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 a trade exchange 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 and increase your profit.
Your membership includes:
- free email alerts, RSS feed and Twitter feed
- optional SMS alerts (extra charge applies)
- free link to Vehicle Tracking for 'follow me' alerts
- free member advertising on Shed 5 pages
- free public listing and web pages on The Courier List
- free members-only forum and live chat
- free listing of vehicle availability
- free listing of 'regular runs'
Who runs Shed 5?
Shed 5 is owned by Carter George Ltd. It is completely neutral and not connected with any transport business.
I'm already on another site — why join Shed 5?
Shed 5 is not just another work exchange site. With our extra free features and tools we provide a complete networking and trading platform for couriers and hauliers.
And many of our members do not use any other site, so joining Shed 5 will give you access to a whole new network.
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.
How do I sub work out through Shed 5?
To sub work out you fill out a 'goods out ticket' with locations, dates, vehicle sizes etc. Alerts are sent to local members, and to members who are clearing in the area, and to passing members who are using 'follow-me' tracking. 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?
You must be already trading as a courier or haulier, with an appropriate vehicle and your insurances in place, to join Shed 5.
If you are not yet ready to start you will find helpful information at www.courierology.co.uk and www.codforum.org.uk.
Why do I have to show my GIT insurance?
When you show your GIT insurance to Shed 5 it shows you are a bona fide trading courier.
Will there be enough work to keep me busy?
No. Shed 5 is a tool to help you get more work and make more profit.
How do I get backloads?
There are four main ways to get backloads:
1) post a 'van 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 'goods out' 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 vehicle tracking so you can get 'follow-me' alerts while you're travelling.
How do I bid for work?
When you get an alert, or you see work advertised that you want to bid on, just contact the other member direct and make your offer. All alerts include contact details so you can put your bid 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.
Is there a rating system?
The new Shed 5 rating system is being built and will be in place soon. There is a 'good guys' forum where you can give a special mention to members for any reason.
Is there a 'chat' forum?
Yes there is. It uses the popular phpbb forum which you have probably used on other sites, but fully integrated into the site so you don't have to log in twice and all your account profile information is included. There is also a live chat box for talking to other members who are online. There are no 'cliques' on Shed 5 — take the plunge and join in, and you will be part of the family.
Can I use Shed 5 on my mobile phone?
Yes you can. You don't need any special equipment, just any phone 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.
How do I set up vehicle tracking?
The tracking for Shed 5 uses the free tracking service provided by Vehicle Tracking and once you have signed up for an account with them you can link your Shed 5 account to it.