SHED 5

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. I own and run Shed 5 through my company Carter George Ltd.

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).

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

and you also get:

• discounts on accountancy charges from TaxAssist Accountants Rugby
• preferential rates on insurance through Coversure Insurance Services
• a FREE public listing and web pages on The Courier List

How much does Shed 5 cost?

Shed 5 costs just £36 (plus VAT) for lifetime membership. There is no admin charge, no 'accreditation' charge, no commission or percentages to pay, no catch — just great value and a full money-back guarantee — so you can't go wrong!

Do I really get lifetime membership?

Yes. When you have paid for membership 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.

Has Shed 5 been rated on What Logistics Billboard?

Yes, Shed 5 has been rated on What Logistics Billboard and you can read member reviews there.

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, or I can come to meet you. 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.

Is Shed 5 available in other countries?

Shed 5 UK covers the UK and Europe. Shed 5 India is being developed and will be ready soon.