Basic Background
If you’re new to the industry and don’t know your CX from your MT Vans, then here it is; The Courier Exchange is one of the oldest load-share/networking platforms in the industry – and it’s been the leader in this field for many years.
How did we review Courier Exchange?
We have been long-time users of CX, although we did take a break from the platform around 2021/2022. We re-joined towards the end of 2022 and this review is based on our experiences of the last 10 months of using it, as well as being able to compare our previous experience to see if it’s gotten any better or worse over time.
The Best / Worst Parts
Feature packed website
As soon as you log into your account portal on the desktop website you are plunged into pages upon pages of information.
Details about your business, a page for loads, accounting info.
You can define where you are, where you want to source work, your fleet (if you have one) and much more.
All of this is great if you love information. And if you have time to sit and browse.
The ‘LOADS’ page is most important if you’re sat at home and trying to plan the next day or a specific route. It features plenty of filters and sorting controls. These allow you to match your vehicle to the most appropriate loads.
From there on you can either call or enter an electronic quote for the jobs. A lot of companies are now using the e-quote system more than anything which is good – so much more efficient than making lots of calls.
If your bids are successful, the seller will confirm it with you, send the job through to you and off you go.
Just looking for extra delivery work? Stick to the App
If you’re just looking to work as a driver, the app is a better place to spend your time.
The loads are there, you can search and bid, win and go. That’s how simple it should be.
Most of the important features that you will need as a driver are in the CX Mobile App. This is an essential addition for life out on the road. You bid for work, and can log and report every stage of your bookings back to the office that assigned the load.
Your vehicle can be tracked in real time and this helps match you with loads available wherever you find yourself once empty again.
Selling work to other drivers
The limitation to the app is that you can’t post/sell a job if you need someone to cover your own work. I believe there is either a separate app or you possibly need a higher account level to do this.
The only other way to do it is to head back into the website, which is almost impossible to use on a mobile. You’ll need at least a Tablet or Laptop to have any real success.
Networking and partnerships
One thing that can make-or-break any small business is the connections you make along the way. And that goes for transport too. Networking with other companies and drivers will serve you well in the long run, and not just when you’re a member of exchange platforms.
A way to make better use of this platform is to get to know the main players and the best drivers and stay in contact.
When people learn you’re good at what you do (and trustworthy), they will keep in touch. The huge member directory for CX is like a Who’s Who in transport. I don’t know the exact numbers, but at any one time I think there are over 6,000 members
It’s also a way to find out who NOT to trust as well, because word gets around when there are unscrupulous members on the loose.
Will it actually get you work and help you earn money?
Out of the top 20 apps that we have researched available in the UK to help drivers get work, this is the No.1 option. We’re not saying it’s perfect, in fact far from it. And it’s not guaranteed that you will get work on the Courier Exchange. But this is probably your best chance.
The down sides are that it’s expensive and the rates you may have to run at in order to win some of the work could be less than what you really want.
Take a look at our Rates Pricing Guide for more information about current rates and learn market trends so that you can be competitive when bidding for work.
