Your questions about Shed 5
Do you have any questions about how Shed 5 works? If you don't find the answer here please contact me for more information.
What is Shed 5?
Shed 5 is an online freight exchange and networking site for couriers and hauliers.
Shed 5 tells you about subcontract work and connects you with other couriers and transport professionals around the UK, to help build your business, find more work and increase your profit.
Who owns Shed 5?
I am Mike George and I own and run Shed 5.
I have been an owner driver courier and I have produced many free resources for couriers, including codforum (from 2003-2009), the Courier Handbooks and Courierology (now part of the Shed 5 blog).
Is Shed 5 like Courier Exchange?
Shed 5 is similar to Courier Exchange® (also called CX). Shed 5 is much smaller and doesn't have as much work advertised but is also much better value at just £25 to register and with free lifetime membership, compared with hundreds of pounds every year for CX membership.
Is Shed 5 like Courier Expert?
No. With Shed 5 you make one low payment to register, then it's free for life (see below) and there are no ongoing weekly payments. Shed 5 does not have end-user work and you deal direct with other courier businesses, so you are free to set your own rates.
What does membership include?
Your membership includes:
- FREE email alerts
- optional SMS alerts
- FREE member advertising on Shed 5 pages
- FREE members-only forum
- FREE listing of your load details
- FREE listing of your vehicle availability
- FREE listing of 'regular runs'
- FREE European cover
- FREE mobile access
How much does Shed 5 cost?
Shed 5 costs just £25 to register, with free membership for life.
Do I really get lifetime membership?
Yes. When you have paid for registration all you have to do is log in at least once a month to keep your account active, at no extra charge. If you stop using your account it will become inactive and will be removed after 2 months.
How much work is there on Shed 5?
Shed 5 does not have the high volumes of work you will see on some other sites. Most of the work exchanged on Shed 5 is allocated 'direct' and does not get listed.
If you are looking for the opportunity to make profitable connections with other transport professionals you should join Shed 5.
If you are looking for lots of job alerts with the chance to bid against other members you should join a different site.
How can I contact Shed 5?
You can contact Shed 5 by phone, fax, email, or text message, seven days a week from 7am to 7pm. If you're in the Midlands you can visit by appointment. You will find full contact details on the contact page.
Can the public post work on Shed 5?
No, Shed 5 is a 'trade-only' site, which means only couriers and hauliers can post work, and it is not open to the public or non-transport businesses — so there are no ebay traders here.
How do I sub work out through Shed 5?
To sub work out you fill out a 'load ticket' with locations, dates, vehicle sizes etc. Alerts are sent to local members, and to members who are clearing in the area. You can post work from any mobile phone with internet access. If you often have work from the same place you can save 'master' tickets for quicker posting.
What if I don't want certain subbies to see my work?
If for any reason you don't want another member to see your work, just add them to your 'block' list and they won't get alerts for your work.
Are new-starts allowed to join?
Yes, if you have an appropriate vehicle and your insurances in place, you can join Shed 5.
If you are not ready to start trading as a courier yet you will find helpful information at www.courierology.co.uk and www.codforum.org.uk.
Why do I have to show my goods in transit insurance?
When you show your GIT insurance to Shed 5 it shows you are a bona fide trading courier, and that you are insured to carry goods for 'hire and reward'.
Are Shed 5 members accredited or vetted in any way?
All new members are checked to ensure they are trading couriers or hauliers, with complete and accurate contact details, and to ensure known non-payers and 'phoenix companies' are kept out.
How do I get backloads?
There are four main ways to get backloads:
1) post a 'vehicle available' ticket to show other members where you are available,
and to get alerts for work in that area;
2) keep an eye on the 'loads' page to look for work along your route;
3) check the member map to find members along your route,
and give them a ring to tell them you will be in their area;
4) set up 'hotspots' for places you often go to,
and Shed 5 will send you alerts to let you know when work is available in those places.
How do I bid for work?
Shed 5 is not a bidding or auction site. When you get an alert, or you see work advertised that you are interested in, just contact the other member direct and make your offer. All alerts include contact details so you can put your offer in quickly.
What if I don't want alerts from a certain company?
If for any reason you don't want to work for another member, just add them to your 'ignore' list and you won't get alerts for their work.
Where do I send my PODs?
When you work for another Shed 5 member, you will be expected to call or text them to confirm as soon as you have done the job, and you will send the paper POD straight to them.
How do I get paid?
All payment arrangements are between you and the other member. Most couriers expect to receive an invoice at the end of the month, and pay within 30 days, but you should agree payment terms with them.
How much will I be paid?
You have to tell the other member how much you want for the job, so you must work out your pricing before you bid on any work.
Are there any 'phoenix companies' on Shed 5?
No. I am very careful to keep out companies who have a record of non-payment, even if they have changed their business name.
Is there a booking/invoicing system?
Shed 5 provides a platform for members to swap work, and you use your own business accounting systems as usual, but Shed 5 does have an option to allocate work direct to subbies (even if they are not members) and produce a consignment note/POD and order confirmation.
Can I use Shed 5 on my mobile phone or tablet?
Yes you can. You don't need any special equipment, just any phone or tablet that can browse the internet, and you will be able to use the full site — to sub work out, to show you are available for work, or to chat on the forum. There is no separate site to log into, and no extra charge for mobile access.