The Good Points
I know you’re probably going to get sick of the amount of time I’ll end up using the ‘S’ word during this review, but this platform uses that old management acronym to perfection. K.I.S.S. Keep it Simple, Stupid.
The Same Day Courier Network isn’t overwhelmed with options and menu systems unlike some other courier work websites. That makes is extremely user friendly to get to grips with from the start.
The fact is that sometimes there can be features just for features’ sake and there’s no real purpose to a lot of tools that are included. So SDCN have done well to keep the focus on what’s really important.
Whether searching for loads or selling one, you don’t have to search through page after page to get what you’re looking for. From your account screen it’s one click to find available jobs, and just one click to begin listing a job for sale.
There are Loads Available!
Okay I know I go on about this too much when I review work exchange websites, but the whole point of them is WORK. And SDCN is actually fulfilling it’s purpose on that count.
Alright, it’s still some way behind the Yellow team (Courier Exchange) currently, but it’s doing alright and seems to be growing steadily.
Right now at the start of 2022 as I write this, I am seeing daily job notifications come through on my emails. Not thousands of them, but regular notifications is GOOD.
What helps separate SDCN from lesser sites, and keep it heading towards a battle with CX, is that the work being posted here is more commercial work being sold peer-to-peer. Not the eBay/budget/removal type work you will find on sites like Shiply and Delivery Quote Compare.
What does that mean for you? Well you’re more likely to earn a half-decent rate per job because these are dedicated loads and it’s not a case of ‘pile it high, sell it cheap’ like the ebay transporters do when they co-load jobs.
And the other companies you will work with are likely to become good contacts for the future too.
Is that a Load or an Empty Van?
So it’s not ALL perfect. There are a few little niggles that could be improved.
I’m not a fan of the fact that empty vehicles and loads are mixed in together which can sometimes be confusing.
You think you’ve spotted a load on a route you want, but it’s actually someone else running that route and letting people know they have space available. You get used to it, but I’d still prefer these things to be completely separate.
Are The Other Users Trustworthy?
As I’ve not actually worked with anyone on SDCN yet, it’s also not easy to be sure how good the feedback system is and who you can really trust. That improves with time though. And the fact is there is always a risk in sub-contracting no matter which platform you use. Sometimes people you work for won’t pay you.
Sometimes the driver you hire is a nightmare. SDCN can’t do a lot to protect you from that, it’s more a case of intuition and gut instinct who to work with.
One thing I sometimes wonder about is if there is a risk that more of the ‘dodgy’ operators will use a cheaper platform because they don’t want to pay CX’s high membership fees.
There are arguments for/against this theory so I don’t waste too much time thinking about it.
Anything Else?
Nothing I can really think of right now. It’s just so… simple (oh come on, I had to say it one more time!).
