SHED 5 UK

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 freight exchange — where couriers exchange work between each other.

For small courier businesses a freight exchange is great a way to serve customers all over the country by subbing work out. And for owner-drivers without their own customers it is a way to find more work, especially backloads for empty vehicles on return journeys.

Who runs Shed 5?

I'm Mike George and I own and run Shed 5.

Shed 5 is completely neutral and not connected with any courier business.

How much does it cost?

It costs just £60 (plus VAT) a year, including 25 SMS credits.

Can I have a free trial?

No, but if you pay for annual membership and decide you don't like it you can have a full refund.

Is there any office support?

There is no office or phone support, but if you have a problem we can't sort out on the forum I can usually ring you within an hour or two — and like Shed 5 members I don't just work 9 to 5!

Are there different types of membership?

No. There is just one type of membership for all sizes of business.

Are there any extra charges?

The only extra charge is for SMS credits so you can receive text alerts to your mobile phone. You don't have to buy these if you don't want them.

Does Shed 5 take a commission?

No, once you've paid for your membership we don't charge anything else (unless you want to buy SMS credits).

I'm already on another site — why join Shed 5?

Many of our members do not use any other freight exchange, so joining Shed 5 will give you access to a whole new network of other couriers. And at these prices you won't get better value!

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.

How much does it cost to advertise on Shed 5?

All members have a free ad box which is displayed on every page, and is linked to your website if you have one.

Are new-starts allowed to join?

Yes. As long as you have the necessary vehicle and insurance, a bit of common sense and you are reliable and trustworthy, you will be welcomed.

Is there any help or advice for new starters?

We have a 'help' forum with advice, and you will also 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?

Shed 5 on its own will not keep you busy, but you can use it as a tool to get more work and make more profit, and with Shed 5's low prices you only need one backload a year to be in 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 or list to look for 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.

Do I have to buy SMS credits?

No. You can check the goods out page for work, or use the free RSS feed, or if you have a vehicle tracking account you can get free GPRS alerts to your mobile phone. You can also check the latest work available on our Twitter page.

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 the job?

If you get an alert for work you don't want to do, just ignore it!

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.

What if I don't get paid?

All payment arrangements are between you and the other member, so you will have to chase late payments if necessary. In exceptional circumstances I will try to help clear up any misunderstandings.

Are there any 'phoenix companies' on Shed 5?

No. I am very careful to keep out courier 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?

No. There is a 'good guys' forum where you can give a special mention to members for any reason. All Shed 5 members are expected to be reliable and professional.

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.