Courier exchange
From IdeasInTransit
Courier Exchange is an online resource that aims to maximise the use of vehicle space by matching loads across courier companies. The service enables: searching for goods to move; searching for return journeys; electronic payment; an interactive map search; load matching; mobile access; the ability to text your driver; and accreditation/star ratings for registered couriers.
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[edit] Product
Courier Exchange is an online resource that aims to maximise the use of vehicle space by matching loads across courier companies. It has invested resources into its CX mobile system which operates via wireless-enabled PDAs and provides functions such as real-time electronic signature capture and proof of delivery. The online payment system 'e-pay' is being extended to the mobile platform [1].
[edit] People
The founder of the service is Lyall Cresswell [1]. Cresswell ran his own courier business, Mailpack Worldwide, in the 1990s which he eventually sold to Seabourne Express, hence he understood the culture of the industry from the inside [2].
Its success ultimately depends upon its membership and the posting of loads to be moved and 'spaces' to be filled. Courier Exchange has a strong user community, which is facilitated through a number of chat forums.
[edit] History
The service emerged alongside other UK-base online freight exchanges during the 2000 dotcom boom and is one of the few survivors [1]. The motivation behind the service is to avoid empty vehicles going to/from jobs and thus maximise profits for those involved. As of June 2008, the website states that 2,500 businesses are registered with the service and claims that it is the world's largest neutral trading hub for the same-day courier and express freight exchange industry. Income was initially generated by advertising revenue but is now from flat-rate subscriptions
Lyall Cresswell, acknowledges that prior to Courier Exchange, successful couriers would build up their own networks of contacts all over the country, and usually had a pretty good idea who to phone if they need a back-load, so the concept itself wasn't a new one. However, the online service enabled companies to engage in a wider network and a bigger picture that was not available from phone calls alone, and is now available in a single source [2].
Its sister site, 'Haulage Exchange', was launched in 2006 and provides a similar service for freight exchange for the 7.5Tonne market & beyond, with 500 registered members.
[edit] Impact
The motivation for the service is maximising profits for the courier industry. As a side-benefit for the transport-system as a whole, Courier Exchange also has the potential to reduce vehicle miles travelled by maximising the load per vehicle.
[edit] External Links
[edit] References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Courier Exchange - keeping the online flag flying eLogistics
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 How Courier Exchange aims to consolidate its lead eLogisticts Magazine
