It's hard to see how things will change, but if as Rob has stated, the exchange sites, toughened up, by only allowing genuine members, that would be a huge start! One cannot complain about how much money the vendor is charging their customer, it has nothing at all to do with the sub contractor, all they need to worry about is that they are earning enough to cover their costs and profit!

If we just had geniune guys on here the rates would not increase, people are too soft to stand there ground and demand more, But they will always moan about it, so if your quoting on jobs for Rapid Light Transport or Speed Couriers Nationwide then ask for more money or increase you ppm remember it's your fault the rates don't increase just ask, if they refuse then move on.

I think the biggest problem is not what rates are now compared to whenever, but more to do with a great many contracts that are no longer out there to be touted for. Everyone has had to tighten their belts, on more than one occasion, meaning what they could afford in the "good ol day" they can't afford now. Combine that with those courier companies that ARE takin the P*** by charging the consumer less than we pay a courier, and you have the problem many are facing now. Too little work for too many companies, the end result of which is lower prices and/or more twiddling of thumbs

I will not enter into a price war, but then again, i don't have to, and hopefully i never will. We can all be busy fools, but i'd rather offer a service than try and nick work by being cheaper.

Speed Couriers Nationwide Ltd said:

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I think the biggest problem is not what rates are now compared to whenever, but more to do with a great many contracts that are no longer out there to be touted for. Everyone has had to tighten their belts, on more than one occasion, meaning what they could afford in the "good ol day" they can't afford now. Combine that with those courier companies that ARE takin the P*** by charging the consumer less than we pay a courier, and you have the problem many are facing now. Too little work for too many companies, the end result of which is lower prices and/or more twiddling of thumbs

I will not enter into a price war, but then again, i don't have to, and hopefully i never will. We can all be busy fools, but i'd rather offer a service than try and nick work by being cheaper.

Spot on!

RAPID LIGHT TRANSPORT LTD. said:

This game is rife, for people claiming benefits, to top up their beer money by doing the odd few jobs, possibly with incorrect insurances, and offering a less than professional service, in the meantime knackering things up for the genuine guy. It's hard to see how things will change, but if as Rob has stated, the exchange sites, toughened up, by only allowing genuine members, that would be a huge start!

Unfortunately it is becoming a profession where the only people that can make any money are the very one's you mention, and that has got to mean something is fundamentally flawed in the way most of us operate hasn't it?

Working families tax credit allows employers, and in our case courier companies, to pay less. In effect the govt is subsidising the ability for some to lower their rates. That and the ignorance or scant regard of ensuring all couriers booked, have the correct insurance in place. Does your customer ever ask to see any documentation? It's rare, and because it's rare it allows some to disregard having any.

Somebody else take over I've done my bit trying to stand up for owner driver who are constantly moaning then say nowt, it's time for my siesta chow

Gotta add Speed that its not only your customer that should be asking if relevant insurance is in place but if you are subbing out then you also have a duty of care to ensure the subby you are using has the right documentation, but I was also under the impression maybe wrongly that exchange sites were a place for trading with legitimate fully insured professionals. If that's not the case then any tom dick or harriette can set up a site and devolve their responibillities elsewhere. However i dont think a court of law would hold the view that it was someone elses responsibility to check documentation.

Yes AJM rates are too low from lots of courier companies, mainly big companies I find. But there also so smaller companies on here that seem to think 55pplm is acceptable even tho they charge the customer twice that. The answer is stick to your rates and don't work for those that dont pay fair.

Well said mr fastback

Fastback Parcel Solutions said:

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Gotta add Speed that its not only your customer that should be asking if relevant insurance is in place but if you are subbing out then you also have a duty of care to ensure the subby you are using has the right documentation, but I was also under the impression maybe wrongly that exchange sites were a place for trading with legitimate fully insured professionals. If that's not the case then any tom dick or harriette can set up a site and devolve their responibillities elsewhere. However i dont think a court of law would hold the view that it was someone elses responsibility to check documentation.

Which is exactly the point we are making. I use an exchange site that DOES ensure that you have to have all relevant insurance in place before joining therefore no checking needs to be done by me. Some, who shall remain nameless, don't care about any of that, as long as the job gets done, and done cheaply. It should be part and parcel (pardon the pun) of what it is to be a member of an exchange site.

I really can't see an argument against it

So who is responsible for the owners goods if You take on a site's "insurance checked" member and the goods are lost or damaged and the insurance turns out to be not in order?

i am looking for regular work Wondered if anyone can help me Advise me etc etc

Thanks Try Courier Expert the sage of the courier industry.

PHAX said:

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i am looking for regular work Wondered if anyone can help me Advise me etc etc

Thanks Try Courier Expert the sage of the courier industry.

Don't even get me started Phil, i've already had a discussion closed because of my comment, but what i said was the truth. Forums police yet again lol

There is no argument against it Speed, however just because the exchange site says it has checked insurance etc it does not absolve YOU from your duty of care, you cannot say that they have checked so it means you don't have to that would never hold up in a court of law I can assure you. So it would be in your interests and those of other larger companies maybe to lobby the owners of this site and maybe others to get those checks sorted.

Speed Couriers Nationwide Ltd said:

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RAPID LIGHT TRANSPORT LTD. said:

This game is rife, for people claiming benefits, to top up their beer money by doing the odd few jobs, possibly with incorrect insurances, and offering a less than professional service, in the meantime knackering things up for the genuine guy. It's hard to see how things will change, but if as Rob has stated, the exchange sites, toughened up, by only allowing genuine members, that would be a huge start!

Unfortunately it is becoming a profession where the only people that can make any money are the very one's you mention, and that has got to mean something is fundamentally flawed in the way most of us operate hasn't it?

Working families tax credit allows employers, and in our case courier companies, to pay less. In effect the govt is subsidising the ability for some to lower their rates. That and the ignorance or scant regard of ensuring all couriers booked, have the correct insurance in place. Does your customer ever ask to see any documentation? It's rare, and because it's rare it allows some to disregard having any.

I'll be the first to admit I couldn't afford to be a subby without Housing and working tax benefit. I got shafted by ex and had to start life again with nothing at the age of 50. Live down here. To be near my daughter but rents are £750/mth for a flat. Couldn't get an interview let alone a job so went self employed as only option. Father had courier business in 90's so knew what was what! (rates haven't gone up though) Do find I'm starting to get p***d off by driving for £2-3/hr profit somedays. Good day might be £10 but not for 8 hrs. Country has gone to the dogs! People expect service but don't want to pay for it! To put things into perspective I've just taken on the ground maintenance for the flats where I rent - £900/year for 1/2 - 1 hr a week over about 10mths. Now have a decision to make in November, renew HR ins or look for more ground maintenance work!

Fastback Parcel Solutions said:

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There is no argument against it Speed, however just because the exchange site says it has checked insurance etc it does not absolve YOU from your duty of care, you cannot say that they have checked so it means you don't have to that would never hold up in a court of law I can assure you. So it would be in your interests and those of other larger companies maybe to lobby the owners of this site and maybe others to get those checks sorted

And that is exactly what this and many many other threads have been suggesting for a long long time. There are some waiting in the wings, and some refusing to place work on here until or unless it happens.

Yer say owt bad and it gets closed? Funny that innit.

Sounds bad for you AM PM but your not alone. My moneys on maintenance work.